My favorite manual and vintage lenses for video

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Should I swap out any of these lenses? Let me know your favorites.

[@AmineHamouda]

i would add the NIKON 50MM 1.8 SERIES E vintage lens, i use to lens whack on my CANON 70D here's a result : kzbin.info/www/bejne/boOpaoaelsp1gZo

[@xiaoen342]

Have you tried Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 SC? It's really good one.

[@semangatmembara]

I would swap the nikon 35mm f/2 with an Ai version, the 35mm f/1.4, it's a very sharp and have nice bokeh, but a little bit bigger and heavier due to the all metal construction.

[@amosaiccosmos6302]

Nice Video thanks for the ideas! Subbed!

[@burstongreye7090]

SMC TAKUMAR 55MM F2, you won't regret it.

[@HolgerH1967]

"This lens has really nothing remarkable" (shows superb footage). Thanks Brandon, you once again showed me, it's all depending on the guy behind the camera. I need to practice more.

[@my2cents198]

Most underated artist on KZbin ...ur a gun !!!!

[@WillProwse]

Such a genius method of setting focus by using your hand for vlogging shots. So smart

[@CGP_Films92]

I shot my first short film primarily with that same Helios lens and I freaking loved it! I was really pleased with the quality and look it gave me.

[@whoismatt]

I'm gonna need to pick up one of those Anamorfaux adapters!

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks Matt, it's fun for that specific look and much easier than a real anamorphic or anamorphot.

[@patricklevar]

I'm new to VIDEOGRAPHY after just buying a Canon EOS M ...and I can't wait to get my first manual Lens really looking forward to learning to use manual Lens thanks for your videos KEEP FILMING 😎👌🏾

[@mirablaues]

Fantastic "Semana Santa" shots. Congratulations

[@BrandonChoo]

Make sure you try out Minolta and Vivitar lenses! The Minolta MC Rokkor 55mm f/1.7 is one of my favourite alongside the Vivitar 28mm f/2.8 (a shame it's f/2.8 and not 2 though!) Totally understand what you meant by vintage lenses having a characteristic to it. A shame it's hard to use them for corporate shoots because certain clients would think that you're "unprofessional" for using a small lens and a small body. That's what I like about your videos, it beats lots of stuff produced by agencies and production houses!

[@adinwalls]

Your videos are so helpful, I’m more and more leaning to manual vintage lenses for video and photo because they’re cheap and add great character.

[@labotelladepapayangela3321]

Nice video as usual. It is kind of funny, that in the old times, manufacturers would try hard to engineer the hell out of lens in order to avoid the optical defects and aberrations,, the flares and so on. And we would buy the most expensive lens we could afford in order to avoid them... But now those computer designed lenses with aspheric components have become so perfect, that the old imperfections are sought for and used creatively... It's like the so hated clicks and pops in vynile records we tried so hard to avoid, and now they are sometimes creatively faked in some songs...

[@ricsblake]

This is brilliant. I shoot a lot on bigger cameras but have just bought the A7Sii and these tips are amazing, I got the Helios and the anamorfaux straight away. Can't wait to see the results. Thank you!

[@AyoolaBoyejo]

Wow, I am so glad to be subscribed to your channel simply because of great contents like this. I'm a video enthusiast from Nigeria and I shoot Sony Mirorless 100% I am surprised that you don't have any fast 50mm prime on your list, I use Konica Minolta 50mm F1.7 MD lens that I got for $37 from KEH and it is one of my best manual lenses at the moment.

[@ElijahAnthonyF]

I only use manual focus for all of my videos etc, I just don't trust my auto. Would rather miss a shot due to my own error than the cameras. Just me.

[@JannisBierschenk]

Chinook Productions same :)

[@ParallelFeatures]

Same

[@legendp2011]

for single operator on a glidecam you can't really use manual focus, you can maintian distance, but good af (like that on the 1dxmkii, a7riii and canon c200 is very helkpfull for those scenarios. even on my a7sii in 1080p 25p mode I find the face af to work well enough for glidecam at f1.8). I believe in using the best tool for the job, sometimes that means manual, sometimes that means auto

[@hfranke07]

For me the best feature of the Helios 44-2 is the click free aperture ring. Very nice during shoting video. Nice video. Thanks.

