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EPIC-W and Cooke Mini S4i

Manoj R C

Manoj R C

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Hello all,

Just ordered my first Red camera, an Epic-W. now shopping for USED lens. My budget is not more than $35K.
Found that used Cooke Mini S4i may fit here. Wondering whether anyone tested this lens & rehoused speed Panchros coverage on Epic-W. Also do you have any other suggestions for lens in this price range.

Thanks in advance.

-Manoj
 
I haven't used the Cooke Minis but I'm wondering why these are so popular being relatively slow at 2.8. I love the Cooke look but for that kind of money I would rather go in a different direction. I guess if you're shooting a ton of wide stuff, sports, nature, gimbal, drone, etc - then I could see it making sense. But for most types of work I would think 2.8 would be very limiting - both functionally and creatively.
 
Alex Sandman said:
I haven't used the Cooke Minis but I'm wondering why these are so popular being relatively slow at 2.8. I love the Cooke look but for that kind of money I would rather go in a different direction. I guess if you're shooting a ton of wide stuff, sports, nature, gimbal, drone, etc - then I could see it making sense. But for most types of work I would think 2.8 would be very limiting - both functionally and creatively.
Click to expand...

I usually don't want to isolate the characters that much from their environment, so I typically light in the T2.8 - T5.6 area anyway. For my tastes, DoF gets way too shallow on these larger-than-S35 cams.

Shit, with Helium sitting comfortably at ISO 1280 or even 2000, we're already getting Barry Lyndon levels of exposure at T2-ish.
 
I will be putting soon on the market for combination of Zeiss MK1 & MK2 super speed 25, 35, 50 & 85(2.1).
 
Alex Sandman said:
I haven't used the Cooke Minis but I'm wondering why these are so popular being relatively slow at 2.8. I love the Cooke look but for that kind of money I would rather go in a different direction. I guess if you're shooting a ton of wide stuff, sports, nature, gimbal, drone, etc - then I could see it making sense. But for most types of work I would think 2.8 would be very limiting - both functionally and creatively.
Click to expand...

Alex,

Agree with you that a T2 or T1.3 is much better than 2.8, but that comes with a huge price tag, as you know. But what's the real purpose of a T2 lens other than the ability to get slight background separation? Low light performance won't matter much with modern cameras and in a controlled movie production environment with lots of lights. I love S4s and MPs, but can we get those for $40K plus?
Do you have any other recommendations in the $30-$40k price range? ( UP is out of my budget at this moment )
 
Manoj. Send me a message. I have a set available in your range and it has the uncosted fronts as extras.
 
If you want a good set to start experimenting with, try the new Celere leses. ~17k for small form factor set of 25-36-50-85 (soon to include 18mm), Epic 8k coverage throughout,
great specs for the price, and almost guaranteed to have great resale value for when you have learned your Epic-W in and out and have a better grasp on which higher end glass
you really want to move towards
 
Hello Rob,

Thanks for your recommendations. This is strictly for rental purpose and I won't even touch the camera ��
I almost bought a set of RPPs, but my business partners advised me to go for only ARRIs or Cooke lenses because that's what DPs want in our market (same may be in other markets too ). So I left with no other choice but to buy Cooke Mini S4i or ARRI standard speed. ( This is gonna be a humble start. UPs/MPs or even super speed is out of our budget at this moment ).
 
Manoj R C said:
Hello Rob,

Thanks for your recommendations. This is strictly for rental purpose and I won't even touch the camera ��
I almost bought a set of RPPs, but my business partners advised me to go for only ARRIs or Cooke lenses because that's what DPs want in our market (same may be in other markets too ). So I left with no other choice but to buy Cooke Mini S4i or ARRI standard speed. ( This is gonna be a humble start. UPs/MPs or even super speed is out of our budget at this moment ).
Click to expand...

Honestly in my opinion, not followed the complete thread, but to buy a set of primes at 2.8 compared to a Fujinon Zoom 20-120 or the new 21-100 Zeiss seems wrong. Both are respectable names for a rental business
and more usable for 90% of all shoots. Add a couple of close focus or Macro lenses (40,60,100) and a 70-200Zeiss or a 30-300 Canon, any production will be fully covered. A prime at 2.8 ?? what is the point. For 35K:
21-100 Zeiss, GL 70-200, 10K left to play
 
Thanks everyone for your input. Finally I bought a set of Standard Speed. Though Mini S4 must be a great lens, being able to give only 2.8 was a deal breaker..
 
Go with S4i/Minis or even wit S4 (2x Should fit in your budget). The look of the cooke is awesome. I will have some upcoming production with Epic-W and S4i/Mini and S4. Will post some stuff.


______________________________________________
Motionary – Film- & Video Production Zuerich, Switzerland
RED Epic-W, RED Epic-X and a ton of grip.
www.motionary.ch
 
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