PL Zoom lens suggestions for RED EPIC?

[Andrew Hutcheson]

So I just recently got my RED Epic-X, and I've been debating going with the Canon Ti mount over getting a nice PL zoom lens. Can't afford a set of primes just yet, but I'd like to make the step up from Canon glass. I've heard the RED 17-50 doesn't fully cover 5k...is that true? That was definitely the lens I had my eyes on. Can anyone recommend another PL zoom that covers 5k fully?

Thanks,
Andrew

[Jeremy Torrie]

I believe the 17-50 does cover the sensor at 2:1. I have the 18-85 and there's a very slight vignette, but if you adjust to 19 it covers at 2:1. 18-85 is a great piece of glass.

[Mitch Martinez]

Are you going to be doing true zoom moves or do you want a variable prime? How much are you looking to spend? There are a lot of options out there.

[Russ Fill]

I did a test with my 17-50 today and it does cover the full 5K.. and I know this sounds like it doesn't but you do see a very slight vignette in each of the corners at 17mm. Im talking very small but it is there. Im not worried I adjusted the zoom by about 1mm and it went away or you could just crop it in post ever so slightly or even just drop a mask on it and you probably wold not even notice it for some work.

[Will Keir]

Look at your. If one camera wasn't enough, you got two for ears in your avatar pic. You bastard :)

So I just recently got my RED Epic-X, and I've been debating going with the Canon Ti mount over getting a nice PL zoom lens. Can't afford a set of primes just yet, but I'd like to make the step up from Canon glass. I've heard the RED 17-50 doesn't fully cover 5k...is that true? That was definitely the lens I had my eyes on. Can anyone recommend another PL zoom that covers 5k fully?

Thanks,
Andrew

[Obin Olson]

I am thinking about selling my RPP set and buying a 17-50 zoom...what is the zoom image like? is the DOF the same as a pro prime?

[Mitch Martinez]

I am thinking about selling my RPP set and buying a 17-50 zoom...what is the zoom image like? is the DOF the same as a pro prime?

The RPZ 17-50 is a T2.9 lens - the image quality is great - especially for the price. The DOF will be the same as RPP lenses if you stopped down the RPPs to T2.9. Obviously, since most RPPs are T1.8, they'll have a more shallow DOF at the corresponding focal length on the RPZ 17-50 when they're both fully open. 50mm 1.8 vs. 50mm 2.9

If you need faster lenses, I would pesronally keep the RPPs. Having a 17-50 or even the older 18-50 is great piece for a kit and can be really great in various run+gun shooting situations.

[Evin Grant]

Angenieux Optimo DPs are the way to go, unfortunately the wait is about a year at this point.

[Will Keir]

I have the older 18-50. What's the difference between mine and the newer 17-50mm? Did they have to fix something in error?

Having a 17-50 or even the older 18-50 is great piece for a kit and can be really great in various run+gun shooting situations.

[Mitch Martinez]

I have the older 18-50. What's the difference between mine and the newer 17-50mm? Did they have to fix something in error?

To my understanding, they've improved the gearing where the 17-50 can actually be used as a zoom lens. The 18-50 should really pretty much be used as a variable prime lens rather than a zoom. The gearing mechanics just weren't smooth enough to be a "real" zoom for the 18-50 version. Also, the 17-50 is very slightly faster (T2.9 vs T3).