28/03/2026 11:02 pm
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I’ve got a music video shoot this coming weekend for a local artist and I'm totally panicking because my 35mm is just way too tight for the tiny basement studio we ended up booking in Brooklyn. I'm shooting on the FX3 and I really need that wide, cinematic feel without it looking like a cheap GoPro or something. I spent all night looking at reviews and everyone keeps raving about the Sony 20mm f1.8 G saying its the absolute best value for money but then I see other people swearing by the 16-35mm GM II because of the versatility.
My budget is strictly $1500 and I have to order this thing by tomorrow morning so it gets here in time for the gig on Friday. The thing is I'm worried the 20mm won't be wide enough for the specific distorted perspective the director wants for the performance shots but the 16-35 is really pushing my budget and I'm scared it'll be way too heavy for my RS3 Mini gimbal setup. Some people say the 20mm has bad focus breathing too which kinda scares me for professional video work. Should I just bite the bullet on the GM or is there a better prime that feels more 'pro' than the 20mm G? Or maybe the Sigma 14-24? I'm just lost and the clock is ticking...
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29/03/2026 12:04 am
Regarding what #1 said about "Honestly I went through this exact same panic..."
- I saved money with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 PZ G because:
- weight fits my gimbal
- internal zoom is easier
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28/03/2026 11:03 pm
Honestly I went through this exact same panic a few months back. I ended up getting the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G for my own FX3 setup and I have been super satisfied with it. It is light enough that the gimbal doesnt even sweat, and the image quality is honestly killer for the price point. If you really need that crazy distorted performance look tho, the 20mm might be a bit too normal wide for what the director wants. Since your budget is $1500, you should seriously look at the Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM. It is right at the edge of your budget but man, it is a professional beast and much wider than the 20mm. Here is why it works well for your specific gig:
- Prime lenses are way lighter than those bulky zooms like the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II.
- That f/1.8 aperture is a total lifesaver in a dark Brooklyn basement studio.
- The 14mm gives you that ultra-wide music video perspective without looking like a cheap action cam. I wouldnt worry too much about the focus breathing on the 20mm if you go that route. The FX3 has breathing compensation built-in now so it basically fixes itself in camera. The Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art is way too heavy for an RS3 Mini in my opinion. If I were you I would just grab the 14mm GM. It feels way more pro and it fits perfectly on your gimbal setup.
