Why I Switched to Cine Lenses...

FREE Monthly Retainer Guide: / chrisfranklinjr
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My Production Equipment: kit.co/ChrisFranklinJr
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Here is why I switched to cine lenses, because I am growing as a filmmaker and this is the best invest of my career so far! If you are wondering which video lens to buy or do I need cine lenses or why buy cine lenses, then this is the video for you! Here is my DZO Vespid Prime Review which serves as cine lenses explained. The best film gear to buy first is probably a great lens! And these are some of my favorites.
Lenses
Set of 8: amzn.to/3XK44WP
Set of 6: amzn.to/3XUvGIw
My Favorite: amzn.to/3Y1rKWe
FREE SKILLSHARE: skl.sh/MKR726
Get 2 Months Free of the Music I Use: rb.gy/zyhvl8
How I Color My Client Videos: rb.gy/prltny
The Camera Gear I Use:
Favorite Camera: amzn.to/3mcDwNP
Favorite Portrait Lens: amzn.to/3bIqhgg
Favorite Zoom Lens: amzn.to/2Svicnx
Favorite Wide Angle Lens: amzn.to/2u1FvMp
Favorite Mic: amzn.to/2OX43xq
Chapters
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Who This is For
1:25 - DZO Vespid Primes
2:18 - My Lens Experience
5:08 - Why I Switched
6:06 - Why The DZO Vespid?
8:35 - How I Use Them
9:28 - How Do They Look?
11:29 - My Future With Them
13:50 - Final Thoughts
Third World Merch: thirdworld.com
Keep up with me:
Instagram: / chris.franklin.jr
Website: ChrisFranklinJr.com
If you are interested in the content that I create, consider subscribing!
DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Which lenses are you using now? What's your favorite?

[@fylmkid]

I have a set of Zeiss super speeds. The 85mm is my favorite of the set.

[@joenicklo]

My go to lenses are the Tokina Vistas for primes and Tokina Cine ATX for Zooms, however what I'm using NOW? The Vespids :D

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

@@fylmkid Jealous!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

@@joenicklo Bro you KEEP the cine lenses on deck! Interested to hear what you think about them!

[@joenicklo]

@@ChrisFranklinJr you’ll have to wait for my video on them 😂

[@JJShankles]

I've started dabbling with some cheap Rokinon Cine lenses, and I love the intentionality of manually controlling the focus. I love when you said auto-focus can't tell a story, and that's so true!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

The Rokinons are a great starting set as well! Cine lenses help you be more intentional and it's pretty awesome!! Much love!

[@FMFFilms]

Same here brother I have them and love them!

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Great video. I agree completely with all this. We've picked up a set of the Rokinon Xeen CF cine lenses and we love the look and feel of these. So much more fun to film with and caused us to slow down and really think about each shot. Keep up the great work.

[@sebfitzhenry]

Great confidence boost for me as I'm looking at the Pictor Zooms, works for my budget range but love the DZO look

[@ChannelWright]

Great description/explanation of what these lenses are about - thanks!

[@redwolf_media]

Love it, this video is just what I needed to be completely sure of going with same kit for my FX3

[@falconawesomeness1141]

Dope video! Heading into getting the sigma cinema zooms (and not the modified versions from PC Hood/Cinematics). They are really beautiful lenses that carry the same clarity from their photo sisters.

[@MaikHansen]

man these interview headshots are so damn good! love it! Thanks for sharing :)

[@thecrudepodcast5907]

Great info/conversation bro. Really enjoyed it.

[@PowersBenzoCoaching]

Great work here. Cheers to your growth.

[@noflavorimaging3335]

Very dope video. You've been killing it the last couple months with uploads. Keep em coming!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Yo!! Thank you so much!!

