Ranking the best lenses for video shooting in 2022

Visual culture is becoming more and more firmly rooted in the life of a modern person, and more and more people are devoting themselves to video art. There are enough manufacturers of parts for cameras on the world market, but not every buyer can figure out who is the best manufacturer - a brand selling an optical system for 7,000 rubles or 2 million rubles? To help resolve most of the important issues before purchasing a lens for video shooting, below we have presented an overview that analyzes the types and criteria for choosing lenses, as well as a rating of quality devices with a detailed description of the advantages and disadvantages of each model.

Kinds

Every creator needs a tool, and in this case the last one is a video camera. But how to catch a good focus? Much depends on the skills of the photographer, as well as on the functionality of one of the most important components of video cameras, the lens, thanks to which manufacturers divide optical systems into the following types:

• Standard or regular is a device that captures objects in their real size, that is, as the human eye sees them, but without side vision - up to 50 °. A distinctive feature of standard lenses is high light sensitivity, which allows you to shoot movies even in low light.
• Wide Angle - True to its name, it has a wider shooting angle that starts at 52 and ends at 89 degrees, so that a video lover can capture an entire street in the frame and easily convey the effect of depth.
• Ultra wide angle - this characteristic is obtained by devices with a shooting angle of more than 90 °. In addition, the lens greatly expands the space in the frame, but the user can shoot close up.
• Long throw - used for shooting from high places or shooting objects that are at a great distance. But because of the ability of this type of lens to capture objects at a distance, the angle of view is narrow - 30°.
• Super long throw - have a minimum angle of view, but they most often have a stabilizer built in, since this technique is most sensitive to shaking. They have maximum focal lengths.
• Zoom lens - This type is more often chosen by novice photographers and videographers, since the zoom lens has a variable focal length.With it, you can zoom in or out on an object without moving. Thus, zoom lenses combine the qualities of both wide-format and telephoto models.
• A soft or soft focus lens is one of the rarest and most prized by videographers due to the nature of the lens, which deliberately deflects light rays. You can change the degree of softening of the image using the diaphragm insert.
• A shift lens is a technical achievement that removes distortion, and it is better to work with it when shooting buildings, but it is more expensive than other types.
• A macro lens is the best option for macro lovers because it can capture the smallest details, such as the pores of a flower or dew.

Among the types listed, the most common are standard ones, as they are lower in price than others, and universal zoom lenses.

Criterias of choice

How to buy a high-quality lens, avoiding blunders when choosing it? To do this, below are the main criteria that are taken into account when purchasing such goods:

• Resolution refers to the amount of detail in an image. The higher it is, the better the quality of the final result.
• Sensitivity, light sensitivity, or aperture ratio of a camera is defined by some users as the ratio between lens diameter and focal length, but this definition is very general. It would be more correct to say that sensitivity is the amount of light needed for a clear picture. There is a direct relationship here - the higher this parameter, the less light is required. ISO sensitivity is usually referred to as ISO.
• Image stabilization is especially relevant for telephoto lenses, as they have the smallest angle of view and it is quite difficult to determine the balance point with them. There are two types of stabilization - electronic and mechanical.
• Focal length determines the shooting angle and the distance that the shooter should take from the subject. Distinguish between variable and constant. In the first case, the videographer can stand still and only use the lens to zoom in or out of the image, while in the case of a permanent one, the first one will have to move around in search of the necessary focus.
• Zoom ratio is the ratio between the maximum and minimum focal length of each particular model.
• Convenience of design - this criterion considers such parameters as the length, weight of the lens, as well as manual or automatic focus adjustment. Each of them is selected individually, since it is more convenient for one to hold a short and weighty device, while others are longer, but at the same time light. The same applies to both manual and automatic focus settings, although the second user has a clear preference.
• Bayonet or lens mount to the camera itself. It is necessary for a strong connection of these two parts, so you should pay attention to this criterion - the mount must be made of metal, since this material increases its viability. Some manufacturers sell good models at a reduced price due to savings on the material of this part.
• A motor in a lens or camera is an important point when choosing a lens, since if a focusing or ultrasonic motor is in the camera, then it is not profitable to purchase an optical system with it.The criterion for the quality of this part is noiselessness.
• Aperture is a special hole that narrows or expands due to metal sheets when it is necessary to capture the focus of the image. At the maximum focal length, the aperture expands, and at the minimum, on the contrary, it narrows. The user must check that this part works properly;
• Protection from external factors includes frost resistance, heat resistance, moisture protection and dust protection, as some video enthusiasts go to places of extreme conditions for unique shots.

