Ever been at the end of a long shoot, realizing that the perfect moment was framed all wrong because you didn’t pick the right lens? It happens more than you think. Choosing the right lens for your specific production can completely change the look, feel, and quality of your shots.

At Eagle AV Rental, we’ve worked with countless productions, from corporate interviews to high-energy concerts. Each situation demands a different approach when it comes to lens choice, and understanding how lenses impact your final image can make or break your project.

Understanding Lens Basics

Before diving into specifics, it’s important to grasp the basic factors that define a lens:

• Focal Length: The distance between the lens and the image sensor, measured in millimeters (mm). The longer the focal length, the more “zoomed in” the image is.
• Aperture (f-stop): This controls the amount of light that enters the lens and the depth of field (how much of the image is in focus). A lower f-stop (like f/2.8) means more light and shallower depth of field.
• Field of View: This refers to how wide or narrow the lens captures the scene. A wide-angle lens captures more of the scene, while telephoto lenses zoom in on specific details.

Lens Choices for Different Situations

1. Interview Lenses

When shooting an interview, it’s important to consider the composition of your shots and how much of the background you want in focus. For interviews, you'll typically want a lens that allows you to keep your subject sharp while blurring the background slightly to make them stand out.

Recommended Lens: A 50mm f/1.8 or 85mm f/1.4 lens is a great choice. These prime lenses provide beautiful bokeh (background blur) and a natural-looking perspective. A focal length between 50mm and 85mm gives a flattering image of the subject without distorting their face. The wide aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, helping the subject pop against a blurry background.

Pro Tip: If you have a larger space and want a more environmental shot, consider a 24mm f/1.4 lens to capture more of the surroundings while maintaining sharp focus on the subject.

2. Stage Coverage Lenses

For live events, whether it's a conference or a concert, capturing the action on stage while maintaining sharp focus is key. In these situations, flexibility is essential since you’re often working in dynamic, fast-paced environments.

Recommended Lens: A 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens is a great all-around option. It offers the flexibility to zoom in on performers from a distance, or widen the shot to capture the entire stage. With an aperture of f/2.8, it strikes a good balance between light-gathering ability and depth of field control, making it versatile for both well-lit and darker stages.

Pro Tip: If you’re shooting from a distance and need a tighter frame, consider a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens for more reach without compromising on image quality.

3. Run-and-Gun Lenses

Run-and-gun shoots require a lens that’s versatile, lightweight, and capable of capturing fast-moving subjects in unpredictable environments. Whether you’re covering a fast-paced event or shooting in tight spaces, you’ll need a lens that can adjust to a variety of lighting conditions and compositions.

Recommended Lens: A 24-105mm f/4 lens provides the perfect balance for these shoots. It’s lightweight, offers a wide zoom range, and has a decent aperture for good low-light performance. This lens gives you the flexibility to switch from wide shots to close-ups without having to change lenses mid-shoot.

Pro Tip: If you need to go even lighter, consider a 24mm f/1.4 prime lens. It’s fast, compact, and great for low light, though it’s less versatile in terms of framing flexibility.

Final Thoughts: The Right Lens Makes All the Difference

Choosing the right lens isn’t just about picking the sharpest or most expensive option—it’s about understanding your environment, goals, and what kind of look you want to achieve. Every production, whether it’s an interview, stage event, or run-and-gun shoot, has unique challenges and requires careful thought.

At Eagle AV Rental, we’ve seen firsthand how the right lens can elevate a production, turning a good shoot into a great one. If you’re unsure which lens to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for guidance—we’re always happy to share our expertise and help you get the most out of your gear.

Need help with your next production?
We’re just a call away! Whether you’re renting gear or looking for expert advice, Eagle AV Rental is here to make your shoot seamless and successful.