As a filmmaker, your lens choice is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It directly influences the visual quality of your work, the mood you create, and the way you tell your story.

But when you’re a low-budget filmmaker, particularly in Africa, finding affordable yet high-quality lenses can be challenging. This guide will help you navigate the world of lenses, focusing on affordable options while exploring critical factors such as focal length, aperture (f-stop), and anamorphic vs. normal lenses.

Understanding Lens Parameters

Before diving into the different types of lenses, let’s break down some essential terms that will help you make informed decisions.

1. Focal Length

Focal length, measured in millimeters (mm), refers to how much of the scene your lens can capture. A short focal length (e.g., 18mm) gives you a wide-angle view, capturing more of the scene, while a long focal length (e.g., 85mm) provides a narrower field of view, making objects appear closer.

Practical Example: For documentary filmmaking, a wide-angle lens (18-24mm) is ideal for capturing expansive environments. For close-ups or interviews in a movie, a longer focal length (85mm) works well to emphasize emotion.

2. Aperture (F-Stop)

Aperture, or f-stop, controls how much light enters your lens. Lower f-stop numbers (e.g., f/1.8) let in more light, making it ideal for low-light conditions and creating a shallow depth of field. Higher f-stop numbers (e.g., f/4.0) let in less light but provide more focus across the entire image.

Practical Example: If you’re filming a scene in a poorly lit area, like an indoor interview, an f-stop of f/1.8 will help brighten the shot and give you that beautiful blurred background effect.

3. Anamorphic vs. Normal Lenses

Anamorphic lenses are different from normal spherical lenses in that they squeeze the image horizontally, allowing for ultra-wide shots without cropping. They also produce oval-shaped bokeh and those coveted horizontal lens flares.

Practical Example: If you’re shooting a narrative film and want to give it a true cinematic feel, using an anamorphic lens can add depth and grandeur to your visuals. However, these lenses are typically more expensive, so spherical lenses are more practical for budget-conscious filmmakers.

4. Bokeh

Bokeh refers to the out-of-focus areas in the background of your shot. It’s determined by the shape of the lens aperture blades and is especially important when you’re trying to isolate a subject and create a dreamy, artistic feel.

Practical Example: A lens with an aperture of f/1.4 will give you a much shallower depth of field, resulting in a more pronounced bokeh, which can be very effective in dramatic scenes or interviews.

Now that we understand the key parameters, let’s dive into the three main categories of lenses: primes, zooms, and cinema lenses.

Prime Lenses

What Are They?

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning you can’t zoom in or out. Because of their simple design, they tend to be sharper and faster (with wider apertures) than zoom lenses.

Uses:

Prime lenses are perfect for narrative filmmaking, interviews, and any situation where you need high image quality. They’re also ideal for low-light environments due to their wide apertures.

Pros:

-Sharper image quality

-Larger maximum apertures (great for low light and shallow depth of field)

- Lighter and more compact

Cons:

- Fixed focal length (you’ll need to physically move the camera to reframe)

-Less versatile than zoom lenses

Best Focal Lengths:

 24mm or 35mm: These are great for wide-angle shots, establishing scenes, and documentaries where you need to capture the environment.

 50mm: The “nifty fifty” is a versatile lens that works well for interviews, general shooting, and scenes requiring a natural perspective.

85mm: Ideal for close-ups, portraits, and isolating your subject from the background in dramatic scenes.

Recommended Prime Lenses:

 TTArtisan 50mm f/1.2: A fantastic budget prime lens with a fast aperture, making it perfect for low-light shooting and beautiful bokeh effects.

 TTArtisan 35mm f/1.4: This affordable prime is great for wide shots and run-and-gun filmmaking, where you need to move quickly without compromising quality.

Zoom Lenses

What Are They?

Zoom lenses offer a variable focal length, giving you flexibility to shoot a variety of scenes without changing lenses. These lenses are ideal for documentary filmmaking or run-and-gun shooting styles, where speed and adaptability are crucial.

Uses:

Zoom lenses are commonly used in documentaries, event coverage, and travel filmmaking, where you need to adjust quickly to changing scenes and distances without swapping lenses.

Pros:

-Versatility: Cover multiple focal lengths in one lens

-Great for fast-paced shooting

-Fewer lens changes mean fewer opportunities for dust to enter your camera

Cons:

- Generally slower than prime lenses (smaller maximum aperture)

- Heavier and bulkier

- Less sharp than prime lenses

Best Focal Lengths:

18-55mm: The standard zoom range for many beginner filmmakers. It offers enough versatility for wide shots and close-ups, making it ideal for documentaries and general filmmaking.

 24-70mm: A step up in quality and range, perfect for short films, interviews, and narrative work where you need versatility.

 70-200mm: A telephoto zoom that’s great for capturing distant subjects or creating compressed, cinematic images in dramatic scenes.

Recommended Zoom Lenses:

Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8: This budget-friendly zoom lens offers a constant aperture throughout its zoom range, making it great for low-light shooting and fast-moving environments.

 Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8: A slightly higher-priced zoom with a fast aperture, excellent for low-light scenarios and wide-angle shots, perfect for documentary filmmakers.

Cinema Lenses

What Are They?

Cinema lenses are specifically designed for filmmaking. They offer manual focus and iris control, superior image quality, and consistent aperture across the zoom range (for zoom cinema lenses). Though these lenses are typically more expensive, they offer the precision and quality needed for professional filmmaking.

Uses:

Cinema lenses are best for narrative films, commercials, or projects where maximum image quality and manual control are essential. They’re also built to withstand heavy use on set.

Pros:

- Consistent aperture across the zoom range (if applicable)

- Manual focus and aperture controls for precise adjustments

- Superior image quality and build

Cons:

- Expensive

- Heavier and larger

- Require more professional setups

Best Focal Lengths:

 24mm: Excellent for establishing shots and wide-angle views, often used in narrative and commercial films.

 50mm: Provides a natural perspective and is versatile enough for most types of scenes, from wide shots to mid-range dialogue.

85mm: Perfect for dramatic close-ups and emotionally intense scenes, offering beautiful subject isolation.

Recommended Cinema Lenses:

 Rokinon 24mm T1.5 Cine DS: An affordable cinema lens with great sharpness and a fast aperture, perfect for low-budget narrative films.

Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS: Known for its smooth focusing and exceptional bokeh, this lens is great for intimate, character-driven moments in your films.

Practical Considerations for Buying a Lens

When choosing a lens, there are several factors to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget.

1. Your Filmmaking Style: Do you shoot more documentaries or narrative films? For fast-paced, run-and-gun styles, zoom lenses offer more versatility, while primes are perfect for controlled, cinematic shots.

2. Budget: While cinema lenses are ideal, you can achieve great results with affordable primes or zooms if you prioritize quality over versatility.

3. Camera Compatibility: Ensure the lens you’re buying is compatible with your camera’s mount. Some lenses might require an adapter, so factor that into your budget.

4. Manual vs. Autofocus: If you’re shooting narrative films with controlled environments, manual focus is preferable. For run-and-gun filmmaking, autofocus can save time and ensure you capture important moments.

5. Future-Proofing: Invest in lenses that will grow with you as your filmmaking skills improve. Good lenses can last years, even decades, so prioritize versatile focal lengths and durable builds.

Lenses are a crucial investment for any filmmaker, and as a low-budget African filmmaker, finding the right lens can dramatically elevate the quality of your work without emptying your pockets. Whether you opt for a sharp prime, a versatile zoom, or a high-quality cinema lens, the key is to choose based on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. Keep in mind that the right lens can not only make your current projects shine but also serve you well in future productions.