Ranking by price

The list below contains only models tested by consumers and time from the best manufacturers, so there are no new products among them, the price of which is always too high at first. The list is compiled in accordance with user reviews and the popularity of models in the global market.

Budget

Devices in this price range are the best recommendation for beginners who have only recently tried themselves in this area and need to familiarize themselves with the technique or gain skills in certain video shooting skills. The quality of inexpensive optical systems will not be the best, but this is enough to get used to the equipment.

Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8 II Canon EF

ShenZhen YongNuo Photographic Equipment Co. Ltd. is a Chinese manufacturer of professional equipment for photographic equipment, which has been on the market for 15 years. With a responsible approach to the desires of customers as the highest value, innovative development and professional staff, Youngnuo has not only become one of the best camera equipment manufacturers in its country, but also won recognition outside of China.

The presented lens belongs to the standard types, the focal length of which is determined by 50 °, the aperture value is f1.8, and the minimum value of this parameter is f22. It has auto focus and relatively low weight, as well as a mount from Canon, so you don't have to worry about the strength of the part. Based on the listed properties, the equipment is universal and will show itself well in both portrait and landscape photography.

You can buy it both in electronics stores and in an online store, however, according to buyers, it is better to buy in person, since the goods put on the shelf in trusted stores are better assembled.

The cost is from 7,000 to 10,000 rubles.

• Versatility of application;
• Stylish look;
• Compactness;
• Large indicator of photosensitivity;
• Quickly adjustable focus;
• Metal bayonet;
• Low price.

• Noisy focus.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM

Established almost 80 years ago, the products of the Japanese brand Canon are coveted in all parts of the world. The popularity of models is due to quality and durability, so if the consumer is in doubt and does not know which lens is better to buy, then it is better to start with a proven Canon model.

The optical system shown in the photo is a regular or standard representative of this category of goods, but it has an almost silent motor, auto focus and aperture with a value of f1.8. It has the function of smooth video shooting, which attracts novice videographers.

This product can be purchased at any outlet or ordered online.

Price - 12,000 rubles.

• Attractive appearance;
• Compactness;
• Good luminosity;
• Metal bayonet;
• With smooth focus function;
• Sturdy construction;
• Quiet motor;
• The lightness of the device.

• Poor dust protection.

Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.4 Sony E

Viltrox, a Chinese photography equipment company that gained popularity in 2022, began manufacturing electronic products 12 years ago in Shenzhen, but took up the creation of lenses not so long ago - in 2018. Their structure was of such high quality and complexity that it was unusual for a company that had just begun work in this direction. For this reason, photography and video enthusiasts around the world soon appreciated the level of Viltrox.

The presented model belongs to the standard type, has auto focus, an aperture of f1.4, and a metal mount from the once high-ranking Sony brand. The minimum focusing distance is 0.6 meters.

You can buy it both in online stores and in any specialized electronics store, however, Russians who do not speak Chinese should not try to place an order on the official website, since all the company's information is presented on it.

You will have to pay for this acquisition about 22-25,000 rubles

• Ease;
• Small size;
• Metal fastening;
• High light sensitivity;
• Affordable price.

• A large percentage of photo blur;
• Noisy diaphragm.

Average price

This price category is suitable for those who have seriously decided to go into video art and are ready to give money for quality. Among the best models below are Canon, Fujifilm and Sigma optical systems.

