In general: why the 21 MM is a good cinema lens ?

[Nader Almaghraby]

In general: why the 21 MM is a good cinema lens ?

 

[Philip Lanyon]

Hi Nadar, "good" is as subjective as is cinema itself. One lens that is good for a particular subject or shot may not be good for another. Also it depends on the format you are using. A 21 would be considered wide angle on a full frame sensor and a medium wide on a super 35 sensor. So that being said, you did ask what the 21 is good for in general.

I personaly like a 21 shot wide open on a super 35 sensor, for some close ups in some scenes depending on the mood and story. The 21 allows me to get a medium or close up of a face while still seeing some background and the subjects relationship to his or her background and environment. Its long enough to not distort a face a lot and to throw the background out of focus in a pleasing manor. I use the 29 for the same reason if i need less distortion. Being closer to a subject can give a feeling of presence but traditionally longer lenses are used for closeups as they are more flattering to a face.