The 8 Best Lenses for Filming Music Videos

This guide covers the eight best lenses for filming music videos.

Shooting a music video requires an adept approach to videography to capture a variety of compositions while coordinating with the artists.

While cine lenses can be used to achieve this, filmmakers can choose from a range of photography lenses that deliver sharp and vibrant footage and shot compositions.

We’ll break down the best zoom and prime lenses for creating a polished and professional music video aesthetic.

The Top 8 Lenses for Filming Music Videos

Planning and shooting a music video is a complex process, and choosing the best lenses for a shoot is vital for a streamlined production.

The process begins with storyboarding the video, creating a desired shot list and sequence covering camera angles and compositions.

With this outline in place, videographers can select individual lenses and lens combinations to achieve the desired results.

If you’re unsure which ones to use, the lenses outlined in this guide will provide comprehensive coverage and enhance your creative options.

If You Had to Pick Just One Lens (Mirrorless): the 16-35mm f/2.8

Shooting music videos can be incredibly fast-paced, with little time for switching up lenses and camera setups between shots.

If that’s the case for your project, using a wide-angle zoom lens with a wide aperture ensures a range of compositional options on the fly.

Several wide-angle zoom lenses for mirrorless cameras deliver impressive performance, such as the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8.

Sporting impressive optics that deliver crisp and sharp images, the lens includes 5-stop optical image stabilization for frenetic-paced shooting.

For Nikon users, the Z 14-30mm lens is an impressive performer, albeit with a more restrictive f/4 aperture compared to the Canon.

Despite this limitation, it’s another highly capable wide-angle zoom lens, praised for its rapid autofocus.

While Nikon doesn’t offer any f/2.8 lenses within this zoom range, the Nikon Z 14-24mm does offer this wider aperture.

For videographers shooting on APS-C cameras, models from brands like Sigma and Tamron are ideal, though they offer slightly narrower zoom ranges of around 10–18mm and 11–20mm, respectively.

Nikon DX [Amazon | B&H] | Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Canon APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon RF [Amazon | B&H] | Sony FE [Amazon | B&H] | Micro Four-Thirds [Amazon | B&H]

If You Had to Pick Only One Lens (DSLR): Sigma Art 18-35mm f/1.8

For those shooting music videos on a DSLR camera, few lenses can outcompete the Sigma Art 18-55mm f/1.8 in terms of raw performance.

This lens has successfully married a decent zoom range with outstanding low-light performance thanks to its wide aperture and high-quality optics.

While it lacks image stabilization, using this on a gimbal can yield silky-smooth wide-angle camera motion that significantly elevates your shooting style.

There’s a range of additional features that benefit videographers, including the silent Hyper Sonic Motor autofocus and specialized optics to minimize aberrations.

Everything comes together in a robust build that reflects the pedigree of the Art series, with tactile, well-damped zoom and focus rings.

A highly versatile lens, the Sigma Art 18-55mm f/1.8 is equally at home when composing master shots as it is delivering lush bokeh surrounding subjects.

It’s also excellent value for money, selling at a fraction of the price of its mirrorless camera counterparts, particularly on the second-hand market.

Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon F [Amazon | B&H]

The Essential Prime: 35mm f/1.4

While zoom lenses offer impressive compositional flexibility, some filmmakers prefer the improved image quality typically offered by prime lenses.

Opting for a 35mm f/1.4 prime allows videographers to access this superior cinematic aesthetic at a focal length that isn’t restrictive.

Unless you’re shooting in a cramped location, a 35mm f/1.4 prime is capable of capturing a range of shots, from wide masters to richly defined faces.

Many filmmakers prefer the 35mm focal length over wider primes, given that it offers a generally more naturalistic result that delivers impressive low-light performance.

One lens in this category that is highly recommended is the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4, which features fast autofocus when moving around a scene.

The Samyang AF 35mm f/1.4 is another budget-friendly option, while those who prefer native lenses can opt for more expensive models.

Shooting on Sony cameras, already well-regarded for their low-light performance, can be enhanced using the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM, delivering professional-level results.

Alternatively, there’s the Canon RF 35mm f/1.4L VCM and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 for their respective users.

As your collection of music video lenses expands, you can introduce a wider-angle prime lens, such as a 14mm or 24mm prime.

Nikon Z [B&H] Nikon FX [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon DX [Amazon | B&H] | Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Canon APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon RF [B&H] | Sony FE [Amazon | B&H] | Sony APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Fujifilm [Amazon | B&H] | Micro Four-Thirds [Amazon | B&H]

The Best All-Rounder: the 24-70mm f/2.8

If you’ve planned your music video shoot and are confident you won’t need anything wider than 24mm, a 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens is the perfect all-rounder.