[@Edisonwatts]

I shoot Fuji/Super35, been all over the place with glass and really appreciate you sharing your story. I have the Sigma art 18-35 F1.8 with an EF to X mount adapter, but recently invested in a couple of the Meike Mini Prime T2.2 cine lenses (25mm and 50mm) and have been playing around with them. Debating on filling out the set OR switching out to something else. Buying in PL resonates with me as I've been selling off all my EF lenses and a lot of my vintage lenses in favor of buying x-mount native glass... but I'm really pigeon holing myself for future bodies/options.

[@Magmafire]

Cine lenses are a good transition into more serious filmmaking. My only push back to your video is that the perfect cine lens set is truly unique to the DP. It took me a while to learn lens character plays a crucial factor in your individual look. You might not know what the character is until you personally try a lens yourself. With that said, I recently grabbed a vintage photo lens, the Angeneiux copy Tokina 28-70 f2.6, that would blow many entry level cine glass out of the water. It has that warm look like the Cooke lenses you mentioned. Despite how phenomenal it performs, it doesn't have a cine focus pull and the look may not work for some. To each their own. Overall, as a subscriber that has been following for about a year, I am glad you are growing, especially as a creator of color. That's very important to see in the freelance space.

[@fotoworkshop_stuttgart]

"Autofocus does not know how to tell the story. But you do." Best quote my man. Keep up the good work. Also check out the catta zooms. I love them for fast paced jobs.

[@TinyMaths]

I'll probably never enter into this area, because I feel you have to pick your passions and aspirations, since you can't do it all, but I love watching your videos. Still, your content is so inspirational; I think it's your attention to detail, the production quality, your narrative style and storytelling ability, among other things; to me, that's something to aspire to, whatever the pursuit.

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Thank you so much! Much love!

[@elysiumcore]

Truly inspiring brother. As a fellow creative, likewise i am trying to break out of my rut and pushing myself to get into film. Sure i love photography but lately with all the toys i see.. I made the jump and bought my first cine lens ( 7 artisans 35mm ) on Sony I am hooked.

[@NathanDowdyMedia]

So well-put; fantastic video sir! I've been getting into cine glass slowly, but getting ready to dive in deeper. Deciding between these DZOs and the Meike set, I have the Meike 35 and absolutely love it, but I'm curious about your thoughts: what made you go with DZO as opposed to Meike?

[@MikeEdwardsphotography]

The images you create Chris, with these lenses.......is gorgeous! Beautiful and soft for sure.

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Mike!! Thank you so much bro! Doing my best!

[@dherveyphotography8635]

This dropped on time. I was looking for something to pair with the 6k pro. Great vid as always 👌🏾

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Much love!!

[@markusrydberg]

Great video and you footage looks amazing! I am looking in to move over to cine lenses and this video got me a lot closer to make the jump. One question though as I am wondering what mount to get. When you are using the PL-mount on the Black Magic, are you using a PL-EF adapter then? If so, any recommendation on adapter? All the best and keep up the good work!

[@simplelightmedia]

I love Tamron lens but I have been using the Pentax super Takumar 55mm for video. So I know cine lenses are my next lens purchase.

[@cinemaipswich4636]

While waiting for my Blackmagic Camera, (my first camera in 50 years) I scoured the world on adapting 'photo lenses and it looked all too complicated, with protusions on the flange, converters, cropping etc. I decided I only need 3 to start with, a 28mm, a 50mm and a 105. That is what I had 50 years ago when I had a Nikon F3. It turned out great.

[@DaelyteMediaConcepts]

Right now my favorite is the Tokina 11-16 f2.8 but soon I plan to buy a 35mm cine lens, just dont know which one yet.

[@zandoleemedia9272]

Stuff looks great man.

[@michaelkerkering7047]

Also id love to hear what your top 3 choices of focal length would be for using these on a super35 sensor?

[@KabiesiAdemola]

The part where you said autofocus doesn't tell the story is very correct! For photo lenses that I have used in the past till now I have done best with manual focus, I'm a very deliberate person when it comes to objects in front of me… I even have a meike 24 24-mm manual lens for my Gh4 Lumix.

