Zeiss Super Speeds or Red Pro Primes?

[Steve Roberts]

I have an upcoming project to shoot on an EPIC at 5K. I have not been able to find a definitive answer if the Zeiss Super Speeds or the RED Pro Primes will actually cover the entire sensor when shooting 5K.

Unfortunately, I won't have time to test the lenses on camera before making the decision.

Can anyone confirm coverage with either of the sets (ranging from 18mm to 85mm)?

Also, I read the SALT reviews on both lenses, any good or bad opinions on the characteristics of each set?


Thanks,

Steve Roberts

[Matt Uhry]

Both will cover 5k @ 16:9 or 2:40 crops. The super speeds are a bit more of a frisky look with lower contrast and a bit of CA and edge falloff when wide open. The RPP's are clean and good and a bit large and heavy. Clean = RPP's Interesting = Zeiss SS. After that it's up to your taste and the storytelling needs of the project. Both lens sets are very strong performers at T2.8 - T11. Focus marks on RPP's are just OK. Of course if you need T1.3 the Speeds are the way to go.
Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

[Nathaniel Kramer]

no debate... superspeeds... but only mkII or mkIII.. atay away from the 3 bladed iris on the mkI, and the hideous triangular bokeh

[sergio arguello]

+1 superspeeds!!!

[Ramesh Jai]

I have both but ever since I bought the Epic I've been using SSs because they are much lighter. RPPs are like having MPs. Very good but heavier.

[Bryant Swanstrom]

Don't be afraid of the 3 blade iris of the mark I super speeds. It's funky/groovy and kind of fun.

Mark IIIs are a joy to work with.

for the price RPP give you the absolute cleanest image.

[Craig Chartier]

Very clean images with the Red Pro's

[Evin Grant]

I find supers soft until T2.8, I personally prefer Standard speeds (T2.1).

[Mark Toia]

DID YOU KNOW!!!!!

That RED lenses could have been made smaller and lighter...
But RED choose to make them big because they look more PRO...

If RED re=made those lenses slightly smaller and lighter than the ARRI ULTRA primes. I'd buy 2 sets in a heart beat!

RED PRIMES are pin sharp and eat Super speeds in optical quality... FACT!!!! I know this because I use them both.
But the super speeds are Bright and small... Thats why I use them alot. RED PRIMES Are just to bloody big and heavy for F1.9 lenses. It's there only fault. Optically almost as good at the famous Leica's. RED nailed optical quality!

Come on RED. Think smart guys. SMALL CAMERA, SMALL EVF, SMALL batteries, Small and powerful everything.... bring out some small bright glass. 18 up to 135mm please all at 1.4.... Finish the puzzle !!!

To answer your question Steve..
If its a tripod styled shoot and you want pin sharp images at F1.9... use the RED PRIMES.
If its a hand held shoot and fast moving in low light... Use the MKIII super speeds...

PS... Consider the 17-35 RED ZOOM and the 50 to 150 RED ZOOM...
Small. Pin sharp and both F2.8. I have shot mammoth jobs on these and super fast to work with!
Only use primes with bright Fstops if you want shallow dept of feild or shooting in low light... other wise.. they are not needed.

:))))))

[Matt Gottshalk]

PS... Consider the 17-35 RED ZOOM and the 50 to 150 RED ZOOM...
Small. Pin sharp and both F2.8. I have shot mammoth jobs on these and super fast to work with!
Only use primes with bright Fstops if you want shallow dept of feild or shooting in low light... other wise.. they are not needed.

Amen,

Those are my go-to workhorses!