Mounting Long/Heavy lenses

[Steve Gibby]

Thank you all for a great thread. I have one question.

How heavy may a lens be without the need of lens support?

For instance; will I need lense support on a Nikkor 28-70mm F2.8D AF-S IF-ED Zoom, weight: ca 2 lb?

If you're talking about 35mm stills lenses, as Jacek mentioned, their mounts can be somewhat fragile and sensitive to pressure. I tend to use support rods on any lens heavier than 3 pounds, whether it be PL mount or 35mm stills mount. If in doubt, take the time to set up support for a lens.

I own and regularly use on RED One the lens you asked about (Nikkor 28-70 F2.8D AF-S). I never use it with rod support and I've had no mount problems whatsoever with it. BTW - I really like that lens. It positions nicely in my Nikkor zooms kit in between the 17-35 and and 80-200 zooms.

 

[Are Pilskog]

Thanks as allways Gibby! I like your practical-experience-answers :biggrin:

I have a 15mm slide on universal mount that slides onto the end of the rods and screws into the screw receptacle on the bottom of the lens.

Red only have universal mount for 19mm rods. Is the 15mm version you have the same kind of universal mount?
If I understand you corectly (I know you also helped me with this earlier, but I am used to broadcast linses and I guess I need some extra help to get these rods thing right) you have a long screw that may be adjusted depending on the lens used?
Do you know where I can get this 15mm universal mount?

 

[ericyoung]

...Red only have universal mount for 19mm rods. Is the 15mm version you have the same kind of universal mount?...Do you know where I can get this 15mm universal mount?

You could use one of Element Technica's 15mm top mounts as a sort of universal mount.

 

[Dave Blackham]

You could use one of Element Technica's 15mm top mounts as a sort of universal mount.

Les Bosher and others make the 15mm mounts. I think theres some on ebay right now from Peter Walnes.

Dave

 

[Are Pilskog]

Thank you Erik and Dave.
Couldn't find the ebay one though...

 

[Steve Gibby]

Thanks as allways Gibby! I like your practical-experience-answers :biggrin:

Red only have universal mount for 19mm rods. Is the 15mm version you have the same kind of universal mount?
If I understand you corectly (I know you also helped me with this earlier, but I am used to broadcast linses and I guess I need some extra help to get these rods thing right) you have a long screw that may be adjusted depending on the lens used?
Do you know where I can get this 15mm universal mount?

When I have the time, I'm always happy to help. Many people have helped me throughout my career, so I like to send that good karma along by helping others whenever possible.

I usually use the ET/RED Arri 15mm bridge plate and the ET aluminum 15mm rods. I also own the ET/RED Arri 19mm bridge plate and a complete set of 19mm rods.

For real heavy lenses (Optimo 12x) I use the 19mm steel rod system. But for lenses under 9 pounds I use the 15mm rod system.

I got the 15mm universal mount bracket for under my lenses from a cinematographer in Los Angeles who I bought a lens from. It has no makers logo or info on it, but it is a great mount - made from well machined aluminum, with oblong turn screws to lock down on each rod, and a slide-able center screw which goes into the screw receptacle on the bottom of lenses or lens mount collars. I've never seen this particular universal mount before, but I really like it!

When I occasionally use the RED universal mount and 19mm rods, I have a very long screw which I bought at a hardware store, which is long enough to thread through the RED universal mount and make it all the way up to the screw receptacle or mount collar of lenses.

Yes, you could probably adapt the ET top mount as a universal bracket. Also, I would guess someone like Zacuto makes a universal rod mount bracket.

Hope this helps...

 

[Are Pilskog]

Hope this helps...

...it sure does. Thanks...

 

[Steve Gibby]

Are,

I see you're in Norway and you do wildlife production. We have a lot in common. I have a lot of Norwegian ancestry - several of my ancestors emigrated from Norway to the USA in the 1800's. I also do a lot of wildlife production. I've been to Norway before - and I'll look forward to going again - beautiful country! When I do I'll find you, Erik, and the other RED owners in Norway.

Skoal!

 

[Are Pilskog]

Are,

I see you're in Norway and you do wildlife production. We have a lot in common. I have a lot of Norwegian ancestry - several of my ancestors emigrated from Norway to the USA in the 1800's. I also do a lot of wildlife production. I've been to Norway before - and I'll look forward to going again - beautiful country! When I do I'll find you, Erik, and the other RED owners in Norway.

Skoal!

Skål!

And if your looking for me, look for the high steep mountains by the deep fjords, out by the atlantic coast, just by the seabird cliffs where the white tailed eagle rules, and where the light is just magic...:biggrin:
I am indeed happy to start shooting my redone this week...

 

[Steve Gibby]

Skål!

And if your looking for me, look for the high steep mountains by the deep fjords, out by the atlantic coast, just by the seabird cliffs where the white tailed eagle rules, and where the light is just magic...:biggrin:
I am indeed happy to start shooting my redone this week...

That's exactly where I'd be if I were you...

I've been inside many of those fjords and high up in those mountains - they're places of unbelievable beauty! RED One is definitely an excellent camera to capture the aesthetics and essence of Norway.

With RED One you are in for some amazing fun my friend...you'll see...

BTW - we spent months shooting footage in Alaska this year. I've been all over the world, and Alaska is the only place I've seen that in some areas looks just like Norway.