Now that I have a cinema camera, I'm considering saving up to buy a real cinema lens. There are tons of old Super 16mm lenses out there. Do you use zooms or primes mostly?
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Camera Gear Zooms vs Primes?
- Thread starter Damon
- Start date
OP
OP
Nice! I've been using old Canon FD stills primes. I love the vintage look. Vintage is a good way to save cash and still get good glass.
I use primes, but don't estimate the power of a good constant aperture zoom. Each lenses has it's only strengths, just depends what would you want the primes for?
OP
OP
Yeah, the reason I have been using vintage stills primes is because they are affordable, easily accessible, high quality glass. Fast affordable glass was the goal when I collected my current Canon FD set. The reality is there is a tons of fast affordable 16 and Super 16mm glass out there.
For me I want the Super 16mm look more than anything. I love my Canon FD glass, but I want that Super 16 look. That's the main reason I want a Super 16 zoom. The only problems with Super 16 glass is often the minimal focal distance is something like 5 feet. That's fine when I'm behind the camera, but in front of the camera I'd still rely on my 24mm and 50mm macro for close up work.
So a 15-150mm Canon Super 16 T.V. lens paired with my 24mm and 50mm macro Canon FD would be a simple, versatile set.
For me I want the Super 16mm look more than anything. I love my Canon FD glass, but I want that Super 16 look. That's the main reason I want a Super 16 zoom. The only problems with Super 16 glass is often the minimal focal distance is something like 5 feet. That's fine when I'm behind the camera, but in front of the camera I'd still rely on my 24mm and 50mm macro for close up work.
So a 15-150mm Canon Super 16 T.V. lens paired with my 24mm and 50mm macro Canon FD would be a simple, versatile set.
Back when I was more into photography I was hearing about the importance of prime lenses for sharpness and focus. Apparently to get the best bokeh and aperture you need a prime lens.
I mean, when you think about it, for talking head videos and interviews, you don't need a zoom lens. Record with a prime and do your zooms in post because unless you have a camera operator, you won't be doing zooms anyway.
Though a 15-140mm would be nice, that way you get those wide angle frames while being able to get the zoomed shots you otherwise wouldn't be able to see in a pinch, and in some situations you don't want to be walking around with multiple lenses, and sometimes you don't have enough time to change lenses before the subject goes away.
In a studio I'd go prime. Out and about I'd go zoom.
I mean, when you think about it, for talking head videos and interviews, you don't need a zoom lens. Record with a prime and do your zooms in post because unless you have a camera operator, you won't be doing zooms anyway.
Though a 15-140mm would be nice, that way you get those wide angle frames while being able to get the zoomed shots you otherwise wouldn't be able to see in a pinch, and in some situations you don't want to be walking around with multiple lenses, and sometimes you don't have enough time to change lenses before the subject goes away.
In a studio I'd go prime. Out and about I'd go zoom.
I agree. I use constant aperture zoom lenses a lot especially for event coverage and wedding films!I use primes, but don't estimate the power of a good constant aperture zoom. Each lenses has it's only strengths, just depends what would you want the primes for?
They're so good! I just purchased a few more, and it really changes things! I love my primes for interviews or talking head coverage, but when running and gunning you can't beat it!