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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 :)

First Look - Schneider Xenon FF-Prime Lenses

Hi Ketch. I've been reading through this post religiously (and have watched the films you made with them - so many times that I'm seeing that cat's head in my dreams). I can afford either a set of the Canon CNE, the CP2s or the Schneiders. My main concern is that if I go for the Schneiders, will I be able to intercut my Zeiss 15m prime at the wider end with them? I really feel the CA thing is not a big issue for me. However, in your experience, are Schneider reliable with their delivery times? May be shooting a film with these soon and don't want to be left with just a 35, 50 & 75. As I already have a set of 4 CP2s, I am looking for something at the top end of the budget ladder. From what you have said on here the Schneiders are superior to the Canons. Although in the U.K I will only get a set of 5 Schneiders as opposed to 6 CNE lenses (and a free case).

Thanks for all the work you do on here testing and feeding back to everyone. You are a valuable resource to this forum. Reduser.net would be a lesser place without you.
 
Hi Nosa,

The Xenons have had slippage, in delivery dates. The 100 is due any day, as they say and the 25 end of August, as regards your immediate needs. It would not be surprising if the 100 slips its date, however and then there are all the orders in place ahead of you. Maybe it'll go quicker, but that has not happened yet.

Thank you very much

Fury
 
NOSA OBAYIUWANA said:
Hi Ketch. I've been reading through this post religiously (and have watched the films you made with them - so many times that I'm seeing that cat's head in my dreams). I can afford either a set of the Canon CNE, the CP2s or the Schneiders. My main concern is that if I go for the Schneiders, will I be able to intercut my Zeiss 15m prime at the wider end with them? I really feel the CA thing is not a big issue for me. However, in your experience, are Schneider reliable with their delivery times? May be shooting a film with these soon and don't want to be left with just a 35, 50 & 75. As I already have a set of 4 CP2s, I am looking for something at the top end of the budget ladder. From what you have said on here the Schneiders are superior to the Canons. Although in the U.K I will only get a set of 5 Schneiders as opposed to 6 CNE lenses (and a free case).

Thanks for all the work you do on here testing and feeding back to everyone. You are a valuable resource to this forum. Reduser.net would be a lesser place without you.
Click to expand...

Zeiss lenses while cold and neutral in filling like the Xenon, however the Zeiss lack the personality referred to as Leicaesque for the glass polishing effect that gives them a really nice personality, but matching the Zeiss should not be too difficult.

As far as shipping dates, there should be no delays for neither lens, as they were always announced for end of July beginning of August for the 100 and the 25mm to follow close behind, how close is to be seen, no direct word on delivery dates yet.

But nothing is 100% in the technology, mechanical and especially Glass world... :)
 
Schneider US delivery of the 100 is now a few weeks away and the 100 in September. The 135 is now set for Q1, 2015. This from the Schneider rep here in LA.

Thank you very much

Fury
 
Hi Everyone

Sorry to be a bother, but I'm going crazy trying to make my mind up. (1) Are the Schneiders noticeably sharper than the Canon CNEs? (2) I find Canon glass a little too dull on skin tones. In my humble opinion Ziess renders skin tones better, they seem more alive. Where would you put the Schneiders? (3) For drama/feature purposes, will I miss the Canon CNE 14m & 135m? (4) Should I compromise a little on the image quality and get an existing full set? (5) I'm getting a bit confused - I've shot with the CNE's, the CP2s, Masters and Ultras. However, I have never really had to pay attention to the final details - now I do. As 4K seems to be the "in" thing, am I silly to assume that they all resolve 6K as well just as good? (this particular project will be shot on our new Dragon)

I have read the whole thread (in case anyone wants to refer me back to it) and I have shot a few tests, but I'm going mad pixel peeping (I wear glasses, and don't trust the colour rendition of my eyes anyway). I still cant make up my mind. I have to pull the trigger on these soon, and at the moment, I seem to be loosing perspective. Any reasoned advice by Red Users who have used both on the Dragon will be helpful.

