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Who is using a 300mm lens? And what on earth are you using it for?

Stephen Pruitt

Stephen Pruitt

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Hi all. . .

I'm trying to figure out if there is some reasonable reason as to why I should purchase a 300mm Nikon lens to go with my Nikon set (I have telephotos of 85, 105, 135, and 180mm). Since a 300mm lens is about the equivalent of a 450mm lens on a 35mm film camera, I'm trying to figure out what you guys actually use that lens for except for sports or nature photography. Is it something that you'd actually use very often in narrative filmmaking?

Thanks.

Stephen
 
Yes and no

It can be very nice to be that "close" when shooting intimate scenes. For example two persons getting closer in the sunset... you get the draft.

If you have it and you start to look at films you will notice when it's used, but my answer is that it's always good to have as wide range of lenses as possible (meaning range from wide to telephoto)
 
I'm also curious to know when a 300mm+ lens is typically used in narrative filmmaking. Can someone provide examples of famous movies and scenes?

-shooter
 
It's a must have for any type of outdoor sports shooting when you want to get those fantastic slomo close-ups! :)

For narrative it's great for shooting scenes of someone or a car coming down a path or road towards the camera for example.

I find 150mm typically too short for those shots where you really want the subject to pop up at you.
 
jogger on a path
clandestine conversation
point of view of a distant observer
isolation of characters walking and talking on a busy Manhattan street
etc.
It's long but not THAT long. 135mm or 200mm is likely the longest lens that you would "normally" carry, but a 300mm is not unusual at all.
Keep in mind that the Optimo is 290mm on the long end. I find myself working at the long end quite a bit...
I have a 300mm Zeiss T.3 from the 1990's series primes. It's very nice but with that slight "vintage" softness. Better when stopped down a bit. I also have a 2X extender for it.
Cheers,
Harry
 
Geez, Harry. . . a 300mm lens. . . with a 2X extender???? That clandestine conversation must be taking place on the lunar surface!

:-)

Stephen
 
We were shooting through a fence down pit road in Talladega and the close up
of cars and the pit crew using the Anginux 220-480MM was fantastic!

Any sports director will tell you closer IS better!

Dave
 
Stephen Pruitt said:
Geez, Harry. . . a 300mm lens. . . with a 2X extender???? That clandestine conversation must be taking place on the lunar surface!
Click to expand...

Speaking of lunar surface, I really like using a 500-600mm lens with a 2X extender for taking shots of the moon. The moon can nearly fill the entire height of your 4K frame -- awesome for lunar eclipse and timelapse work.
 
I used it to capture a much tighter shot of Obama when he was in Hawai'i.
It's also nice when you can't get close enough to your subject - surfing shots come to mind.

Could be used for non-evasive close ups as well.
 
Shawn Booth said:
Could be used for non-evasive close ups as well.
Click to expand...

I don't usually correct on spelling because that would be highly hypocritical of me, but I guess that a non-evasive close-up would be a paparatzee shot taken far enough away that you don't have to run from the angry subject, apposed to a non-invasive close up.

cool beans. I knew what you meant, it just sounded funny.:clown2:
 
blownapartstudios said:
I don't usually correct on spelling because that would be highly hypocritical of me, but I guess that a non-evasive close-up would be a paparatzee shot taken far enough away that you don't have to run from the angry subject, apposed to a non-invasive close up.

cool beans. I knew what you meant, it just sounded funny.:clown2:
Click to expand...

Thank you.
 
I have the Red 300mm and although not used frequently, it is invaluable in the package. There are many times when a 135mm is too short and you cant afford an Optimo 24-290 on the shoot.
 
Great examples. Thanks everyone. This forum is the best...

I especially like the idea of shooting an entire movie with a telephoto for a "unique look". Never thought of that but can see how it would be cool. Indoor sets would have to be on a large sound stage with plenty of space between camera and actors for wide shots but I guess that's possible given a big enough budget.

-shooter
 
Last year Off Hollywood did a shot of the finish line of the New York Marathon (next to Tavern on the Green in Central Park) from the vantage point of the top of a skyscraper in midtown Manhattan. We rented them an 800mm with a doubler and I think Mark still wanted to be tighter. I called it the Sniper Shot. We also rented them an O'Connor 2775 because if ever there is a situation where you want a steady tripod this is it.
 
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