As a filmmaker and cinematography enthusiast, I understand the importance of using high-quality lenses to capture stunning visuals. When it comes to mirrorless cameras, choosing the right cinema lenses can make a significant difference in the overall look and feel of your footage.
There are several factors to consider when selecting cinema lenses for mirrorless cameras, including focal length, aperture, image quality, and compatibility with your camera body. In this article, I will highlight some of the best cinema lenses that are specifically designed for mirrorless cameras, offering exceptional performance and versatility for filmmakers of all levels.
My Recommended Cinema Lenses for Mirrorless Camera
When it comes to capturing cinematic footage with a mirrorless camera, having the right lenses can make a significant difference in the quality of your video. As a filmmaker who has extensively worked with mirrorless cameras, I have compiled a list of my top recommendations for cinema lenses that are compatible with these cameras.
1. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens: This lens is highly regarded for its sharpness and versatility. With a fast f/1.8 aperture and a zoom range that covers wide-angle to standard focal lengths, the Sigma 18-35mm is perfect for capturing cinematic shots in various lighting conditions.
- Pros: Excellent image quality, fast aperture, versatile zoom range
- Cons: Limited focal length range
2. Rokinon Cine DS 24mm T1.5 Lens: If you are looking for a prime lens with a wide aperture for achieving a shallow depth of field, the Rokinon Cine DS 24mm T1.5 is a great choice. This lens is designed for filmmakers and provides smooth manual focus and aperture control.
- Pros: Wide aperture, cine-style focus and aperture control, affordable price
- Cons: Manual focus only
3. Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens: For filmmakers using Sony mirrorless cameras, the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens offers exceptional image quality and a versatile zoom range. This lens is ideal for capturing a variety of cinematic shots, from wide-angle landscapes to medium telephoto portraits.
- Pros: High image quality, fast aperture, weather-sealed construction
- Cons: Higher price point
My Favorite Cinema Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras
When it comes to selecting the perfect cinema lens for my mirrorless camera, I always look for exceptional quality and performance. Here are a few of my favorite cinema lenses that never disappoint:
1. Prime Lens
- Characteristics: Prime lenses are known for their sharpness, fast aperture, and superior image quality.
- Recommendation: A prime lens with a focal length of around 50mm is perfect for capturing cinematic shots with stunning clarity.
2. Zoom Lens
- Characteristics: Zoom lenses offer versatility and convenience, allowing you to adjust focal length without changing lenses.
- Recommendation: A high-quality zoom lens with a wide aperture and smooth zooming capabilities can be a game-changer for capturing dynamic footage.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Cinema Lenses
When choosing cinema lenses for a mirrorless camera, there are several crucial factors to consider to ensure the best performance and compatibility. As a filmmaker, I always pay close attention to the following aspects:
1. Lens Mount Compatibility:
It is essential to check the lens mount compatibility with your mirrorless camera. Whether it’s a Sony E-mount, Canon RF mount, or Micro Four Thirds mount, make sure the cinema lens you choose fits seamlessly with your camera for optimal performance.
2. Focal Length and Aperture:
Consider the focal length and aperture of the cinema lens based on your shooting style and requirements. Whether you need a wide-angle lens for landscapes or a telephoto lens for close-ups, select lenses with the appropriate focal length and aperture settings to achieve the desired cinematic look.
3. Optical Quality:
- Sharpness: Look for cinema lenses with excellent sharpness and clarity to capture detailed and crisp images.
- Minimal Distortion: Choose lenses with minimal distortion to ensure accurate representation of scenes without unwanted visual aberrations.
- Contrast and Colour: Opt for lenses that offer high contrast and accurate colour reproduction for vibrant and true-to-life images.
Comparison of Cinema Lenses for Mirrorless Cameras
In my experience with mirrorless cameras, I have tested and compared various cinema lenses to find the best options for filmmaking. One standout choice is the Sigma 18-35mm T2 lens, known for its exceptional optical quality and versatility. This lens provides a wide focal range and a fast aperture, making it ideal for capturing cinematic footage.