[@reena6974]

Good to see you at the airport today sir. Excited to watch the videos you'll post about this country. 👍

[@ccoquet]

Just loved the Laowa lens...

[@MathieuStern]

You should start to collect old Canon FD lenses, you will be amazed !

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Sure, which ones?

[@MathieuStern]

Canon FD 35mm f2.8 is a beast, the Canon FD 50mm f1.4 and canon FD 85mm f1.8 are ones of my favorite lenses for video and i have over 200 lenses. you can see some of my vintages lenses on my channel. Minolta lenses are also extraordinary, i did a cinematic review of the 50mm f1.4. tell me what you think.

[@ArchWayE]

Mathieu Stern Thanks. I’ll check them out as well.

[@spakeschannel]

I'm Russian and let me tell you: Helios lenses are NOT radioactive.

[@executor966]

глупости не говори, пусть люди верят dont listen to him he has no idea

[@spakeschannel]

Ты поглумиться хочешь? Yeah, like you want to tell the truth...

[@adamkomusic]

Haha how do you know? ;) There are probably millions of them around the world!

[@spakeschannel]

Told you, I'm Russian and I know about history of those lenses.)

[@legendp2011]

I thought thery used thorium to make them. thorium is radioactive and can cause cancer if inhaled (let's just say the lens is cracked)..........that being said I would be happy for you to prove me wrong. as I would really like to buy a helios lens

[@YellowElephant1]

Love my helios! Such a great lens, despite the radioactivity

[@Paradise2Paradise]

Awesome! Simply awesome. Keep up the great work Brandon.

[@lexa3210]

your shots look incredible

[@jacobsmith6689]

I was researching both the Rokinon 35mm and 85mm you brought up in this video. Super serendipitous. I try not to be completely swayed by KZbin creators and rely more so on personal analysis, but jeez this video threw a wrench in that.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

They're heavy but otherwise beautiful lenses.

[@EdPal]

I love my Minolta 58mm f 1.4. Vintage lenses are a steal

[@raksh9]

Thank you again, Brandon, for another really informative look at how you work.

[@richardpcrowe]

I love using manual lenses for their character and look! I agree that the Sony cameras with IBIS and focus peaking are just great for manual lenses. I like my Helios but, also really enjoy shooting with the 55mm f/1.4 Auto Sears which is great for portraiture...

[@rc-wingman5719]

Don't forget to get a camera with in body lens stabilization. It makes all the difference when it comes to Vintage lenses.

[@PascalTristanRedney]

Lately I've been using a Canon 50mm f1.8 with a dump adapter, turning it into a manual lens. I love that thing on my Lumix body, it gives a very vintage feel. I just don't have any aperture control so I'm forced to shoot wide open al all times. So I've been looking into one of these Russian lenses as well. Thanks for the video! I loved it, al always. - Pascal

[@ELJAGUAR]

what was this red thing on the left corner? lol

[@vivaladamm]

nice. I just got a fd50mm 1.4 and a fd hanimex 28mm f2.8. love adapting the old glass to my sony's :) love a normal manual focus. you are one of the smartest straight to intelligent real world feedback guys on KZbin. I don't use my rokinon 85mm much either sadly for the same reasons. but it does have a beautiful image.

[@nandoblondemobydick5438]

i´m a good photographer and i enjoy so much your videos about lens that watch them many times to understand at all why you do your choices, now i can said you are very clever and yes very orientated to video shooting, which i want to learn now, thanks, very clever cause you know how to get great profit of your lens without spending money in luxury gear which to many times ends up in concerns and too much weight, looks like you have a clear combination between what you want to get in a scene and the ideal set up to get it at minimal cost, great really. never looked at vintages lens as how smouth and creamy can be for portraits

[@MateoToro]

Do you have a preferred backpack that you use? Didn't see one in your kit

[@uk2go]

I have noticed that, Helius is super sharp with F2.0 if your subject is close approx 2m - after 2m I use 2.8 when it is necessary, usually for photos. PS It is my favourite lens. One think to mention a lot of people do not know how to set up aperture on that lens :))) here is tutorial if curious kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6W5i4dqf7Bghac

[@sonnybrown4758]

I have a 35 1.4 nikkor ai lens that I use a lot. Everyone always comments how good it looks on the footage. Since you like the f2 you have so much, you might consider trading up for it as It is remarkable unlike the f2 version and it's the same size and formfactor.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

OK I'll look for it thanks!

