
There are many great lenses to consider for recording on a cinema camera, depending on your specific needs and budget. Some popular options among filmmakers include:
- Prime lenses: These fixed focal length lenses offer excellent image quality and are often preferred for their sharpness and low-light performance. Brands like Zeiss, Cooke, and Leica produce high-quality prime lenses.
- Zoom lenses: These lenses provide flexibility by allowing you to adjust the focal length as needed without changing lenses. Popular choices include the Canon CN-E series and the Fujinon MK series.
- Anamorphic lenses: If you’re looking to achieve a cinematic widescreen look with horizontal lens flares and a unique aspect ratio, anamorphic lenses can be a great option. Popular brands include Cooke, Panavision, and Atlas Lens Co.
- Vintage lenses: Some filmmakers prefer using vintage lenses to achieve a specific aesthetic or unique characteristics like flare, softness, and vignetting. Brands like Canon FD, Nikon AI-S, and Leica R are popular choices.
The best lenses for you will depend on your specific shooting style, the types of projects you’re working on, and your budget. It’s always a good idea to try out different lenses and see which ones suit your needs and preferences the most.

When it comes to cinema lenses, there are several brands and models that are highly regarded by professionals in the industry. Some popular choices include:
- Zeiss Master Prime: These lenses are known for their exceptional image quality, low distortion, and precise focus control. They are widely used in high-end productions.
- Cooke S4/i: Cooke lenses are renowned for their warm and cinematic look. The S4/i series offers consistent color rendition, sharpness, and smooth bokeh.
- ARRI/Zeiss Master Anamorphic: If you’re looking to achieve a cinematic widescreen aspect ratio, anamorphic lenses are a great option. The ARRI/Zeiss Master Anamorphic lenses are highly regarded for their high resolution, low distortion, and pleasing bokeh.
- Leica Summilux-C: Leica lenses are known for their outstanding build quality and optical performance. The Summilux-C series offers consistent color reproduction, high contrast, and a smooth rendering of out-of-focus areas.
It’s important to note that these lenses can be quite expensive, so they might not be suitable for every budget. Additionally, the best lens for cinema will depend on your specific needs and preferences, such as the focal length range you require and the desired look you want to achieve. It’s always a good idea to test out different lenses before making a decision.
There isn’t a specific lens number that can shoot anything, as it depends on the specific requirements and preferences of the photographer or videographer. However, a versatile and popular lens choice is a zoom lens with a wide focal length range, such as a 24-70mm or 18-200mm lens. These lenses offer flexibility for various shooting situations, from wide-angle to telephoto, making them suitable for capturing a wide range of subjects. It’s important to consider your specific shooting needs and preferred focal lengths when choosing a lens.

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