My favorite filmmaking lens! Sony 35mm f1.8 Handheld + Gimbal Tutorial

Detailed tutorial about how I get cinematic results with the 35mm f1.8 lens. My online film school: myfilm.school/...
Insta: bdn.li/instagram
Tutorial filmed by Shark: / @shark8494
lens: amzn.to/2OG6rYA
gimbal: bdn.li/my-gimbal
Cinematic Vlog Gear kit: bdn.li/cinemat...
Music from Soundstripe! 10% off with this link + code BRANDONLI10: bdn.li/soundst...
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I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and B&H Photo Video Affiliate program, affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and bhphotovideo.com. Additionally, I participate in other affiliate programs, and sometimes get a commission through purchases made through my links.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

This lesson is created in the style of my film school, Unscripted Studio. So if you liked this lesson, you'll love the entire course, with over 19 hours of instruction. Learn more at the link: myfilm.school/35mmlens

[@VijayKumawatx]

I really want to learn your style of filmmaking

[@tobiaspolze]

The link you posted redirects me to this exact video

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Fixed now! Sorry for the error

[@chaseyi]

It's always been a great cinematic.

[@Bharatultra]

brandon when we do the last shot our gimbal makes jerks like while moving around it goes smooth then fast tak it moves then again smooth why so?

[@UnliAhon]

cant believe we are actually getting this lesson for free

[@tabletennisforfans7868]

True))))

[@beinghumann565]

True

[@karthikeyan-kc2py]

Exactly

[@SixySix704]

No good

[@krzysztofg8078]

I've learned a lot. You are good teacher Mr Indiana Jones.

[@StorytellerImphal]

LOL

[@Ari-xr2ye]

Krzysztof G if you look away from the video and picture Harrison Ford speaking it kinda sounds like Indy lol.

[@live4christ297]

*Mister Jones

[@mmarko301]

I agree hes one of the most practical teachers on KZbin

[@shishenliart]

This guy is insane with the tutorials. So detailed and to the point with no fluff. My favorite filmmaker so far here on KZbin.

[@JimmyKristanto]

yeah he is!

[@rodneyhenson]

Brandon, this was the highlight of my long day! i just bought a Ronin s gimbal to go with my new blackmagic 6k. 6 years of film school including UCLA and you reminded me of some of the most important elements of cinematography and subject lighting and composition of a great shot. You teach so well, to the point, no arrogance, pure and clean. Your actress is gorgeous too. Many thanks!

[@NavvLife]

top comment !! 100

[@naromngin]

To add to the touch screen rack focus. I recommend when you do this to set your auto focus speed to slow. It gives the best professional effect

[@JakeDufner]

i made my decision within the first 20 seconds.. i make short movies and eventually will be working on larger projects. but i asked myself "what lens should i use on my gimbal to make it look like a movie"... than you said, "if i shot a movie on one lens it would be this one".. LOL thanks man!

[@xdrunkharinezumi]

same!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

It’s still my most-used lens

[@daviddurrani]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted I was seriously considering the 24-70mm GM but you've convinced me this is all I'm going to need for my needs. It's now my main lens too :)

[@Arri.]

I am more of 24mm lens person but after trying this focal length and experience absolutely no focus breathing i fell in love with this lens thank you Brendon🙏

[@shoot-and-shoot]

SAME 😅😅

[@sanderbrebels]

12:33 step step step step... so simple, but so effective. Thank you!!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

It works handheld too. So your bounce matches the bounce of the person you're filming and the footage appears to be a little more stable.

[@jayraveendran8838]

Dude I've been searching for the last 2 days for lenses to buy for filmmaking and this video is so sick, from the tips to the technical explanations.. you nailed it man.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Sony just released a 35mm 1.4 G master. Probably a better lens than this one, but more expensive

[@erickeax5162]

it's not only the lens that made this cinematic, it's your SKILL sir! thank you for such clear explanations of the different techniques used. once again, this proves it's not the camera, it's the person behind the camera. great job!

