My Favorite Lenses For Wedding Filmmaking!

📷 Buy my favorite lenses: geni.us/favori...
These are my favorite lenses that I bring to every wedding that I film! They work with nearly every camera, and are surprisingly affordable too. 😊
📸 LENS LIST:
24mm Sigma F1.4 on Amazon: amzn.to/2NWVguV
50mm Contax Zeiss F1.4 on Ebay: ebay.us/c4Tekn
85mm Contax Zeiss on Ebay: ebay.us/hBwQtB
135mm Sony Zeiss on Ebay: ebay.us/SghIHw
135mm Sigma F1.8 on Amazon: amzn.to/2uu4VSL
24mm Sigma F1.4 (all mounts) on Amazon: amzn.to/2TWWavc
24mm Sigma F1.4 (all mounts) at B&H: bhpho.to/2TWh7qi
135mm Sigma F1.8 (all mounts) at Amazon: amzn.to/2NWJD70
135mm Sigma F1.8 (all mounts) at B&H: bhpho.to/2RqYEjC
Sony A-Mount to E-Mount Adapter for 135mm lens: bhpho.to/2z50xqr
Contax to Sony Mount Adapter: amzn.to/2ROmhlq
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INSANE lowlight main camera on Amazon: amzn.to/35v99IJ
Killer ND filter/adapter for lenses on Amazon: amzn.to/2Wys5jO
Best drone ever on Amazon: amzn.to/2V2XSch
Filters for the best drone ever on Amazon: amzn.to/2YB44uf
BEEFY electronic gimbal on Amazon: amzn.to/3qKDjAl
Fantastic video monopod on Amazon: amzn.to/2TKTdKu
Ridiculously tiny audio recorder and mic on Amazon: amzn.to/2I0gQMM
Prism for fancy in-camera effects on Amazon: amzn.to/2HMI5v0
FAST video editing laptop on Amazon: amzn.to/2I0bSQn
Indestructible camera case on Amazon: amzn.to/2V48Zl9
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[@skyhound4373]

"At $850 there's really no excuse to not have this lens"... my bank account... "am I a joke to you?"

[@amoshies123]

🤣🤣🤣

[@levimckay6753]

I shoot all my weddings on old Olympus and Canon FD Lenses. Hand me down lenses from my grandparents for my SLR cameras that I've adapted to my sony. Best decision I've made! Such a great quality to the video!

[@TheOliveBungalow]

I'm shook. I've have had that Contaxt 50mm lense in my closet for years. It was GIVEN to me FOR FREE when I first got into photography over 10 years ago.

[@kingweddingmedia]

I have the sony 135mm g master and it is worth every single penny. The autofocus is rapid. The sharpness is incredible. It's pretty small for what you're getting and not too heavy. I absolutely love it!

[@alessandrosfligiotti1694]

Got the planar 50 1,4 and is my 90% go to for a wedding. I now also have the 28 distagon so I covered the 10% I was missing. They are both more than amazing.

[@CarloTimothy]

useful video sire. I too own the 50 and 85 contax zeiss lenses and I ADORE them. it should be noted that there are AEG/AEJ variants and MMG/MMJ - basically the AE’s have the ninja star bokeh due to the design of the aperture blades - you can clearly see it when you showed your 50’s blades opening and closing. MM’s don’t have that and that’s a reason why those generally cost more. not all CZ glass are the same!

[@oliveirajorge88]

for 135 I also use the zeiss contax. The f2.8 its beautiful

[@JackyLi]

Matt, how are u shooting your wedding shooting manual on these lens?! I would love to try these, but I believe autofocus is very important in wedding films. Hmm, could you make a video on how you manual focus during your weddings?

[@vshakir622]

Yes please!

[@brettrohlfingvideo]

A ton of people are on that gh5 life, I gotta shoot 100% of weddings manual. Turn peaking on, toss a smallhd monitor on if you can, and you'll build up some muscle memory for at least you most used lens.

[@255132a]

It’s simple if you have been doing it for a while, just got to turn on focus peaking on the camera and your set. I have never shot with auto focus only photos.

[@boahandarrowsproductions4326]

@@255132a Similar still here.