[@EHendricksFilms]

I love this Tamron 28-75 and have been looking to upgrade Soon. Back in the Canon 6D days I used some Rokinon Cine Lenses that were pretty cool. they definitely took some getting used to. This Video is Awesome, Very informative as well. Excellent Job, bro. I can't wait to Stea----I mean Borrow These from You for a Music Video Shoot or Convert or....SOMETHIN. 😂

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

LOL! Appreciate the support Bro!

[@fsb5370]

I just ventured into cinema. I have Sigma Art lenses... I plan to keep both. I did an interview of a coach in a gym and a recent mini doc. I kept touching the screen in amazement, Xeen lens used was the 50mm. I just got a 35mm for a two camera interview.

[@kteqvisuals]

This video came right on time! I'm literally working on my first short film next week and have been looking around for a good cinema lens kit. What Sony camera have you used these with?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Sony FX3 & FX30 so far!

[@matsandersen8758]

Hey! Just stumbled across your channel. Great video! I'm considering switching to some cinelenses as well, with my Ronin 4D and Fx6. Can you do a video on the these primes with ronin 4D? Can the motors carry all of the lenses? There is not that much information about it on youtube, would love to hear about your experience!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

JUST Posted an update on the Ronin 4D as a whole and mention the Cine Lenses in there!

[@najlacam]

Good work ❤

[@JCurtisMedia]

Good to see you grinding still bro! Great video! I've been considering the cine lens rout as well!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Always bro! And I'm glad I got some! 35mm & 50mm have been the favorites so far!

[@JCurtisMedia]

@@ChrisFranklinJr I was recently advised that canon were moving to PL Mounts and I too only have EF Glass so this was clutch. I didn’t know the PL Mount was a more universal Mount. Clutch video!

[@jasonayers7458]

I'm rocking the Blackmagic 6k G2 with a set of Rokinon "$300" cine lenses. Love the look I'm getting but these lenses here may be a good investment when I upgrade to a Blackmagic 12k in the next year or two.

[@OutdoorAdventureTV]

It is interesting that you mention that having this impressive set of lenses affects your client's perceived value. Even before your client sees the final result, they are already "leaning in" on the project. You are exceeding expectations even before you press the record button. Congratulations on the new glass. It really does look like a great investment in your company.

[@andremalcolm_studio]

I’m just starting right now with streaming, I’m a tattooer of 23 years and I want to document more of the sessions I have with my clients/projects. I have a Blackmagic Micro 4K G2 with a Meke 25mm cine lens. This is a different journey by far.

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Yo! Goodluck! I hope you get a chance to create some great things!

[@prOkrEAt]

Ha, i bought a pair of cine sigma zooms yesterday. 18-35/50-100 T2 because i got the dji focus lidar. But was not for its AF feature in and of itself. It was to pair with rs4pro gimbal for tracking capabilities, and handunit for AMF/zoom/iris use. I have sony g master zooms in similar range. Also have a slew of 50mm and 85mm old vintage prime lens from helios, zeiss, jupiter, etc. which was original intent of the dji focua system. Its all for solo setup/creation though, not professional hired work. So really had to figure out best workflow operations for how i wanted to use it. And while the sony photo glass is fine and will be used for my most sinple setups, the desire for a pair of cine zooms to fully utilize the dji focus motors all with gears built in, all just working seemed like next best step. Now the hard part comes in finding the stories i want to tell. Love your channel btw.

[@alltj]

Just watched the WM videos… image look top notch… the story the story the story…. Was so brilliant… did you script them, or found out in preproduction about their stories before the shoots Trey’s one is so engaging… 👏🏽🙌🏽👏🏽

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Much love!! We sat down and had a 45 minute conversation and pulled the highlights! We had an idea of the questions that we wanted to ask, but we mainly just let him speak! Trey was exceptionally well spoken!

