Selecting lenses falls under which department's responsibilities?

The selection of lenses is primarily the responsibility of the camera department. This department is crucial in determining the visual style and story-telling elements of a film through the choice of lenses, which affects aspects such as focus, depth of field, and the overall composition of each shot. Camera operators, cinematographers, and other team members in this department work closely together to choose lenses that best fit the director's vision and enhance the narrative being told. They consider factors like the focal length, aperture, and specific characteristics of various lenses to achieve the desired aesthetic and technical outcomes in the film.

On the other hand, the grip department focuses on the equipment that supports the camera, like dollies and rigs, without influencing the choice of lenses. The lighting department, meanwhile, deals with how a scene is illuminated, which is separate from lens selection. Finally, the production design department is concerned with the visual aspects of the set and props rather than the technical aspects of camera operation.