Finding the Best Focal Length Lens for Shooting Vertical Video: Social Content Guide!
If you are an aspiring videographer or a seasoned professional, you may have wondered what the best focal length for a vertical video is.
Vertical videos are the norm on social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram, and choosing the right focal length can make a huge difference in the quality and effectiveness of your video content.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know about focal length, why it's important, and how to choose the best focal length for your vertical videos.
We'll cover topics like lens selection, crop factors, depth of field, and shooting techniques to help you create visually stunning and engaging videos.
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What is Focal Length and Why is it Important?
Focal length is the distance between the lens and the camera's image sensor when the lens is focused at infinity.
It determines the angle of view, or the field of view that the lens can capture, and has a significant impact on the image's perspective, depth of field, and compression.
Focal length is measured in millimeters, and the shorter the focal length, the wider the field of view, and the longer the focal length, the narrower the field of view.
Focal length is crucial for videographers and photographers as it can significantly affect the final image's composition, perspective, and overall look and feel.
The focal length can be used creatively to control the depth of field, isolate subjects, or emphasize specific elements of the scene.
It's essential to understand the effect that different focal lengths can have on your video to choose the best lens for your needs.
Choosing the Best Focal Length for Vertical Video
When it comes to choosing the best focal length for your vertical video, there are a few factors to consider, including the desired effect, camera type, and sensor size.
Let's take a closer look at some of these factors:
- Desired Effect: The focal length you choose will depend on the desired effect you want to achieve.
A shorter focal length (e.g., 24mm) provides a wide field of view and is ideal for capturing large scenes, while a longer focal length (e.g., 50mm) provides a narrow field of view and is ideal for isolating the subject or creating a shallow depth of field. - Camera Type: Different camera types may require different focal lengths. For example, if you're shooting with a full-frame camera, a 50mm lens will provide a natural-looking perspective, while an APS-C sensor camera may require a 35mm lens to achieve the same effect.
- Sensor Size: The crop factor of your camera's sensor can also affect the focal length you need.
A smaller sensor size will have a higher crop factor, which means the image will appear more zoomed in than on a camera with a larger sensor.
For example, an APS-C camera has a crop factor of 1.5x, so a 50mm lens will appear as a 75mm lens on that camera.
If you're shooting with a smartphone, which typically has a smaller sensor size, you may need to use a wider focal length to capture a similar field of view as you would with a larger sensor camera.
It's also important to consider the aspect ratio of your video. Vertical videos are typically shot in a 9:16 aspect ratio, which is taller than it is wide.
This means that using a wide-angle lens can result in distortion, with subjects appearing stretched or warped.
On the other hand, a telephoto lens can help to compress the image and make subjects appear more natural.
When it comes to choosing the best focal length for vertical video, there are a few options that tend to work well.
Let's explore some of the most popular choices.
Portrait Mode Screams For The Nifty Fifty (50mm Lens)
The 50mm lens, also known as the "nifty fifty," is a classic choice for photographers and videographers alike.
This lens provides a natural-looking field of view that's similar to what the human eye sees.
When it comes to shooting vertical video, the 50mm lens is a great choice for capturing subjects up close and personal.
One of the benefits of the 50mm lens is its wide aperture, which allows for a shallow depth of field.
This can be especially useful when shooting portraits, as it can help to isolate the subject from the background and create a pleasing bokeh effect.
If you're shooting with a camera that has a full-frame sensor, the 50mm lens will provide a true 50mm focal length.
However, if you're shooting with a camera that has a smaller sensor, such as an APS-C camera, you may need to adjust for the crop factor.
Only A Select Few Occasions Demand A Wide-Angle Lens For Shooting Vertical Video!
While the 50mm lens is a versatile option that works well in many situations, there are times when you may want to use a wider or narrower focal length.
For example, if you're shooting a vlog and want to capture more of your surroundings, a wide-angle lens may be the way to go.
However, it's important to use caution when using a wide-angle lens for shooting vertical video.
As mentioned earlier, wide-angle lenses can result in distortion, which can be unflattering for your subject.
If you do choose to use a wide-angle lens, try to keep your subject centered in the frame and avoid tilting the camera up or down.
Another option to consider is a zoom lens, which allows you to adjust the focal length as needed.
This can be especially useful when shooting in a variety of environments, as it allows you to adapt to your surroundings without needing to change lenses.
Overall, the best focal length for vertical video will depend on a variety of factors, including the subject matter, the environment, and the equipment you're using.
By understanding the basics of focal length and considering your specific needs, you can choose the right lens for your next vertical video project.
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Tips For Shooting Vertical Aspect Ratio Videos With The Chosen Focal Length
Now that you have selected the best focal length for your vertical video, it's time to talk about how to shoot with it.
