The BEST FREE LUTs for C-Log 2 // Canon R5 Mark II, C400, C80
If you've ever wondered how to give your footage that cinematic edge or struggled to find the perfect LUT (Look-Up Table) for your camera, you’re not alone. Canon’s R5 Mark II and its C-log 2 format, for example, are popular among filmmakers, yet Canon’s resources often leave users with more questions than answers. Questions like: Which LUT should I use? Where can I find quality free LUTs? And why do some paid options fall short? Let’s unravel the mystery and see which LUT is the best.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide based on a detailed video experiment with four free LUTs designed for the Canon R5 Mark II. By the end, you’ll understand which LUT works best and you’ll be able to download it immediately (links at the bottom of the blog).
The Frustration of Finding the Right LUT
Filmmakers know that color grading can make or break a shot. Yet, many LUTs either lack clarity, are overly expensive, or don’t deliver the promised results. This struggle often leaves creators in search of reliable, free options that truly enhance their footage.
To address this, I tested four free LUTs:
Eric Lenz’s LUT — developed by a skilled colorist.
Premiere Gal’s LUT — a YouTube educator known for her Premiere Pro tutorials.
The Test Setup
To evaluate these LUTs, I created a controlled studio test:
Lighting: A standard key light and an edge light to provide contrast and separation.
Subjects: My skin tone as a reference and a colorful book (substituting for a color checker) to evaluate color rendering.
Analysis Tools: A waveform monitor to assess how each LUT affected the RGB parade.
This setup ensures a consistent basis for comparing contrast, color accuracy, and highlight roll-off.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
Contrast Levels
The contrast significantly impacts how punchy or flat the footage appears. Here’s how the LUTs ranked from most to least contrasty:
Canon Standard LUT: Offers the punchiest look but can be overwhelming for natural tones.
Canon Color Matrix LUT: Delivers a subtler, more natural contrast curve.
Eric Lenz’s LUT: Slightly less contrasty but still pleasing.
Premiere Gal’s LUT: Unfortunately, too flat to add much visual appeal.
Color Accuracy
Natural and accurate colors are key to achieving professional-grade footage. Here’s the ranking:
Canon Color Matrix LUT: Produced the most lifelike skin tones and vibrant yet balanced colors.
Canon Standard LUT: A close second, slightly more saturated.
Eric Lenz’s LUT: Colors leaned slightly less saturated but were still acceptable.
Premiere Gal’s LUT: Fell short in vibrancy and accuracy.
Highlight Roll-Off
Smooth highlight transitions prevent harsh clipping. The rankings were as follows:
Canon Color Matrix LUT: Offered the best highlight roll-off.
Eric Lenz’s LUT: A strong contender with slightly less refinement.
Canon Standard LUT: Highlights clipped earlier than expected.
Premiere Gal’s LUT: Flat contrast resulted in minimal roll-off definition.
The Winner
After analyzing all aspects, the Canon Color Matrix LUT emerged as the clear winner for the Canon R5 Mark II. Its natural contrast, accurate colors, and smooth highlight roll-off make it the top choice for professional-looking footage.
However, if you prefer punchier contrast, the Canon Standard LUT might suit your taste. For those seeking softer contrast, Eric Lenz’s LUT is a reliable alternative.
How to Create Custom LUTs for Any Camera
If none of the pre-existing LUTs match your vision, creating your own custom LUT is the ultimate solution. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Choose Your Base Profile
Shoot footage in your camera’s log profile (e.g., C-log 2 for Canon) to preserve dynamic range.
Step 2: Import Footage into Editing Software
Use programs like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro.
Step 3: Adjust Basic Settings
Balance exposure and white balance for a clean starting point.
Step 4: Fine-Tune Color Grading
Use color wheels, curves, and hue adjustments to create your desired look.
Step 5: Export as a LUT
Save your custom grade as a .cube LUT file for future use.
Final Thoughts
Finding or creating the perfect LUT isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about matching your creative vision and enhancing your storytelling. Whether you stick with a recommended LUT like the Canon Color Matrix or venture into creating your own, the key is experimentation and understanding what works best for your style.
Now it’s your turn to try these steps and elevate your filmmaking. Feel free to share your results or any questions in the comments below.
Download the Canon LUTs here.
Download Eric Lenz’s LUT here.
Download Premiere Gal’s LUT here.
