View Full Version : canon 35mm f1.4L & Zacuto Z-Finder
Neild
10-22-2009, 05:02 AM
HI guys, I have the 7d and recently bought the 17-55 2.8 IS. I have always had L zooms so I wasn't that impressed with the 17-55 although the IS certainly put a stop to any camera shake.
I am thinking of returning the lens and buying the 35mm f1.4 L . I recently ordered the Zacuto Z-finder and was wondering if it, along with the 35mm would be enough to keep the camera steady as I plan on using it primarily for handheld video.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
jmtari
10-22-2009, 05:55 AM
Hi. I've shooted some test handheld and it just don't works. It's far too shaky. So I've ordered a shoulder rig from Redrock. I will receive it tomorrow and I will be able to give you my first impression next week if you're interested.
But I have a question about the lens. I've bought a Canon EF 24mm 1.4 USM II for this shoulder purpose. Don't you think a 35mm (which become a 56mm on the 7d) is a too long focal for this kind of use? (I'm not at all critical on my question, just want to know your opinion and the reason why you pick this lens ;-))
morgan_moore
10-22-2009, 05:58 AM
I think a longer lens which blurs background and takes attention away from horizon errors is actually easier to use HH than a wide
S
jmtari
10-22-2009, 06:09 AM
May I ask you Sam, which lens you've used on the beautiful video on your site?
morgan_moore
10-22-2009, 06:20 AM
Which one is that :)
Typically I use a short zoom using just the long and the wide facility but not stopping at any mid points
a wide, 24 - 105 L on the 5d replaced with the 16 -55 tokina for the7d
a 50mm 1.4 nikkor
some sort of medium fast tele zoom
100-300 5.6 manual nikkor was on the 5d
70-200 f4 on the 7d
sometimes 70-200 nikkor G jammed open
Keeping the kit to three lenses is IMO quite enough crap to carry even though I have other lenses
You may see a couple of shots with a nikkor 14, 28PC and 400 2.8
S
Rakesh Jacob
10-22-2009, 06:23 AM
HI guys, I have the 7d and recently bought the 17-55 2.8 IS. I have always had L zooms so I wasn't that impressed with the 17-55 although the IS certainly put a stop to any camera shake.
What specifically don't you like about the 17-55mm?
dvollrath
10-22-2009, 08:52 AM
This was all shot with the 35mm 1.4 and zacuto z-finder. Looks plenty stable to me.
6475938
Neild
10-22-2009, 09:28 AM
I sold my 17-40L for the 17-55 and found that my photos were not as sharp. The 35mm 1.4L is supposed to be an unbelievable lens so if I can somehow keep it steady handheld, I think I will be more pleased with the results (especially photos).
Neild
10-22-2009, 09:29 AM
Yes, but was the film also shot with the aid of a Zacuto "Quick Shooter" or a similar grip"
jensenfilms
10-22-2009, 09:52 AM
I sold my 17-40L for the 17-55 and found that my photos were not as sharp. ).
...wow, I understood the 17-55 is a VERY sharp lens and compares favorably to the L lenses. Did you receive a bad copy? Have you shot video with it yet, or just stills?
I am also considering this lens:happy:
Neild
10-22-2009, 10:06 AM
I had heard it was very sharp as well which is why I purchased it. I might have possible gotten a bad copy. I shot video and photos. It was fine but I guess I was hoping to be blown away by it.
Mediaclick
10-22-2009, 10:08 AM
the 35mm 1.4 is GREAT! but is there anything else close to that look at a cheaper price?
i think its very important to stay with fast lenses on the 7D though.
dvollrath
10-22-2009, 10:45 AM
I had heard it was very sharp as well which is why I purchased it. I might have possible gotten a bad copy. I shot video and photos. It was fine but I guess I was hoping to be blown away by it.
I kind of agree with you here. People say it's L quality glass but I don't really buy it based on what I've seen from the lens. If you can't afford to get the 16-35L I think primes make a lot more sense.
the 35mm 1.4 is GREAT! but is there anything else close to that look at a cheaper price?
I'd recommend getting canon's 28 1.8. It's not built as well as an L but it still has great autofocus and a great image. I shot this video with it and was very happy with the results.
6965575
the 35mm 1.4 is GREAT! but is there anything else close to that look at a cheaper price?
i think its very important to stay with fast lenses on the 7D though.
I saw this http://www.amazon.com/Sigma-30mm-Canon-Digital-Cameras/dp/B0007U0GZM
Anyone used this lens with the 7d?
Eric
Edit: Found this http://www.highdefedition.com/2009/10/paragliding-at-point-cartwright/#more-286 . Shows some great examples of the 7D and Sigma combo.
rgdfilms
10-26-2009, 01:01 PM
I kind of agree with you here. People say it's L quality glass but I don't really buy it based on what I've seen from the lens. If you can't afford to get the 16-35L I think primes make a lot more sense.
I'd recommend getting canon's 28 1.8. It's not built as well as an L but it still has great autofocus and a great image. I shot this video with it and was very happy with the results.
6965575
David, loved your short film. Was really f-ing cool actually.. Don't know if it was your subject, the music, the composition, or what, but just wanted to say that I really enjoyed that experience!
dvollrath
10-26-2009, 08:45 PM
David, loved your short film. Was really f-ing cool actually.. Don't know if it was your subject, the music, the composition, or what, but just wanted to say that I really enjoyed that experience!
Hey thanks I appreciate it. I'm very much considering a reshoot to make it a little more tighter and maybe turn it into a spec ad ... we'll see.
James Dierx
10-27-2009, 09:35 AM
Hey thanks I appreciate it. I'm very much considering a reshoot to make it a little more tighter and maybe turn it into a spec ad ... we'll see.
No leave as is! It's great! For a second I thought you were going to mock Phil Bloom's short "Shaving it back".
dvollrath
10-27-2009, 03:40 PM
No leave as is! It's great! For a second I thought you were going to mock Phil Bloom's short "Shaving it back".
Thanks but it's funny because I think that almost all of the camera tests that people have been putting out are wayyyyy too long and drag on. Yet most people that are watching these online want them that way because they're basically inspecting the image whenever the video gets a little boring. I think if you show this to most people who don't care about the fact that it's a camera test, they'd think it was 1/3 or so too long. We'll see if I get around to doing a reshoot and what I come up with.