Epic mx + XEEN 135 at 2.2 filter

[Tyler Besh]

Hey all! First post here

Am about to start a project where I will be using the RED Epic mx with the XEEN 135 for super closeup interviews at 2.2 (always).

I've done a ton of tests and got my special frame guide made but my last road block is the skin of these subjects.

The XEENs are great lenses but they are brand new made-for-digital lenses and in front of the mx they make the face a little too crispy for my taste.

I don't have access to test classic soft, pro most, etc filters but I do want to go ahead and buy one 4x5.65 for the project.

Has anyone done a test with diffusion filters on this specific lens? I've heard that at this length it increases the effect of the filter? Looking for references and advice. I've done my time skimming Vimeo, forums of XEEN etc. Can't find something for my specific case. Also have seen people like Tiffen have been releasing digital-specific filters to soften sharpness but from.what I saw it also throws the eyes way out of sharpness.

Thanks for the time!

 

[Tyler Besh]

In the time since I've posted this I've gotten invited to Tiffen in Burbank to do a test for this specific idea.

I will ask if I can publish the results!

 

[Zack Birlew]

That’s cool, have not heard of that being an issue, good to know what the results are. I might be inclined to suggest a Post Production solution in the DFT film tools plugin which is basically what the now discontinued Tiffen DFX software is essentially replaced with.

 

[Tyler Besh]

RESULTS

RESULTS

https://youtu.be/U8ctoTWN6XA

https://youtu.be/hTdRsyYoSqs

Didn't have enough time to compare it to the 24 and 85 XEENs.

Either way, if you're looking for what different filters do in front of a XEEN 135mm lens on a RED Epic MX here it is!

Testing details at beginning of videos. Filter list in videos description.

Ty