Equally adept at expansive wide shots as it is at shooting close-ups of subjects, this lens type is one of the most popular among videographers.

As such, it’s not surprising that all brands offer this lens category in their range, with affordable options alongside high-quality professional models.

On the budget-friendly end of the spectrum, the Tamron 28–75mm f/2.8 G2 delivers solid performance, though its wide end is slightly shorter than some competitors.

Alternatively, the Sigma 28–70mm f/2.8 is a worthy contender, offering a slightly softer, less clinical aesthetic at a similar price point.

Native lenses are, of course, more expensive, but models like the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II nad Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm S II are both exceptional choices.

Along with the Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS USM, these premium lenses feature rapid autofocus, image stabilization, and precise all-around imaging.

There is also a wealth of options for APS-C cameras, which you can find outlined in the links featured below.

Nikon FX [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon DX [Amazon | B&H] | Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Canon APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon RF [Amazon | B&H] | Sony FE [Amazon | B&H] | Sony E [Amazon | B&H] | Fujifilm [Amazon | B&H] | Micro Four-Thirds [Amazon | B&H]

For Smaller Spaces & Larger Bands: the 14-24mm f/2.8

Music video shoots taking place in confined spaces or with large bands can benefit from using ultra-wide lenses to capture all the action.

Such lenses also enable camera operators to move freely within these confined spaces, allowing them to shoot from multiple angles using a single setup.

One of the best lenses in this category is the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8, a professional-grade model commonly used by landscape photographers.

Its exceptionally sharp and vibrant images translate well to videography, while the compact and lightweight build makes it easy to handle on long shoots.

For those on tighter budgets, the Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is a popular alternative for E-mount and L-mount users.

Nikon users can opt for the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, which delivers sharp images and features a flat front element that allows for the use of filters.

While there are cheaper alternatives in the 14-24mm range, many lack a wide aperture. However, if you’re happy with f/4, you can save on your budget.

Nikon Z [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon FX [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon DX [Amazon] | Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Canon APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon RF [Amazon | B&H] Sony FE [Amazon | B&H] | Sony APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Fujifilm [Amazon | B&H] | Micro Four-Thirds [Amazon | B&H]

The Wide Prime: the 14mm f/1.8

Ultra-wide-angle prime lenses are rare, but they can offer a significant advantage in certain situations when shooting music videos.

They’re considerably more compact than most zoom lenses, offering razor-sharp images and the ability to capture more light in low-light conditions.

While there aren’t many options to choose from, the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM is a solid choice for Sony camera users with a sufficient budget.

This lens weighs under 500g, making it easy to use, while presenting corner-to-corner sharpness and impressive control over aberrations.

For a more affordable lens, videographers can opt for the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art, which offers fast autofocus, albeit with a heavier build.

While such lenses might be too wide for some music video shoots, their dramatic sense of scale can result in highly stylized footage.

A Must Have: The Nifty Fifty

The Nifty Fifty has earned its nickname thanks to its combination of naturalistic and undistorted perspective, along with its flexible focal length.

Closely resembling the perspective of the eye, 50mm prime lenses are highly flexible, whether shooting POV footage or creating eye-catching compositions.

There are many 50mm prime lenses available for music video filmmakers, ranging from affordable third-party models to dedicated high-end native lenses.

In the former category, the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is an excellent choice for users of Sony E, Nikon F, Canon EF, and Leica L cameras.

It features high-speed autofocus for fast camera pans and tracking shots, along with creamy bokeh and a range of advanced controls.

Alternatively, the Nikon Z 50mm or Canon RF 50mm are available for their respective camera bodies, but cost significantly more.

For those shooting their music video on APS-C, opting for the 35mm f/1.4 featured above will deliver a 52mm focal range on these cameras.

Native lens options:

Nikon FX [Amazon | B&H] | Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Sony FE [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon DX [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon Z APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon EF APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon RF APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Sony APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Fujifilm [Amazon | B&H] | Micro Four-Thirds [Amazon | B&H]

The Long Zoom: 70-200 f/2.8

While telephoto zoom lenses aren’t often at the top of the list for shooting music videos, it’s worthwhile considering them for your workflow.

Not everything needs the ability to zoom, but some music videos can benefit from the instant reframing potential that telephoto zooms provide.

Provided you have enough distance from the artists, you can use such lenses to zoom in and capture expressions and musical performances quickly.

Native lens options include the Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM, the Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 G Master OSS, and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.

For budget-friendly alternatives from third parties, the Tamron SP-70-200mm f/2.8 SP DI VC USD has earned plenty of praise from photographers.

It’s a relatively niche lens type for videography, but one worth considering as and when your shoot requires punchy zooms.

