I'm looking to upgrade my lens kit and I'm specifically interested in adding a prime lens for video work. I've heard great things about using primes for their sharpness and low-light performance, but I'm not sure which focal length would be most versatile for videography. Just give some suggestions.
I highly recommend the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art lens. It's incredibly sharp, has beautiful bokeh, and performs well in low light situations. The 35mm focal length is versatile for both wide shots and medium close-ups. It's my go-to lens for run-and-gun style shooting.
If you choose Sony, the FE 20mm f/1.8 G lens is the best choice for video.
35mm prime lens or 28mm prime lens are good choices for videography.
A 24mm lens is excellent for wider storytelling shots. It provides a perspective that is relatively close to what the human eye sees, especially on a Super 35mm crop sensor. This focal length is particularly useful for handheld shooting, as any camera shake is less noticeable when shooting wide.
24mm Prime lens.
When starting in videography, the 50mm f/1.8 prime lens is hard to beat. It's affordable (around $150-200), lightweight, and delivers exceptional low-light performance. The wide aperture creates beautiful bokeh, making your subjects pop against creamy backgrounds. Its focal length closely matches human vision, making it natural for interviews and general shooting. While it's not a zoom, the fixed focal length will help you develop better composition skills and force you to move purposefully when framing shots.
As a cinematographer, I'd recommend the Rokinon/Samyang 24mm T1.5 Cine lens. The declicked aperture and geared focus ring make it properly designed for video work, unlike stills lenses repurposed for video. The 24mm gives you enough width for establishing shots while minimizing distortion. Their entire cine prime lineup is worth considering if you're serious about video.