What lenses to use with the Canon 5D Mark II, 7D and 550D in 'cinema mode'?

To work with a Canon 5D Mark II, 7D and 550D in video or cinema format, there is one element to take into account, the optics. We review some of the EF lenses recommended for 'canonmaniacs' with a comparison between lenses for photo and cinema.

One of the thorniest issues faced by 'canonmaniacs' determined to convert their Canon EOS 5D mkII, 7D and 550D into a true video or film camera is the choice of the appropriate optics. An important aspect to highlight is the use of PL adapters.

Grau Luminotecnia has just announced that in Berve they will begin the production of PL adapters for the Canon 7D and 550D. Although there are already numerous PL adapters on the market, the reality is that they do not work or weaken the camera housing. These new PL adapters that Grau is now proposing will reinforce the camera housing and will have a one-year warranty.

However, Grau highlights for those who are thinking of modifying the camera to be able to mount cinema optics with a PL mount, two aspects to consider. On the one hand, the adaptation is irreversible since the housing is modified and reinforced, and the camera is no longer “reflex”. On the other hand, only the 7D and 550D could be modified, which are the ones that have the same size sensor as 35mm cinema film, since the 5D makes vignettes with PL optics.

What optics to use?

The director Rodrigo de la Calle, an expert in digital cinematography, recently published in his blog a table of EF(-S) lenses recommended for video recording, carrying out an interesting comparison between photo lenses and cinema lenses recommended for shooting with the Canon 5D, 7D and 550D without having to modify the camera for PL lenses.

As Rodrigo de la Calle highlights, there are notable differences between film and photo optics. As stated on his blog, some photo optics, although smaller, lighter and cheaper, tend to saturate colors (this tendency can be corrected in the camera settings). On the contrary, in cinema optics, the size of the plane is not modified when the focus varies, with manual control (although it is mechanizable and remotetable). Rodrigo de la Calle makes it clear that "35mm cinema optics are designed for the sensor size of the 7D and 550D, not for the Full Frame sensor of the 5D. Therefore, modifying the mount to PL only makes sense in the 7D (and 550D)."