The best use of $3000...

[Jaime Vallés]

Speaking of the Zeiss ZF lenses, check out this link, where Zeiss big-shots talk about why these lenses will be good for Cinematography. Granted, they're biased, so testing is necessary to determine if they speak the truth. I'm pasting the relevant passage below:

CLN: And why would they prefer Zeiss ZF to Nikon?
Müller: I see two reasons.
First because they know that with Zeiss lenses they will get state-of-the-art image quality, technically and aesthetically. They will recognize that ZF lenses come with much larger rotation angles for the focus rings, like the cinematography lenses we make for Hollywood. This means that focusing can be performed much more accurately than with designs optimized for photojournalistic work.

I can't wait to try these lenses out on RED!

 

[Evin Grant]

Hi Evin,

But then again there is something to be said for a lens that can be adjusted for spot on tracking, much better control over focus shift, minimal backlash in the footage and zoom controls, and a more consistent resolution through out the focal length range.

Chuck

I'm not sure that is true with the Birgers and the AFS/EOS L lesnes. Erik has stated in another thread that Nikons backlash control on the AFS lenses was "superb". And as far as tracking, well that remains to be seen but the Bourne Ultimatum guys seemed to think they were OK. To be honest I really think todays hi end still lenses are made to every bit as exacting standards as cinema lenses. But the technology and demand make the prices more affordable. If Cooke sold 110,000 18-100s they would be 2K each. Incedentaly that is how many Nikon 28-70 f2.8 AFS lenses have been made. All of this needs to be tested though to know for sure.

 

[Eddie]

Now that the budget bar is raised to 4000$ i would say:

birger nikon mount & ff 1400$
tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 pro dx 650$
tokina 50-135mm f/2.8 pro dx 650$
+ used primes in good condition
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ex hsm 450$
nikon 50mm f/1.4 ais 200$
nikon 85mm f/1.4 ais 550$

Grand total 3900$

which leaves you about 100$ for Carl Zeiss contact lenses, to talk about with your producer...:w00t:

 

[Evin Grant]

Those Tokinas are not AFS/HSM so they may not work on the Birgers. As far as we know it will only support integral motor lenses, not screw drive. Although Erik said he was looking into it.

 

[Teague Kennedy]

Evin, is the Sigma AFS? Can it be controlled by Birger mount? I need as wide as possible.

Thanks

 

[Evin Grant]

Yes, but only the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) lenses.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I just read that the Zeiss ZF lenses have a great focus ring with a lot of travel for better manual focusing. Can you tell us how the focusing feels on your lenses?

I'm hoping that with Redrock drive gears strapped on, these lenses might have enough focus travel to get away with. I'm torn at this point between manual focus Zeiss ZF prime lenses with the plain vanilla Nikon mount from RED, and AF-S Nikon zooms with the Birger Nikon mount. The Birger mount should eliminate any short focus throw problems, but I really like the idea of using those Zeiss ZF lenses with a standard follow focus unit for precise manual focusing.

Zeiss ZF 25mm f2.8 - $787
Zeiss ZF 35mm f2 - $787
Zeiss ZF 50mm f1.4 - $492
Zeiss ZF 85mm f1.4 - $984
RED Nikon F mount - $500
Redrock Micro Follow Focus - $500
GRAND TOTAL - $4050

Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF AF-S - $1480
Nikon 28-70mm f2.8 ED-IF AF-S - $1435
Birger Nikon Electronic mount w/ Follow Focus - $1400
GRAND TOTAL - $4315

The prices for both sets is comparable, and the focal ranges are similar (Zeiss prime goes more telephoto, Nikon zoom goes wider). The Zeiss lenses are faster, and have the brand name recognition. The Nikon zooms have greater versatility with regards to focal lengths. The Birger mount can control the focus and exposure electronically of the zoom lenses. The Zeiss lenses are much lighter weight and shorter, and are very well constructed with no plastic.

Based on all this, a big deciding factor is whether the Zeiss lenses can be focused easily using a regular follow-focus unit. If they can, then I'd almost rather go with them than with AF-S lenses operated electronically. What do you think?

This lenses are just fantastic, the focus is great I have used them with the full production set from REDROCK, focusing is very very smood.
I will test this lenses as soon as I get together with Evin, I do have very good pictures but aving problems with my new computers for upload, but be sure this are fantastic lenses.

Ciao,
KETCH ROSSI

 

[Emanuel A.]

Ciao Ketch,

Breathing?

E.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Ciao Ketch,

Breathing?

E.

Ciao Emanuel,

yes I'm, just preoccupied with a couple of projects in Pre.

 

[Jaime Vallés]

Ciao Emanuel,

yes I'm, just preoccupied with a couple of projects in Pre.

Heheh... Ketch, I think you misunderstood Emanuel. I believe he was asking if the Zeiss ZF lenses breathe a lot when changing focus.

But it sure is nice to know that you yourself are actually breathing! :biggrin:

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Ohh,

yes I'm but I'm almost positive the ZEISS are not, they are as beutifully machined as the big brothers, not as impressive in size but still stunning crisp and warm in the images they produce.

Hey, thanks for making me understand, you know Italian and all I do speak the lenguage but some times the under line sleeps away from me.

Ciao,
KEYCH ROSSI

 

[Paolo Tinari]

Oh dont tell me, when my underline fall asleep there's no way to wake her up

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I'm not sure I understand what you are tring to say Paolo.

Ma se parli italiano me lo puoi spiegare meglio.

Ciao,
KETCH ROSSI

 

[Paolo Tinari]

Ciao ketch,
no, nulla, mi ha fatto sorridere quello che ho ritenuto un errore di battitura. L'underline che si addormenta (sleep) invece di scivolare (slip).

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Ho capito, si di solito faccio sorridere coloro che mi sono vicini, o quelli lontano come te.

Ciao.

PS: se vuoi mandami un PM, tu sei attivato? Spero finire presto qui e tornare definitivamente in Italia, piu' che probabile vicino Roma.

 

[Paolo Tinari]

Ho capito, si di solito faccio sorridere coloro che mi sono vicini, o quelli lontano come te.

Ciao.

PS: se vuoi mandami un PM, tu sei attivato? Spero finire presto qui e tornare definitivamente in Italia, piu' che probabile vicino Roma.

Bene, ti aspetto. Facciamo la nouvelle vague.
p.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Okay, ma credo con con 4 RED potremmo fare molto di piu.

Oh, I like your site, surprise about the content of the brief case, but cool, very cool.

Ciao.

 

[Emanuel A.]

Sei. Ecco, un altro romano.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Io sono sardo, cresciuto a Firenze e Stati Uniti, va be' anche un po' in Messico, con tanta voglia di rimpatriare, presto.

Ciao.

 

[albert rudnicki]

I own the 2 zeiss zf (50, 85)
Very good glass, I have tested them on redrocmicro adapter with much satisfaction.
There is one important advantage over nikons:
They are all color matched.

Cheers
Albert
www.yayofilms.com