[@alltj]

@@ChrisFranklinJr Thanks, keep on heading up brov. Love the content

[@candaceowen614]

Chrissss ❤❤ so proud as always!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

FREAKING ADORE YOU!!

[@lunaboy1977]

‘auto focus doesn’t know how to tell the story, you do.’ 💯 I bought the Sirui Nightwalkers as my first cine lens set. Very budget lenses butI love them. Will never go back to auto focus now!

[@vidblancomedia]

i could listen to you all day hahaaaa,....its just cozy comming on your channel,..like seeing my granny

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

A genuinely heartwarming comment! Thank you so much!

[@gthm777]

Great informational video. May I know what lens adapter you use for mounting these PL mount lens to Sony E mount camera body ? There are a few good ones in market, but curious to know which one you use/recommend. Thanks!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

I’m using the DZO one! PL to E

[@gthm777]

@@ChrisFranklinJr Thanks for the info!

[@simpleObserver100]

Awesome vid man! Love it! I am actually looking to get this set and also the RD4…. But I am not sure about which package… the 6k or the 8K. Do you think the 8K is even worth it? Maybe I should just get the 6k? Please help in this decision. Thanks man!

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

I’m a big fan of my 6k! Who knows when the 8k will release but 6k has been plenty enough for me!

[@simpleObserver100]

@@ChrisFranklinJr thanks Chris! Your videos inspire me!

[@joelogan4260]

I just got the fujinon 20-120mm t3.5

[@BooTangClan]

How frequently do these kinds of lenses go through upgrades? I hesitate to make such a big investment in a sec if they are about to release a mock two version soon.

[@timdanyo898]

Cine primes are great, but I still need zooms for doc work and corporate b-roll.

[@TheTelferVlogs]

those interview shots are too clean! what lens do you use for your interviews

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Thanks! I tend to use a 50mm DZO Vespid + 1/8 Black Pro Mist!

[@TheTelferVlogs]

@@ChrisFranklinJr thanks Chris

[@prostigeMarketing]

If you could only choose 2, which focal lenths would you get for interviews, corporate work and minimal gimbal use? I also have 6k pro

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

35mm & 50mm OR 35mm & 75mm.

[@bwoods245]

i have a canon r8 however i will be purchasing a cine set do you think i will have an issue with using them on my canon camera?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Not at all! As long as you have the right mount!

[@MondoCheapo]

Nice video! Can I ask, why you would go from BMPCC to FX30 if you're gonna go fully manual lenses? I have a BMPCC4k, and as much as I love the image and flexibility of Braw, I do think that if the FX30 AF is great, would the sacrifices be worth it? I shoot mainly music videos, so great AF would be really helpful

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

I bought the FX30 as more of a BTS camera for my business. We mainly went from BMPCC to FX3 and the autofocus was very very helpful! But I'm not sure if JUST the autofocus is enough to make me switch from a BMPCC! I would rent one out and see what works best for you because the BMPCC has such a nice image!

[@MondoCheapo]

@@ChrisFranklinJr Cheers man. Rental prices are crazy in the Uk, so I may just have to wait it out until I can afford one... Although I do look at the Pan.S5MkII -if that had better AF it would be no question. Thank you

[@zakaroonetwork777]

I one could start out with only one cine lens; what size is the most versatile? As a Noob I’m thinking, maybe 21mm for an S35 sensor or a 35mm for Full Frame sensor. I’m leaning toward Sony fx3 over Komodo, for the price point. Indie film maker…

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

You're spot on! The 35mm is probably the most vesatile! I personally love filming with a 50mm on full frame!

[@Raiendrops]

I've got 2 bodies, an FX3 and A7S3. I'll need a PL adaptor to e-mount ya? Still able to shoot 4K+ without the vignette?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Yes! I have the DZO adapter but any would do! No vignette on either the FX3 or the A7S3!

