Focal length can result in distorts on a subjects face, for a full-frame camera, 50mm is the focal length that is most similar to the human field of view.  Another characteristic of a different focal length is the compression of space that occurs.

As the focal length becomes longer, the subject appears to be closer to the background and our field of view is narrower. Apart from the characteristics that different focal length creates (such as depth of field), a longer focal length allows filmmakers to save money. With a smaller field of view, there is less area in the shot to treat and the shallower depth of field means that the background can be less detailed.

This week’s discussion on focal lengths also brought me to investigate different lens characteristics. The example here compares Arri Ultra Prime, Cooke S4I and Zeiss CP lens. The most prominent difference can be seen in the lens flare generated.

Both Arri and Cooke lenses create lens flare in the image, Cooke S4 is more visible. The Zeiss CP lens, however, does not have lens flare at all.

These characteristics allow filmmakers to achieve a different feel. Cooke lens with its warmer and lens flare gives off a unique cinematic style that can give a more natural feel to the scene especially outdoors.

The Zeiss CP lens does not result in lens flare and its cooler temperature may be more suitable for filming harsh, geometric objects like architecture. Doing further research, I learned that Zeiss have a specific line of lens called Radiance that can create lens flare.

Chromatic Aberration is the failure of a lens to focus all colours to the same point. This can be seen in the edges of the bokeh of Zeiss Supreme lens, whilst ARRI signature lens’s lack of chromatic aberration is a selling point for them

There is a green edge around soft highlights, therefore it does not blend smoothly into the background.

In summary, different manufacturers make lenses with different characteristics. These differences will ultimately result in a slightly altered image in the form of lens flare, bokeh, chromatic aberration and more. To take these factors into account requires a deep understanding of the kind of scene you want to create and what lens is most suitable for it.