Cine lenses, what other cheaper options?

[Joel Mielle]

Looking around for a cheaper Cine lenses has been a real challenge on a budget. I've used still lenses and to me they are not an option for a RED camera, maybe the picture quality is ok but the mechanics let you down in so many ways, they are too unprofessional for serious work. I know some may disagree.

Currently I'm favouring the RED 17-55 however after using (Renting) CP2's I feel I will be disappointed. What other options are there that anyone has used for 4K work?

Here's a few more I've com across.

The Illimuna: http://www.lumatechinc.com/S35.html

Unioptics http://www.uniqoptics.net/

Can anyone comment on the above lenses?

[Christopher Mills]

sets of these vary a lot...
I have seen sets that looked very like good Zeiss mk 2 or 3 superspeeds.. and some that looked like they were always soft... and some of the early ones had very soft front coatings that were too easy to marr in the cleaning process...
The good ones were good enough that if you budget traveling to the dealer to test them before paying .. (I think that means Florida in the USA), then you would get good value.
Lately, I have been working with a friend's RPP set on his shoots, and my own 30+ year old set of first generation Zeiss Standards (small bodied versions... aftermarket gear and PL mount adapter) Both completely cover 4K HD.

The RPPs are faster, and fit a FF and Mattebox better.
However, there are some color qualities I like better for skin tones on the some of the Zeiss lenses. (my set is color matched.. was hand selected by first owner).
Perhaps a set of these will suit your needs.. If you want them modified a little, Duclos does it very reasonably... but I would not hesitate to use them on any project I do.


I have not got any opinion on the Uniqoptics, but I think they are sold out of Southern California, so perhaps a visit to the dealer would also be in order to examine them pre-purchase... after all, you are considering spending $30k-$45k, I take it..

Slower, but beautiful lenses are also available from Cooke... the 2.8 Panchros. they cost about $46k for a set... and I like them very much...

Perhaps someoone else may comment on the Schneider recent lenses... they are also in that $30k-$46 for a new set..

[Nathaniel Kramer]

Joe, I have a set of gen one Illumina's and they are fantastic. I can not comment on chris remarks about softness as my set is perfect. If you look at my past threads, I have posted many pieces shot on Illuminas. Although Lumatech Inc (illumina) has a trailer of mine on their site, I have no association with Illumina in any way. I bought my set used from another DP that was brokered by FJS (sales agent for Illumina), and I am nothing more than a very happy owner.. As for Nikon, I also love my nikons that have been modded by duclos. They work brilliantly.. If you need any more info please feel free to contact me. the two films below were shot entirely on Illuminas

[Michael Notar]

What does a set of lenses run for each?

The Illimuna: http://www.lumatechinc.com/S35.html

Unioptics http://www.uniqoptics.net/

[Andy White]

Illumina's are $35K for a set of 18,25,35,50,85.

[Michael Notar]

Joel, perhaps you define a budget. Looks like the cp2 lenses for about 24-27k are the cheapest out there.

I am in the same boat as you. Considering the 25, 35, 50, 85 Cp2s. Maybe RPP or the 18-85.

[Michael Panfeld]

Cine lenses on a budget?.... Lomos

You can buy a set for less than the cost of one of the above options. Have them serviced for about the same amount and...viola!

[Christopher Mills]

lomos are indeed another option..I use a set frequently, especially fond of the 75mm....
but I thought the OP wanted new lenses.

[Joel Mielle]

Joel, perhaps you define a budget. Looks like the cp2 lenses for about 24-27k are the cheapest out there.

I am in the same boat as you. Considering the 25, 35, 50, 85 Cp2s. Maybe RPP or the 18-85.

I was thinking for the cheapest option to buy a RED Zoom 17-55, but not the 18-85 as in all zooms, you tend to lose the sweet spot in the high end and maybe buy a separate Zeiss CP@ 85 which would pretty much cover my basics.

[Ryan Skeete]

I have the RPZ 17-50 and love it! I'm considering purchasing the CP2 85, 100 & 135 (when it comes out) to fill out my kit. I am still yet to do tests to see if the RPZ cuts with the CP2 but I think theoretically they make a good combo. I've seen a few posts on here from people that say they cut, no problem but i need to see for myself. BTW the T2.9 has not been an issue for me so far and I've shots lots of different scenarios including night EXT.