The Beginner's Guide: Camera Lenses

Introduction: The lens—arguably one of the most fundamental tools in filmmaking and VFX!

Virtually everything in a film has either been captured through a lens or meticulously crafted to appear as though it has been. Understanding lenses is vital not just for those working behind the camera, but can benefit anyone working within the visual effects (VFX) pipeline. Whether you’re capturing data on-set or re-creating reality in post-production, a solid grasp of how lenses function can elevate your work. When I first started learning photography for Visual Effects, I lacked a clear roadmap and tried to learn everything all at once. This approach was counterproductive and quickly became overwhelming!

If you’re in a similar position—struggling to grasp those initial concepts or unsure of what’s most relevant—this article is here to provide clarity and a starting point.

In this article, we’ll begin by breaking down the anatomy of a lens, examining its physical components and their roles in shaping an image. Next, we’ll delve into how these components influence fundamental concepts, such as focal length, F-stops, and depth of field, which form the backbone of lens behavior. Finally, we’ll discuss some of the artefacts & imperfections inherent in lenses—distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration—exploring how these introduce inaccuracy during capture, and are necessary to recreate in post-production.

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Section 1: Anatomy

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Although lenses may look different from one another, they almost always have the same key parts. The components shown below (Figure 1) are what we’ll be exploring today.

Figure 1 - Lens Anatomy

1.1) Filter Thread

1.2) Glass Elements

1.3) Iris Diaphragm & Aperture

1.4) Lens Mount

1.5) Drive Motor (STM Focus Vs. USM Focus)

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Section 2: Fundamental Properties:

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2.1) Focal Length

2.2) Aperture (F-Stop)

2.3) Focus (Light Convergence)

2.4) Depth of Field

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Section 3: Imperfections and Artefacts:

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3.1) Lens Distortion

3.2) Chromatic Abberation

3.3) Vignetting

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Conclusion:

Lenses can be a complex topic, but understanding them is well worth the effort! This was a more technical exploration, but if you're interested in their artistic qualities and use in film and television, I’ve included a list of my favorite resources below.

At first, these terms and concepts may feel intimidating, but don’t rush—learning takes time. In my experience, the best way to improve is by getting hands-on with a camera and seeing the results for yourself. Remember, progress is about direction, not speed.

Best of luck, and happy capturing!

—Harry

Additional Resources