[@MartinTran]

I wrote 2 A4 pages of notes from watching this guide. Thanks so much Brandon! Would love to see more of these on your channel! 👍👍

[@eamonshields2754]

One of the best filming tutorials ive ever seen, incredible

[@saron1822]

3 steps to being the best filmmaker: - be indiana jones - sweat - be brandon li

[@spondoolie6450]

...and have an amazing actor (who looks really good as well)

[@NikiAhlskog]

@@spondoolie6450 was going to say that

[@ciantisdall]

This is actually I really great video. I haven't seen many like this where the focus is on technique instead of gear.

[@MayankBadhan]

Came to see the lens and some shots but left with so much filmmaking experiencer that my content creation game is going to the next level.

[@shayan_2003]

Do you think 24 or 35 is better for video

[@rainupwards201]

Brandon - you are about the only one in youtube that passionately talk about your skills more than your gears. Nice!

[@sharksfan2011]

Thanks Brandon, love your work and your explanations. I was trying to decide on a 28 or 35 mm prime and now because of how you explained it, I’m going to go for the 35. I love the 1.8 wide aperture and your gimbal instructions are great. Thanks again for taking the time to put this together!

[@divenlaxman1977]

Too good, thinking of enrolling in the course which Brandon is offering now

[@SealKim]

You are my bible of cinematography... Oh god

[@rakajae9216]

more like a prophet lol

[@ruok3351]

Be careful how you personally define cinematography though. I would call this the “Cinematic youtube travel vlog style” for people like Brandon Li and Peter Mckinnon. But when it comes to hollywood filmmaking, thats a different ballpark

[@arvinawotar2357]

INCREDIBLE TIPS MAN THANK YOU!

[@pashtmt6727]

It's so helpful that you show your shot with that lens and shot from separate camera. Also nice tips for shooting video, awesome

[@stuartanning2204]

Great work Brandon! I just ordered a 35mm f1.8 this morning so this video couldn't have been better timed for me! The reasons you gave for liking it are exactly why I bought one, and some great tips too. Thanks so much for making this kind of content and I look forward to the next video!

[@iComplainer]

I am incredibly impressed by your work and this was a such a great resource. I've seen some of these techniques explained by all the photography yt'ers but never as so we'll articulated and consise and pleasant as you did here. AND there was a lot of new information I've never heard before on angles and framing. Outstanding!

[@mail-delivery-subsystem]

Video was great. I like when you do non sponsored stuff, for the obvious reasons. Channel seems genuine but right to the point in teaching. Love it. Please don't change!!!!!

[@9xixix9]

This is the video I've been searching for! Your style, colours & especially teaching is incredible. Thank you thank you :)

[@AntonNordstrand]

I’m in love with these “tutorials” Brandon! Been watching your channel ever since I started filmmaking around 2 years ago and you’re videos are always super informative and doesn’t contain any bullshit! ❤️

[@JjCoronet]

You’ve almost got to watch this video 20 times to remember all the tips, after watching a video about how Steven Spielberg frames a shot with certain lenes i can see how with your tips its done, great video

[@davidcarman4733]

As a complete beginner to film, I’m happy to say that I finally feel I’ve found the right person to focus on.

[@theFATEfactory]

Absolutely agree! 🙌🏽🎥🔥 My last films were 90% shot with my 35 1.4 😍 It’s perfect to allow for subjects and background to have equal weight in the scene when they are equally important. 85mm and up when I want to compress the background and bring it in to the subject. And only wider than 35mm when I want an establishing shot that immerses the subjects and landscape in an expansive way. Thank you for sharing your wisdom Gimbal Guru 🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽💯

[@miguelbmelo]

Will include these tips on my photography, really solid advice Brandon, thank you!

[@martinezlee94]

Welcome To Malaysia, hope you enjoy the stay here

[@timhet200]

Around 11:30 you used aperture priority to keep the exposure consistent between different lighting conditions. In this instance, it worked fine, but often I need to use shutter priority to ensure that I don’t get flicker from artificial lights when doing this indoors.

[@ebbypeter4312]

Hi Brandon, you are an inspiration to many…i started this hobby because of you

[@TheSkyHighFilms]

The 35mm look is my favourite too! I have like two lenses. This one and the kit lens :D got this one and didn’t really need another one.

