Glass for RED

[evexon]

So far I have spent about a month researching lenses I think would suite my needs when RED arrives. I believe a pair of Cooke zooms would get me started, 18-100 and 25-250, with a HD zoom later for ENG stuff. Since I am not in a location where I can run down to a shop and put my hands on the gear my research has consisted of internet searches and lots reading on as many forums as I can find. That’s ok until I can get some hands on experience. But I do have some questions that keep re-occurring:

I keep reading things like, “buy from a reputable dealer/person you don’t want a zoom with a history of problems.”

How can a zoom develop problems?

I understand if it has been dropped or something but do lenses wear out with normal use?

If zooms do wear out can they be repaired?

If so where would I get the lens repaired?

Before I buy used glass where can I send it to have it looked at before I commit to buy?

What is the cost to have a lens looked over?

The prices I have seen for used Cooke 18-100 and 25-250 zooms have between $4000 - $13000. Is that about right?

The specifications for older lenses on internet is hard to find, is there a public resource for reading about a Cooke MKII or MKIII?

I know this a load of questions and I hope you don’t mind the posting here but there is a wealth of information and like Gibby mentioned in another post I need veterans to learn from and hopfully fast-track the learning curve.

Thanks,

Steve

[donatello]

take a look around at ...also at cooke click on the years at top 70,s, 90,'s etc

http://www.cookeoptics.com/ click on top for 90's etc cooke.nsf/history/1980

http://cinematechnic.com/

http://cinematechnic.com/products/optar_illumina_lenses.html

http://cinematechnic.com/products/sales_lenses.html

[Greg Lowry]

You should use one of those Cooke zooms before deciding on a zoom as your primary lens. They're big, heavy, slow monsters. Handholding will be a nightmarish and a highly unpleasant experience. You'll need a heavy bridge plate and lens support (or the RED equivalent). IMO, a used set of Zeiss primes would be a better idea. Faster, sharper, smaller. Much more flexible. And the discipline of shooting with primes will make you a better cinematographer IMO. Even 20 year old Zeiss primes are outstanding. The mechanical components in zooms can wear and become sloppy. And each individual lens has a personality. Some track and breathe more than others.