Prime Set Recommendations

[Rick Augustus]

I'm looking to get a good set of EF mount cine or cine-modded primes and could really use ANY help with possible recommendations. I'm thinking maybe 4 or 5 lenses in the $8,000.00 to $12,000.00 range (Preferably $8,000.00, LOL). Was thinking of going with Zeiss ZE primes but attending NAB showed me there are far better options out there for cinema... Any and ALL help is greatly appreciated...

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

8,000/lens or for the whole set?

I assume you mean the whole set, but there are some great options out there if you meant per lens

 

[Tom Greenberg]

Rick, I'd suggest assembling a set of Contax Zeiss primes (the predecessors of the ZE/ZF), and have them cine-upgraded and converted to permanent Leitax EF mounts by Peter at RP Lens. You should be able to do that around your $8000 budget.

 

[Larry McKee]

There are several options depending on the look you want. If you want a vintage look, either the Contax that Tom mentioned, Leica R, or Nikkor AIS could be good choices. If you want a more modern look, you might check into the Rokinon Cine line of lenses. They come in a 24, 35 and 85 all in a T1.5. You could pair them with a Sigma 50mm F1.4 for a 4 lens set of fast lenses. It really all comes down to the look you are after.

 

[Clayton Burkhart]

The Contax Zeiss lenses are indeed great, however, the 24mm is where it falls down. Their 25/2.8 is bleh. I would recommend the old Canon FD 24mm f1.4 L lens (which has a manual aperture) and therefore gives you a well matched f1.4 across the range of 24, 35, 50 and 85 (the latter three being Contax). The only caveat for the 24mm FD is that the barrel rotates, making a clip on mattebox a no go. For the 21mm I use an Olympus F2 lens because it is faster than most of the other stuff out there in this focal range, very sharp and has lower distortion than even the Zeiss 21/2.8.

 

[Jiri Vrozina]

For $8000 it will be hard to get CINE glass.
but apart from usual choices(Zeiss ZE/zf, leica R, Nikon Ai-s....) you might consider VOIGTLANDER 21mm f1.8, 35mm f1.2, 50mm f1.1 and 75mm f1.8.

 

[Rob_Austin]

I have the Zeiss ZF's which are great for mediums and amazing for close-ups, and they rack focus very well for the price. And the action on the focus & aperture rings is super smooth.

If you can spend another 4 or 5 grand, buy the RPP's! Only serious drawback is that they are enormous and a bit heavy.

 

[Rick Augustus]

Anyone have a opinion on the Zeiss CP.2's??? Seriously considering these... (One lens at a time, of course) LOL.

 

[Chris McKechnie]

Anyone have a opinion on the Zeiss CP.2's??? Seriously considering these... (One lens at a time, of course) LOL.

I had an entire set of CP2's...wasn't a fan and either were the directors I worked with. A little soft for me. I liked the Canon L series line. Primes incredibly sharp, especially the 85..wow. the 70-200 version 2 is probably the best zoom for the price. Insanely sharp as well. I recently switched to Leica R glass. Used it before and I just love the filmic look this glass produces. Got the 24, 35, 50, 80, 100 and 135. All 2.8 or faster. It's a beauitful set that produces amazing imagery that looks very organic. Helps to have them mounted to the best camera system in the world.