RPZ Disadvantages?

[Brian Iannone]

After much confusion and mind-changing, I've decided buy either RED PRO PRIMEs or RED PRO ZOOMs to use with my Scarlet. My question is, what are the disadvantages to the 17-50mm and/or 18-85mm RPZ? Mainly, in terms of optical quality. (I understand that they're both significantly heavier and larger than the RPP.) Are the RPPs sharper?

 

[Erik Naso]

I would say most primes are sharper than zooms and even the CP.2's are sharper than the 17-50. The 17-50 at 3.2lbs is actually pretty light for a RED lens or even a zoom with PL mount, however sharpness is only one factor you have to consider and how sharp does it have to be vs. what your needs are. I decided to go with the RPZ 17-50 so I can have the speed to shoot what I do most which is news promotion. Saves me a bunch of time having the range of multiply primes in one fast zoom. The trade off is worth it and I don't feel like I'm getting ripped off by no means. I love the 17-50! It's a great lens. I just added in a 85mm CP.2 to basically give me a nice range in two lenses. When I can I will back fill with primes. I was going to get the RPP but the weight of them was the factor for my decision. Again you have to weight what you want to do with the gear. If I was 90% tripod the RPP would be the choice. I do shoot handheld and heavy lenses aren't really an option right now for me.

 

[Brian Iannone]

Thanks Erik.

Sorry about the delay in my reply.