Roger Deakins on How to Choose a Camera Lens — Cinematography Techniques Ep. 8

Summary by Krater

Renowned cinematographer Roger Deakins discusses how lens choice shapes audience perspective and narrative emotion, using examples from his work on films like Blade Runner 2049, 1917, and Fargo.

From the video

Answers: How does Roger Deakins choose lenses for cinematography?

• cinematography
• lens choice
• prime lenses
• zoom lenses
• lens breathing
• vignetting

What it concludes

• Prime lenses force the filmmaker to make deliberate decisions about camera placement and lens choice.
• Using longer lenses for close-ups of non-main characters helps keep the perspective grounded in the main character's point of view.
• Removing the front element of a still lens and placing it in front of a 50mm film lens creates a unique vignetting effect.