My Numbers up for the 18-85 but...

[Paul Hazlett]

I am wondering if I should stick with my trusty Cooke 18-100.

The RP is lighter and faster, but not as long. I am wondering what the opinion is out their from current owners.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bob Rudis]

I think the 18-100 is a beautiful lens. That being said, maybe you should shoot some tests.

 

[Florian Stadler]

The 18-85 is great and the closest thing to an Optimo under 45K. As owner operator a great lens, I would be hesitant if I'm in the rental market - there you have to dish up Optimo I think...
18-100 is very nice also, different feel, less evenly illuminated, not a modern look, but smooth.

 

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Matt Uhry posted a basic comparison between the 18-85 and the 18-100. Size and weight between the two are very similar. You can get away with using a 5.65x65.65 mattebox on the 18-85 like the RedRock or MB20. You will need a larger mattebox on the Cooke due to its 150mm diameter. Field illumination on the RED lens is much more even and it produces a sharper image that is a lot cleaner or more "sterile". The Cooke image is warmer or more yellow and has a more organic, dimensional feel to it, IMO. Both are great lenses. I own a Cooke 18-100, but I don't think I would sell one to buy the other. Then again, my Cooke is up for sale because I'm more in need of more mobile set-ups these days and I'm finding I just don't use the larger, heavier Cooke. Even though I love the lens, it's just no good for handheld work. The T2.9 of the RED lens vs the T3 of the Cooke doesn't really make any difference. FWIW, I prefer the bokeh on the Cooke any day... Very smooth.

 

[Matt Uhry]

I did some testing on one of the first 18-85's and we considered buying one and replacing our Cooke 18-100.

There was no question that the Red 18-85 was technically better at most focal lengths, especially corner resolution and field illumination.

After a bit of debate we decided to keep the Cooke 18-100, Despite having had good cash offers for it.

Having to work out a new lens support ring, front cap and new case were against the Red, Also to figure out a way for our Chroiziel follow focus to work on the Red were part of it. ( The Red's barrel is very thick in the focus area and it did not fit. ) All things that could have been readily solved by spending an additional $800 or so.

The final deciding factor was that it did not make financial sense to own both lenses and since our company is comprised of 3 DP's, and we felt that the Red was very tempting, but that we would miss the special way the Cooke looks.

Both good lenses -

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com