The rise of the creator economy: Lenses and PTZ
Posted on May 14, 2025 by Pro Moviemaker
Great content demands great lenses – and for creators who care about sharpness, style and versatility, the right glass can elevate any shoot
Classy glass
When it comes to content creation and podcasting, it’s better to use a modern AF lens either from the camera manufacturer or a trusted, high-end independent brand. The best are either fast primes – if you really want a shallow depth-of-field – or a wide-to-mid-range zoom, preferably with a close-focus capability.
For Sony users, the Sony 20mm f/1.8 G is sharp, ideal for vlogging or handheld work, while the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 zoom is another strong choice. Canon’s RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM remains the gold standard for RF mounts, while Sony’s latest 28-70mm G Master lens impresses with its f/2 aperture.
Sigma offers a wide range of Art lenses – both primes and zooms – to fit most modern cameras. They deliver stunning performance at prices that undercut many manufacturers’ own lenses. The 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art is a winner, as is the 28-45mm f/1.8, while the 50mm f/1.2 DG DN Art prime is sublime.
But for a true video experience with lenses for Canon RF mount cameras – from Canon to Red Komodo and V-Raptor – the latest hybrid optics are a top choice.
The 50mm f/1.4L VCM and 24mm f/1.4L VCM lenses offer video-friendly features, including a smooth iris ring with an 11-bladed circular aperture, fast and precise low-light performance, advanced optics and minimal focus breathing.
They join the current 24-105mm f/2.8L and 35mm f/1.4 hybrid lenses, as well as a 70-200mm version.
What about PTZ?
Pan-tilt-zoom cameras are becoming widely used in professional podcast studios as they can be controlled remotely – some can even automatically track subjects as they move during the shoot.
At the high end, the Panasonic AW-UE150 was the first 4K/60p PTZ camera from a major brand. No longer the flagship, it’s now a cheaper buy with a one-inch sensor, 12G-SDI, optical fibre and IP control, plus 20x optical zoom.
For a more cinematic look, Sony’s FR7 is its first PTZ camera with a full-frame sensor and interchangeable E-mount lenses. It features a back-side illuminated 35mm sensor offering over 15 stops of dynamic range and up to 4K/120p.
This article was first published in the May/June 2025 issue of Pro Moviemaker
