What Focal length is universally used and why?

[Anonymous]

Hey guys recently got ZBrush updated to 2019 and found out that it has a universal camera with focal length and everything just like in Maya....

Now this is in regards to sculpting something like a character….

- My question is what do you guys set your Focal length to and why?

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- Im interested in if people set the focal length to match the human eyes focal length of 50

- Or to 35 to match Mayas default persp cameras focal length

- Or if theres another value that somehow translates well across all 3D applications when creating something like a short film

- Im also wondering if there are any who currently work in the industry or know of those who do,
What do those in the indudtry or in a production studio for a short film set their focal lengths to when modeling their characters?
Is there a reason for setting it to that specific focal length?

[damaggio]

You can use any focal length that helps you with modeling your character or set, it's a personal choice.

Now, for making a film you need to understand  the different lens choices you have and also the camera you are using.

There are some good books out there about cinematography that you can apply in your work.

You can also use a real film camera from a company of your choice.

[Anonymous]

@damaggio 

So is there no such thing as a standard or what most film studios utilize?

For example if they shoot in a way where the character's head

looks like how our human eyes see them?

Because if I model based on however I like, lets say Focal length 80+ then I go and bring it into Maya, then it looks super distorted...

So I feel like there should be some kind of unspoken but naturally known standard no?

[damaggio]

Film is an art form so is up to the director and the DP to choose the lens for a specific shot and to convey the right emotional for the scene, also action scenes can require other lenses and aerial photography.

.

As I said for  modeling there's no standard in industry. whatever works.

[damaggio]

I model with 18, 20, 35 and 40 for most work.That is with Maya default camera .

Look on Amazon for "The five C's of cinematography" and Shot by Shot book

[Anonymous]

@damaggio 

Thanks damaggio Ill check that out, in regards to you modeling at those different focal lengths,

could you explain why you would choose one over the other, are there any that you tend to use more than others?

[damaggio]

Sometimes in tight spaces you need a wide lens to see more of the model, but to check the model with less distortion you need to go with higher focal lengths.

[Anonymous]

@damaggio 

I see, so I guess one way to go about it is to model at 35, somewhere that in the middle of everything,

then as you model, switch it to different focal lengths

up high to see how it looks on a shorter lens,

then down low to see how it would like in a tight space type shot, etc

Sound like a good plan of attack for this kinda thing?

[damaggio · Accepted solution]

Exactly, one of the reasons Maya default camera is 35.

[Anonymous]

@damaggio 

Thanks alot damaggio, when I finish my current project Ill make sure to post it here and let you know, you've been a great help!