[@choosecheese3225]

2:21 You should propose at that moment.

[@vitaly.petkevich]

Here I am on the eye level. Will you marry me? - Yes. - Hold on, I can see the background much better. I can feel a greater sense of the depth of the background behind you. Now I feel you more 3D. Alright, now is the best moment. Will you marry me? - ...

[@StorytellerImphal]

@@vitaly.petkevich 🤣

[@eirendiaz9003]

@@vitaly.petkevich LOL!

[@PrettyLady7282]

@@vitaly.petkevich 😀 😁

[@jessejewelzzz9525]

crazy how this was supposed to be just a video about the lens, but there were so many cinematography lessons given for free. instant sub!

[@arielhernandez6560]

One of my favorite KZbin teachers. Thank you!

[@jaypeea]

Wow super smooth shot As always!💯

[@cweb1988]

love it. Really hope I can get the A7III and a lens or two at some point.

[@kay-chuah]

Love all your tutorials. Very detail and simply authentic without being extra! Keep up the good work.

[@TrailBlazer5280]

Excellent advice and right to the point. I love seeing you live in action at a location, lots of work to scout and set up the perfect shot

[@libbyruthgreen7246]

I'm glad someone is getting some use of the empty space above One Nimman! lol

[@michaelnilsson4764]

Really helpful tutorial. I was curious about one thing though: When you do the shot where you follow the subject, you've set the camera to Aperture priority and where the Shutter Speed is set to Auto. Wouldn't that mess up the frame rate - if you either shooting in 24 fps (1/50) and it shifts to a higher/lower shutter speed?

[@bubblerings]

Thought he said auto exposure...

[@AJ-on-youtube]

I was going to comment on this same thing. It can change the look of the movement in the footage, especially if you're shooting at 24 or 30 fps. Shutter too fast: choppy footage. Shutter too slow: blurry footage. Might not be too noticeable if the change is only a little.

[@ninoydayritvideos]

the things you say i only hear from actual experiences with older peers, not common on youtube creators. very insightful.

[@ANRO_ANRO]

Good stuff brother..thanx for these tips..really helps me toake my first music video with cinematic shots

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Great tips Brandon, thanks so much!!

[@NOMOFilms]

Kobe was texting me at 2:12 :) Great job, I love the tip to step with the talent. Never used that before and makes a lot of sense!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

lol thanks man!

[@DjKonichishibiwa]

Props to the guy shooting Brandon. must be a lot of pressure documenting god of gimbal.

[@Ikkimoto18]

This video is exactly what I need! Thanks, man!

[@PrimeInChina]

I like how you mention the 28mm F2. I think that is the only thing that has made me consider the 35 over the 28. The distortion of the 28mm is a little bit much. At the same time, I do need a wide lens, but also realize the 28mm isn't really enough to get that photo journalist look anyways. I guess I could carry like a 18mm 2.8 for wide gimbal shots. 35 mm 1.8 for those torso and up shots. And the 85mm 1.8 for detail shots. The 55mm 1.8 is supposed to be an insanely sharp lens, but I don't like the look of 55 much.

[@Quarker]

I own both the 18mm f2.8 and 28mm f2. The 18 is noticeably wider than the 28, you can fit so much more into your shot. It's excellent for dramatic wide angles of buildings, landmarks, landscapes. I would use the 28 for human subjects to minimise distortion and bring them closer into the frame, as the 18 distorts a bit in the corners and pushes your subject further away. Each lens has its own uses!

[@PrimeInChina]

@@Quarker I guess the issue for me is sort of complicated. For me, 28mm doesn't feel all that cinematic. It looks quite a bit like a phone. Of course, it is pretty fast. The 18mm lens for me seems much more appealing, but at 2.8 I worry if it is fast enough when doing slow motion in certain situations. I guess you are right, I could always get both.. LOL. They are light enough anyways.

[@Quarker]

@@PrimeInChina f2.8 is still plenty fast. It's just one stop of light difference from f2.0.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

28mm is exactly the phone FOV so yeah there's that issue. Personally I carry 10-18mm for wide when I'm traveling light because OSS. 28mm for vlog days, 35mm for cinematic shooting. 85mm almost never.

