When choosing cine lenses for DSLR filmmaking, it’s important to consider a variety of factors beyond just price and mount compatibility. Each of the cine lens manufacturers brings unique characteristics and strengths to their lenses that cater to different styles and needs in filmmaking.
Here’s a more detailed exploration to help you make an informed decision.
Cover image by jose p ortiv
Top 10 Cine Lens Manufacturers for DSLR Users
Rokinon
Rokinon (Samyang), established in 1972, offers budget-friendly cine lenses under the Cine DS series, primarily using the EF mount. These lenses are popular among indie filmmakers and beginners due to their decent optical quality and affordability. They are particularly favored for their manual focus control. This allows for precise adjustments essential in cinematography.
Build quality and consistency can vary, and autofocus is often lacking or subpar. These could be a drawback for those who need quick, reliable focusing. Lenses typically range from $300 to $2,000. A standard kit costs around $3,000 to $6,000, making them an excellent entry-level choice.
Tokina
Tokina, founded in 1950, provides affordable and solid-performing lenses. It does so with its Cinema ATX series, compatible with the EF mount. Tokina lenses are known for their durability and high optical performance. This is especially true in wide-angle options which are ideal for landscape and architectural shots. Their lenses often feature rugged construction, making them a good choice for shooting in challenging environments.
However, the range of cine lenses is limited, and build quality can vary across different models. Lenses typically range from $500 to $3,000. A kit costs around $4,000 to $8,000, offering a good balance between cost and performance.
Sigma
Sigma, established in 1961, is celebrated for its affordability and impressive optical performance. Its Cine series range uses the EF mount. Sigma lenses are designed to deliver high-resolution images with minimal distortion. This makes them suitable for a variety of cinematic applications.
Their build quality, while generally solid, can sometimes be less robust compared to more premium brands. However, the optical performance often rivals that of higher-end lenses. Lenses range from $500 to $5,000. A kit costs between $5,000 and $10,000, providing excellent value for those looking for high-quality results.
Veydra
Veydra, a newer company established in 2014, offers compact, high-quality cine lenses. It does so under the Mini Prime series, designed for MFT mounts. These lenses are a great choice for DSLR users who prefer lightweight gear. These are especially useful for handheld and gimbal work where portability is crucial. Veydra’s lenses are known for their sharpness and consistent performance across the range.
However, Veydra’s offerings are limited in availability and range, reflecting their niche appeal. Lenses range from $500 to $2,000. A basic kit costs around $3,000 to $5,000, making them an attractive option for travel and documentary filmmakers.
Canon
Canon, established in 1937, is known for its reliable CN-E series cine lenses, which use the EF mount. These lenses are celebrated for their image quality and compatibility with Canon DSLR bodies. They offer excellent autofocus capabilities and smooth manual focus rings. Moreover, their sharp images are full of rich colors, suitable for a wide range of cinematic styles.
However, some users find Canon lenses to be on the heavier side, which can be a consideration for long handheld shoots. Lenses typically range from $1,000 to $10,000. A standard kit costs around $10,000 to $20,000. They are a solid choice for both professional and serious amateur filmmakers.
Sony
Sony, founded in 1946, offers the G Master series for its E-mount. They are known for superb resolution and advanced autofocus capabilities. These lenses are designed to meet the demands of 4K and higher-resolution video production. With them, you’ll get sharp, clear images with excellent bokeh. Their advanced autofocus systems make them ideal for both video and still photography. This offers versatility for hybrid shooters.
Despite their high quality, Sony lenses can be quite pricey. They range from $1,000 to $12,000, with kits costing around $10,000 to $25,000. Additionally, some users note that third-party lens support is limited. This might be a consideration for those who prefer a broader ecosystem.
Fujinon
Fujinon (Fujifilm), established in 1934, is renowned for its high-quality MK and HK series lenses. They are both PL and E mounts, often used in professional filmmaking. These lenses offer excellent durability and superb image rendering. The features are smooth, precise focusing, and robust construction suitable for professional use.
Fujifilm, as one of the best cine lens manufacturers is often praised for their optical consistency and low distortion. These make them a favorite among high-end filmmakers. However, their high cost can be a barrier for some users. Lenses range from $2,000 to $30,000 and a basic kit costs upwards of $25,000.
Zeiss
Zeiss, founded in 1846, provides exceptional optical quality with its CP.3 and CZ.2 series. They are cine lens manufacturers that use both EF and PL mounts. These lenses are known for their precise engineering and robust build. They deliver sharp images with excellent color rendition and contrast. Zeiss lenses are often chosen for their cinematic look and feel. This is due to them providing a distinctive characteristic that enhances the storytelling.
However, they are typically expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $20,000. Basic kits cost upwards of $30,000, making them less accessible for budget-conscious filmmakers. They are an excellent investment for those seeking top-tier performance.
Cooke
Cooke, established in 1886, is legendary for the unique “Cooke Look”. This characteristic comes with its S4/i and Panchro/i series. They both have smooth focus fall-off and organic image rendering, using PL mounts. These lenses are highly sought after for their distinctive visual quality. This adds a classic cinematic aesthetic to the footage. They are also known for their robust build and reliable performance in various shooting conditions.
However, Cook lenses have an extremely high cost and niche appeal. Individual lenses range from $10,000 to $30,000. Typical kits cost upwards of $50,000 and are used primarily for high-end productions and seasoned professionals.
Angenieux
Angenieux, founded in 1935, is known for its high-end zoom lenses in the Optimo series, using PL mounts. These lenses offer unparalleled image quality and versatility in filmmaking. This makes them one of the best cine lens manufacturers in the industry for dynamic shots and varying focal lengths. Angenieux lenses are praised for their smooth zoom and focus mechanisms. This is alongside their ability to maintain optical quality throughout the zoom range.
However, they are extremely expensive and often heavy. Lenses range from $10,000 to $70,000 and a standard kit costs upwards of $60,000. This makes them best suited for large-scale professional productions.
Last Words on Cine Lens Manufacturers
When choosing cine lenses, consider factors such as budget, optical quality, and build durability. Other features, such as autofocus depend on the specific type of filmmaking you intend to pursue.
Each of these cine lens manufacturers offers a unique blend of features that can cater to different filmmaking styles and requirements. Knowing which to choose will help you achieve your creative vision.
