The One Lens Filmmaking Challenge: Improve Your Skills by Limiting Your Gear

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Filmmaking essentials on wooden table: camera lens, body, notepad, clapperboard - warm natural light

In a world of endless gear options, sometimes the best way to grow as a filmmaker is by doing more with less. Enter the One Lens Filmmaking Challenge, a creative exercise that forces you to stick to a single lens for your entire project.

Why Try the One Lens Challenge?

  • Improves creativity - You’ll be forced to think more about composition and movement.
  • Enhances planning - You must pre-visualize shots with the lens limitations in mind.
  • Boosts discipline - You learn to work with what you have instead of relying on gear swaps.

Best Lenses for the Challenge

Prime lenses like the 35mm or 50mm are perfect. They're versatile enough for wide and close shots with proper blocking.

How to Make the Most of It

  1. Pick a small project, short film, vlog, or scene recreation.
  2. Plan your shots around the lens’s natural perspective.
  3. Get creative with movement, try sliders, handheld, or whip pans.
Watch our short film “Haunted Path” It was shot with a single 35mm lens, with Canon 5D Mark ii. Directed by Anthony Jay a.k.a D’Visualist

Want more beginner-friendly tips?

Check out our Beginner’s Guide to Shooting Manual Mode to understand your camera settings better.

Interested in DIY tricks?

Explore our post on 5 DIY Camera Tricks for Better Cinematic Shots , these pair well with a one-lens setup.

Learn from the pros

Here are the Top YouTube Channels Every Indie Filmmaker Should Follow for daily inspiration and practical tutorials.

Try the challenge for a week and let us know how it transforms your shooting style!

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