The best lenses for reportage video with the Nikon ZR

The zoom all rounder

The standard zoom is an essential for many reportage videographers. The wide-to-short telephoto zoom range gives you lots of options when framing, and it’s built for handheld work. When you’re on the move and might not have time to change lenses, this is a great choice.

Aside from the fantastic optics, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is the only lens in its class with an internal zoom. This means it’s better sealed against the elements than a projecting zoom and, if you’re using a gimbal, you won’t have to rebalance every time you change focal length. The lack of an extending barrel also means it can be used easily with front-mounted accessories such as matte boxes. Focus breathing in your footage is all but eliminated and when paired with a Nikon ZR you’ve got a small and lightweight set-up.

For those on a budget who still need a high-quality standard zoom, the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 still gives you that fast, constant aperture for low-light work and a similar focal range for flexibility. Bokeh is soft and natural, while its minimum focus distance of 19cm at 28mm means you can get dramatic closeups.

Fast primes

For cinematic storytelling, a fast prime lens with a standard focal length is a wonderful tool – used by cinematographers and directors the world over for decades. Both the 50mm and 35mm focal lengths lend themselves perfectly to reportage and human stories with their natural fields of view, while a fast aperture allows both creative use of depth of field to focus on what’s important in the frame and low-light filming.

For pros and those who want the best possible results, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S are practically indispensable. With incredible resolving power, fabulous light gathering capabilities and beautiful, balanced bokeh, the images they create can fill the biggest of screens. Autofocus is fast and true and focus breathing is severely minimised, while advanced coatings and weather sealing make them top performers in all filming situations.

For those operating on smaller budgets, but who still demand high quality results, the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 are amazing value. Aside from great optical capability, minimised focus breathing and that wide aperture, both are similar in size and weight and have consistent rendering, making them the perfect all-day duo on longer, moving shoots. In between the 35mm and the 50mm is the NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 lens, which is already seeing a lot of love from the early adopters of the ZR for its character as a run and gun lens that won’t break the bank.

Of course, all NIKKOR Z prime lenses can be used with the Nikon ZR, and there are plenty to choose from, so whatever your needs feel free to explore. And don’t forget, with the Nikon FTZII adapter you can also attach F mount lenses, nearly 100 of which retain full AF/AE capabilities.

The power zoom

If you need a nimble video system that can tackle almost any situation – especially for solo videographers or small crews – the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ attached to a Nikon ZR is a strong contender for the best value combo you can get. The wide focal range, constant f/4 aperture and short minimum focus distance give you a huge variety of creative options. Three customisable control rings (all with different knurling patterns so you don’t have to look to check which one you’re turning) let you control the lens exactly how you want to… and fast. It also supports external video-specific accessories such as matte boxes and follow focus units. And then there’s the power zoom. With 11 different speeds, ease-in, ease-out and even the ability to control it remotely with either a PC or mobile device, your zooms will be consistent, finely controlled and give that all-important, high-level professional feel to your footage.

Tell your stories

Filming in a reportage style often requires quick thinking, with little or no time to plan details. With a Nikon ZR and any of these lenses you’ll be assured your kit won’t lag behind your decision-making, will be ready when the moment occurs and can get the footage that tells a story that’s sharp, exquisitely rendered and compelling.