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Primes to go with Angenieux Optimo DPs? Sigma?

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Martin Friedrich

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Hi all,

I currently own a pair of Optimo DPs and really like them. I would like to add some fast primes to the set, for the times the t2.9 is just not fast enough. I also have a set of Canon CN-E primes, which are not a bad addition to the Angenieuxs, but those are ef mount only and changing mounts during a shoot day is not an option, I mostly shoot documentary without crew, so bringing in lights is not an option as well :)
What do you think will match the Angenieuxs nicely? Anyone tried to match Optimo DPs with the new Sigmas?

Or just sell the DPs (which would make me sad) and Canons and go all Sigma with the 18-35 Zoom and some primes? Or sell the DPs and get Optimo Styles with ef mount (ouch, expensive) and keep the CN-Es?
Or convert CN-Es to PL, which is also freaking expensive.

Any hints appreciated!

Martin
 
Would seriously consider the Angie EZ-1 & EZ-2 T2 lenses, Sigma are good rehoused photo lenses but the Angie are proper cine lenses, and if you're used to the Optimo DP it will be easier for you to stay in the family :-) Maybe add one 24mm or 35mm 1.4 PL prime lens for those moments you need the extra stop?
 
I am bumping this thread, because I am still looking for advice from anybody who uses Angenieux Optimo DPs and matches them with PL mount primes, what is everybody using and what are your experiences?
Thanks!
 
I can’t speak to matching the Optimo as i don’t own them.

But i can say the Sigma Cine lens set i own are easily
some of the best cine primes I’ve used.
Great size and mechanics, very good image and great price.

Curtis
 
Duclos can modify the Canon CN-E to arri PL, probably the cheapest option and it is a good match. Better match than the Sigma IMHO. The Tokina Vista may be a good match with the Angenieux but are heavy.
 
I am aware of the Dculos modification, but at 1800 $US its not exactly budget friendly and I am in germany...
 
The Rokinon Xeens match my DP Zooms quite well. I cut them together all the time without seeing any substantial difference in color. They are at least as good optically as the CN-Es, CP 2/3s and Schneider Xenons and much cheaper. My only complaints are a little bit of CA wide open (which the Optimos can show too) and the need to stop the 24mm down a stop or so for truly crispy images at 6K+.

Here's a film I shot mixing both lenses and a Mavic drone...
 
Evin, GREAT film !
 
Evin, I was afraid someone would tell me the Xeens would make a nice fit :) I should really give them a try I guess. Or maybe just get one Optimo Style with EF Mount for the money I would get for selling my two DPs, just so I can feel more "pro"...
 
Don't sell the DPs... they are great! In my opionion those lenses are the most undevalued lenses out there... cheap 2nd hand, easy to have serviced and look great with little effort.

When you ask about matching I am assunmg it is in the tansition from 2.8 (dp) to to wide open on the prime simply for light reasons? If this is your typical situation I wouldn't worry too much... I have done it with MPs, UPs, Cooke S5/S4 and Sigmas.... and it was nearly always fine... the challenge seems to be when near wide open on the DP to 2+ stops down on the primes.. the differnce in feel is made bigger and gets more tangible for the lens lay person..

(i don't feel colour differences are very signifance for anyone in post so I am kind of ignoring that)
 
Martin Friedrich said:
Evin, I was afraid someone would tell me the Xeens would make a nice fit :) I should really give them a try I guess. Or maybe just get one Optimo Style with EF Mount for the money I would get for selling my two DPs, just so I can feel more "pro"...
Click to expand...

Why would you sell two perfectly good lenses to get one equivalent lens? That makes no senese to me, the Style lenses are essentially the exact same lenses with just a redesigned rear element. They are not sharper, brighter or AFAIK better in any way except they can be used on a spinning mirror camera if you so desire. I do believe there are EF mount conversions for the DP zooms if you want to go that route, call Matt Duclos he'll be able to make that happen if it can. Just don't mount them to a canon stills body and always use a lens support, I don't trust EF the way I do PL for that much weight.

One last note on the Optimo DP/Style zooms, the movie "Get Out" was shot entirely on the Optimo short zooms which are essentially the same lenses (I've compared them side by side) and that movie was gorgeous! there really isn't a better choice for cinematic zooms out there at any price.
 
There's something magical about the Optimo DPs/Optimo Style lenses.
 
I haven't used them together on the same project but Brandon's suggestion of Leica seems right on, if you can make the mounts work together.
 
Evin Grant said:
Why would you sell two perfectly good lenses to get one equivalent lens? That makes no senese to me, the Style lenses are essentially the exact same lenses with just a redesigned rear element. They are not sharper, brighter or AFAIK better in any way except they can be used on a spinning mirror camera if you so desire. (snip)
Click to expand...

+1

Unless you've compared the Styles to the DPs, or regular Optimos, and seen a major difference, why take the loss on a used sale? I've actually shot with Evin's DP set a few times with great results. Unless you need the bigger coverage of the EZs for FF/VV - or don't care for the Angie look/feel - the DPs render both people and geometry beautifully.

Cheers - #19
 
Have owned the DP 16-42 and 30-80 and shot with them a lot. Wonderful lenses. Only sold them to fund my FF zoom purchase for Monstro. Have shot with the Styles now a couple times and no one is going to be able to see or tell the difference. They are the same lenses with the exception of the re-designed (and improved) rears. And yet lots of people want to think the Styles are all around new and better glass... Even when Angenieux says they’re not. It’s great for people looking to buy a set of zooms, DPs took a price hit when the Styles were launched and have not recovered well.
 
I own the DP pair and have owned many modern Sigmas (sold them all). I have to say that they don't match color or look wise at all. I also think it's not easy to correct that difference in post (at least it was impossible for me). Angenieux lenses have the most beautiful and vibrant colors and very pleasing skin tones in particular. In comparison, the sigmas had a magenta tint that was very unpleasant and very difficult to get rid of in post (without damaging something else). Also the Sigma 18-35 had an unnatural and ugly contrast. Not the pleasant kind. It was more contrasty than the Angie yet the latter had more "pop" and presence. I am amazed as to how many people hold this lens (the 18-35) in high regards. With every test I did, it was more resolving than any other lens in its focal range yet for some reason had a flat and lame look. It's really hard to explain. In short, the Angies made people alive and the Sigmas made them look like dead manikins (maybe I am exaggerating a bit)
The best matches for the DPs are probably Cooke's or Canon CEs. The Xeens have a green tint and the Zeiss CP2 are too cold to match them. Hope that helps.
 
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