Ruby is a gem...

[Evin Grant]

I have in my possession the prototype Focus Optics Ruby, 14-24mm T2.8 lens.
I have been consulting on the development of this zoom which is a rehousing of the fabulous Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 AF-S G still lens. Being a prototype I'm not going to go into too much detail about the unfinished mechanics, but I will say that the focus (which has been corrected to turn in the proper cinema direction) is buttery smooth and precise.

The lens it's self has an amazing 3D quality to it that makes eye focusing literally a snap. I think this is because of how unbelievably sharp the Nikon optics are. This lens was developed for Nikons flagship 24MP D3x camera and delivers astounding detail and distortion correction for such a wide lens let alone a zoom. From what I'm seeing I believe this lens will be able to punch it's weight with the RPPs and Master Primes no problem. In fact it's so well corrected that you sometimes forget you have such a wide lens on. As far as I can tell there is no discernible sharpness difference stopping down.

Here's a frame grab from some testing with my most compliant subject...


I'll be shooting a PSA tomorrow and using this prototype for the wide steadicam shots, I'll post what I can tomorrow evening.

In the mean time here's a 1080P H.246 clip for fun...(54MB Ctrl./left click to download)
http://www.evingrant.com/flicks/RubyBear.mov

[Pawel Achtel]

Awesome glass and the subject. Thanks, Evin.

[Rick Darge]

Nice bokeh!

What was he looking at? The postman?

[Roberto Lequeux]

Wow... downloading. You make me jealous, the dog, the lens.. :)

Thanks for sharing.

Hehehe... that dude is happy.

Is it me or the pull from the car at 10sec back to your dog happens ultra fast, very short throw... that is all that worries me about the lens. I guess he was able to make the travel longer but it is still well within still territory. It doesn't seem to breathe too much though, and it is so very clean of distortion and so sharp. I am sorry to bring that up but to be fair keep in mind that I am traumatized from using unmodified Nikon primes like the 24mm and 35mm which gave us about one millimeter to work with in two shots. At $10k it is a real bargain with the focal range and the quality, but I wonder how easy it will prove to shoot with in real life. I hope you will post your impressions after the shoot.

[Mark L. Pederson]

Looks pretty damn nice!

[jaadgy akanni]

It does have an amazing 3D quality to it. Evin, your love of Nikon glass is what makes you my favorite reduser. I can't wait to get one of these. I already own the 24-70mmm, but in PL mount I'd be happy to pay for it again, 5x the price 'cause it's worth it. Looking forward to more, Evin.

[Steve Gibby]

The Nikon 14-24 is one of my favorite Nikon lenses, so the crispness of the frame grab doesn't surprise me a bit. The 14-24 is sharp and contrasty - a great lens.

I'm sure Stuart is doing a good job on the re-housing too. He has done work for me on some of my lenses in the past, and did a very good job.

I'll keep using the stock Nikon 14-24 with RED, because I don't need a geared version for my work. But for those who use follow focus units regularly and want to put the lens into a cine style workflow, I'm sure this re-housed 14-24 will be a very good lens to buy.

I own 21 different Nikon lenses now, and regularly use them on RED - with excellent results. I started using Nikon glass in 1969 on my first Nikon F - and I've used Nikon glass whenever possible since then.

[jonnycom]

Very nice! I need one. I'd really like to see some of that steadicam stuff.... I hope the PSA is about how we can all come together and get Stuart to make these faster... I think this lens will go down in rehousing history. Hurry up Stuart!!

[Mike McEntire]

I saw the lens in person and really liked it. Crazy sharp. Stuart did a great job with it. I am going to get one a some point for sure.

[Evin Grant]

Is it me or the pull from the car at 10sec back to your dog happens ultra fast, very short throw... that is all that worries me about the lens. I guess he was able to make the travel longer but it is still well within still territory. It doesn't seem to breathe too much though, and it is so very clean of distortion and so sharp. I am sorry to bring that up but to be fair keep in mind that I am traumatized from using unmodified Nikon primes like the 24mm and 35mm which gave us about one millimeter to work with in two shots.

Roberto...
This seems to be the issue most have upon first seeing/playing with the ruby.

Firstly, although the focus travel has been expanded to about double the stock lens it's still limited by the underlying design. This is a re-housing not a complete ground up re-design like the Zeiss compact primes ($40K!) That said these are almost exactly the same markings and throw as the Century Optics 17-35 T3 (Canon optics) which has been around for many years and is generally accepted for pro cinema use. Also, since it's wider overall it should be even easier to pull on. Unfortunately if you want a longer focus draw you'll have to spend twice as much for an Optimo Rouge wide, and you'll sacrifice 14mm and full frame coverage in the bargain.



Although the focus throw it's self won't change there very well may be more marks on the shipping product. I personally feel this is a non issue with this lens in this focal length range.