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6

This top-of-the-line Canon mount zoom lens with auto focus and IS has an aperture of f3.50 - f5.60. As for the minimum focal length, it is 0.45 meters.

You can find equipment both online and in person.

The purchase price is about 40,000 rubles.

• Quick focus;
• Versatility in use;
• Good light sensitivity;
• Quiet operation;
• Stylish appearance;
• Good stabilizer.

• Weak dust protection;
• Big weight.

Fujifilm XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R LM OIS

The oldest Japanese company Fujifilm Holdings Corporation has a narrow specialization - photo and video equipment, which allowed it to focus on improving its product through constant updating, which also reflects its slogan "From Evolution to Revolution". Mass production of cameras began 30 years ago, and during this period the brand fell in love with many countries due to the quality and versatility of the produced cameras and their additional parts.

The equipment shown above is a conventional zoom lens with many useful features - a focus motor, auto stabilization, auto focus and excellent ISO. As for the aperture values, their value is equal to f2.80-f4.

Due to the prevalence of the brand, it is not difficult for consumers to purchase this product in any way convenient for them - in a shopping center, a specialized store or via the Internet.

Such an acquisition will cost from 30,000 rubles.

• Versatility;
• Quality assembly;
• Fast focus;
• High luminosity;
• Automatic stabilization;
• Little weight;
• Not bulky.

• Weak dust protection.

Sigma AF 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Nikon F

Sigma Corporation, another Japanese company whose developments are loved by users in 2022, was founded exactly 60 years ago in Tokyo. And although she is engaged in the production of optical systems, flashes and cameras, and is well known in her homeland, as well as in Germany and the UK, she cannot be called the most popular in other countries. The history and advertising of this brand pales in comparison with competitors in the optical device market, but this fact does not make Sigma products worse.

This model is considered a standard zoom lens with a built-in mount from another Japanese company Nikon, quiet motor, auto focus and stabilization. It has a rather small minimum focal length - 0.28 meters.

Many users advise ordering online from the official website of the brand, as fakes are common on the Internet.

Such an acquisition will cost from 55,000 to 65,000 rubles, depending on the seller of the device.

• Good light sensitivity;
• High-quality color reproduction;
• Quiet motor;
• Fast focus;
• Smoothness of changing the position of the zoom ring;
• Metal bayonet.

• Bulky design;
• Big weight.

Expensive

The cost of some representatives of expensive equipment for shooting videos reaches 2,000,000 rubles, and sometimes video filming professionals are ready to pay even that much money for a multifunctional, durable and proven device.

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM

Canon releases many models, thanks to which it has a multimillion-dollar audience and still occupies a leading position in the market in its field.

This achievement of the company's engineers is a conventional zoom lens with automatic focus. Image stabilization and original mount.

The popularity and prevalence of the brand will help the buyer quickly find the model in any way convenient for them.

Price - 70,000 rubles.

• Stylish appearance;
• Image stabilization;
• Good luminosity;
• Fast focus;
• Auto focus;
• Silent operation;
• The presence of dust and moisture protection.

• Heavy.

Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 ZF.2

The German digital technology brand Zeiss has been on the world stage for 75 years, and during its life it has worked with many well-known companies such as Sony and Cosina.

The pictured model also belongs to the standard form, but has manual focus, image stabilization, Nikon brand mount, high-quality focusing motor and a minimum focal length of half a meter.

This purchase is advised to be made at trusted outlets, as there is a possibility of fraud on the Internet.

The cost of this equipment starts from 300,000 and can reach half a million rubles.

• Stylish look;
• High-quality assembly of the device;
• Smooth rotation of the focus wheel;
• Metal bayonet;
• Good light sensitivity;
• Fast focus;
• Good color reproduction.

• High price;
• Manual focus;
• No dust and moisture protection.

Conclusion

If the question still remains “Which company to choose?”, then the answer will be unequivocal - Northeast Asian companies, since all the models listed in the ranking of the highest quality lenses were representatives of companies from China and Japan. Not a single domestic device was included in the list - all optical systems are from a foreign manufacturer.