Best CHEAP lenses?

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I've been scanning the used equipment lists all over the internet to get an idea of what to expect to pay for lenses. Ocassionally, I come across an Angenieux or Cooke, 10 - 110 or 25 - 250, T3 to T4 for under $2,000.

To avoid getting stuck with a lemon, what should I be looking out for? If the item is local, I'd have it checked out by a professional before purchase - but most of these bargains aren't local.

Anyone have experience with lenses in this range? Any recommendations?

[J. Bernard Vallon]

if money is an issue, i really think nikons (or canons) are the way to go. For 2-3k, you could get one mediocre PL lens from angenieux, which probably wont open past T3. The same price will get you the nikon adapter, a great telephoto, a great wide, and a great something in between, all which open to 2.8 or wider.

[Evin Grant]

Agreed, those older lenses from the 70s & 80s were never that crisp to begin with and most have breathing issues just as bad as the still lenses do.

[Alexis Hanawalt]

I haven't been pursuing the Canon or Nikon route because of the bias that non-film lenses are hokey or gimicky when used in pro motion picture applications.

I'll re-asses that bias.

But won't still camera zoom lenses breathe like hell during a zoom or rack focus? How do these lenses get modified for use with follow focus?

[Alexis Hanawalt]

Agreed, those older lenses from the 70s & 80s were never that crisp to begin with and most have breathing issues just as bad as the still lenses do.

Hmm. Is it being sloppy to think that that lack of sharpness in older cine lenses might equate to a cool movie-style look?

I'm seeing a 25-250mm "Techno Cooke" T2.5 from Otto Nemenz for $1500. Waiting for a call back from them to explain to me what this lens is (it's not even in the ASC manual...) Also, plenty of the old trusty 20-100mm Cooke T3.1's for around $3,000 out there.

Also - is there any new word on how easy it will be to switch out the lens mount adapters?

[Evin Grant]

Hmm. Is it being sloppy to think that that lack of sharpness in older cine lenses might equate to a cool movie-style look?


You can always get rid of resolution in post, you can never get it back.:bye2:



I'm seeing a 25-250mm "Techno Cooke" T2.5 from Otto Nemenz for $1500. Waiting for a call back from them to explain to me what this lens is (it's not even in the ASC manual...) Also, plenty of the old trusty 20-100mm Cooke T3.1's for around $3,000 out there.

Don't know much about that 25-250 except it must be huge! It'll look very impressive on the camera though.



Also - is there any new word on how easy it will be to switch out the lens mount adapters?

No new word, but from previous statement it will field replaceable, but that means a camera truck, hotel room or other protected environment, not an actual field.:wink:

[J. Bernard Vallon]

Someone please buy this lens.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-85mm-f-1-2-L-FD-Lens_W0QQitemZ180098169993QQcategoryZ48552QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I really want to see it on a RED. Evin, i'm looking in your direction...

[chuck colburn]

Or this one!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Contax-Carl-Zeiss-Planar-1-2-85-Lens-50-85mm-f1-2-Canon_W0QQitemZ260096747038QQcategoryZ3340QQssPage NameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Evin Grant]

The Canon 85mm 1.2, Zeiss 85mm 1.2/1.4 and Nikon 85mm 1.4 are all world class optics. You can't go wrong with any of them.

[PaulClements]

What about this lens (http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-50mm-F-0-95-Dream-Lens-Beautiful-Glass_W0QQitemZ150101218800QQcategoryZ30063QQssPag eNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem) if we're putting them out there... F0.95!

[PaulClements]

Also, is anyone else having problems using eBay? Ever since last night whenever I visit their site and click on a link I cannot go anywhere... I have to delete their cookie and then I can use it again but only for one page... makes searching for lenses a real pain in the arse

[Juan Francisco Calero]

What about this lenses (http://www.zacuto.com/Zeiss_Fmount_lenses.htm).

I don't know too much about lenses but they look like zeiss lenses with nikon mount... and nikon price too :)

[Sam Druckerman]

What about this lenses (http://www.zacuto.com/Zeiss_Fmount_lenses.htm).

I don't know too much about lenses but they look like zeiss lenses with nikon mount... and nikon price too :)

Hey Subframe, here's a few links for you....

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1127&highlight=Zeiss+ZF

http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=259&highlight=Zeiss+ZF

You can try searching "Zeiss" to find what's been discussed already.

[Alexis Hanawalt]

Don't know much about that 25-250 except it must be huge! It'll look very impressive on the camera though.

Heard back... Yeah, people hold off on this lens solely because of the weight. It's also more of a T3.2, even though its marked 2.5. It's a Technovision modification of an old TV lens.

- So, I still can't find any consolidated information on this: are there options for using a follow focus with still Nikkor or Cannon lenses?

[Bruce Allen]

So, I still can't find any consolidated information on this: are there options for using a follow focus with still Nikkor or Cannon lenses?

Yes, see the post "Nikon Gearing"
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=975

Summary of options, in order of price:
manual - Arri (good, many options, including LFF1, which might allow you to turn focus "the right way around"), Chrosziel (good), Willy Tec (unknown if it'll work with still cam lenses), Petroff (untested), JBK (untested), Zacuto (untested), RedRock (early ones bad, newer ones not as bad), Cavision (untested), Cinevate / Dan Diaconu (gears released, follow-focus coming)

remote - Arri, Preston (have seen good reviews), Bartech (similarly, some good reviews), Birger (coming soon, using electronic lens control), RedRock (details announced at NAB), maybe Cinevate soon?

Am I missing anything? Maybe repost this in the "Nikon gearing" thread instead of here...

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com