Choosing the Right Lens for Cinematic Videos in Super 35 Mode on Sony A7Rii
The Super 35 sensor is widely used in professional cinematography, offering a slightly wider aspect ratio compared to the APS-C format. With its landscape-oriented design, the Super 35 sensor captures a richer, more immersive visual experience. Understanding how to choose the right focal length for your scenes is crucial for achieving a cinematic look with your Sony A7Rii camera. Let’s explore the most suitable lens options and their applications in detail.
Understanding Super 35: A Bit of Background
Super 35 is a sensor format that is prone to wide-angle distortion when used in the same way as the APS-C format. It shares similarities with the APS-C sensor, but with a slightly wider aspect ratio and less height. Designed for professional use, this format is optimized for landscape-oriented compositions, making it particularly well-suited for documentary and narrative filmmaking.
The Basics of Lenses in Super 35 Mode
In Super 35 mode, most lenses function similarly to how they do on an APS-C stills camera. However, there are some exceptions to consider. Below, we’ll discuss the typical focal lengths used for different types of shots, along with tips for manipulating the scene's perception and the subject's appearance.
Scene Composition: The 28mm Focal Length
When composing your scenes, the 28mm lens is often used as a broad perspective lens. This focal length provides a wide angle of view, making it ideal for capturing expansive landscapes, interiors, and large groups. With a 28mm lens, you’ll have a slightly wider view than with a 24mm lens, but it still offers a good balance between a broad perspective and a sense of openness.
General Shots: The 50mm Focal Length
A 50mm lens is a standard focal length for general shots. In terms of cinematic composition, a 50mm lens is considered to be the "ninetieth of a meter" in traditional 35mm film, which means it provides a natural perspective that is close to the human eye. This focal length is excellent for capturing medium shots and full-body shots without compromising the naturalness and realism of the scene.
Tight Shots: The 85mm and 135mm Focal Lengths
For tight shots, such as close-ups of faces or smaller objects, a 85mm or 135mm lens is often preferred. These longer focal lengths provide a shallower depth of field, making the subject stand out more prominently against the background. This is particularly useful for isolating actors and creating a softer, more flattering bokeh effect. The 135mm focal length, in particular, is favored for its shallow depth of field, making it perfect for isolating subjects in professional portraits and studio work.
Influencing Perception: Lens Choice and Composition
While the above focal lengths provide a good starting point, the creative possibilities are not limited to just these numbers. To manipulate the scene's perception and the subject's appearance, you need to consider the following:
Interplay of Lenses and Composition: To give the illusion of space, use a shorter lens and get in close to the subject. This will create a sense of intimacy and depth, making the environment feel expansive and inviting. Subject Focus: To make your star actress look “pretty” and “elegant,” use a longer lens and stand back. This will create a shallower depth of field, isolating her from the background and highlighting her beauty. Conversely, to make your comic foil appear “goofy” or “ugly,” use a wider lens and get in close. This will distort the subject’s features, adding comedic or unflattering elements to the scene.Conclusion
Choosing the right lens for your Super 35 mode on Sony A7Rii involves more than just selecting a focal length. It also requires understanding how different lenses can manipulate the scene and the subject's appearance. By leveraging the principles of lens choice and composition, you can achieve cinematic results that captivate your audience and enhance the storytelling aspect of your work.