35mm Prime Lens Options

[Tonaci Tran]

I'd like to start this thread so that future RED owners will be aware of the possible cine prime lens options for 4k shooting.

Cooke S4
Cooke S2 & S3 (discontinued)
Zeiss Master Primes
Zeiss Ultra Primes
Zeizz Ultra Prime LDS
Zeiss Super Speeds 1.3 (discontinued)
Zeiss Standard Primes 2.1 (discontinued)
Elite Primes

Various Russian Primes

Jim mentioned the possibility of RED 1.9 primes..but it was only a thought. No official commitment yet, though this could be a possible NAB announcement =)

Is this it folks? What others are there?

[Jeff Kilgroe]

I was thinking of starting this very same thread...

I don't have any others off the top of my head, but I'm really starting to look into various options. As I plan to acquire RED, I will also be needing lenses. I may pick up a cheaper s16 lens or two for starters, but I would prefer to keep all my lens options 4K/35mm capable. I'm not entirely sure what to think of the RED 300MM lens and I'm planning on reserving it along with my camera though.

While I know of the above mentioned pieces of glass, I really have no direct experience with any cine lenses like the Cooke primes or others. My lens experience is primarily limited to 35mm still photography with Nikon and EOS lenses.

It would be interesting to see what others are planning to use and why. I will also be needing a good macro zoom lens and would appreciate any opinions on such a beast that can handle s35mm/4K.

[Tonaci Tran]

IF you are shopping for used lenses, my advice is to start now. In the next several months I predict that the prices of used 35mm lenses will go up due to demand. Reservations are around 1070ish. After NAB, this number will increase drastically, therefore, more users will be in the market looking for lenses. Of course not everyone will want to buy and not everyone can afford a cooke s4/arri master prime set. The more I researched this, the more I realize that an affordable prime lens set is sorely missing in the market..(cough cough) Jim.

[Steve Gibby]

It will be interesting to see what RED announces at NAB. Right now they're slammed just getting the camera finished and shipping. After they're over that hurdle, it wouldn't surprise me to see them announce a set of high-quality, moderately priced primes. I have no direct knowledge of any such plans by RED, but I'm sure they're well aware of the need and demand for primes.

[Dominic Jones]

What others are there?

Earlier Cooke's like the Speed Panchros, Angenieux (particularly zooms though), Schneider make some glass for 35mm coverage (although they're stronger in the 16mm world)...

You also get re-mounted stills lenses (particularly Nikkor and Canon) for the longer lengths, like 300mm, in common use.

I'm sure Stephen W (and most likely others) can give you a more exhaustive list when he/they stumble across this thread...

[Stephen Williams]

Earlier Cooke's like the Speed Panchros, Angenieux (particularly zooms though), Schneider make some glass for 35mm coverage (although they're stronger in the 16mm world)...

You also get re-mounted stills lenses (particularly Nikkor and Canon) for the longer lengths, like 300mm, in common use.

I'm sure Stephen W (and most likely others) can give you a more exhaustive list when he/they stumble across this thread...

Hi,

The original list is good, if you have loads of money then add Master Primes.

B&L super balitars like S2/S3 Cookes are beautiful lenses, however unless rebuilt at huge expense are no more user friendly than Still lenses IMHO.

Stephen

Edit There are some Canon High Speed lenses, nearly as good as superspeeds but 1/3 price.

[Dominic Jones]

There ya go - always on hand to sharpen our collective wits!

Cheers Stephen!...

[Greg M]

I'd like to start this thread so that future RED owners will be aware of the possible prime lens options for 4k shooting.

Cooke S4s
Zeiss Master Ultra Primes
Zeiss Super Speeds 1.3
Elite Primes
Zeiss Standard Primes 2.0

Those are off the top of my head.

Jim mentioned the possibility of RED 1.9 primes..but it was only a thought. No official commitment yet, though this could be a possible NAB announcement =)

What others are there?

The Arri Zeiss lenses come in 3 current variations:

Master Primes
Ultra Primes
Ultra Prime LDS

There is no MASTER ULTRA Prime. The LDS lenses have the Lens Data connections on the lens itself.

The Super Speeds and Normal Speed Zeiss lenses are not available new only used and are very hard to find. I personally have the Ultra Primes and would highly recommend them, IMHO they look better than the Master Primes or Super Speeds. I have used all of the above lenses on both 35mm Arri cameras and on Video Cameras w/ a Pro35 adapter.

You may want to add to your list the various Russian versions, I have never used these but they could be considered as an economical option.

[Stephen Williams]

I personally have the Ultra Primes and would highly recommend them, IMO the have a far superior look to either the Master Primes or Super Speeds. .

Hi,

A couple of years ago Geoff Boyle tested lenses, CML members were asked to vote.

The winner was 1st Cooke S4, 2nd Super Speeds, 3rd Ultra Primes.

Stephen

[Greg M]

Hi,

A couple of years ago Geoff Boyle tested lenses, CML members were asked to vote.

The winner was 1st Cooke S4, 2nd Super Speeds, 3rd Ultra Primes.

Stephen

Yes but remember "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder"
I have tried all 3 and my preference is with the Ultra Primes, which is why I invested $65k in a set. But of course, everyone will have their preference. Personally the Super Speeds fall very low on my list, the Cooke s4's were a virtual tie w/ Ultra Primes, but the cost is higher.