RED & used lens prices

[donatello b]

if anybody has been following the prices on the used lens market - i've noticed that used zeiss primes have gone up approx 30-40% since last June ?... just saw a set of (4) used zeiss hi speeds ( T1.3's, 25, 35, 50, 85) go for 32K ...

i see Visual Products has added a note on their site:

"35mm Lens Adapters & the eminent release of the RED Camera have made 35mm-format lenses very popular, hard-to-find items! "

[Steven Parker]

oh, man... say it ain't so. that spoils part of my business plan.

is this on ebay? where are you tracking these prices?

[Evin Grant]

I don't think that is the "Red shift" in effect. Visual products is just trying to stir the pot and make more sales. If anything once the testing is done I think Red's optics will force a downward move in lens prices, why would you spend $32K on a set of older MII Zeiss lenses that don't perform as well as a $20K set of state of art Red primes.

[Michael Schrengohst]

Remember all the older lenses will not have the i technology
and some zooms may or may not be adaptable to the RED zoom controller.

[Finner]

...some zooms may or may not be adaptable to the RED zoom controller.

Not quite sure on this one. Every cine zoom I have worked with can be configured one way or another to accept a zoom motor.

[roryhinds]

$32k - $37k will get you a set of Super Speeds T1.3 which is faster than the RED Primes on offer.

I agree the price for used is way over priced as demand is high but when the price levels out I think T1.3 will be faster than RED's T2.1 (if thats what they are)

[Adrian Correia]

it also depends on the optics. I did a lot of research before I bought my used prime lens set...and I sent them to a tech to be overhauled anyway. I am still saving 7,000 compared to buy the new Red primes and they are superspeeds...but then it is older glass....and without the i-technology. It is all relative to what you can afford and/or want. I was petrified that the used market would explode (which it has) and I would be shut out of 35mm cine glass...

but with the extra money I can afford the RedRam....place smiley face icon here.

[Adrian Correia]

I also think Evin is right in that places like Visual Products are really serving their own interests in trying to create a "used lens shortage" type of panic. It definitely was a factor when I started shopping....twice I almost pulled the trigger on a Zeiss 2.1 set that was close to $18,000.00 Thankfully I waited and was a more patient shopper. I don't think anyone should spend that kind of money without careful deliberation.

[Adrian Correia]

unless the product starts with the word "Red"....you're wlecome Jim