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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Best Periscope / Probe lens

JP Perry

JP Perry

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Hi everyone. In your opinion, who makes the best probe lens? What are pros and cons of each? I need to rent one for some macro insect tabletop photography on a commercial. I have used the Optex Excellence in the past, but if I recall it wasn't the sharpest option.


Century Periscope
Optex Excellence Probe
Revolution Lens System
T-Rex Lens System
etc.
 
I have always felt (not backed up by rigorous testing) the optex was pretty good when you actually hire a good one. I have spoken to the optical guy behind it quite a few times and he has never had one back to service so I suspect they are not all in top shape...

Perhaps have a look at inovision as they have a new probe coming?

I think probes like the skater scope are pretty good optically and if it works for you worth a try....

Ps hopefully these guys make their product more shoot friendly as this is quite interesting

https://www.infinity-usa.com/robusto-series/robusto-ts-160/

It is not a scope in the traditional cine sense but can produce some very interesting images... especially with the wider optics
 
The Laowa lens is interesting. It definitely provides the wide field of view and additional depth of field that we would like, and it is so small that you can really get it into some new positions. However, from the tests I've seen I haven't been impressed with the image quality. It doesn't look very sharp and the images have a "plastic" quality to them.
 
I agree online footage so far of the Laowa is a bit underwhelming but to really give it a fair chance I would like to se it used by someone ho can get the basics
of set composition, framing and lighting right.
 
i tested the Laowa and it is ok... struggles with a hard backlight in a disapionting way but the price probably makes it a no brainier... wish there was a thinner version without the really crap (and useless to me) LED light...

ps also a version with a 45 or 90bend would be interesting
 
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