Nikon Z [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon FX [Amazon | B&H] | Nikon DX [Amazon | B&H] | Canon EF [Amazon | B&H] | Canon APS-C [Amazon | B&H] | Canon RF [Amazon | B&H] | Sony FE [Amazon | B&H] | Sony APS-C [Use the Canon APS-C with a converter] | Fujifilm [Amazon | B&H] | Micro Four-Thirds [Amazon | B&H]

What Types of Lenses are Good for Music Videos?

 

The best lenses for music videos vary depending on the nature of the shoot and desired footage, making it essential to plan and storyboard a shoot.

When preparing to film a music video, use these storyboards to determine the optimal focal length, aperture, and ISO for low-light content.

While this guide is focused primarily on the application of photography lenses for music videos, you can also consider dedicated cine lenses.

For example, Sirui manufactures an extensive range of full-frame carbon fiber anamorphic lenses capable of producing cinema-grade video footage.

When selecting cine lenses for your music video project, look for a low T-stop to achieve a fast aperture and broad format coverage, such as Super 35 or full-frame.

If you have a larger budget, consider upgrading from Sirui lenses to Sigma Art series or Zeiss Nano prime lenses for professional-level image quality.

Zoom vs Prime

Now the question of zoom vs prime lenses. Which is best for music videos?

Lens choices for music video shoots vary depending on the project’s coverage requirements, with both zoom and prime capable options for certain styles.

Professional videographers often opt for prime lenses due to their superior overall image quality and optical performance.

Such lenses also allow for impressive low-light performance when capturing atmospheric footage or achieving a pleasingly shallow depth of field.

With sharper image rendering and less distortion compared to zoom lenses, wide-angle primes are ideal for creating a cinematic look.

That said, zoom lenses also have a firm place in versatile music video shoots, delivering rapid frame changes without the need to swap out lenses.

This convenience also helps more inexperienced videographers to manage projects and achieve a variety of shots with ease.

If you’re shooting a music video for the first time, a versatile zoom lens will streamline your workflow and enable quick experimentation.

Alternatively, if you have more time and a larger budget, a set of two or three robust prime lenses will enhance the overall aesthetics.

Which Lens Combo Should Be in Your Kit

Creating visually striking and dynamic music videos requires a thoughtful approach to recording — one that ensures plenty of material to work with in the edit.

That means building a dedicated lens kit capable of capturing a full range of shots, from wide establishing scenes to detailed close-ups.

If your budget is limited, you can begin with a basic two-lens setup that includes a wide-angle zoom and a faster prime lens.

For example, a 24-70mm zoom paired with a 35mm prime lens will deliver plenty of compositional scope throughout the shoot.

Alternatively, expanding your lens kit to include an additional prime lens, such as a longer 85mm prime, will add more range for sharp and detailed imagery.

You can use this prime lens for improved subject isolation and detailed shots, or if you prefer, switch things up with a wide-angle prime for exaggerated perspectives.

Again, your lens selection should be guided by your music video’s shot plan, ensuring you choose the right lenses for each type of scene.

FAQs about the Best Lenses for Music Videos

Which focal lengths are most often used for shooting music videos?

The selection of focal lengths used for shooting music videos varies, depending on the emotional impact and atmosphere the director is aiming for.

They typically incorporate wide-angle zooms to capture the artist or band in full, as seen in the video for “The Less I Know The Better” by Tame Impala.

The Nifty Fifty 50mm prime lens is also commonly used for its impressive flexibility, while some music videos are shot on long lenses to create a voyeuristic feeling.

Can I get away with using an f/4 lens when shooting music videos, or do I really need an f/2.8 or faster?

There are no firm and fixed rules on what aperture you can use when shooting a music video, and f/4 lenses are capable of achieving impressive results with sufficient lighting.

However, when shooting in low-light conditions or seeking a shallower depth of field, f/2,8 lenses are naturally superior.

You can compensate for low lighting while using an f/4 lens by increasing the camera’s ISO setting to expose the image with minimal additional noise.

What camera is best for shooting music videos?

Using an excellent lens means little if it isn’t mounted to a similarly high-performance camera body, and there’s a wide range of options available from the leading brands.

Sony and Panasonic both include robust videography-first cameras in their product range, such as the Sony a7S III and the Panasonic Lumix S5 II.

While pro-level cameras from Arri and RED are well out of reach for the average consumer, great music videos can even be shot on a GoPro or DJI Osmo Pocket 3.

What camera settings should I use when shooting music videos?

Choosing the optimal camera settings for shooting a music video depends on factors such as lighting conditions, subject matter, and the type of camera movement.

A good rule of thumb is to work with manual mode settings to avoid jarring changes to exposure or focus mid-shot.

You should also aim for the highest possible image resolution and shoot your music video in RAW format to allow for comprehensive grading in the edit.