[@Raiendrops]

@@ChrisFranklinJr oh man so helpful! I’m thinking of ordering the 7 piece kit. I recently just bought the smallrig magicFiz follow focus. Which I’m dying to test out with these lenses.

[@FILMSCHOOLCINEMATOGRAPHY]

Good video

[@Taikun787]

Wait, what microphone stand combo you're using? Looks legit.

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Here is the mic & Stand! amzn.to/3YDZqtV & amzn.to/3S3xQnf

[@fkmobile1]

How do you use the lens with Sony E-mount and BMD (Cinema, Studio, and URSA cameras)? Is it one for all?

[@theonceandfuture2610]

Most likely he lives with an adapter on the individual cameras because pl can go to anything with an adapter or those exact lenses have swappable mounts.

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

All my lenses are PL Mount lenses & I have an adapter for each individual camera that I use! So my Sony has a EF to PL adapter on it!

[@DJILLEE]

The way I look at it, these are perfect to own. Anything above this price range should just be rented when the budget calls for it. I doubt 99.9% of people can’t tell the difference between these and cookes.

[@laserfliptoboneless]

My first experience with lenses were manual cine lenses in film school

[@thegreatbambi42]

I just started working for a local MMA promotion and filming their live events, would you recommend these for that? I'm worried about the auto focus. right now I just have fx3 with 20mm 1.8 and 16-35 F4 pz and 70-300mm 4.5-5.6

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

The vespids are incredibly versatile but if you think you will need autofocus AT ALL, I would look into a solid 24-70 to fill the zoom gap that you have or look into getting a 50mm F/1.4!

[@thegreatbambi42]

@@ChrisFranklinJr do you think It's possible to run full manual focus with something as fast paced as MMA? I swear shooting through the cage sometimes the Auto focus go crazy and focuses on the cage blurring the fighters completely.

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

@@thegreatbambi42 That's how I would do it! Get a focus wheel to help out and get very consistent manual focus through the cage!

[@alanrogers5457]

What PL to EF adapter so you recommend?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

I haven't found a good "cheap" one yet! Will keep you updated!

[@redbeardproductions-kevind9806]

Why did you choose these over the Meike set?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

It was more of a coin flip, but Ryan Kao helped push me over the edge! Both are VERY good for the money!

[@AfoteyAnnum]

That Ronin 4D though!

[@michaelkerkering7047]

I don't understand when you mean that PL mount goes on everything? Do you mean that PL always has an adaptor that fits them to the other mounts or am I just now finding out that a PL lens and just go on an E, EF, etc. mount?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Exactly! Almost every camera adapts to PL

[@michaelkerkering7047]

@@ChrisFranklinJr Isn't it possible to get these with interchangeable ef or PL mounting with shims?

[@michaelkerkering7047]

@@ChrisFranklinJr Can you share what PL to EF adapter you are using for these lenses on the blackmagic? For some reason I am only finding PL to RF adapters and having a hard time finding a PL to EF adapter...

[@azzamski]

What do you think of Irix cine lenses?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

I've heard nothing but good things about them! They were a little large for my Ronin 4D but still good!

[@musicianscontent157]

I would never film a short film with auto focus if I can avoid it, but damn is AF nice for other projects...like most. 😊

[@musicianscontent157]

But ya AF pisses me off a lot. No it can’t tell the story, I can only defend AF to a certain degree.

[@mylescharron3746]

@@musicianscontent157 I wouldn’t take that quote so literally lol

[@urielsantistebanfilms]

The answer will depend of your area of work. For fast paced events and sports content, the lack of out focus could be a major misstep. However I agree that for planned shots and documentary work controlling the focus pull manually it’s a storytelling tool that most of the time autofocus tend to hide from you.

[@zgeraldo84]

Do you shoot photos with those lenses too?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Only video for me!

[@theseventh2609]

My next investment bro 🎉

[@coldcaincommercial]

thanks

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Gotta be honest!!

