Directing My First Music Video | Sirui 24mm Anamorphic Lens | Lumix GH5

Introduction

I never really had a strong desire to direct a music video, but if I ever did, I had an idea of how I’d approach it. That idea became a reality when Sirui sent me their new 24mm anamorphic lens to review. Instead of doing a standard lens test, I decided to challenge myself by directing my very first music video while putting the Sirui 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm anamorphic lenses to the test.

In this blog, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my music video shoot, the gear I used, the challenges I faced, and what I learned from the experience.

The Music Video Concept

When deciding on an artist, I had the opportunity to work with a Grammy award-winning singer and trombonist. Since I wanted to capture cinematic visuals with an anamorphic lens, I opted for a clean, elegant, and visually striking aesthetic that focused more on composition and performance rather than heavy camera movement.

To challenge myself even further, I decided that every single shot would be filmed on a tripod—no gimbals, no handheld shots.

Essential Gear

Cameras & Lenses

• Lumix GH5 – My go-to camera for cinematic shooting.

• Sirui 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm Anamorphic Lenses –

  • 24mm: Wide establishing shots.

  • 35mm: Medium shots.

  • 50mm: Close-ups for an intimate feel.

Stabilization

• Tripod Only – I wanted to focus purely on framing, lighting, and the artist’s performance.

Lighting Setup

• Godox SL-150 – Used as my key light.

• Godox SL-60 – For edge lighting.

• Core SWX Bolt 250 LED Lights – Accent lighting for visual depth.

• Black Pro-Mist Filters – To soften highlights and create a filmic look.

Additional Gear

• Atomos Ninja V Monitor – Helped with precise focus and exposure.

• K&F ND Filters – Used on the 35mm and 50mm, though my 24mm ND filter arrived late.

Behind the Scenes: Directing the Shoot

Pre-Production & Planning

The plan was to start filming at 7:45 AM, but with setup time and a quick coffee & donut run, we officially started at 8:30 AM. Having a shot list was crucial—it kept me organized and confident throughout the shoot.

Challenges & Lessons Learned

1. My First Shot Was a Failure

For the first scene, I used the 24mm lens for a super-wide, low-angle establishing shot. The moment I looked at the shot, I hated it. No matter how I framed it, it didn’t work for the visual style I envisioned.

Thankfully, YC Imaging was on set with me, and he reminded me of a lesson he shared in his own videos—tight shots look better in music videos. Taking his advice, I reframed the shot for a medium close-up, and it instantly looked better.

2. Using a Tripod Forced Me to Think More Cinematically

Since I wasn’t relying on camera movement to make shots more dynamic, I had to focus purely on composition, lighting, and performance. This approach:

• Allowed me to direct the artist better.

• Made every frame look intentional.

• Forced me to improve my shot blocking.

3. Controlling Anamorphic Lens Flares

One of the best things about anamorphic lenses is their beautiful horizontal lens flares. However, I learned that each lens produces different levels of flare:

• 24mm lens – Minimal flares.

• 35mm & 50mm lenses – Strong, cinematic flares.

I took advantage of this by adjusting my lighting setup to create or reduce lens flares as needed.

4. COVID Safety & Social Distancing on Set

Since the shoot took place during the pandemic, I made sure that:

• Crew members wore masks.

• The artist and model maintained a safe distance while performing.

Despite the restrictions, we still managed to create compelling and engaging shots that felt natural and connected.

Final Thoughts: Reviewing the Sirui 24mm Anamorphic Lens

What I Loved About the Lens

✅ Great for establishing shots – The wide field of view captured more of the environment. ✅ Less distortion – Unlike some wide-angle lenses, the 24mm maintained a natural look. ✅ Crisp, sharp images – Especially when paired with the GH5’s color science. ✅ Lightweight and compact – Easy to use with my GH5 rig.

What Could Be Improved

❌ Different filter size – Unlike the 35mm & 50mm lenses, the 24mm has a different filter thread, requiring additional adapters. ❌ Less pronounced lens flares – If you love heavy anamorphic flares, you might prefer the 35mm or 50mm instead.

Would I Direct Another Music Video?

While I’m not sure if I’ll be directing more music videos in the future, I gained a deep appreciation for the craft. The experience taught me a lot about working with artists, shot composition, and the power of thoughtful cinematography.

Big thanks to Sirui for sending me their 24mm lens, to my crew for making this happen, and to YC Imaging for his guidance on set.

Watch the Full Video & Gear Breakdown

Check out the full BTS video and music video on my YouTube channel, and let me know what you think!

Conclusion: Who Should Buy the Sirui 24mm Anamorphic Lens?

If you're a filmmaker or music video director looking for a budget-friendly anamorphic lens, the Sirui 24mm is a great addition to your kit. It's especially useful for wide shots, establishing scenes, and immersive environments.

Would you like to see more music video breakdowns or anamorphic lens comparisons? Let me know in the comments!

🎥 Peace.