[@200447859]

If the Nikkor has automatic it means it is screw-driven I guess. It would have a designation of AF-D. Your camera body would have a focus motor that will turn a screw and hence turn the focus gears on that lens. I guess that is how it works.

[@mihirpunj8919]

Thats a great lens collection. And great to know about all those

[@hfranke07]

The most important isue for video on the Helios is the aperturering is without clicks..... this is a great feature.

[@markboweringphotography4408]

Love your videos. I am just starting to play with the helios and i am loving it.

[@Vernonchan]

Great stuff as usual, Brandon!

[@live4christ297]

Great channel Brandon!

[@LeonTruong]

Perfect timing on this video. I was looking at some Wide angle lens for the sony. What you guys thinking about the Rokinon Cine CV12M-E 12mm T2.2?

[@pixelmasque]

Super selection, thanks for sharing Brandon,

[@CJamesPhoto]

Pretty pleasing, i have my eye on some of those lenses myself so this was helpful :)

[@HoppingBug]

Hi Brandon. I am a big fan of your work and I get really inspired from your videos. But it is really sad to realise that you’ve just stopped making videos and all you do is tutorials. I would love to see more cinematic videos from you.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Don't worry I have a big year planned

[@HoppingBug]

Thanks a lot for replying :) Would really appreciate if you can have a look at few of my videos and share your recommendations :) and reviews. Also, best of luck for your future travel :)

[@jamesreyes1510]

Can't wait Brandon! you're truly an inspiration to me

[@markus8282]

Thanks for sharing!

[@crazyblondy1890]

Very nice explained, thank you x

[@h00b00]

You keep it real Brandon, love that about your videos!

[@ArchWayE]

OMG. You have taught me much about doing more with less. I was just talking to my film school instructor yesterday about how much I love to manually control the aperture on a DSLR body with cinema lenses. He told me to just get manual photo lenses for much cheaper. P.S. How would you advise reducing vertical up/down shakiness on stairs or uneven terrain?

[@sjootme8496]

thanks for sharing your prefs, I just bought holder + filter from Anamorfaux, nice pricing. I already have two of your five lenses :)

[@jarekmecina]

2:06 Helios looks amazing :)

[@rubengonzalez-re2eu]

Awesome video Brandon! Very helpful thanks

[@perpetualmoto]

Thanks so much for these!! Super informative!

[@GaryMuvautShowTime]

If You like vintage lenses You need to try Olympus 50mm 1.8 and Super Takumar 55mm 1.8 - both dirt cheap but very cinematic, and they generate cool flares too :) cheers, thanks for another great video :)

[@SamKilby]

These videos are a huge help! You've convinced me to buy a Sony now! Thanks Brandon :)

[@jamskof]

HELP i cant decide between laowa 12 vs 15mm for video / timelapse (not astro), i love ultrawide, and the difference in lowlight doesnt matter to me too much, i shoot pretty much anything and everything, is the 12 a bit too extreme? harder / easier to work with than the 15? focussing harder or easier with any of these? your thoughts are much appreciated!

[@kionimoto]

You are a master at your craft 🍻

[@CollinChan]

Going to totally grab me a Helios!!

[@jedi7762]

Because of the Helios - you’ve been ‘Added’ - thanks for the specificity

[@marcebarajas]

Excellent educational video 😀 a question for a short film I want to use a 7 artisans 25mm in a fujifilm xt30 camera and also a Helios 55 mm, when should I use the Helios and when should I use the 7 artisans? or should I not mix them? thanks, greetings from Mexico

[@darrylbennett1766]

Very informative!!! Thank you

[@alexsound2097]

Awesome, I have the Nikkor 35mm f2 lens as well. For now it's my favorite since it's the only one I have that can achieve those more cinematic look with f2. (and yep really light!). The only sad thing about this one is since I don't have any gimbal and there is no stabilizer built in (and sadly, my camera doesn't have any in it either), my footage tend to go shaky really easily. Anyway, Nice review!

