Letus Elite for Docs?

[cbagnall23]

Im about to shoot a 5 min webisode documentary and I'm wondering if the Letus Elite is a good choice as opposed to the lens the HVX200 comes with? Sure I'll great DOF but am I going to have a lot of trouble focusing if I'm not sure where my subjects will be since I'm going to be following them around? I'm debating on getting the Elite but would like to get some opinions as to if its a good idea or not to use it on a web doc. Thanks

[PaPa]

How soon do you have to purchase an adapter? The letus Elite is basically the letus extreme with the improved achromat and backfocus adjustment on the fly. Great for light loss, etc.

the blade is also on it's way out in january, which also has those features but with the addition of being able to use basically any F stop and shutter speed combo at a smaller price.

Both great choices though, basically the same shape with a different GG design. Light loss is almost identical but depending on your needs you may or may not want to have complete control over F stops and shutter speeds.

[cbagnall23]

I could wait for the blade and rent for the time being. But in the actual shoot, its more of an issue of focusing. Will the Letus allow me to focus easily enough if I'm walking around with my subjects, not knowing where their ideal mark will be or will it pose a problem? Thanks

[PaPa]

This will depend widely on the monitor you are using to focus and not the adapter.

If sharp focus is a concern for you, then i would suggest shooting this without and adapter, and using the long end of the hvx200 for shallower appearing depth of field shots. Sounds like the adapter stuff is probably not the best way for you to go.

Regardless, either the blade or the elite will give you very similar images depending on which GG you go with the blade, but neither one will make focusing easier for you.

[Sevenonline]

my 2 cents: In an interview situation, it looks fantastic to have that shallow DOF. IF you are going to run-n-gun, invest in a follow focus and rail system at time of purchase of system in a bundle. I have been playing with my adapter in a run/gun setup and it is just too hard when you are dealing with everything you need to deal with in documentary. You can't ask your subject to go back and start again, and you want them in focus. I have found some great success in a short amount of time in a lighted, seated interview setup w/ adapter. Good Luck!

[cbagnall23]

100% with you guys on interview DOF. And yeah, i think youre right that the run & gun will just be too difficult. But it will look great for some establishing shots. Ok. Settled. Thanks!

[Charles Lowthian]

if you're lcd is decent - eg: canon hv20 - you can focus fine, especially if its for web - smaller resolution output, focus not as crucial. unless you go really really shallow, like macro close ups...