Lights, camera, action! Have you ever wondered what it takes to achieve that studio-backed film look? Well, for many filmmakers who have the luxury of utilizing top-level gear, it’s within reach. But for those of us on a tight budget, we have to make do with what we can. However, what if we could break beyond our current budget and get our hands on some of that top-level gear, particularly lenses? The answer is simple: it would cost us a lot.
We’ve rounded up some of the most widely used real cinema lenses utilized on big-budget films. Let’s explore the high cost of high-end lenses. First up on our list is ol’ reliable Zeiss, who’s been manufacturing lenses since the late 1800s. The Master Prime lenses are an incredibly popular tool for directors and cinematographers. The Zeiss Master Primes are one of the most widely used lenses on big-budget productions.
Next is the Panavision Primo V line of prime lenses. While their roots aren’t as deep as Zeiss, Panavision does date back to the 1950s. Originally started as a manufacturer of anamorphic lenses for Cinemascope, the company expanded to cameras by the mid-1960s. Like Zeiss and its Master line of lenses, Panavision’s Primo V line of lenses has been a mainstay in the industry.
Cooke S4 lenses offer an insanely sharp image that rivals most of what Zeiss and Panavision provide, yet at a fraction of the cost. In fact, Cooke has been working for years to develop cheaper lens options for independent filmmakers. While not used as frequently as it was in years past, with the resurgence of the Panavision Primo, the Cooke S4 has a firm legacy as solid glass.
The lenses above are the most widely used by big-budget cinematographers, and the Angenieux Optimo line is the zoom lens of choice for these same filmmakers. With the ability to capture an incredibly sharp image that’s compatible with the latest digital cameras and 4K resolution, the Optimo is the premier option.
While these are the most widely used lenses in the industry, there are several other lenses that we need to mention. These particular pieces of glass are used in big-budget productions, just not to the extent as those listed above. These options include Canon K35, Hawk Anamorphic, Fujinon, and Leica Summilux.
So, what are your thoughts on these lenses? Would you use them? Have you ever used any of these? What was your experience like? Sound off in the comments below. And if you want more content on lenses, be sure to check out these articles from PremiumBeat.
