Lens - Properties and Attributes

Focal Length  Depth of Field  Perspective Distortion  Selective Focus  Lens Expression

Expressive potential of Camera Lens and Lighting are of primary importance in cinematic expression. Knowledgeable cinematographer manipulates lens choices in order to create Mood and/or relate to emotional content of the Scene or state of mind of the Character.

Imagine the situation:
Director calls for a CU. You have ten Primes and two Zooms. CU can be taken with any of them... lens is a lens is a lens (?!). Invariably, your choice should be determined by exact understanding of what is Character's state of mind in this very moment within a story. Each different Focal Length has is own, unique "psychological attributes" knowledge of which is detrimental in cinematic interpretation. Lens can beautify or else distort negatively. Cinematography is not about photographing... it is about creating moods and relating to emotions. Lens attributes such as Depth of Field, Perspective Distortion and Selective Focus help cinematographer achieving his/her goal which should be emotional adequacy in visual interpretation of the story. Knowledge of Lens Attributes gives us freedom of choices...  In order to execute the choices it is helpful if personal qualities of cinematographer include those of Sensibility and Imagination.