[@PrimeInChina]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted I think I use 85mm, because there are a lot of shots that I have issues with third wall. For me I find it easier with an 85mm to avoid people doing the peace sign or whatever. Do you struggle with that? It seems like without an 50+ it would be a bit intrusive on people. At the same time, I never put the 85mm on the gimbal. It is just for handheld face shots.

[@RhawiDantas]

Love the video man but I have to ask: what was so interesting in that phone? :D

[@DucatiSydney]

Dude! In these videos, every line you speak has a lot of information(useful and important), which made me watch the video atleast 4 times not to miss and also understand the framing of the tutorial. Lots of details, and lots of love to your videos. Glad I found your tutorials.

[@Arri.]

Guru of the filmmaking

[@TheGadgetUser]

Коммент для русских: этот мужик крут! Такой урок не найдёшь даже в хороших курсах по съемке видео

[@patricklevar]

Wow 😃how do you not get frame jitters when you move so fast with the gimbal man 🤔 but any ways time to put what I learned from you to work thank you 😀🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾#keepfilming

[@RealSorak]

This video has been the Bible for my A7sm3 & 35mm 1.8 combo along with my RSC2. So many little tips and quirks to digest and implement!!

[@grovercostello1668]

I recently purchased this lens for a four day promo shoot in a school. I took a selection of lenses along, and apart from a single location shot for ten minutes with a 70-200mm I ended up using the 35mm f1.8 for the entire shoot. Definitely now my favourite and best all round lens. Highly recommended!!

[@stevenkramer4263]

Man do you also play stunt in John Wick?

[@suncworm]

I think it’s funny how you wiggling the camera is intentional but me doing it is because I got wet noodle arms and can’t afford a stabilizer yet

[@kelvinhalim4882]

I was in search of one perfect lens for my Sony A7iii for so long A friend almost made me buy this focal length on a wedding job because of how amazing his shots were (so symmetrical and pleasing to my eyes), but I just cant leave without the flattering look 50mm inside my bag. However, Brandon just made me understand why this is the perfect focal length (partly because of this lens capabilities in crop mode and how small the lens dimension is). MAAAAAAAAAA I need one!!

[@Xephaz]

The instruction and demonstration here is clear and to the point. Subscribed!

[@Ben-fq1lj]

Brandon getting a workout....you can tell at the end by his sweaty shirt.

[@visionstudiomy]

Oh my you came to KL ?

[@OsiasMediaAgency]

Man, thanks so much you just same lots of time and gave me bigger ideas, I have a wedding coming up and needed the perfect gimbal set up, thanks

[@ThinkSPITZ]

One of the best Videos on YT!!!! Well explained. Adding element after another and which ist best showing good an Not so good Variants vs.each other to understand and See the Difference. Great Work.

[@TevinFosterDP]

If u don’t sweat like that u ain’t really working

[@donjreyoung]

Hope you get a good bit of money from this video. Never seen someone sweat as much as you trynna teach.

[@MarlonKingShow]

Mate - this video is gold dust! great tips and a thorough explanation of everything. Thank you for sharing!

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

10:20 just music itself gices that poppy mv vibe

[@VisionaryTea]

Subbed to you off of this video alone. I came for the lens, stayed for the lesson.

[@micronesia3797]

Oh man, this video is so much more than a lens review... So much great information!

[@sanju11212]

Thank. You for existing on this planet

[@raselcma]

This video has eye opening little little effective information to move with camera when one intend to shoot his or her subject. Great video.

[@JohnDennery]

Well, I came for the lens review and I stayed for the awesome tutorial! Thank you

[@dancedaze]

Thanks for making clear with port and cable to use. little details many tutorials did not mention. Thanks bro.

[@ayemjake]

I was just expecting a review of sony 35mm f1.8, but this turned out to be a masterclass in Brandon Li cinematography.

