Red 50-150 reviews? and white vs. yellow markings

[Milan Spasic]

There's been quite a few threads about 18-50 but I've never seen anybody post anything about the 50-150. Does it have similar mechanics as the 18-50? Is it a re-housed stills lens?

Also, Jeff K. posted something about significance of white vs. yellow markings on these lenses and I was curious to know what exactly does this tell us? The age/firmware of the lens? White before yellow?

Cheers,

Milan

[Emmanuel Cambier]

Hi Milan,

The 50-150mm is very nice for close-up work, perfect range and it's not too hard on faces.
The focus ring is quite stiff on mine, a lot stiffer than the 18-50mm.
I have to say that the 18-85mm is a good bit better mechanically and optically, but those two first zooms are very light and come in really handy at a great price.

Emmanuel

[Milan Spasic]

Thanks Emanuel, that's good to know. I'm looking for a fairly lightweight, doco setup but trying to stick with the PL mount and zooms.

Anybody else? What's the deal with white/yellow markings?

Cheers!

M

[Jeff Kilgroe]

Also, Jeff K. posted something about significance of white vs. yellow markings on these lenses and I was curious to know what exactly does this tell us? The age/firmware of the lens? White before yellow?

The 18-50 has certain shortcomings or compromises in order to hold its price point. We all know that. But it's a highly under-rated lens around here, very nice optics and a really great compact size lens. Original models had yellow markings, later RED changed to white markings on the lens barrels. The lens does have onboard firmware that can only be upgraded by RED. Some of the original yellow-marked 18-50s do need a firmware upgrade, but the only way to know for sure is to confirm the serial number with RED.

As for the 50-150, it's a really nice lens. I think it is mechanically superior to the 18-50 and it performs great for the price. I assume it also has onboard firmware like the 18-50, but I've never heard of one needing an upgrade. AFAIK, all 50-150's have white markings.

I also concur with Emmanuel about the 18-85. It's an amazing lens, if you don't mind the physical size.

[Milan Spasic]

Thank you Jeff, some good info there.

I have a 18-50 with white markings and am plenty happy with the sharpness and it's compact size for hand held work. Sure, mechanically and optically it's not comparable with 18-85 but considering the price and size/weight it's a worthy purchase.

I love the 18-85, had a chance to play with it at the Red HQ but I need more range. Thinking of getting the Red 50-150 for doco work and then maybe Angi HP for heavier cine set up.

Cheers!

M