If you could only afford 1 lens.

[Matt Bowden]

With the price difference I might be out priced with the new scarlet. But, if I could only get the minimum package to get my scarlet going and I wanted to get 1 prime lens to start with, which would be the one to get. I do mainly tv commercials right now. Which of the primes would be a decent starting "all purpose" lens for a virgin Red user?

 

[Vince Doran]

Hard question but if you were really strapped for cash.....maybe the Canon Nifty Fifty? Almost free.....unless you mean a RPP?

 

[Matt Bowden]

Yes Red Prime.

Over time I want to acquire stuff one piece at a time. But right now I'm just trying to see if I can squeeze enough cash out to get what I need to get started for a few months. I would rather invest in a one good prime to start.

 

[Peter Cote]

Well I wouldn't recommend buying just one lens. Rental houses typically will choose to just rent out the lens set rather than the whole set minus one lens. You'll probably end up having to just rent the same lens you own with the set and you'll have two of the same lens. If you're going to get just one lens then get a zoom. If will be more versatile, but won't be useless if you also rent a prime set.

 

[Mark Phelan]

If I had to choose one RED lens it would be the 17-50 RPZ, not a prime. Versatile, sharp and when time came, you could sell it towards the purchase of a prime set if that's your intention.

 

[Daniel Doherty]

If I was going to buy one lense. I'd get the RED Pro Zoom 17-50mm. You could shoot an entire movie with that one. As far as primes....35 or 50 I guess. Middle of the range.

 

[paulherrin]

i would rent lenses for awhile, either way. but if you're buying one, PL mount - I'd look into either a RPP, RPZ or Zeiss CP2.

Alternatively, I'd seriously look into either some cine-modded Zeiss ZF2's from duclos or going with some canon mount lenses, in which case i'd recommend those primes or some L-series glass from canon. though if you're really crunching you can get some of the mid-range glass from canon.

As far as focal length, in your situation I'd really consider the battle tested RPZ 18-85 and rent primes when necessary. That way you can shoot. Otherwise, I'd look into Canon L-series 24-105 f4, or 16-35, 24-70 &/or 70-200 (all f2.8's). I recommend the IS for those lenses. If you're set on primes, depending on your shooting style and delivery needs, I would choose something between 24 and 85. I'm gonna take a wild guess and say you're probably going to finish at 2k, 1080, or 720, so if you stay on the wider side below 50, you could always punch in a bit with your resolution, if necessary. But if you're shooting wildlife or tend to be really tight on subjects, maybe choose something above 50. 35 or 50 would be my recommendation.

 

[Matt Bowden]

Thanks everyone. Ill look at the red zoom lens. Then maybe some day I can get the red prime set.

 

[Mark Toia]

A freind showed me his 28 to 300 ZOOM.... f4.5 to f 8 Fstops don't fly with me to well... but after looking at it through a camera... cripes!!!! talk about a one stop shop lens. WIDES and LONGs in less that 1/2 a second...

And with 800ASA chips these days, you dont need to worry about low light as much.