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

[@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.

[@Bharatsage]

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?

[@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

[@UnliAhon]

cant believe we are actually getting this lesson for free

[@tabletennisforfans7868]

True))))

[@beinghumann565]

True

[@karthikeyan-kc2py]

Exactly

[@SixySix704]

No good

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😅😅

[@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

[@eamonshields2754]

One of the best filming tutorials ive ever seen, incredible

[@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!

[@rainupwards201]

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

[@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! 👍👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Inthecutae]

Do you think 24 or 35 is better for video

[@hoodoojones3919]

Wonderful technical demonstration.

[@SealKim]

You are my bible of cinematography... Oh god

[@rakajae9216]

more like a prophet lol

[@ruok-l5t]

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

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

1:10 once you go wider than 28 or 35 mm you start to get stretching and distortion in bg 35-65 is more of a "normal" undistorted look ---- 1:50 don’t be lazy with shot and angle selection and people will notice it subconsciously Here is how you do it properly Decide what you want ------ 3:20 Adding slight motion to the shot ----- Take specific angles 2:40 Don’t choose lazy profiles for ex, instead choose perfect profile Shot will look more carefully composed and less amateur ---- 8:00 parallax is another method to make depth with 3D feel 12:50 using FG obkects between you and subject can also add depth depth is cinematic as man planes between you and subject as well as bg 13:30 how to deal with making sure subject is in focus after you bring to computer Otherwise from small monitor it may look in focus but be slightly blurry when seen on larger monitor 14:00 subject a little right of center seems to feel natural to audience eyes 14:25 how to orbit

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

sdsd

[@Jimmy.Leonardo]

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 😀 😁

[@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.

[@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

[@4fargoo]

at 2:48 what shutter speed and aperture you used?

[@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.

[@DjFrankybe]

Hi , is this lens also good in lowlight , DJ performing, Thanks !

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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

[@arvinawotar2357]

INCREDIBLE TIPS MAN THANK YOU!

[@martinezlee94]

Welcome To Malaysia, hope you enjoy the stay here

[@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!!

[@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!

[@ninoydayritvideos]

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

[@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.

[@VinnieCamilleriMusic]

That was brilliant Brandon!

[@miguelbmelo]

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

[@eamonshields2754]

Awesome stuff man!!

[@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! ❤️

[@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

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Great tips Brandon, thanks so much!!

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

11:10 aperature auto control = can go from areas of diff exposure

[@cweb1988]

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

[@GringoTheRapper]

Bro it's the best tutorial i ever seen! Tnx!

[@libbyruthgreen7246]

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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@saasilsounds9639]

Bro, you are just amazing, you has help me out with my decision-making about the Len that I will get for filming. And your lesson was sick! I will follow you and hopefully find more lessons. Salutations and respect from Mexico City

[@JaypeeAbrahan]

Wow super smooth shot As always!💯

[@ebbypeter4312]

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

[@RhawiDantas]

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

[@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!!

[@TheGadgetUser]

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

[@arielhernandez6560]

One of my favorite KZbin teachers. Thank you!

[@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

[@ANRO_ANRO]

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

[@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

[@GhalibHasnain]

you are sweating and you are sharing knowledge . Proud of you .. Huge Fan of you Brandon !

[@stevenkramer4263]

Man do you also play stunt in John Wick?

[@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.

[@Ben-fq1lj]

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

[@irelanddaynight]

Been using this 35mm for almost a year now and it really is one of the best. Made a few short films with this little gem and highly recommend it :)

[@visionstudiomy]

Oh my you came to KL ?

[@etiennepezzuto]

Yeeees! This is the kind of videos that all of us need, we are tired to open KZbin every day and watch dumb video about how to make video like Sam Kolder or how to Hyperlapse or even worst how to make a zoom effect.. try to teach to people how to use the camera first and understand the difference between lenses it’s GOLD

[@TevinFosterDP]

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

[@lsamoa]

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

[@donjreyoung]

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

[@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.

[@ayemjake]

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

[@tropicaldany9306]

This is my favorite lens as well. I couple this with my 85mm 1.8! My only two prime combo

[@9xixix9]

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

[@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!

[@maurigarciamusic]

Hey, great video! If you have to choose for cinematic between a sony 16-55mm 2.8 or 2 lens combo: sony 35mm + sigma 16mm 1.4, wich one?

[@Ahguang85]

this tutorial even work for photography. great tips! thanks Brandon

[@MODESTYXO205]

Would you recommend this lens over the Sony 35 1.4 for documentary work? Or any other suggestions

[@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.

[@MODESTYXO205]

I just purchased a sony a7iv. What would be your first prime lens for Documentary ,short films and vlogs

[@Xephaz]

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

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Brandon, that opening footage sequence showing girl was masterful, fascinating. Movements cool!

[@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 🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽💯

[@Svi3806]

Wow I just came here for the lens.. Didn't expect the crash course. Effin amazing!!!

[@improvementTime10.3.17]

10:20 just music itself gices that poppy mv vibe

[@micronesia3797]

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

[@Leprutz]

Even though I do not own a 35mm lense, I just love watching your videos. Your explaining is just so nice and spot on.

[@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.

[@kay-chuah]

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

[@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

[@bevaiktsho]

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

[@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.

[@43topspin]

Ok, this was WAY more than a 35mm lens review. Fantastic!!!!

[@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

[@waynosfotos]

100% top video for content. Everyone talks about features and gear, but very few talk about HOW to use that gear once you have it. I have bought a gimbal and have made noob mistakes, so I tried to find information on how to use a gimbal for different shots. It is pretty had to find content like yours. Cheers

[@dancedaze]

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

[@fundinkuta7082]

this is dope. not too fancy, no fancy jargon, descriptive and detailed. might just sign up for a course

Would u recommend this over the 50mm f1.8 for music videos?

[@diana.in.faralya]

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

[@pavel0900]

Thanks for sharing. This was super informative. I also like how you had a little hiccup with the autofocus and showed us why it happened and how you resolved it. It’s so easy to assume that cinematographers like yourself always get a perfect shot each and every time. It’s nice to know that it’s not the case. I hope you can share more of videos like that, where you show us how you resolve an issue or overcome a challenge that you might have.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I make a lot of mistakes..the key is knowing how to adjust and fix problems in real-time while shooting. I show a lot of these skills in my film school, where I demonstrate how I do real shoots from start to end.

[@justine313]

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