[@vikasgorule]

Can you make video on adapter for sony ?

[@adamkomusic]

I just asked in previous video about your manual lenses and here you go! Video specially for me! Thanks :D one question, have you ever used Helios with a6500? Does it work good?

[@GeorgAlekseev42]

Hi! What you would prefer: sony 10-18 f4 or laowa 15 f2 if you could take only one of these?

[@BrendanMiranda]

Helios Family Reppin' !!

[@ClaudioDesideriFilms]

We love Mr Li more and more everyday, don't we?🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@refie1970]

Hi Brandon. Love your video man. I'm looking for the fake filter with the oval shape in it but the link in your description does not work. Do you know where it is possible to get nowadays? Btw i live in Denmark Europe. Thanks man.

[@veronicaibe1243]

Hi there! This was very helpful. I have the Helios myself and I LOVE it. Very dreamy looking. I had question about External Hard Drives. Which ones do you use? I'm having trouble deciding what External Hard Drive to get because I know editing with 4K and 1080p needs some fast drives. But at the same time I don't want to overspend.

[@RayAmbler7]

Have you tried the Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 from Sainsonic? :)

[@eyebelieve3096]

This is great but I think its time you did a video on your philiosophy behind opting for PP-Off Autumn Leaves vs sLog and how you color grade that footage.

[@maxyorkshire5930]

Glad to see people shooting manual. I just can't stop doing it myself. Have you tried the rokinon 21mm or 50mm e mount s35 primes? I have the cine version of the 50 and love it on the a6500. The size and weight is unbelievable compared to my full frame 35mm rokinon. I have had my eye on the 21mm 1.4 rokinon.

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Thanks, great tips! I'd love to try those lenses but I haven't use them yet

[@falakoala4579]

Have you seen or tried adaptors that can turn manual to auto focus? Any recommendations??

[@ericsbriggs]

Thank you man. Perfect video as usual

[@mennyus]

great stuff as always Brandon! Are you satisfied with the Viltrox adapter? They have a new one out (ef-m2) for micro 4/3 cameras that looks very tempting

[@vidualisefilms745]

Would you be interested in doing a workshop in Adelaide Australia? I think people would love to learn your many gems of camera wisdom!

[@backyardjunkie]

Hi Brandon, With the Helios link you gave, is this with the right adaptor for a6500 as it says micro 4/3. thanks man, subbed.

[@patrickdonnelly5223]

One way around manual focus issues is to use an ultra wide lens. For the GH4, that would be the Kowa/Navitar 6mm HC series. A C mount lens. Since it successfully covers the GH4 sensor in video mode, it covers more than the advertised 1 inch sensor. The crop factor on the GH4 in video mode is 2.3x, not 2x, as in still 4:3 mode on most m4/3 sensors. Since it covers fully, the actual angle of view on GH4 in video is larger than the quoted degees below. Hyperfocal distance is very close at F5.6 allowing infinity and one metre or so to be in focus. NO twiddling focus! No searching by AutoFocus that breaks the connection between viewer and subjects. A real run and gun lens! Screws can lock down the focus and aperture, useful for remote use etc. Internal focus, less breathing effect. Lens length remains the same. Not my videos: vimeo.com/103893379 vimeo.com/76746701 vimeo.com/410038656 vimeo.com/87430472 vimeo.com/76793104 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGOyinZoZ5ibeas kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2HQnJRvqtqgoc0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHqvaJxsfqeqhM0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2jCgaiPosSthdk kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnioh5yCmdqliq8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqLJcmCcr61ge7c kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZzMYqOals6bkLs kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHqvaJxsfqeqhM0rel=0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpywZoagn5eXsKs kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH-9pIOLd690eKM kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKq2mqSbbtN0m6s kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp3bqKp-ba6DqK8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3bLZWWXndh4ja8

[@kathyrobinson1975]

💕💕💕🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾😇😇😇loved your footage! Very informative 😇

[@GuyVinmara]

8:30 What would be really cool is for cameras to add a ToF sensor to relay distance in real-time and display that on the viewfinder/LCD screen. Not sure if that would be a battery drain, but it's not something that you would leave on all the time. :)

[@StanleyKubick1]

the battery drain would be minimal and most if not all cameras already have an IR output

[@poksertv]

should you get lens support system for heavier lenses like rikinon 35mm?

