Lens Mount Decision

[James Brundige]

I am lost in the many lens choices available for my soon-to-be-delivered (?) Red One.

If I go with a "smart" mount, what can the camera do with the metadata - auto iris? focus?

Is PL glass really better? Or do the economies of scale in SLR lens manufacture explain the wide difference in price?

Thanks for your feedback.

James B

 

[Frank Weeks]

If I go with a "smart" mount

The jury is still out on just how smart it is but if the Canon mount lives up to expectations.. It should be a very viable choice. Great glass at a reasonable price.

 

[Joel Kaye]

I am lost in the many lens choices available for my soon-to-be-delivered (?) Red One.

If I go with a "smart" mount, what can the camera do with the metadata - auto iris? focus?

Is PL glass really better? Or do the economies of scale in SLR lens manufacture explain the wide difference in price?

Thanks for your feedback.

Too early to tell. The smart mounts are on the way but aren't out yet. They won't be autofocus for sure. I kinda doubt autoiris. The "smart" part is about controlling them manually via electronics and eventually sending lens settings to the camera for recording as metadata. That can be used by visual effects artists.

As far as PL vs. SLR. Tests will be done... but I think the best SLR lenses will have similar visual quality to PL mount lenses for a tiny fraction of the cost. There's always going to some subtle differences between every lens. If that tiny difference is worth $20K to you is your own choice.

How easy SLR lenses are to focus smoothly and repeatably on set is yet to be seen. That could be worth $20K.

Wait 2 months and we'll know a lot more about SLR lenses on RED.