Another impressive option is the Zeiss CP.3 series, which offers a range of focal lengths and consistent image quality across the board. These lenses are designed for professional filmmakers looking for precise control over their shots and a cinematic look. The Zeiss CP.3 lenses are durable and deliver stunning results in various lighting conditions.
- Sigma 18-35mm T2 lens: Wide focal range, fast aperture
- Zeiss CP.3 series: Range of focal lengths, consistent image quality
Benefits of Using Cinema Lenses with Mirrorless Cameras
As a filmmaker, I have discovered the numerous advantages of pairing cinema lenses with mirrorless cameras. The combination of cinema lenses and mirrorless cameras offers exceptional image quality, precise control over focus and aperture, and the ability to achieve cinematic looks that enhance storytelling.
One of the key benefits of using cinema lenses with mirrorless cameras is the superior optical quality they provide. Cinema lenses are designed to deliver sharpness, clarity, and minimal distortion, resulting in stunning visuals that elevate the overall production value of my films.
- Precise Control: Cinema lenses offer precise manual control over focus and aperture, allowing me to achieve the desired depth of field and create cinematic effects like smooth bokeh and selective focus.
- Enhanced Cinematic Look: By using cinema lenses, I can achieve a more cinematic look with characteristics such as creamy bokeh, natural color rendition, and cinematic flare, enhancing the visual storytelling of my films.
- Durability and Build Quality: Cinema lenses are built to withstand the rigors of professional filmmaking, with durable construction and robust materials that ensure longevity and reliability on set.
Tips for Using Cinema Lenses with Mirrorless Cameras
When using cinema lenses with mirrorless cameras, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and results:
- Choose the Right Mount: Make sure the cinema lens you choose is compatible with your mirrorless camera’s mount. Using an adapter may affect the lens’s functionality and image quality.
- Calibrate Focus: Cinema lenses often have manual focus rings that require precise calibration. Take the time to adjust the focus ring to ensure accurate focusing.
- Use Follow Focus Systems: Invest in a follow focus system to easily and accurately adjust focus while shooting. This will help you achieve smooth and professional-looking shots.
- Consider Lens Weight: Cinema lenses are typically heavier than standard lenses. Make sure your camera rig can support the weight of the lens to avoid stability issues during filming.
- Experiment with Different Apertures: Cinema lenses often have wide aperture ranges, allowing for creative control over depth of field. Experiment with different apertures to achieve the desired look for your shots.
- Practice Manual Focus: Cinema lenses may not have autofocus capabilities, so practice using manual focus to ensure sharp and accurate focus in your shots.
By following these tips, you can maximize the potential of cinema lenses when using them with your mirrorless camera. Experiment, practice, and refine your skills to capture stunning cinematic footage with your setup.
Best cinema lenses for mirrorless camera
7artisans 50mm T2.0 Large Aperture Full Frame Cine Lens Compatible for Nikon Z-Mount, Manual Focus Low Distortion Cinema Lens Mirrorless Cameras for Nikon Z5 Z6 Z7 Z9 Z50 Z6II Z7II ZFC, Black
Features
- [IMPORTANT] 7artisans is committed to provide quality manual focus mirrorless camera lens, which needs to set the "release without lens" mode on your camera after installing the lens, or you would not press the shutter and take photos or videos.
- 【HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES】50mm full-frame sensor. The newly designed optical and mechanical structure fully realises the combination of high resolution images and high quality ED, high refractive index glass, ensuring a richly detailed picture. Effectively reduce the color offset phenomenon, so that the image has more artistic sense.
- 【ALMOST "ZERO" BREATHING EFFECT】 Breathing effect when focusing can be controlled. Stability of the image frame even when vignetting occurs when refocusing. The high-quality MC multilayer coating used by the lens increases the transmittance of the light, effectively reduces dazzling and ghosts. It provides a higher level of contrast.
- 【T2.0 LARGE APERTURE】The 50mm lens in the Spectrum series offers a constant aperture of up to 2.0 and a minimum of T16. It can shoot bright pictures in low light environment. The 12 aperture blades create a soft and natural focus transition, making the picture vivid without being stiff.