[@SimonVisuals]

Great suggestions, thanks! What is that at 09:05 on the left side?

[@maxyorkshire5930]

ufo only explanation

[@l02matet]

Hey man, regards from Spain. Do you use a 49mm to 58mm adapter to put the amorfaux on the Helios 44-2? Thank you!

[@santosawogbemi]

Brandon amazing video as usual , quick question do you shoot a log 2 and use luts??

[@djjorgebarsalsa1]

Great video mate! Which adapator do you use for the HELIOS LENS and SONY A7III thanks

[@zemariamm]

Hey Brandon you seem to swap lenses a lot during your shoots, while running and gunning how do you make sure the sensor is clean? Thanks!

[@Rise2]

Now watch those helios lenses bump up in prices because of your videos :) Great video as always!

[@ParallelFeatures]

Rise my local flea markets are full of them sometimes . But when I needed one they were all gone, because of this video lol

[@lazyhammer]

Hi Brandon, which setup do you use for the anamorfaux on Helios 44-2? Planning to grab one.

[@ConchitaProductions]

What size filter does the Rokinon 44-2 58mm f2 lens support?

[@sean.sullivan]

I guess the Anamorfaux is all sold out and not available anywhere, is there something similar?

[@TroyKelley517]

Will the Anamorfaux Filters work on a telephoto lens ? Thanks, love all your videos and movies

[@nickivlachou3117]

Hello Brandon, Thank zou very much for all your information. I love vintage lenses. But how do you mount lenses from different brands on your Sony a7ii? Are all lenses compatible to this camera? I have canon lenses and would like to keep them. Are they compatible to the Sony a7ii?

[@TobiasEnevoldsen]

Great video. The Helios 44-2 is my favorite lens :-) What apature do you usually use to get that nice bokeh and a managable focal depth? I am thinking about that nice gimbal shot in your video (path through the trees). ...I know its quite hard to read the apature on the lens. :-)

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

I shoot f2 to f4 depending on the shot. Swirly effect is a combo of f-stop, subject distance, and background texture

[@TobiasEnevoldsen]

Brandon Li thanks. :-)

[@thebrazilshow]

Tobias Enevoldsen h

[@TheMagicCrayons]

Awesome, thank you - Tim

[@showlatefilmsproduction2795]

My favourite is Helios.am buying one. Bradon you are such a great guy.please can you do an indepth tutorial on Moza air assistant app. thanks

[@monaronald0511]

Hi Brandon, great videos, love all your work. Just wondering have you tried the SLR magic 18mm 2.8 comparing to the Laowa 15mm?

[@MIBIncomeEncourager]

Brandon im loving this combo of the Helios with the anamorfaux filter....yet their wix.com site is not in existence any more.......would you be able to suggest an alternative....ive been looking at the other brands on amazon etc...which are naturally more expensive....would you mind recommending the correct one to me/alternative option? I love this set up....for that clever anamorphic look......

[@BrandonLiUnscripted]

Hi Alex, I think you’ll find something on eBay if you search for oval aperture adapter

[@BrotherJudahLion]

HI Brandon, thanks for the great videos. Have you ever used the SLR Magic 35MM 1.2? its much smaller than the Rokinon and gets amazing image on an A7SII

[@Problemadelmono]

Hi Brandon, What bag do you use to carry your gimbal, tripod, camera and lenses? Thanks in advance

[@karlbontia]

Just a quick question Brandon, what do you use to adapt the helios to a sony a7 series camera? Thanks

[@superhoov]

I love my old vintage lenses. I really want to try the slr magic primes though. Any experience with those?

[@feelmyjulian]

I feel like we have a very similar view on filmmaking and the look we want