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RED LENSES

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Eric J Kosinski

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I'm sure there is some info somewhere, but since i rarely am on set with RED primes or RED Zooms, and am not in LA to stop by the RED shop, I don't know the quality. I know from one shoot, that the primes are heavy, but didn't get my hands on them long. I'm specifically interested in the 17-50mm zoom lens. In fact, I may purchase this over 2 or 3 compact primes to save money, however need some real info on this lens and RED overall for lenses.

I'm assuming they are good enough, but how do they compare to the Compact Primes, Cooke Panchro quality etc? Also, are there any electronic lens data on these lenses like cooke? It is very hard to tell with no pics online except the renderings from one side. If anyone has any good pics from other angles, please include.

Anyone with this lens please submit the feedback.
 
I can speak for the 17-50. Excellent lens. Really, really sharp. No I Data on it. Sold it after I got my Panchros... preferred their creaminess and don't really need a zoom in my work.
 
Christopher Barrett said:
I can speak for the 17-50. Excellent lens. Really, really sharp. No I Data on it. Sold it after I got my Panchros... preferred their creaminess and don't really need a zoom in my work.
Click to expand...

Great to hear. Quality wise, would you say it is as good as the Compact Primes or better? Ergonomics wise, and technically any feedback will help too?

Does it look, feel, like a professional piece of cinema gear or flimsy, poorly made, etc??
 
Buy the compact primes.. and a 1/4 ultra con as they are really sharp
 
Last time I posted comments about RED zoom lenses I upset a lot of people, so lets leave it at that.
 
Really enjoy the RPPs - fantastic set of lenses. Have only used CP.2s on an F3, so I'm not sure what they're like on a RED ONE/EPIC.

Kegan
 
I haven't used the CP's but I've got a couple ZF's which are the same glass. Those are pretty nice, not as sharp as the RPZ 17-50. Sometimes, tho, SHARP is too sharp. I think you first have to ask yourself... how do I work? what is most going to benefit that? Primes or zoom? Both have advantages. Make that decision and then start looking more specifically.

I come from a Large Format Stills background so Primes were a natural choice for me. I'm used to changing lenses 5 times before I make up my mind and I don't have to work too fast.

Here's the list I went through...

CP2's... too many negative reviews and inconsistent max apertures.
Schneider Cine Xenars... too many negative reviews, big, barrel forward
Illuminas... new, not much info yet and kind of ugly looking... (now though, they're getting many favorable reviews)
Red Pro Primes... awesome glass from all accounts. Big. Heavy. Maybe TOO sharp. Inconsistent focus markings.
Panchros... slower at T/2.8 a bit more expensive than the rest.
Super Speed MK III's... small, light, fast. Not as sharp as newer glass (I hear)

I went for Panchro's. Can't explain why. Love them though. Really love them and can't quite put into words. Panchros are like Isabella Rossellini to me.
 
Christopher Barrett said:
I haven't used the CP's but I've got a couple ZF's which are the same glass. Those are pretty nice, not as sharp as the RPZ 17-50. Sometimes, tho, SHARP is too sharp. I think you first have to ask yourself... how do I work? what is most going to benefit that? Primes or zoom? Both have advantages. Make that decision and then start looking more specifically.

I come from a Large Format Stills background so Primes were a natural choice for me. I'm used to changing lenses 5 times before I make up my mind and I don't have to work too fast.

Here's the list I went through...

CP2's... too many negative reviews and inconsistent max apertures.
Schneider Cine Xenars... too many negative reviews, big, barrel forward
Illuminas... new, not much info yet and kind of ugly looking... (now though, they're getting many favorable reviews)
Red Pro Primes... awesome glass from all accounts. Big. Heavy. Maybe TOO sharp. Inconsistent focus markings.
Panchros... slower at T/2.8 a bit more expensive than the rest.
Super Speed MK III's... small, light, fast. Not as sharp as newer glass (I hear)

I went for Panchro's. Can't explain why. Love them though. Really love them and can't quite put into words. Panchros are like Isabella Rossellini to me.
Click to expand...

Totally get you. Panchros are very attractive. Love the cooke look myself, but can't honestly afford them at the moment. You have been very helpful so thanks.

I'm looking for an affordable lens to shoot various focal lengths instead of a set of primes (not to zoom in while shooting) I can use on the Sony F3 at the moment and can carry over to the EPIC S if and when it ever arrives. Sounds like a good choice I guess.
 
Maybe I'm easily pleased or something, but I believe the new 17/50 red zoom is fricken amazing!
If I want pin sharp, low contrast and a awesome short focus ability I instantly put that lens on.
It's sharper than the master primes. (which i couldnt believe if i did not see with my own eyes)
And is probably the best lens to shoot (keys) effects plates with. it's amazingly sharp.
Also with smooth focus and aperture rings, if RED could bring out now a 50 to 200 2.8 compact Light weight zoom, I'd just say that's all you would need for anything.
Just put into perspective for a moment. A pocket PL zoom for around 6k... Tell me what is as good even close to the same price.

(Disclaimer: I mainly only shoot primes)

You have got to be kidding me if you race out and buy a set of primes to shoot run and gun and get same versatilitly.

Here is a ad I shot completely on the 18-50 red zoom 3 years ago.
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/tvcs/griffith_global_a.html
There is a hd download to see bigger.

Dont kid yourself. Price does not bely quality at RED
 
Mark Toia said:
Maybe I'm easily pleased or something, but I believe the new 17/50 red zoom is fricken amazing!
If I want pin sharp, low contrast and a awesome short focus ability I instantly put that lens on.
It's sharper than the master primes. (which i couldnt believe if i did not see with my own eyes)
And is probably the best lens to shoot (keys) effects plates with. it's amazingly sharp.
Also with smooth focus and aperture rings, if RED could bring out now a 50 to 200 2.8 compact Light weight zoom, I'd just say that's all you would need for anything.
Just put into perspective for a moment. A pocket PL zoom for around 6k... Tell me what is as good even close to the same price.

(Disclaimer: I mainly only shoot primes)

You have got to be kidding me if you race out and buy a set of primes to shoot run and gun and get same versatilitly.

Here is a ad I shot completely on the 18-50 red zoom 3 years ago.
http://www.zoomfilmtv.com.au/tvcs/griffith_global_a.html
There is a hd download to see bigger.

Dont kid yourself. Price does not bely quality at RED
Click to expand...

agreed, great lens for the money. I bought a used one recently to use on f3/fs100 etc and ended up using it exclusively this week on my red for two commercials. I didn't expect much out of the lens and was pleasantly surprised. My set of zeiss cp's never came out of the case.
 
Another vote from me for the new Red 17-50, it's great value for money. Very sharp, obvious vigneting at 17 on Epic, but just closing a notch you can get away with it. I bet that if they had it priced at an higher level it would sell more and get better reviews, like design clothes (-;
 
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