- 【270 DEGREE EXTRA LONG FOCUS TRAVEL】The extra-long 270 degree focusing stroke and stepless focusing gear design, which can be adapted to various follow focusers, guarantee accurate focusing during shooting. The focus movement is more delicate, more precise and finer. It meets the requirements of professionals for focusing performance.
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7artisans 35mm T2.0 Large Aperture Full Frame Cine Lens Compatible for Nikon Z-Mount, Manual Focus Low Distortion Cinema Lens Mirrorless Cameras for Nikon Z5 Z6 Z7 Z9 Z50 Z6II Z7II ZFC, Black
Features
- 【IMPORTANT】 7artisans is committed to provide quality manual focus mirrorless camera lens, which needs to set the "release without lens" mode on your camera after installing the lens, or you would not press the shutter and take photos or videos.
- 【HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES】35mm full-frame sensor. The newly designed optical and mechanical structure fully realises the combination of high resolution images and high quality ED, high refractive index glass, ensuring a richly detailed picture. Effectively reduce the color offset phenomenon, so that the image has more artistic sense.
- 【ALMOST "ZERO" BREATHING EFFECT】 Breathing effect when focusing can be controlled. Stability of the image frame even when vignetting occurs when refocusing. The high-quality MC multilayer coating used by the lens increases the transmittance of the light, effectively reduces dazzling and ghosts. It provides a higher level of contrast.
- 【T2.0 LARGE APERTURE】The 35mm lens in the Spectrum series offers a constant aperture of up to 2.0 and a minimum of T16. It can shoot bright pictures in low light environment. The 13 aperture blades create a soft and natural focus transition, making the picture vivid without being stiff.
- 【270 DEGREE EXTRA LONG FOCUS TRAVEL】The extra-long 270 degree focusing stroke and stepless focusing gear design, which can be adapted to various follow focusers, guarantee accurate focusing during shooting. The focus movement is more delicate, more precise and finer. It meets the requirements of professionals for focusing performance.
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7artisans 85mm T2.0 Large Aperture Full Frame Cine Lens Compatible for Nikon Z-Mount, Manual Focus Low Distortion Cinema Lens Mirrorless Cameras for Nikon Z5 Z6 Z7 Z9 Z50 Z6II Z7II ZFC, Black
Features
- 【IMPORTANT】 7artisans is committed to provide quality manual focus mirrorless camera lens, which needs to set the "release without lens" mode on your camera after installing the lens, or you would not press the shutter and take photos or videos.
- 【HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES】85mm full-frame sensor. The newly designed optical and mechanical structure fully realises the combination of high resolution images and high quality ED, high refractive index glass, ensuring a richly detailed picture. Effectively reduce the color offset phenomenon, so that the image has more artistic sense.
- 【ALMOST "ZERO" BREATHING EFFECT】 Breathing effect when focusing can be controlled. Stability of the image frame even when vignetting occurs when refocusing. The high-quality MC multilayer coating used by the lens increases the transmittance of the light, effectively reduces dazzling and ghosts. It provides a higher level of contrast.
- 【T2.0 LARGE APERTURE】The 85mm lens in the Spectrum series offers a constant aperture of up to 2.0 and a minimum of T16. It can shoot bright pictures in low light environment. The 10 aperture blades create a soft and natural focus transition, making the picture vivid without being stiff.
- 【270 DEGREE EXTRA LONG FOCUS TRAVEL】The extra-long 270 degree focusing stroke and stepless focusing gear design, which can be adapted to various follow focusers, guarantee accurate focusing during shooting. The focus movement is more delicate, more precise and finer. It meets the requirements of professionals for focusing performance.
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7artisans 25mm T1.05 Large Aperture Cine Lens Wide-Angle Manual Focus Low Distortion Mini Cinema Lens Compatible for Sony E Mount Mirrorless Camera, Black
Features
- T1.05 DE-CLICKED LARGE APERTURE: The de-clicked aperture ring design can guarantee a quiet and smooth experience video shooting. And the T1.05 large aperture can ensure a lower ISO and a faster shutter speed even in low light environments.
