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What is the Best Focal Length for a Video Lens?

What is the Best Focal Length for a Video Lens image

Photo by Ivan Pantic via iStock 

Whether you are brand new to the world of video or a seasoned pro, deciding which video lens and focal length to shoot with is always difficult. Lucky for you, that’s exactly why we wrote this article! To help you make the right decision next time you record a video for your vlog, YouTube channel, or social media account! 

While we know everyone shoots with different camera systems, we will highlight a handful of Sony full-frame lenses in this article. However, if you shoot with a different brand or sensor size, don’t worry! We will also recommend Sony APS-C, Canon RF, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds video lenses. 

Furthermore, thanks to innovative online platforms like MPB, purchasing used video lenses has never been cheaper and easier than it is today. Who is MPB? They are a trustworthy and reliable online platform where you get incredible deals buying, selling, or trading in used camera equipment. 

Better yet, all their cameras and lenses are hand-inspected by highly-trained product specialists with years of experience and backed by six-month warranties, allowing you to make your purchases confidently and worry-free. With that said, let’s jump in and learn more about the best focal lengths for shooting video!

Check out the video above by Jason Vong for a detailed guide on the best Sony lenses for vlogging. 

Table of Contents

A Good Video Lens: 24-70mm

a good video lens image

The most popular focal length for a video lens, especially for beginners, is 24-70mm. This do-it-all focal range provides unmatched versatility for both photographers and videographers alike. Shooting with a 24-70mm zoom lens allows you to capture everything from dramatic landscapes to detailed portraits without changing lenses. 

For Sony content creators, that means investing in the second-generation Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II. It takes all the best features of the original FE 24-70mm and packs it into a body that is 18% smaller and 22% lighter. Additionally, it has better autofocus performance and smoother zooming than its predecessor. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II:

  • Lens Type: Standard-Length Zoom Lens
  • Camera System: Full-Frame
  • Lens Mount: Sony E Lens Mount
  • Focal Length: 24-70 mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 21 cm
  • Filter Size: 82 mm
  • Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.32x
  • Size/Weight: 88 x 120 mm / 695 grams
  • Optical Image Stabilization: No
  • Used Lens Price: $2,149 - $2,259

Alternatives from other brands:

A Better Video Lens: 50mm

a better video lens image

Next up, we have the classic 50mm lens. Since the dawn of photography, nifty fifties have been go-to lenses for artists, and that’s never changed over the years. Their unique combination of portable size, excellent image quality, and displaying the closest field of view (FOV) to the human eye make them great video lenses.

The best Sony 50mm is the FE 50mm f/1.2 GM. It offers unbeatable sharpness and video quality compared to zoom lenses. Moreover, its f/1.2 maximum aperture gives it insane low-light performance and creates gorgeous bokeh effects. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM:

  • Lens Type: Prime Lens
  • Camera System: Full-Frame
  • Lens Mount: Sony E Lens Mount
  • Focal Length: 50 mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/1.2
  • Minimum Aperture: f/16
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 40 cm
  • Filter Size: 72 mm
  • Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.17x
  • Size/Weight: 87 x 108 mm / 778 grams
  • Optical Image Stabilization: No
  • Used Lens Price: $1,679

Alternatives from other brands:

Learn More:

The Best Video Lens: 16-35mm

best video lens image

Finally, our favorite video lens focal length is 16-35mm. Wide-angle footage typically provides more depth than close-ups, and they are the standard for most videos today–movies, television shows, YouTube videos, etc. So, if you want to shoot like the pros, investing in a 16-35mm lens is a step in the right direction!  

The cream of the crop is the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM. It ranges from ultra-wide 16mm to standard 35mm focal lengths and has a fixed f/2.8 aperture. Another thing we love is that its relatively compact and lightweight design makes it ideal for pairing with a gimbal or even a drone. 

Here’s an in-depth look at the key features and specs of the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM:

  • Lens Type: Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
  • Camera System: Full-Frame
  • Lens Mount: Sony E Lens Mount
  • Focal Length: 16-35 mm
  • Maximum Aperture: f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture: f/22
  • Minimum Focusing Distance: 28 cm
  • Filter Size: 82 mm
  • Focusing system: Autofocus & Manual Focus
  • Maximum Magnification: 0.19x
  • Size/Weight: 89 x 122 mm / 680 grams
  • Optical Image Stabilization: No
  • Used Lens Price: $1,439 - $1,679

Alternatives from other brands: 

Final Thoughts on Video Lenses

final thoughts on video lenses image

Photo by dolgachov via iStock

The focal lengths covered above certainly aren’t the only ones on the market, but we strongly believe they are the best ones to start with when shopping for a video lens. With that in mind, what are you waiting for? Head over to MPB to find amazing deals on video lenses today! 

Heads up: Clicking on our affiliate links and exploring our sponsored content helps us at no extra cost to you, and we only recommend gear we're absolutely crazy about!

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