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

[@Vijaykumawatbiketour]

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.

[@Bharat_motivates]

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

[@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 😅😅

[@TevinFosterDP]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@TheGadgetUser]

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

[@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.

[@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 😀 😁

[@Weird_Quests]

Hey, Brandon. Do you end up using the 35mm as your primary go-to lens still? I'm humming and erring between the 35 and 24 for talking-head stuff and a light walk-around lens. Thinking of set A - 35mm, 55mm and 85mm OR 24mm, 55mm and 85mm :D

[@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

[@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! 👍👍

[@ciantisdall]

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

[@KOMATA500M]

I hate the model,because he just freze in there with smartphone

[@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

[@Stefanovic92]

Lovely video! Agree man, there is just so much you can do with the 35mm f1.8 and a gimbal. Makes your videos waaay more cinematic. I actually only used a 35mm/ f1.8 and DJI Ronin S (and a GoPro) gimbal for the first video on my channel.

[@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.

[@Ikkimoto18]

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

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Great tips Brandon, thanks so much!!

[@durianriders]

She makes this video easy to watch haha

[@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.

[@davegowie6237]

Not sponsored. But this video sold like 100 000 35mm lenses for Sony. 100 001 including me

[@ivanyang2022]

so true, I just received mine. :)

[@RhawiDantas]

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

[@bevaiktsho]

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

[@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

[@ANRO_ANRO]

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

[@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_shots]

Do you think 24 or 35 is better for video

[@chrisningthoujam6192]

The title of this video should be ‘HOW TO BURN FAT USING GIMBLE’

[@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

[@RyanAudencial]

Just wow. Thank you brandon.

[@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!

[@TravelwithRidhi]

Great video as always Brandon. I'm looking to invest in a Sony camera and I've been checking reviews on the Sony A7C, would you recommend this lens for that camera? thanks in advance

[@JordanLedbetter]

This lens is great for any full frame Sony alpha camera.

[@stevenkramer4263]

Man do you also play stunt in John Wick?

[@antoniogutierrez702]

now in 2022, how do you still like this 35 compared to the 35 1.4?

[@donjreyoung]

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

[@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

[@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! ❤️

[@arvinawotar2357]

INCREDIBLE TIPS MAN THANK YOU!

[@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.

[@TheMusicalHarmony]

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

[@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!

[@VisionaryTea]

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

[@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

[@King_Adrizza]

I always wonder how much You pay Kobe. Beautiful Modeling on each video. Thank you Bro for this excellent video for FREE ✨💎

[@trimotionmedia5487]

Pretty sure that's his GF. Probs doesn't pay her lol. He makes money with these videos then goes and spends quality time with her elsewhere doing other things

[@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!

[@TheOriginalRonaldo]

Hi sir, may I ask did you use a ND glass filter to shoot whilst recording through this lens in this video?

[@martinezlee94]

Welcome To Malaysia, hope you enjoy the stay here

[@9xixix9]

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

[@cweb1988]

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

[@Bmxinnigeria]

Really love this content sir I've learnt a lot without paying 🙏❤🇳🇬

[@miguelbmelo]

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

[@mukundpatel9405]

Big fan of your videos.. Keep creating and keep inspiring us💙 Much love from KZbinr/Filmmaker🎥☘

[@libbyruthgreen7246]

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

[@OliverAstrologo]

Nice one Brandon, I believe it’s time to replace my old Zeiss 35mm 2.8!

[@jaypeea]

Wow super smooth shot As always!💯

[@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!

[@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 🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽🙏🏽🙌🏽💯

[@Ben-fq1lj]

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

[@hamsphotovlogs]

just curious of that part when u set the camera in aperture priority and let shutter speed changes from light to dark, im not sure if that's correct coz the shutter speed rule will be off from your frame rate settings. for me should still be in manual mode with auto ISO. great tutorial overall by the way. many thanks. ♥️👍

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I guess it depends on if you think the footage looks ok or not. But yeah use whatever works for you.

[@visionstudiomy]

Oh my you came to KL ?

[@SamhainBaucogna]

Bravo, interessante!

[@abdulwahabstudio]

I have same your lens but there is not same this blur in background 👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

[@OpenMind3000]

Nice

[@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

[@justalittledaf]

Really enjoy your tutorials. Have Liked and Subscribed a bunch of your videos from a couple of KZbin channels I have. Question: You mentioned switching over to Aperture priority mode when using the gimbal in and out of shadowy areas so that the shutter will fluctuate to compensate for the change in lighting. Couldn't I accomplish the same thing by leaving the camera in Manual mode and setting the White Balance to Auto?