A few details about the project: It's an independent film shooting in April 2015. I know I will have the 5 set Schneiders by then but there still won't be a wide (14m) and a Long (135m). Also, Once i pull the trigger, that is it for lenses.


Thanks for reading through this long post. Will consider all advice. Cheers everyone.
 
Quick corrections

Sorry - I meant to say I have never had to pay attention to the FINER details ... not FINAL details (we all have to pay attention to the final details)

Also, the feature will have a theatrical release - so sharpness is an issue for us.


Thanks everyone
 
It has been discussed several times across the board and also on this very thread...

The Schneider Xenon, are while not designed to be the sharpest lenses, have an even sharpness spread across their focal and form center to corner render extremely well, both on Landscape, foliage and Skin tones, far better for my eyes then the cheap rehoused Canon and Zeiss CP1 & 2's...

Rehoused Canon and CP1/2's users... Go ahead and trow all the rocks you wish at me for saying this but it's my firm opinion and I'll stick to it... :)

Their widest from next month however will be the 25mm, and you will remain for a while with that focal before getting your hands on the 18mm currently their widest lens announced, even so now seems that there could be a wider one coming as well... Just don't mind too much this rumor...

Personally I moved form the Master Primes to the Xenon, and am very happy with the choice, of course I miss the MP's and hate not having my promised Summilux's C primes, but such is life... Amongst all other options I chose Schneider Xenon, even so the Xenars are also great lenses they were not what I was looking for, and the Xenon also cover Dragon image circle really nicely, and do give a really nice fill thanks to their coating and their lens design and number of blades that produce a nice out of focus blur that I like a lot.

At the end I suggest as I did when starting out and reading on various forums and asking questions about gear didn't know much about it, test the waters get informed and then go do some testing with that bag o info and see for yourself which one fits better your liking and work, and show they fill in your camera and in your hands and how they integrate with the set up you work with.
 
KETCH ROSSi said:
At the end I suggest as I did when starting out and reading on various forums and asking questions about gear didn't know much about it, test the waters get informed and then go do some testing with that bag o info and see for yourself which one fits better your liking and work, and show they fill in your camera and in your hands and how they integrate with the set up you work with.
Click to expand...

got it,
and now I have a set Xenon!

Same thoughts NOSA OBAYIUWANA
- CP2? not all the same aperture, Rehoused from still. Tried multiple times but not in love with her
- CNE? not PL mount, Rehoused from still. I know well the look L series, i would like to avoid look DSRL. Spend +1000$ for PL modification, no thanks!
- Rehoused Zeiss/Contax or Leica? was my real option!! FF, PL or eos, personality! +1 (Owned GL Optic 28mm f2 50mm f1,4 135 2.8 all eos mount)
- Xenon FF? 300° focus, FF, no Rehoused, PL/Nik/CAN, good mechanics construction, color look, Love at first sight.
These are my personal choices!!!!
 
Every owner of Xenon will remember them as the kick start for new coverages. They look beautiful, agree on love at first sight concept. You may always tweak for better focus, they tolerate sharpen algorithms a lot, without loosing too much texture. At 60p, they´re a point of no return, I just can´t look 30p or less any more... sorry.
 
Thanks Phil, Ketch and Roberto and Stefano. I've decided to take your advice and go for the Schneiders. Just about to make the order with Manfrotto U.K (they are the suppliers down here). The aesthetics were the most important factor for me. At the end of the day, all things considered, what matters most to me, is what is going to be on screen.

Thanks again everyone for chipping in.
 
Zhibo Lai said:
I'm a new Xenon owner now thanks to all the advice on this forum.. Very happy and loving the images thus far, no looking back, just in the waiting game now for the 25 and 100!!!!
Click to expand...

May want to look into a 18-35mm 1.8t rehoused zoom from Allstar or GLoptics while you wait for the 25, and if you also plan on the 18 as well. Great lens to intercut with the xenons.
 
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