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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 :)

Lens choices, Lens choices

steve green

steve green

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I've a got shoot upcoming and the producer owns a set of Zeiss Variable Primes that he'd like me to use on a project which will be shot in 5K. These being older super 35mm lenses how do they resolve and cover 5K? I own a set of Zeiss Super Speeds and love the way they perform and 5K and even 6K (HD). My question is, will there be a noticeable difference between the VP's and what I'm used to seeing with the Zeiss SS?
 
No there won't be much difference.
The VPs are fast and sharp. The only issue has always been (even way back when) the size. Not very practical....
 
Thanks, Jacek....Good to know they're sharp. I'm planning on using them on dolly and sticks so weight shouldn't be an issue. How would you think I'd make out using the VP's on my A Camera and an EF 16-36 or 18-35 Sigma on B Camera Movi?
 
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that I don't know- you'd have to shoot some tests
 
You could also try Contax Zeiss zooms - they are similar era as Super Speeds, and cover full frame.

These in particular are amazing:

35-70 3.4 (best of them all, and iconic)
28-85 3.3-f4 (fantastic overal zoom)
80-200 f4 (270 barrel rotation, 3 feet min focus at 200mm!! Amazing on a B-Cam!)
100-300 4.5-5.6 (sharpest of the lot)

Would need to be Leitaxed/Modded to be usable on set.

Are pushpull - so work more as Variable primes.

We love the 35-70 a lot right now. Getting a second copy modded at RP lens as we speak!
 
Steve, if you need a light wide zoom to match the VPs, you should check the Zeiss 17-35mm F2.8 for Contax N converted to EOS by Conurus.

It's amazing, it has a tiny more contrast than VPs but everything else should match well.
 
Nick Morrison said:
You could also try Contax Zeiss zooms - they are similar era as Super Speeds, and cover full frame.

These in particular are amazing:

35-70 3.4 (best of them all, and iconic)
28-85 3.3-f4 (fantastic overal zoom)
80-200 f4 (270 barrel rotation, 3 feet min focus at 200mm!! Amazing on a B-Cam!)
100-300 4.5-5.6 (sharpest of the lot)

Would need to be Leitaxed/Modded to be usable on set.

Are pushpull - so work more as Variable primes.

We love the 35-70 a lot right now. Getting a second copy modded at RP lens as we speak!
Click to expand...


Nick, we've got a lot of interiors in low/natural light and I think the stops would be an issue, that's why I was looking at the 18-35 Sigma 1.8 as an option for the movi.
 
Tommaso, that 17-35 Zeiss looks like it might be a good candidate. i really need to do some testing with the VP's though before we shoot.
 
Tommaso Alvisi said:
Steve, if you need a light wide zoom to match the VPs, you should check the Zeiss 17-35mm F2.8 for Contax N converted to EOS by Conurus.

It's amazing, it has a tiny more contrast than VPs but everything else should match well.
Click to expand...


Tommaso, that 17-35 Zeiss looks like it might be a good candidate. i really need to do some testing with the VP's though before we shoot.
 
Tommaso Alvisi said:
Steve, if you need a light wide zoom to match the VPs, you should check the Zeiss 17-35mm F2.8 for Contax N converted to EOS by Conurus.

It's amazing, it has a tiny more contrast than VPs but everything else should match well.
Click to expand...
where is that lens for sale? and is it parfocal? thanks!
 
steve green said:
Tommaso, that 17-35 Zeiss looks like it might be a good candidate. i really need to do some testing with the VP's though before we shoot.
Click to expand...

Only issue is you may have trouble controlling this lens electronically on a RED. We've tried a Conurus converted Contax-N lens before on an Epic Dragon...and it didnt work.

Im assuming these lenses are so rare...RED hasnt written their protocols into the firmware...
 
For dolly or tripod work in studio, Variable Primes are great lenses. They are as sharp as Ultra Primes, but breathe more and are a bit more prone to flares. So they match Superspeeds and Standards too.
 
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