[@Albanez39]

Focus peaking + practice! After a while, you'll never dare using AF again for such a purpose...

[@DrewTooley]

Thanks for the info Matt. As always love the content.

[@scotthenry3904]

Hello Matt! Please make an updated lens video for use on the A7Siii... Thanks!!

[@772elierfer]

I am interested in seeing you live. Please let me know what to do, thanks

[@artistandcamera3245]

Yes! I'm not the only guy who loves using older, "organic" MF lenses! My faves: Pentax 135 f2.8 and 50 f/2

[@OurGeekFamily94]

Do you think you could do a list for those with crop sensors? I’m using a T7i and I bought it back when I didn’t know or understand the difference between full frame and cropped sensor. It would greatly appreciated!

[@christianhotter]

I did not realize you were a manual focus shooter. The lenses you mentioned would all work great with a Pocket 4k. The main reason I keep my Sony is for the auto focus and the fact that I can hold it with one hand on a gimbal. If I buff up and get better at pulling focus while walking, I'm going to retire my Sony and just use my Pocket 4k (or whatever the next Blackmagic small camera will be called).

[@AmandaKam]

Can you make an updated video about lenses 👀 unless much hasn’t changed

[@jamessouthern9154]

Can we get an update on your favorite lenses to use on the a7sIII

[@jorgenbjorn]

Ohh mahh gawd! I have used the Contax Zeiss 85 1.4 and the rare 28 mm f/2 in the past on my A7 III. My uncle was a avid user of Contax Zeiss glass and they were minty! I looove these Contax lenses

[@whoismatt]

😂😂 dude they’re so good!

[@linusreuer3289]

do you ever have problems matching up the shots in post because the contrast with the older lenses in lower or something similar? cause i sometimes had trouble in the past making modern and older lenses look similar in post...

[@ArikLivnat]

Hi;) like your videos! Just got the Voigtlander Nokton 25mm F0.95 II although it’s all Manually , I like it a lot. What do you think about these lens? (I use it with my gh5s )anyhow it sound a bit similar to the zeiss

[@whoismatt]

Fantastic lens! Wish it was a bit sharper wide open, but great lens for the gh5

[@ArikLivnat]

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson happy to hear. I use it on a gimbl because as you know the gh5s has no stabilization... which make it a bit harder to work.. but the overall results are very unique

[@Evangilizer]

Just a heads up I got the 135 G-Master for only $1500 on ebay. No converters, better glass, weather sealed, and the extra button for only a couple hundred more. Just for any of those on the fence. I was lookin at the zeiss a mount 135 before finding out how much cheaper the GM sell for.

[@MichalOlender]

Always so helpful Matt!

[@DevinLoretz]

I"m also interesting to know your behind the camera details on how you are manual focusing with these on a gimbal

[@karrar_ibr]

Matt you're a Wedding filmmaker and you have many exciting shots to chase how could you change lenses as fast as possible that you won't miss a Bridal kiss for examples i mean it most be in 50mm or 85mm and you have 24 mm on your camera specially if you're using a Gimbal it's very difficult to rebalance it !! Can you please make an episode explaining this issue Best Regards

[@andrewsweeney7399]

Awesome video, Matt! Thanks for sharing this.

[@Alaminjos]

You can have autofocus on the Zeiss 135 f1.8 ZA using the LA-EA4 adapter for Sony Emount cameras.

[@adrianomaiaoficial]

Make a video with the 135mm 1.8 zeiss and the la-ea5 :D

[@SlideWreckDan]

Do you shoot mostly primes on weddings? I try to stay with a f/2.8 zoom and two primes at most. Switching lenses on event or wedding videos can be tricky sometimes.

[@whoismatt]

All primes except for the ceremony where we use 70-200 lenses

[@Mani-Real-estate]

What prime lens you use?

[@wagnercs]

For Weddings - only 2 lenses - Sony FE Zeiss 16-35 f/4 and Sony FE G 24-105 f/4, 85% the 24-105 and 15% the 16-35. I have also the Sigma E 16mm f/1.4 and a Sigma E 30 mm f/.4 working as a 24 mm and 50mm on my A7III, and a Sony 85mm FE 1.8 respectively, but don't use them. Weddings go so fast that there's little time to swap lenses. F/4 is a nice bokeh already. And with Sony's the ISO can go crazy.

