Top Camera Lenses for Video
- Aperture range from f/2.8-f/22
- 9 rounded diaphragm blades
- Ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) AF system
- 28.4 oz
- 35mm fixed focal length
- Aperture range from f/4-f/22
- Ring-type ultrasonic motor (USM) AF system
- 9 rounded diaphragm blades
- 26.8 oz
- Fixed focal length of 50mm
- 7 rounded diaphragm blades
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet AF operation
- 6.6 oz
- Versatile standard zoom
- Aperture range from f/2.8-f/22
- 9 rounded diaphragm blades
- 1.25’ min focus distancing
- 2 lbs.
- Full-frame E-mount wide-angle lens
- Aperture range from f/4-f/22
- 7 circular aperture blades
- Min focus distance of .82 feet
- OSS stabilization
- 18.2 oz
- Aperture range from f/1.8-f/22
- Min focus distance of 1.64’
- 9 rounded diaphragm blades
- 9.9 oz
Photo by ShareGrid on Unsplash
Any experienced photographer knows that no matter how good the camera, you need a great lens in front of it to maximize the quality of photos and videos.
That means that if you use a camera that can shoot incredible video with a lens that can’t, your videos will suffer for it.
Thankfully, most lens manufacturers make at least a few incredible camera lenses for video.
I’m only mentioning two lenses each for Sony, Canon and Nikon because, let’s face it, they have the largest share of the market and it’s a great place for you to start your search.
I also tried to highlight the best lenses for video in a variety of price ranges, so whether you’re on a tight budget or not, one of these lenses should work for you.
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8
The Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 is versatile because of its zoom range. If you don’t know exactly what kind of shoot you’re getting yourself into, one that can handle a wide variety of them is key.
Canon is also widely known for its L-lens technology, which is essentially a way Canon classifies its professional lenses which hold up really well under extreme duress (crazy weather, dust, etc).
If you invest in this best Canon lens for video, you’ll know it will last you a lifetime.
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 Specs:
You can purchase the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 on Adorama for $1,600.
Canon EF 35mm f/1.4
This lens, as compared to the last Canon, is designed specifically for top-tier cameras. The 35mm focal length is ideal for making videos.
This Canon lens comes with Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics, which prevents color fringing by dispersing light evenly across the lens. It also aids in improving low-light performance.
Canon 35mm f/1.4 Specs:
You can purchase the Canon 35mm f/1.4 on Adorama for $1,650.
Quick Tip: Have a micro four-thirds camera but want to use a Canon EF lens? No problem! Just invest in a lens mount adapter like the Ikan Commlite AEF-MFT shown below, and you can use either of the Canon lenses above (or dozens of others) with your micro four-thirds camera.
Not only does this lens adapter enable you to use EF lenses, but it also includes handy features like a 0.71x focal reducer booster, autofocus functionality, electronic aperture control, and a built-in IS stabilization function that supports the EF lens’s image stabilization (though continuous autofocus is not available in video mode).
The housing is made of aluminum alloy, so it’s lightweight yet incredibly durable. The ¼ standard thread on the bottom of the adapter lets you mount it to a Stratus cage for additional support or it can be attached to a monopod or tripod.
In other words, this handy adapter will help you open up all sorts of creative pursuits with your videos and does so at a price point that won’t break the bank.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
This is the cheapest lens on this camera lenses for video list, but that doesn’t mean it isn't the best Nikon lens for video.
This 50mm lens is perfect for shooting videos where you don’t want any distortion that would come with a wide angle or telephoto lens. That makes it a perfect match for documentary style videos.
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G Specs include:
You can purchase the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G on Adorama for just $175.
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Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G
I love the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G because it can handle anything. It zooms incredibly quickly in tight spaces, which is excellent for events videographers, and the zooming range allows you to get all of the shots you need, whether they are close-up portraits or wide shots of the whole room.
B&H describes this Nikon as the “workhorse of the pros,” which is a pretty accurate reflection of everything this lens can do.
The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G Specs include:
You can purchase the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G on Adorama for $1,450.
Sony 16-35mm f/4
The Sony 16-35mm f/4 is the best wide zoom for videographers on our list, but it isn’t incredible for shooting in low-light scenarios due to its fixed f/4 aperture.
It’s got a quick AF, and controlled distortion. It’s built almost entirely out of metal, and I love carrying my Sony 16-35mm f/4 with me overseas because of that durability of construction.
Plus, since this lens has built-in stabilization, you get an extra 4 stops of stabilization if your camera can’t handle it on its own.
The Sony 16-35mm f/4 specs include:
You can purchase the Sony 16-35mm f/4 on Adorama for $1,248.
Sony 55mm f/1.8
The Sony 55mm f/1.8 is probably my favorite prime lens for shooting video. For the $1,000 mark, the vignetting at f/1.8 is impressively low, and its lightweight and easy to carry.
Besides, 55mm is a great focal length for all kinds of video pursuits - vlogging, low-light situations, documentaries...you name it!
This lens is super sharp, particularly at the center, even when shooting at f/1.8. The sharpness only gets better as you stop down to f/2.8 and f/4.
Sony 55mm f/1.8 Specs include:
You can purchase the Sony 55mm f/1.8 on Adorama for $1,000.
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