Full-Frame Zoom Lenses for Full-Frame Cameras
Let’s look at some of the best full-frame zoom lens options on the market for various budgets.
Full-frame is the future of digital cinema. This more significant, more robust sensor provides much richer detail in your images. Also, this sensor produces additional color resolve that provides a shallower depth of field.
Arguably the combination offers a more fantastic cinematic image. However, most supportive camera equipment is fully prepared for this format change, including Sony, Panasonic, Canon, and many other camera manufacturers. It seems that the options for zoom lenses have some catching up to do.
Many staple zooms cinematographers have used over the years—like Angenieux and even Canon CNE zooms—only cover up to Super 35 sensors. This means that finding the right full-frame zoom lens for the proper budget can often be a challenge.
So, let’s take a look.
Low Budget – Under $2100
I know what you’re thinking. “A lens worth $1,500 isn’t low budget at all.” Still, when you consider the higher-tier lenses available for full-frame cameras, you’ll be surprised at how good these lenses perform for this price point, even as an entry point into the market of full-frame lenses.
I think it’s fair to say that each significant manufacturer in the camera world like Canon, Sony, Nikon, Sigma, etc. has its fair share of good and bad lenses. Here’s a list of recommendations for under $2,000 that will take advantage of that full-frame sensor you have. You can’t be disappointed with these lens choices—all of them produce incredible footage while retaining tack-sharp focus and accurate colors.
- Canon EF 24–105mm f/4L IS II USM – $1,299.00
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM – $2,099.00
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens – $2,099.95
- NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S – $1,099.95
- Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master – $1,999.99
- Sony FE 12-24mm F4 G – $1,774.99
- Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art – $1,069.00
Medium Indie Budget – Under $6,000
If you’re serious about producing the highest quality footage and want to move up in the lens world, then cinema lenses are the next level. If you’re unsure what a cine lens can offer compared to a standard lens on the market, we have done a comparison article to help you delve deeper into the differences.
Offering a full-focus ring, a de-clicked aperture, and made with top-of-the-line materials, cine lenses can yield some incredible results. These lenses are heavier but have a higher-quality build. Here are a few recommendations we can offer.
- Sony FE C 16-35mm T3.1 G – $5,498.00
- DZOFilm Catta 35-80mm & 70-135mm T2.9 E-Mount Cine Zoom 2-Lens Bundle – $7,499.00
- Sigma 24-35mm T2.2 FF Zoom Lens – $4,999.00
- Tokina Cinema Vista 16-28mm II T3 Wide-Angle Zoom Lens – $3,999.00
High Budget – Under $20,000
Okay, now we are getting into some serious glass business. One of the giants within this price range is Angenieux, which makes some of the most beautiful zoom lenses. They’ve released their EZ series. With both Super 35 and FF options, these lenses provide that coveted Angenieux and Hollywood look at a more palatable price point.
Zeiss’s line of zooms brings a high-end approach to full-frame cinema zooms. The product line provides a fast aperture and a clean, almost-clinical image quality to your production. Zeiss also offers cinema zoom lenses providing the highest standards and quality we expect from the brand. These lenses will give any DP peace of mind. With a focal range from 15mm-200mm across the three lenses, they will cover almost anything you might need for documentary production.
As for what you get within this price range, you are getting top-of-the-line glass made with precision, quality, and care to produce the highest-quality imagery possible. These are some seriously outstanding zoom lenses.
- Angenieux EZ-2 15 to 40mm Cinema Lens – $13,662
- Angenieux EZ-1 30 to 90mm Cinema Lens – $13,662
- Zeiss Cinema Zoom 15-30mm T2.9 – $21,945.00
- Zeiss Cinema Zoom 28-80mm T2.9 – $21,945.00
- Zeiss Cinema Zoom 70-200mm T2.9 – $21,945.00
Don’t forget about Prime Lenses!
Zoom lenses are only half of the picture for the lens game. Primes can offer cheaper alternatives to full zoom ranges. Plus, when it comes to cine lenses, there are many more prime options on the market, and prices are sometimes a lot cheaper if you buy a set in a bundle offering you a range of focal lengths. Primes can be a great option if you can’t afford an expensive zoom lens or only want a specific focal length.