[@TereWild]

With which lend this was film? I love the look!! is the same 35 1.8?

[@Naturalvelocity]

Model in the demo: Who tf is this freak... I should just ignore him Edit: commented too early :/

[@MarlonKingShow]

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

I am going to have to check out your school costs ect! As I am headed to Africa full time as a photographer and videographer! I am so new at video and need to be close to pro ASAP 😬 I always look up to your work! Thanks

[@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 !

[@ThorSkin69]

Hi Brandon, love the info. For the work around 11 minutes, can you explain the camera settings ie are you using a ND and following the 180 rule etc? Thankyou !

[@MrWillstauk]

I wondered this too, wouldn’t it look weird on your timeline of the shutter speed ramps right up

[@DjFrankybe]

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

[@DjKarlVictory]

What’s the .- profile u shoot??? For this video of that lady?

[@DanSme1]

Have you ever tried the Zeiss Batis 40mm f2 for the same type shooting?

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I haven’t tried. Probably a great lens but it’s almost twice the price and 100g heavier

[@maximusvook]

You've gotten sweaty there eh! But I learned a lot mr. Teacher. Thank you

[@SidneyDiongzon]

Great practical tips man!

[@eamonshields2754]

One of the best filming tutorials ive ever seen, incredible

[@beautifulleee]

So does the gimbal help with stabilizing vlogs ?

[@celo2043]

You're like the Indiana Jones of videography LOL Awesome tips!

[@bongkem2723]

great content packed video 🤩

[@kevinnathan633]

thanks for the informative video, some very helpful tips. just wanted to ask you if you use much nd filters or if it's necessary to shoot in slog? thanks 😀

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I don't use ND filters or s-log, thanks!

[@JM_2019]

These 24fps examples are stuttering way too much for my eyes. 24fps on KZbin is a crime. :)

[@npvishnu93]

This is great👏🏽👏🏽

[@streetlegends]

I thought that if you use apsc mode the F stop remains the same.

[@mind_flutter]

F stops remains the same, but background become less blury, as it was a f/2.8 lens

[@asheeshkchopra]

Thanks …very good video. I do have a 35mm and I fully agree that if there was just one lens I needed to carry , it would be the 35mm. Although 50mm is more faltering but it is also a bit limiting. Your tips on capturing videos were very practical.

[@RickyMacross]

@15:44 Should be a separate chapter on, 'Christmas workout with Brandon Li for Video Creatives'. I can already feel the burn on my legs and arms.

[@Teknochi]

Thank You So Much......

[@TheKennethChang]

hi noob here can anyone explain the difference between the 35 mmSEL35F18F(THE ONE IN THE VIDEO $700) and the 35mm SEL35F18($400 version of the 35mm)?

[@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

[@spectreproductions9828]

Any major differences between 35 mm GM 1.4 and 35 mm FE 1.8 IF SHOOTING AT 1.8 ON BOTH LENSES. IS THERE ANY SHARPNESS/QULAITY DIFFERENCE?

[@MightiestArm]

I'm happy I stumbled on this video, I'm currently saving up for my first camera the 80D so this will help me alot

[@mrraghan73]

Sir your from Malaysia or Indonesia ? ur doing good job...i am looking sony FE 35mm/F1.8 tutorials ...i bought this lens with sony 7 R2 body...Thanks..

[@iamtrillahd]

The sony 35mm 1.8 lens is a ABSOLUTE GEM. I am not going to lie, for me personally - I get better looking footage with this lens than with my 24-70mm G master. But I am a film maker, so to each their own.

[@erickbueza]

Goodness me Brandon. Now I'm like Torn Between Two Lovers, confused now whether to get the Sigma 35/1.2 or this Sony FE35 1.8. Am not sure where I will use the F1.2 opening. Thanks for the video.

[@pf4773]

Hi, I checked and the price (E U converted to dollars) and this gimbal is $1058.50 in USA dollars, as of today (899 E U). Does this ship to the USA? Thanks for any info.

[@brendanyurga5452]

wait why are you using a full frame lens on the a6400? I would like to get Sony's 35mm f/1.8 and now I am unsure as to whether I should get the full frame (sel35f18f) or the normal (sel35f18) ?? Anyone??