Angenieux Optimo 17-80... Eh?

[Jason Honeycutt]

I've always liked the ND'ed outdoor footage I've seen with the Angie Optimo 17-80, been wanting to try it forever and I finally had a recent (indoor) shoot where it made sense... and I was stoked to finally see what this thing can do. I know it's blasphemy but I, honestly, was underwhelmed, especially for the hassle of dealing with its size. It's definitely a nice, clean look, for sure but (this is going to sound absolutely stupid and insane) but I have a DSLR lens, the Tokina ATX Pro II 28-70 (made by Angenieux) that I think I like just as much... am I insane? It's not quiet as clean as the 17-80 but it's like splitting hairs, from what I can see in post and I actually like the look I've gotten from it a little more on certain set-ups because of the added character.

To me, I just don't know if the weight and size of the 17-80 is worth the look you get. Like, optically, it's good but it really kills your creativity and what you can do with your set-ups, I think. I think I'm just going to stick with Cooke primes or Hawk anamorphics.

Honestly, though, please let me know if I'm nuts but I just thought the upside wasn't worth it.

 

[David Bounds]

At the end of the day, a lens - like a camera, light, etc. - is a tool, and a means to an end. If your Tokina, or a broken Coke bottle for that matter, gets you to that end with results you're happy with, then that's all that really matters. Nothing nuts about having preferences and opinions.

 

[Eric M Hurt]

At the end of the day, a lens - like a camera, light, etc. - is a tool, and a means to an end. If your Tokina, or a broken Coke bottle for that matter, gets you to that end with results you're happy with, then that's all that really matters. Nothing nuts about having preferences and opinions.

+1
There are certain things that lens will accomplish over other lenses, but if the benefits of those things are outweighed by the hassle on your project then there's nothing wrong with going a different direction.