[@kamilchosta5526]

Man, thank you for putting this on KZbin for free. This short video is so good yet packed with so much useful lessons 🙂

[@TheMusicalHarmony]

Wow, more than I expected. Thx Bro for share the knowledge 🙏

[@ksc6000]

Amazing work Brandon, that was clearly hard work, you were drenched by the end!

[@SoNowWhat]

Excellent tutorial - your tips about composition, shooting parameters, camera and gimbal settings, etc. were useful and practical. Many of them I’d never heard before.

[@PhillipSkraba]

I'm with you on this one Brandon, I totally love the 35mm focal length and have used it for fashion shoots, portraits, vanity films, it's so diverse that I basically leave it on my camera most of the time. Great video, thanks!

[@justine313]

Always so classy and clean with your shots! Love this!

[@davisdesign]

Hi Brandon. From one video professional to another your instructions are right on spot. ALSO, my suggestion to go along with your great instructions is to remember to film more footage and variety than needed to make sure you have enough to edit with in post-production. And ALSO don't forget to think about AUDIO bc audio is almost as important as video when working on a film project.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks! I agree about audio. I should make a video about field audio.

[@davisdesign]

@@BrandonLiUnscripted YES. That would be very cool to see your approach to audio recording. Looking forward to it. Keep up the great work!

[@lsamoa]

This is the best tutorial I've watched about how to use this lens in video. Thank you so much!

[@barvardi]

That was one of the most amazing tutorials about filmmaking your explanation is amazing and clear, no fluffing around, just pure content I feel that I have actually learnt many new things about cinematography just by watching and listening to you. Very rare and super useful. Definitely not another mediocre tutorial on how to edit in Premier. This content is . a great example of what we need

[@bellysize]

Wow. That was off the charts. Excellent. Thanks so much Mr Li for sharing this wonderful tutorial with us. You are an amazing communicator and teacher.

[@RyanAudencial]

Just wow. Thank you brandon.

[@getfmlr]

Thank you for showing the use of priority modes. I use aperture and shutter priority sometimes on gimbal if the change isnt too drastic but also want usable shots. Sometimes when filming people are too tied to full manual or the 180 shutter rule.

[@juangarciapin6125]

It’s just incredible how much you can do if know what you doing! Amazing stuff! Soo much inspiration! Thank you!

[@DavidTothill]

completely blown away by you two, as always. Thank you so much for these priceless tips and tricks

[@MarkSiegemund]

so simple and so much value! Brandon, you are still (was there anyone else) the master of teaching how to film unconventional and ....wait for it 'unscripted'. There is this lightness, uncensored and improvised sense of teaching that makes it so easy understandable. Absolutely go check out his film school!!!

[@terencemorrissey4413]

On the Sony A7RIV the crop mode/Super 35 (1.58 crop at 24fps) gives a noticeably more detailed image than full frame. The best lens choice would be the 24mm F/1.4 that gives a 38mm equivalent focal length in crop mode.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks!

[@arcticape445]

Is it more detailed because the camera records in 6k and downsizes to 4k in crop mode?

[@terencemorrissey4413]

arcticape see, KZbin DPReview TV: Sony A7RIV Review between 09:00-09:50

[@bevaiktsho]

I was confused between 16mm and 32mm...you convinced me for 32 nw...thankyou

[@diana.in.faralya]

This is amazing! Can’t believe this video is free to watch! So useful!

[@ashwynwarrier]

This is such amazing info. Love your work and respect the fact how you work and share your knowledge with us ! Thank you Brandon !

[@HenryASaavedra11]

Thank you Brando for you time, creativity and effort to create this tutorial

[@iBeDrDie]

This video was so insightful I really needed the gimbal techniques, framing, aperture priority, and.. the focal length tip. You are greatly appreciated!

[@anoojjangid8776]

Loved it Brandon... thank you so much... could easily make out how hard ur working to help us learn...its commendable... once again, thank you so much

[@talhashah]

Came here for 35mm f/1.8 review and ended up watching the video for tips and tricks. Good video.

[@frawali-studios]

That was a really helpful and entertaining review of the 35mm lens - thanks a lot 👌🏻

[@timboh8776]

Such a great teacher, I was with you the entire time. Perfect videos Brandon ! Thank you :)