Welcome to the LFL - Lens & Filter Library!

Over the last few years I have conducted a fair few lens and filter tests that I have used for my own lens evaluation. After the success of the DCT | Diffusion Comparison Tool I decided to build on these tests and develop another resource to share my work with others.

Filmmakers can use the LFL to study a range of lenses and filters to see how they perform. I hope the videos will assist you in making creative and technical decisions during prep and shooting. If you like the look of any lenses or filters in the LFL I’d recommend testing them yourself to see them first hand before committing to shooting with them for your project.

If you’re looking for a fun place to start with the LFL then check out the Dual Players where you can compare lenses and filters from the library side by side and study the differences between them.

I’ve focussed on simplicity and ease of use with the LFL so I’ve tried to provide only the necessary information as I see it. I’m constantly looking to develop the LFL so please do fill in a FEEDBACK FORM and let me know what else you’d like to see included and what you think of the LFL.

Some tests that I have included in the library are more thorough and scientific than others as I have developed my testing methodology over time. For some tests I have had more time to evaluate the lenses and filters than for others. I decided to also include the shorter and less thorough tests to allow for a rough idea of how a lens or filter might perform. In time I will look to reshoot those tests and replace them with more up to date versions.

All tests have a Rec. 709 LUT applied to the footage and as many of the videos as possible are 4k UHD. If you are able to view this resolution on your monitor then check the cog wheel on the youtube videos to select your preferred resolution.

The LFL can also be saved as an app or shortcut on your phone/ tablet and instructions of how to do this are available in the Save as an App/Shortcut Page. You can also save the LFL as a bookmark in your browser for easy access.

For credits and information about the tests there are end cards on every video with further information. Thank you to everyone who has helped me during these tests especially the rental houses, the extremely patient models and the talented focus pullers. A special shoutout to the focus puller Klimas Jurevicius who has been with me on most of the tests and helped to develop the LFL alongside me. If you’re looking for a focus puller in London get in touch with him by clicking above, he’s a very talented focus puller and brings a professional approach to every job.

There are many other thorough lens test resources online including a fantastic one by Sharegrid that compares lenses old and new. I’ve linked to this and other great resources in the section below.

I will keep adding new filters and lenses to the LFL as I test so follow me on instagram for updates and keep checking back to the LFL for updates.

Happy shooting! :)

Will

Press |

• “Free Lens & Filter Library for cinematographers and filmmakers launched” - British Cinematographer

• “New Update Announced For The Lens & Filter Library” - British Cinematographer

Resources |

• DCT | Diffusion Comparison Tool

• Sharegrid Cinema Lens Library

• Motion Picture Lens Database

• Tiffen 4k Diffusion Filter Tests

• Tiffen 4k Diffusion Filter Tests - Reviews

• PHFX Cinematography Tools

• Frameline.tools

Cinematographer |

Richard William Preisner - @rwpreisner

Focus Pullers & ACs |

Klimas Jurevicius - @klimstagrama

Austin Phillips - @ozzyspoon

Pete Blakemore - @peteblakemore

Elliot Lush - @elliotlush

Antonio Mendes - @antoniovmendes

Olivia Morrison - @oliviagmorrison

Charlie Martin - @charliealexmartin

Sira Pocovi - @sirapocovi

Models |

Viktoria Petrova - @just.viktoria

Kristina Grinkiewicz - @kristina.grinkiewicz

Camille Corgeron - @elliotlush@camille.corgeron

Marina Suprunova - @marinatheillustrator

Emilia Arno - @emiroar

Alexia Kombou - @alexiakombou_voiceover

Thanks |

Panavision - @panavisionofficial

VMI - @vmi.tv

One Stop Films - @onestopfilms

Please fill out the feedback form below to let us know what you think of the LFL and to make any suggestions of how we can improve the tool in future.

FEEDBACK FORM - CLICK HERE

For all questions and enquiries please email Will at rwpreisner@gmail.com

Or message Will on instagram @rwpreisner

If you’re based in London, UK and would like to be part of an LFL shoot as a model or an assistant then please send an email over or message on Instagram.

How do I know what the camera and lens settings are?

They are written on the board/slate in the shot. Throughout each video this information changes with each stop on the lens.

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For any further questions, suggestions or comments please email Will at rwpreisner@gmail.com