[@REMRODFILMS]

I just bought the 14mm

[@BarefootMediaTV]

so you like the look better for the talking head interviews?

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

I do! I wish they were T/1.5 sometimes but they have a really pleasing look without adding any filters!

[@fsb5370]

XEEN Classic

[@Owlbot]

I did this interview with Jay Holben, ASC for the Frame & Reference Podcast who wrote the Cine Lens Manual (absolutely required purchase for any Cinematographer, it came out fairly recently) and he talks a lot about what Cine Lenses are (and more specifically are not), dispells some myths, all that good stuff -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3uTgoOpe9Vjetk As that was part of "Lens Month" on the pod, I also interviewed lens expert Matthew Duclos (kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYizdo2ihZeKo6s) that I think will be INCREDIBLY illuminating.

[@BEATCUTTERZMUSIC]

Vinny Venom Global Music Producer and Remixer entrepreneur I enjoyed your video… a lot subscribe to channel ❤question best camera to put on a tripod to record. Your KZbin shows Sony FX 3 black magic Pro 6k or the Sony A7RV the Sony Alpha 1 easiest easy to run ThankYou

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

Either the BMPCC or the Sony FX3 are my favorites

[@hi.imgonner5813]

I would keep that 24-70, hehe. =p

[@joenicklo]

I try to tell people...buy PL mount. They don't wanna listen :D

[@ChrisFranklinJr]

PL EVERYTHING!! I'm tired of buying and selling lenses!

[@Ansonandco]

#PLfam4life! Gotta get you guys into PL/i 😉

[@kazlepek6552]

It’s crazy how cheap you got these for, DZO has doubled the price of the Vespid’s … $1500 now after tax 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@workinprogress2077]

DZO Vespid Prime lenses are rehoused photo lens glass, so I think your comments that these lenses are 'cine glass' are misleading. The housing is a cine configuration which is a great stepping stone gear like you mention. in general the term cine lens or cinema camera are used insdicrimintalty. I wish real cinema lenses cost 2K !!!!!

[@meatbyproducts]

You danced around why to get and use them. #1 is the look #2 is the consistency between the look, the gears, and the throw. Photo glass is not "cheap" in fact many cinema lenses use the same glass and internals to photo lenses but have one or so fewer elements, or less coatings, and are made to work rigged up with long throws and gears. You also picked cheap Chinese glass, DZO is just cheap meh glass. You want good stuff? Spend the money for real cinema glass or old rehoused vintage glass.

[@ekredel]

I am 2:30 mins in, still hoping to spot some glimpse of getting to the point 😂. If I make till the end I’ll let all of you know if the video is worth it.

[@ekredel]

Defo worth it. Lovely images through and through, and a very honest opening up about the topic. I love the vanity aspect of your analysis, I can totaly relate to that, and the clients really do react to that - whether consciously or unconsciously. The part with autofocus not being able to tell a story is genius. Video well worth your time, if only it had a shorter intro 😊

[@xWood4000]

There's not that much of a point in buying gear that much more costly than you have, renting is so easy

[@kingvulture5730]

U notice people’s videos have too many words

[@mikeniz135]

“Auto focus doesn’t know how to tell a story”. You should put that on a T shirt.

[@fourth1000]

Cine lense are still some of the biggest rip offs unless you're using cooke or big name brands for rent. There is nothing synonymous with photo glass and sharpness. depends on the glass you buy. you can buy nikon AIS glass that will give you low contrast look while only spending about $200 per lens. All character styles can be found in relatively cheap photo lenses. Want longer focus throw? Add a follow focus to increase focus throw a bit. A lot of modern lens review do not talk about anything other than vintage or shaprness but say nothing about micro contrast and 3D rendition. There are still nikon AIS or Zeiss Distagon lenses that blow all these away for a couple hundred bucks. These just look expensive which is cool.