- LENS NOT ATTACHED: This is a MANUAL LENS and you need to enable "M mode" turn on the "Release shutter without lens" function in the camera setting.
- LOW BREATHING EFFECT：By improving the lens structure design, the cine lens has a great control of the breathing effect which can reduce the focus shift when shooting.
- 270° focus throw: With the de-clicked focus ring design and a 270° focus throw, you can focus more accurately on the subject during shooting.
- CREAMY BOKEH & VIVID PICTURE: Featured with a large aperture of T1.05 and a 13 pieces aperture blades, the 7artisans cine lens can render the image vividly and attain a creamy bokeh.
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Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-H025K (USA Black)
$147.99
6 used from $127.95
Features
- Micro Four Thirds a versatile MFT 25 millimeter lens with a natural viewing angle Suitable for a wide variety of occasions (35 millimeter camera equivalent: 50 millimeter)
- F1.7 brightness beautiful background bokeh effect from its large diameter F1.7 aperture
- Super lightweight compact at only 125G/ 2.05 inches Length, Lens construction 8 elements in 7 groups (2 aspherical lenses, 1 UHR lens)
- Photo and video Hybrid photography enabled for both photo and HD video recording with quiet and smooth fast action stepping motor focusing
- Angle of View: 47°
| Price history for Panasonic LUMIX G Lens, 25mm, F1.7 ASPH, Mirrorless Micro Four Thirds, H-H025K (USA Black) | |
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7artisans 50mm T2.0 Cine Lens for L Mount,Full Frame Large Aperture Mirrorless Camera Lens,Compatible for Sigma FP, Panasonic S1 S1H S5, Leica SL SL2
Features
- Maximum T2 aperture for low=light advantage, deeper depth of field, and increased area of focus
- Cinema industry-standard 0.8 MOD focus and iris gears compatible with follow focus and iris controls
- Lens construction of 6 elements in 5 groups for smooth, circular bokeh
- Manually focus on objects as close as 18.9" away.Markings in meters and feet . 46° angle of view
- Applicable models :L-MOUNT, Compatible for Sigma FP, Panasonic S1 S1H S5, Leica SL SL2
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7artisans 85mm T2.0 Large Aperture Full Frame Cine Lens Compatible for Canon RF-Mount, Manual Focus Low Distortion Cinema Lens Mirrorless Cameras for Canon EOS R, RED, R3, R5, R6, R7, R10, RP, Black
Features
- 【IMPORTANT】 7artisans is committed to provide quality manual focus mirrorless camera lens, which needs to set the "release without lens" mode on your camera after installing the lens, or you would not press the shutter and take photos or videos.
- 【HIGH-RESOLUTION IMAGES】85mm full-frame sensor. The newly designed optical and mechanical structure fully realises the combination of high resolution images and high quality ED, high refractive index glass, ensuring a richly detailed picture. Effectively reduce the color offset phenomenon, so that the image has more artistic sense.
- 【ALMOST "ZERO" BREATHING EFFECT】 Breathing effect when focusing can be controlled. Stability of the image frame even when vignetting occurs when refocusing. The high-quality MC multilayer coating used by the lens increases the transmittance of the light, effectively reduces dazzling and ghosts. It provides a higher level of contrast.
- 【T2.0 LARGE APERTURE】The 85mm lens in the Spectrum series offers a constant aperture of up to 2.0 and a minimum of T16. It can shoot bright pictures in low light environment. The 12 aperture blades create a soft and natural focus transition, making the picture vivid without being stiff.
- 【270 DEGREE EXTRA LONG FOCUS TRAVEL】The extra-long 270 degree focusing stroke and stepless focusing gear design, which can be adapted to various follow focusers, guarantee accurate focusing during shooting. The focus movement is more delicate, more precise and finer. It meets the requirements of professionals for focusing performance.
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Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 is STM Lens Kit, Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation
$499.00
1 used from $533.11
Features
- Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
- Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
- High image quality with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering a wide area2 up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.
- Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
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Meike 35mm F1.4 Large Aperture Manual Focus Prime MFT Lens for Micro Four Thirds M43 Compatible with Olympus and Panasonic Mirrorless Cameras and BMPCC GH6 OM-1
Features
- Works with Olympus mirrorless camera E-P1 E-PL1 E-P2 E-PL2 E-P3 E-PL3 E-PL5 E-PM1 E-PM2 OM-D E-M5 E-P5 OM-D E-M1 OMD-EM10 and other Olympus Micro 4/3 cameras Panasonic Lumix G9 G1 G2 G3 G5 GF1 GF2 GF3 GF5 GF6 GF7 GH1 GH2 GH3 GH5 G6 GX1 GX7 GX8 GH4 GM1 GM5 -D E-M5 E-P5 OM-D E-M1 OMD-EM10 and other Panasonic Lumix Micro M4/3 MFT cameras
- Lens Structure:5 Groups 8 Elements
- Fixed focal length 35mm,Wide angle lens. Maximum aperture of 1.4-16 delivers smooth bokeh,fit Close-up/portrait photo photography
- Lens Not Attached : MANUAL LENS need you to enable "M mode " or "Release without lens" in the setting of camera
- It is a Wide Angle Lens, suitables for Landscape ,Product and Portrait Photography
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NEEWER Mini Follow Focus with A/B Stops, Lens Gear Ring, 15mm Rod & Rod Clamp for Cinema Camera, DSLR/Mirrorless Camera, Compatible with Lens Diameter Up to 114mm, PG003 (Black)
1 used from $64.32
Features
- 【Smooth Manual Focus】 NEEWER PG003 Mini Follow Focus enables smooth manual focus for video recording. The adaptable lens gear ring fits a wide range of camera lenses up to 114mm in diameter. Merely 11.3oz (320g) in weight, the follow focus can stay in your bag and travel around the world with you
- 【Adjustable A/B Stops】 The focus wheel features black adjustable A/B hard stops, you can preset and adjust the appropriate A/B focal length to achieve fast and accurate zooming according to your shooting needs. By loosening the A/B stoppers, you can easily achieve 360° infinite focus adjustment and insert them into the stopper holes to prevent missing
- 【Flexible Arm Positions】 With a single 15mm rod clamp, the arm can connect PG003 to a camera cage or shoulder rig through a 15mm rod and tilt 138° to accommodate cinema cameras, DSLR cameras, and lenses of different sizes
- 【15mm Rod Connection】 Included are a standard 15mm rod and a rod clamp. They can secure the follow focus to a camera cage or be used for connecting other accessories. The modular construction makes the follow focus quick to detach and easy to store
- 【Comfortable Operation】 Coated with soft, nonslip silicone rubber, the focus knob is comfortable to use. Designed with a great damping mechanism, the focus wheel provides optimal rotation movements that are neither too tight nor too loose
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Q&A:
What are the best cinema lenses for mirrorless cameras?
Some of the best cinema lenses for mirrorless cameras are the Sigma 18-35mm T2, Sigma 50-100mm T2, Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4, Rokinon Xeen 24mm T1.5, and Veydra Mini Prime lenses.
Which brand offers high-quality cinema lenses for mirrorless cameras?
Companies like Sigma, Zeiss, Rokinon, and Veydra are known for producing high-quality cinema lenses for mirrorless cameras.
What factors should I consider when choosing cinema lenses for my mirrorless camera?
When choosing cinema lenses for your mirrorless camera, consider factors such as focal length, aperture, build quality, compatibility with your camera mount, and your budget.
Are cinema lenses a good investment for mirrorless camera users?
Investing in cinema lenses for your mirrorless camera can significantly improve the quality of your videos and give you more creative control over your footage, making it a worthwhile investment for serious videographers.
Can I use cinema lenses for photography on my mirrorless camera?
While cinema lenses are designed for videography, they can also be used for photography on mirrorless cameras. However, keep in mind that some cinema lenses may not have autofocus capabilities and may be heavier than traditional photography lenses.