[@subbbass]

i bought a Planar 50mm 1.4 with fungus with a contax 139Quartz & Winder for 86,- Euros total on ebay. After 1 hour of cleaning the lens is now fine. there was a good video how to open the lens on KZbin so no big deal.

[@jaerojo]

I am just finding out you're in Texas cause I recognized the Farmhouse! I'm shooting there tomorrow. Hope to run into you at a wedding some day!

[@whoismatt]

Love that venue!

[@Stefanosinf]

Hey Matt! I've currently have two APS-C bodies with the 18-105/4, 16/1.4 plus the 16-50kit lens as a back up but neither of them can do close up shots of rings etc. What lens would you recommend for video close ups without getting to a macro lens if possible? I used to film with the D750 but now i only do photos with it, but i do own a full line of Nikon lenses. May should i go with a Nikon to Sony Adapter instead and use my Nikon glass? Thanks! (Haven't jumped the ship to A7 yet as i still on the fence between the Nikon Z or the Sony A7 ecosystem... I have a LOT of NIkon Glass...)

[@AmazingKitchen]

Thanks for the video. What do you think of the Sigma 56mm f1.4 for wedding videography if I am on the Panasonic system. I am a solo shooter that is also using the Sigma16mm f1.4. 🙂

[@michaelyoutube2025]

How do you find manually focusing a wedding on the Contax Zeiss lenses? sounds kinda stressful compared to a full autofocus setup!

[@FTGTapGod]

I actually find autofocus more stressful than manual focus. I mainly work with cinema cameras, but on the rare occasion I'm using a video camera, I won't ever use autofocus. Having full control over your focus will not only improve the consistency of the image, but give you more creative freedom when shooting. It is a valuable skill that everyone should have.

[@dominic-ryan]

Would love to hear what lenses you rate for auto focus with the new A7S III. Coming from Panasonic M43 exception video autofocus is one of the major drawcards, however as I've never had reliable AF before (and therefore never used it) I'm totally out of my depth. The new compact Samyang 35mm f/1.8 and the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 are of particular interest as they'll cover 90% of my video shooting focal lengths and desired depth of field. Any idea how well these lenses perform for video?

[@DaddingAllDay]

Do you still use this lens with the A7s III?

[@christianhotter]

Vintage sound much better than cheap (or old). I've only bought vintage lenses from sellers that I know on Ebay. I'm not the kind of guy that can take apart a lens and shim it so it can focus to infinity, so if I need that, I buy ones where the seller has already done that for me. If you are a Nikon user and are interested in an M42 mount lens, you can't just buy any random one you see on Ebay.

[@EddyReckless]

Contax zeiss vs canon fd 50s 1.4? i love the circular bokeh and blue flares on the fd

[@gabrielivorra]

Which nikon to sony adapter are you using?? I have some nikon lenses that i'd love to use on my a7 iii when filming

[@TelliFilmmaker]

Hi Matt, I am using the 50mm 1,7 YASHICA LENS, wich is quite similar. Do you think it is similar quality? Thanks!!

[@mikeslawin9681]

Matt, when your shooting manual, what are you other settings on the camera besides the aperature? Thanks!

[@ReinhardBiller]

Do you use a diffusion filter like the Tiffen black pro mist for your wedding films? If yes, which strength?

[@kadajafilms]

Love this content Matt! Big fan here! Have you found a perfect zoom lens or do you not care swapping out lenses during the day?

[@AmwayJVPerez]

Kadaja Films Following.

[@sophiemiller6355]

Question though: are you then constantly having to rebalance your gimbal every time you change the lens you are using. I can’t image you have time for that during a wedding.

[@whoismatt]

Hey! Nope, the gimbal has strong enough motors to handle a minor weight shift

[@michaelwtapp]

Why is the other camera op on a 135mm all day instead of a 70-200? Thanks for sharing your tips!

