Lens Dilemma for HDX900
by Thomas Miller
on
Nov 30, 2006 at 4:02:37 am
We are adding the HDX900 to our little fleet of camera packages (delivery within a week), and am struggling to figure out what lens or lenses to get. After some tests at Abel in NY we've eliminated the Fuji that Panasonic packages with it. Am considering the 17x6.2 as a great "one lens" to have. But still considering the classic two-lens system. So here's some discussion points for my fellow camera folks and producers.
One lens or two - Have people had success having one main lens, and then "upselling" the wideangle?
Fuji or Canon?? Who likes which for HD and why?
What lenses are you packaging with your Varicams, F900's and HDX900's?
How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a a Tootsie Roll Tootsie Pop?
Re: Lens Dilemma for HDX900 by visualeyes on Nov 30, 2006 at 1:51:57 pm
I did a shoot yesterday with the HDX900 and had both the Canon 17x7 and the 4.7 lens. This is an architecture series and needing a wide angle is crucial, but after swapping out the lenses and looking at each I decided that the 4.7 was just too "fun house" looking. I ended up shooting the whole day with the 7.7. I have since decided to go with the Canon 17x7.6 with a HD wide angle attachement (not converter for zoom thru.) I was flopping back and forth between staying with my SD lens, but I have decided to bite the bullet and go full HD. The MTF curves and the colour shifting (I'm doing alot of pans and tilts)were the final deciding factors. In addition, the outside lens diameter of the 7.6 is 85mm versus the 17x7 which is 98mm. This way I can continue to use my existing matte box and 4x4 filters, all I have to do is get another lens insert for the matte box....much more economical.
Re: Lens Dilemma for HDX900 by Thomas Miller on Dec 1, 2006 at 2:53:19 am
That makes a lot of sense. I hadn't considered a standard lens with a WA adaptor.
Regarding the manufacturer, I've always had Canon lenses in the SD world, and have been very pleased with their sales and service departments. But it seems Fuji is dominating the HD market lately. It's a tough decision.
Re: Lens Dilemma for HDX900 by John Larsen on Dec 6, 2006 at 4:43:31 pm
We have put the Canon 4.7x11 w/ extender on our HDX900. It does have some fun house efx in the corners, just z past it. When you consider the versatility of a really wide angle we had to go with it. I have yet to use the digital drive features yet. We find ourselves shooting in a lot of tight spaces, cars, helicopters, small rooms this lens gives us a lot. I really like it.
John Larsen DP
OxHerd Productions Inc./Arrowhead Films
Re: Lens Dilemma for HDX900 by visualeyes on Dec 1, 2006 at 8:28:12 pm
Tom,
I opted for the 17x7.6 HD lens (85 mm outside diameter) with the wide angle attachment (WA75HD + 85 II adapter). Haven't quite worked out what that gets me, but I'm guessing around a non-zoom 5.7mm configuration).
Re: Lens Dilemma for HDX900 by wherewolf on Dec 4, 2006 at 4:28:12 pm
I like the fujinon lenses better because the speed of their zooms is markedly faster than Canon's. The focusing adjustment is quicker too. This comes in handy for me because I do a lot of reality/sports/doc stuff, where there are no second chances.
The glass is all pretty much the same between the two...If you have the money and want a "second" lens, then go beyond a WA (which is really just an effect lens) and try out the wide Zeiss Digi Prime...then you'll start to see some noticeable glass difference. I used one this summer and was blown away by the images I got.
Re: Lens Dilemma for HDX900 - Our decision by Thomas Miller on Dec 7, 2006 at 8:02:28 pm
Thank you all for your feedback. This forum is great!
After demo-ing several HD lenses from Canon and Fuji, we've settled upon the Fuji6.2x16. This is an amazing piece of glass, with a 15 inch minimal focal distance, and a decent long end. The wide side is sweet, without any distortion. If a client should want wider, we'll rent one or put on our fisheye for effect. I could see that we might need a longer lens on occasion, which we will rent or buy when called for. This Fuji is a bit heavy, but balances nicely with the A/B Hytrons. What I saved in buying one lens versus two, I'll use to pay for a lifetime of massages I'll need for my already screwed up back!
