Angenieux EZ Zooms 1 & 2 Performance

[steve green]

Are there any EZ Zoom users out there that can offer up any opinions and observations on their performance? I was considering a purchase of a set, and in addition to the quality, look and performance,I had some questions about how the full frame rear element works in regard to DOF.

The lenses in S35 mode are a T2 and when you change to FF mode they are T3, does the T3 rear element perform like an "old school" 2X extender performs on any zoom in regards to DOF. That being you lose two stops of light but the DOF is still the equivalent to the original T Stop. Or, does the lens assume the mathematical equation of T3 (and not T2)? Obviously there's the stop and quarter light loss, but it's the DOF question I have?

Any thoughts regarding the zooms would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Michael Lindsay]

You are over thinking it... They have DOF you would expect if you look at the stop, the FL and the sensor size... at T3 about f2.9 and at T2 about f1.9

I have these lenses and they are surprisingly good! I prefer the look in FF mode... they seem a little edgier and brittle in S35 mode. But I understand they where designed as FF lenses 1st so this might be a reason?

The Optimo Ultra Compact FF zooms look really amazing... cover a bit more and don't ramp or breath as much but the material value of the Ez zooms is astonishing!

 

[steve green]

You are over thinking it... They have DOF you would expect if you look at the stop, the FL and the sensor size... at T3 about f2.9 and at T2 about f1.9

I have these lenses and they are surprisingly good! I prefer the look in FF mode... they seem a little edgier and brittle in S35 mode. But I understand they where designed as FF lenses 1st so this might be a reason?

The Optimo Ultra Compact FF zooms look really amazing... cover a bit more and don't ramp or breath as much but the material value of the Ez zooms is astonishing!

You're saying that it's a T3 DOF, and not the performance you'd get by putting a doubler on a zoom? Makes sense......

Also, "edgier and brittle" in S35 mode meaning a little sharper and less smooth?

I looked at the Optimo Ultra Compact FF zooms, (because I've owned a 15-40 Optimo for ever) they are beautiful, but super pricey.

 

[Michael Lindsay]

Sorry for late response I missed your post...

Also, "edgier and brittle" in S35 mode meaning a little sharper and less smooth?

yes but if you are a fan off the Zeiss pop it could be seen as a positive...

You're saying that it's a T3 DOF, and not the performance you'd get by putting a doubler on a zoom? Makes sense......

Unfortunately I am not sure what you mean...

My understanding

If you take a 50mm f2 lens and stick a doubler behind it you will have a 100mm f4 lens. This 100mm lens may also end up with a image circle far larger than the 50mm original optic. The opposite happens with focal length reducers. If you now applied a 0.5x reducer to this 100mm f4 lens it would be a 50mm f2 lens again (albeit with a slower T stop than the original 50mm) and the image circle would also be reduced!

So if you like you can think about the Ez zooms as being FF lenses that can be focal length reduced or s35 lenses that can be expanded.... The T stop is exactly as you see on the barrel and the image looks like you might guess it would from a Dof pov....

Amazing value for money!

PS I asked Angenieux about my findings and they suggested they where primarily developed as FF lenses and perhaps that is why I prefer them this way?

I looked at the Optimo Ultra Compact FF zooms, (because I've owned a 15-40 Optimo for ever) they are beautiful, but super pricey.

Yes very pricey but I guess we will be using them in 10-20 years time and if in good condition they will be selling for Ok money just as the 15-40mm will be as soon as the Arri S35 camera ships..

 

[Tom S]

I have the 16-42 older model and it lives on my Dragon. Its a great combo and I love it. I don't like it at t2.9, but its great t4-t11. Also, the focus marks don't apply at the wide end of the lens.