[@forevermorestudios740]

So awesome! Keep up the great work!

[@jaimejrking]

We need moree from youu!! My favorite lens is canon EF 50m 1.2!

[@HalfInsaneOutdoorGuy]

Had to toss ya a like....you were at 999...couldn't leave it there =)

[@Albanez39]

You recommend vintage lenses, but you don't even mention the Helios? Costs $30-50 and it's one of the most unique lenses out there. Constructed after the Zeiss Biotar models and schematics, a 58mm f/2 lens that will create the swirliest images (especially on full frame). Jupiter and Mir lenses are also great!

[@omarharo3132]

I have a Sigma 18-35mm! Looking to move to Sony a7III or a7IIs. Do I need an adapter??

[@whoismatt]

What mount is it?

[@omarharo3132]

@@whoismatt Thanks for responding, Matt. I've never used a mount, I have a Canon 60D. I want to keep the Sigma quality, but wonder if it's too heavy for my Beholder gimbal. What should I do?

[@omarharo3132]

@@whoismatt Sorry... EF/EF-S mount!

[@SeeYouLazer]

Matt, Did you buy your Contax Zeiss lenses from Japan? If so, what was your experience with buying then from abroad?

[@markshirley01]

I got the Sigma 24 f1.4 art for £600 used - it's my most used lens by far. Love it such a nice image. I'm hoping it'll adapt well to a Z6 soon.

[@manifestpro88]

I'm new to videography with mirrorless cameras so this may be a silly question, but is there a negative side to just buying a zoom lens that has all of these focal lengths?

[@whoismatt]

It won’t be as good in lowlight 😊

[@manifestpro88]

@@whoismatt Thank you! I enjoy watching your videos and I am learning so much! I look forward to putting all of your info to use!

[@EwanLim]

Has Matt done a video on how to grow a nice beard?

[@awillingvessel238]

so what's the difference from 50mm Contax Zeiss F1.4 on Ebay and the other sony e mounts? Can you tell the difference of the quality?

[@whoismatt]

The 50mm Contax is going to have more flaring and feel different than other Sony e mount lenses

[@did4h2k]

plus the zeiss contax have the exact same coating like the zeiss super speeds cinelenses. which - at least iq-wise - basically turns them into superspeeds...

[@whoismatt]

Haha yup! They’re pretty magical, especially for the price!

[@DryAx3]

"This lens from 1975 does not support out of focus." :D I heard it this way, would be a nice feature though. ^^

[@StephenHildreth]

Man. Thank god I already own that Zeiss. It is pretty great though.

[@namaxamedia4521]

thanks!!! have a good view!

[@awillingvessel238]

Any thoughts on the 24mm f1.4 G master for sony?

[@whoismatt]

That’s a really great lens! I’ve thought about buying one but haven’t yet. The sigma wins for me on price

[@awillingvessel238]

@@whoismatt Oh great! thanks for responding didn't think you would! Thanks

[@AndrewBentonElevationFilms]

I have it and it was 100% worth the money for me personally. I never have to think about autofocus when on the gimbal so frees me up to focus on composition and finding the action on the dancefloor + you get that 1.4 aperture. Really no complaints at all, I think it is worth the price you pay.

[@whoismatt]

😜 What's your favorite lens?

[@RedLimeVideo]

Sigma 50mm 1.4 Art (native Sony mount). Its a VERY heafty lump, but I kinda like the extra weight to help stabalise my shots. Spends the majority of the day on my camera.

[@AndrewBentonElevationFilms]

Hey Matt! Thanks for sharing! I just ordered a 50mm Contax from Ebay and will consider getting the 85m later on down the road. I hear that is what 31 films uses as well! As for my favorite Lens.....The 135 Gmaster is truly special! Incredible sharpness, and the Bokah is amazing. I like to stop it down to F2.8 for best results. My only complaint is that the autofocus is a bit slower than I expected, but tends to work great at keeping your subject in focus once you get that initial focus set. Fortunately, the manual focus is also great on this lens and sometimes in a pinch I will switch to that since it is very easy to see focus on this lens as you mentioned. Also, I have the 24mm GM and it is almost always on my camera during the reception thanks to the amazing light gathering capabilities, and incredible autofocus. I also love getting reception details with this lens because the close focusing ability is very good!

