Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Red Pro Zoom 18-85mm or Nikon AIS Cine-Modded Lenses?

Joel Devereux

Joel Devereux

Member
Joined
Jan 23, 2009
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Sydney, Australia
Hi guys,

I am looking for opinions for shooting a feature film using the RPZ 18-85mm or the Nikon AIS Cine-Modded Glass. I have been concerned about shooting my feature on the Nikon's but I have seen some stuff shot with the RPZ and I quite like it. Any anyone had any experience shooting with the zoom lens?

Thanks guys :)

JD
 
I have a docu feature in post, much of which was shot on the 18-85 RPZ. It makes very nice images. But it's not lightweight; if you're going to be doing anything handheld or lightweight, check how it cuts with RPZ footage. I went with the Nikon 14-24 when I needed a lightweight rig for handheld and that cut with RPZ with minimal tweaking.

Mike
 
My thoughts... Take the money you would use to purchase these lenses, and rent great glass & accessories.
 
I think it depends a lot on how you want to shoot things. Will you be doing a lot of handheld work? Will you work mostly off sticks? Do you have enough crew to easily move the heavier camera setup with the 18-85mm? Will you be doing any steadicam shots? Will you need a faster stop than T/2.8?

You've got two extremes of size/weight with those two lens options - so the question needs to be which set will suit the way you'll shoot best?

The Nikon will give you the flexibility of light weight. The RPZ will give you the flexibility of not having to change lenses. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
 
Joel Devereux said:
Yeah I am doing handheld, but I am a big lad, and won't have any problem moving around with the 18-85mm. Just wondering in terms of image quality rather than size-weight etc...
Click to expand...

Just because you are a big guy does not mean you can get the shots you need going handheld with the 18-85. Are you by chance shooting with an Epic or Scarlet which both have horrible out in front of your body ergonomics with that 18-85?

Quality wise the lens is fine, but some users have had issues with certain follow focus units.
 
As someone who shoots both handheld and studio style (tripods, dollies, etc) and has done a lot of documentary and practical location work.. skip the 18-85..
not for picture quality reasons, but because it requires a complex rig to shift the center of gravity to a useable point for handheld stable work...

though the compact 17-50 and a doubler might be helpful as another option

the problems are that the big zoom drags the nose of your rig down all the time.. and has not got as good a close focus distance as the primes.

Also.. most of the primes are going to be at least a stop faster than the zoom.. some may be 3 stops faster.

on primes, you only need to pull focus and iris..

Both lenses will be sharp, cover 4k, and have decent color rendition.

In a doc situation, you will find that swapping primes can be tricky.. I bet you'll use a 35mm ish lens or a 28 most of the time.. so I would start my day with one of those on the camera.

A Tokina 11-16 would be a great way to round out either a Red 17-50 or a set of nikons
 
Joel Devereux said:
David.. I've shot held held with RED MX and Hawk Anamorphics which are the same.. Thanks
Click to expand...

Same as what?

The point I was trying to make, as Christopher pointed out, was the horrible ergonomics. But if your into shooting handheld with the 18-85mm then go for it.

All the Best!

Dave
 
David. = If you looked at my original question, it had nothing to do with the ergonomics, so just because you maybe can't do something doesn't mean it's an issue for everyone ie issues working with heavy lenses. Hawk Anamorphics weight 6kgs, and the RPZ is lighter so i could care less about less about weight. Maybe I should have specified image quality so you didn't have to get so bend out of shape over something trivial.
 
Here is your original post.

Joel Devereux said:
Hi guys,

I am looking for opinions for shooting a feature film using the RPZ 18-85mm or the Nikon AIS Cine-Modded Glass. I have been concerned about shooting my feature on the Nikon's but I have seen some stuff shot with the RPZ and I quite like it. Any anyone had any experience shooting with the zoom lens?

Thanks guys :)

JD
Click to expand...

Sorry, I was just voicing my opinion as asked.

Have a great day!

Dave
 
Update: Actually Dave, I have to apologize for my ignorance and annoyed tone. Its been almost 9 months since I shot my feature with that rig, and I probably should have listened.

Day 1 I got ready to shoot with the RMX with the 18-85mm and I thought I was going to have a heart attack. With shoulder mount and hand braces, the whole thing weighs near 30-something kilos, and I spent the first night with icepacks and vodka hahaha. This problem completely slowed down our production to what was suppose to be 11 scenes to 3 scenes in one day. Eventually I bit the bullet and arranged to swap 18-85mm for a set of CP2's, which set us back $800, but necessary haha.

On a lighter note, we ended up switching again on the second last day cause the CP2's were booked so we ended up getting the Red Pro Primes for the last two days. Overall opinion was that I liked the CP2's a lot, I thought the 18-85mm made the footage look sharp but like bad TV movie sharp, but funny enough I loved the Red Pro Primes, and these are probably some of the most under-appreciated lenses around. I found the CP2 gave the footage a DSLR touch to the look which is cool enough, but using the Red Primes, the look and the sharpness was far better for cinema looking pictures..

Anyways again, I am sorry man. You were right, and yes you were just voicing your opinion haha :) Accept my apology.
 
Joel, much respect for this followup post!

Sometimes we get ahead of ourselves and make assumptions. happens to all of us. The fact that you came back and shared your experience says a lot.
 
:cheers2::cheers2::cheers2:No problem, I'm glad all worked out.

I'll buy the rounds when your in my town. :cheers2:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top