Proper framing and composition are key to capturing engaging and high-quality video footage.
Framing and Composition For Filmmaking:
When shooting vertical video, it's important to remember that the vertical format is more narrow than the traditional horizontal format.
Therefore, you need to be creative in how you frame and compose your shots.
Here are some tips to help you out:
- Keep your subject in the center of the frame.
- Use the rule of thirds to frame your shot.
- Utilize negative space to make your subject stand out.
- Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add visual interest.
- Consider the aspect ratio of the platform you'll be sharing your video on.
Adjusting Focal Length For Your Video:
Depending on the type of camera and lens you're using, adjusting the focal length can be different.
Here are some tips to help you adjust focal length on different types of cameras and lenses:
- Zoom Lens: If you're using a zoom lens, you can adjust the focal length by zooming in or out. Be aware that zooming in too much can make your footage shaky and hard to stabilize. Also consider the f/stop on the zoom lens if it is fixed or variable when shooting video.
- Prime Lens: If you're using a fixed focal length lens, you'll need to physically move the camera closer or further away from your subject to adjust the focal length.
- Smartphones: On a smartphone, you can adjust the focal length by pinching the screen to zoom in or out. Be aware that the quality of the video may decrease as you zoom in.
Best Practices for Shooting Vertical Video:
Here are some best practices for shooting vertical video with your chosen focal length:
- Use a tripod or gimbal to stabilize your footage.
- Shoot in 4K or a high resolution to maintain image quality when cropping the video.
- Consider using a camera cage or handheld rig for added stability and control.
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture more of the scene (use wisely), or a telephoto lens to isolate your subject.
- Open up your aperture to create a shallow depth of field, making your subject stand out from the background.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Focal Length For Creating Vertical Videos
When choosing a focal length for vertical video, there are common mistakes that people make that can affect the overall quality of the footage.
Here are some tips for avoiding these mistakes:
Choosing the Wrong Focal Length: Choosing the wrong focal length can result in distorted or unflattering footage.
For example, using an ultra-wide lens can cause distortion around the edges of the frame, while using a telephoto lens can make your subject look compressed and flattened.
Make sure to experiment with different focal lengths to find the best focal length for video.
We recommend watching a vertical video that you like and try to mimic the look and feel of it!
Not Considering the Crop Factor: The crop factor of your camera's sensor can affect the focal length you need.
A smaller sensor size will have a higher crop factor, meaning you'll need a shorter focal length to achieve the same field of view as a larger sensor.
Forgetting About Depth of Field: The focal length of your lens can affect the depth of field in your footage.
A longer focal length will create a shallower depth of field, while a wider lens will create a deeper depth of field.
Consider the effect you want to achieve and choose your focal length accordingly.
So, What’s The Best Focal Length For my Lens For Video to Start With?
The best focal length for vertical video depends on your personal preference and the style you want to achieve.
A 40mm or 50mm lens gives you the best place to start for shooting vertical video, as they provide a natural field of view and can give a cinematic look to your footage.
However, it's important to experiment with different focal lengths and find what works best for you and the type of content you're creating.
Avoid using an ultra wide angle lens to start out, as this can distort the image and make it less appealing for social media platforms.
Best Focal Length Lens For Vlogging in Portrait Mode
When it comes to vlogging in portrait mode, the best focal length lens will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the vlogger.
A 50mm focal length provides a good starting point for those who want a classic and natural look, while a 35mm lens can provide a wider field of view for those who want to capture more of their surroundings.
A zoom lens with a range of focal lengths can offer even more versatility.
Ultimately, it's important to consider factors such as the camera's sensor size, crop factor, and aperture to ensure that the chosen lens will deliver the desired image quality and depth of field.
Shoot A Vertical Video With The Best Focal Length Of A Lens - Conclusion
Choosing the right focal length for vertical video format is crucial to creating engaging and high-quality footage.
By considering factors such as sensor size, crop factor, and depth of field, and by following tips for framing and composition, adjusting focal length, and avoiding common mistakes, you can create video content that stands out on social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
However, choosing the right focal length is just one aspect of shooting great vertical videos.
To take your video creation to the next level, consider investing in a gimbal to stabilize your footage and make shooting handheld videos a breeze.
In the end, shooting vertical videos is all about being creative and experimenting with different techniques and tools.
With the right focal length, a steady hand or gimbal, and a bit of practice, you can create videos that are sure to capture the attention of your audience and boost your social media engagement.
So go out there, and start shooting some amazing vertical videos!
Your friend,
Ben
Upgrade Your Vertical Video Skills with These Must-Try Gimbals for Content Creators!
Ben