[@63MacGuy]

Sony 55mm 1.8 and the Sony 24mm 1.4

[@DagaRafal]

Sony Zeiss 35mm 1.4 is our favourite. Gorgeous look. Have you tried it?

[@TheTerminator619sd]

The Sony 85mm full frame, the $600 dollar one I believe. Ive been using it on Sony's apsc bodies & it is fantastic. Its very very close to 135mm due to the camera crop of course

[@jonburton2296]

Chunky boi, gotta get it haha

[@donte415]

I use sigma 18-35 most of the day

[@whoismatt]

Fantastic lens!

[@ProfoundProductions]

Great lens, use the 18-35 as our wide on ceremony’s, 50-100 on the bride.

[@donte415]

@@ProfoundProductions I was planning on getting the 50-100 but if I can't find it used I'll just get a 70-200

[@MrOgranados]

Zeiss 35 1.4 or the Zeiss “Hollywood” 28 f2

[@whoismatt]

Ooo tough decision. I’m not sure, both? 😜

[@MrOgranados]

Matt WhoisMatt Johnson Cause that 35 runs about 1k... Lol 😂

[@foxhouse_tips]

Thank you ) I don't want to buy sigma lenses because of weight ) Sigma 18-35 was a great one, but too heavy, so i have sold it

[@63MacGuy]

I was shocked to hear your all manual focus now and with Sony having the best AF

[@leomarkov]

But not a7s2 :)

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

Nikon 50 1.4 non Ai, Is my favorite

[@MeAndMyOpinions_OverYours]

Paid less used for a. Native 50mm 1.4 with AF. That sigma tho! May have to give it a shot

[@michaelscott1778]

Been shooting weddings since 1985. I've watched you millenials and your lens videos. Tell me, when the vows come up and your forced to be 150 feet away from the groom how do you get a chest up shot of both the bride and groom ?

[@vanceuribe295]

but does the 50mm have auto focus haha

[@KitVlogss]

2nd?

[@whoismatt]

Silver medal

[@brunomamede2352]

I got my Sony FE 135mm 1.8 per 1300$ .... I'm lucky lol

[@AdamWingFilms]

Let’s start wide and then go tight. M. Johnson 2020. You seductress you 😜 Like the sounds of that 50, my favourite length!

[@madphotographer762]

You are cool Matt... just sayin!!!

[@31films]

shhhh! 🤫

[@Albanez39]

For $850 there's no excuse for not having this lens?? It's $850!!! I earn that much in 3 months (if I didn't eat and pay rent at all)

[@cadensandoval]

You're the man!! Will 100% look to pick some up for my arsenal! Checkout some wedding videos on my channel! Thanks as always Matt!!

[@lamasteve6905]

Sony is the zoom manufacturer, but you use non zoom lenses ? So zoom in the video is completely dead. Most KZbin Sony baloney people are zooming away in their video’s !

[@SierraCreative]

Contax Zeiss all day! I did an entire review on my set too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXe8hGWmgL6mbJI -

[@bowandribbons_studio]

What's with you and "gushing"?

[@bryanescalante2871]

This guy looks like post malone without tattoos

[@doganb34]

That contax lens made me jizz in my underpants

[@legend240891]

my life lesson. ALWAYS trust a man with a beard

[@DmakProductionsTempe]

Nice, you cover some tough topics in the video production space! We enjoy what you do, keep it up. Anytime you are in Arizona reach out. If you can, message us @dmakproductions on Instagram and we can connect. You do really great work.

[@arnieslab]

Why do we still say filmmaking when there is no film?!?

[@nixofftime]

Please hide 10 of those lenses behind your beard 🧔

[@skyisthelimitcinematograph9852]

first!

[@whoismatt]

You win!

[@skyisthelimitcinematograph9852]

@@whoismatt :D

[@ruleblack3087]

why is your face so close to the camera ??? I hope you don't be putting cameras so close to brides during a wedding

[@crieverytim]

people hire you for weddings!?!? trim that mess boy