We analyzed IndieWire’s survey, and make a chart that shows the most used lenses that shot Emmy 2021’s Outstanding Cinematography nominees. For the Emmy 2021’s Cameras, make sure to check our previous article. The major lens manufacturer that wins again and aging is Panavision with its fabulous glass (T-Series, UltraVusta, and Primo 70). After Pana, there’s Zeiss (Supreme and Superspeed), together with ARRI (Signature and Master Anamorphic) and Leica with its Summilux-C. Explore the charts. 

Emmy 2021: 73rd Awards

The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards will honor the best in U.S. prime time television programming from June 1, 2020, until May 31, 2021, as chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The ceremony will be held on September 19, 2021, at the Event Deck at L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles, California, and broadcast in the U.S. by CBS and Paramount+. As the tradition calls, IndieWire has reached the directors of photography that shot the nominated films in the category of Outstanding Cinematography. We analyzed the data to create a chart in order to shed light on the popularity rate of the chosen lenses companies and models. Here is the list. This article focuses on the glass that was paired with the cameras. For the cameras charts and slides, head over our previous article. 

Note: In case you are eager to dive deeper into the making, head to IndieWire’s article which elaborates on their codecs, as well as the methodologies used on each project. 

Projects, cameras, and lenses

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (Half-Hour):

1. “Grown-ish”: DP: Mark Doering-Powell. Camera: ARRI Mini. Lens: Leica Summilux-C
2. “Hacks”: DP: Adam Bricker. Camera: Panavision Millennium DXL2. Lens: Panavision Primo 70
3. “Made for Love”: DP: Nathaniel Goodman. Camera: ARRI ALEXA Mini, Sony a7iii. Lens: ARRI Master Anamorphic, Sigma Cine T1.5’s, Angienieux Optimo Anamorphic, Nikkor Primes 
4. “The Mandalorian”: DP: Matthew Jensen. Camera: ARRI ALEXA LF. Lens: Panavision UltraVista Anamorphic
5. “Servant”: DP: Marshall Adams. Camera: ARRI ALEXA Mini LF Lens: Panavision Panaspeed

Outstanding Cinematography for a Single-Camera Series (One Hour):

1. “Bridgerton”: DP: Jeffrey Jur. Camera: Sony VENICE. Lens: ARRI Signature Prime
2. “The Crown” DP: Adriano Goldman. Camera: Sony VENICE. Lens: Zeiss Super Speed
3. “Euphoria”: DP: Marcell Rév. Camera: ARRICAM LT. Lens: Kowa Cine Prominar, Cooke S4, Zeiss Super Speeds
4. “Lovecraft Country”: DP: Tat Radcliffe. Camera: ARRI ALEXA LF. Lens: Panavision H
5. “The Mandalorian”: DP: Baz Idoine. Camera: ARRI ALEXA LF. Lens: Panavision Ultra Vista Anamorphic
6. “Perry Mason”: DP: David Franco. Camera: Sony VENICE. Lens: Panavision T
7. “The Umbrella Academy”: DP: Neville Kidd. Camera: ARRI ALEXA 65, ARRI ALEXA LF. Lens: Zeiss Supreme

Outstanding Cinematography for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie:

1. “Fargo”: DP: Dana Gonzales. Camera: ARRI ALEXA Mini. Lens: Zeiss Radiance
2. “Mare of Easttown”: DP: Ben Richardson. Camera: ARRI ALEXA Mini. Lens: Leitz Summilux-C
3. “The Queen’s Gambit”: DP: Steven Meizler. Camera: RED Ranger Monstro. Lens: Zoe’s Supreme Prime
4. “The Underground Railroad”: DP: James Laxton. Camera: ARRI LF, ARRI Mini LF. Lens: Panavision Primo 70, Panavision T

Emmy 2021 Lenses Chart

Explore the chart below that is based on that data. Press the chart in order to view it in full resolution:

Discussion

As large format cinematography becomes mainstream, the paired glass must be adapted as well. Moreover, each year we explore that Panavision continues to hold its 1st place and be the preferred glass among acclaimed DPs, especially regarding Oscars and Emmys. Indeed, Panavision has a very impressive arsenal of outstanding honored glass that has been responsible for many films that we watched and admired. Panavision’s contribution to the art of the big canvas is numerous. Unfortunately, its lenses are far from been affordable and only can be rented. An interesting finding (apart from the obvious choices of the Summilux-C and Supreme) is the Kowa Cine Prominar, which was one of the lenses chosen in the previous Emmy Awards. The Kowa Cine Prominar lenses are vintage Japanese cine primes from the 1960s. Optically offering low contrast images with a cooler color transition, and coming with unique warm flare characteristics. The cheapest lenses in the list are the Nikkor Primes, which were paired with the Sony mirrorless cameras used on filming ‘Made for Love’.

Explore our articles below for more lenses used on major film competitions and festivals: 

• The Lenses Behind Emmy 2020: Cooke, Zeiss, ARRI, Leica, and Panavision in the Lead
• The Lenses Behind Oscar 2020: Panavision, ARRI and Cooke
• The Lenses Behind Sundance 2021: Superspeeds, Panchros and Canon’s Zooms
• Cannes Film Festival 2021’s Lenses: A Lot of Optics!
• The Lenses Behind 93rd Academy Awards Nominees