What are the essential lenses for a documentary film?

1 Wide-angle lenses

Wide-angle lenses have a short focal length, usually between 10 and 35 mm, and a wide field of view, usually between 60 and 110 degrees. They are ideal for capturing landscapes, interiors, crowds, and action scenes, as they can fit more of the scene into the frame and create a sense of depth and scale. However, they can also distort the perspective and make objects appear farther apart or closer together than they really are. They can also introduce lens flare, chromatic aberration, and vignetting, especially at the edges of the frame. To avoid these issues, you should use a high-quality lens with a low aperture and a lens hood.

2 Standard lenses

Standard lenses have a focal length between 35 and 70 mm, and a field of view between 40 and 60 degrees. They are versatile and natural-looking, as they produce images that are similar to what the human eye sees. They are suitable for interviews, portraits, and general-purpose shots, as they can capture the details and emotions of your subject without distorting the proportions or the background. They can also create a shallow depth of field, which can isolate your subject from the surroundings and draw attention to their face or expression. However, they can also be boring and flat, as they don't create much drama or contrast in the scene. To spice up your shots, you should use different angles, movements, and lighting techniques.

3 Telephoto lenses

Telephoto lenses have a long focal length, usually between 70 and 300 mm, and a narrow field of view, usually between 10 and 30 degrees. They are powerful and dramatic, as they can magnify distant objects, compress the perspective, and create a deep depth of field. They are useful for wildlife, sports, and events, as they can capture the action and details from a safe or discreet distance. They can also create a bokeh effect, which is a blurred background that highlights your subject and creates a cinematic look. However, they can also be heavy and bulky, as they require more glass and metal to achieve the zoom. They can also be unstable and prone to camera shake, as they amplify any movement or vibration. To avoid these problems, you should use a tripod, a monopod, or a stabilizer, and a fast shutter speed.

4 Prime lenses

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means they cannot zoom in or out. They are simple and sharp, as they have fewer elements and coatings than zoom lenses, which reduces the distortion and aberration. They are also fast and bright, as they have a large aperture, which allows more light to enter the lens and creates a shallower depth of field. They are ideal for low-light, indoor, and creative situations, as they can capture the mood and atmosphere of your scene and give you more control over the exposure and the focus. However, they can also be limiting and inconvenient, as they require you to change lenses or move closer or farther away from your subject to adjust the framing. To overcome these challenges, you should plan ahead, scout your location, and carry a lens bag.

5 Specialty lenses

Specialty lenses are lenses that have a specific or unusual function or effect, such as macro, fisheye, tilt-shift, or anamorphic lenses. They are fun and unique, as they can create stunning and artistic images that are different from the norm. They are suitable for niche or experimental projects, as they can add interest and variety to your documentary. However, they can also be expensive and rare, as they are not widely available or affordable. They can also be distracting and gimmicky, as they can draw attention away from your story or message. To use them wisely, you should use them sparingly, purposefully, and appropriately.