New Redrock HD 72mm Achromat M2/HVX200 Test

Steve Shovlar

Steve Shovlar

DVXuser Sponsor
OK I got my 72mm Achromat today from Redrock.

I just whacked it on my M2 and shot a chart.

NO edge distortion. Super Sharp. Here's a grab from FCP of the chart.
http://www.steveshovlar.com/chart.tif

I own the HVX200 and with the 55mm achromat was zooming in to 87 on the HVX. With this new achromat I only need zoom in to 75. With a bit of playing over the weekend I will probably only need to zoom to 70. Hopefully it will be dry and I will shoot some stuff in the garden tomorrow with this new setup. First testing though is 150% possitive!

By the way I shot this with a Nikon 50mm 1.2, wide open at 1.2. The HVX200 was on 2.8, natural light only.

Reading about the Nikon 50mm 1.2, reviews state that it is great at 1.2, but sharper at 2.0. So perhaps I can improve this first screen grab a bit. No setting up time. Just chucked it together and shot this quickly.

Have no fear about edge distortion.
 
Steve, hi.
I've ordered the M2 6 weeks from now and I'm almost sure that at that time on the redrock site there wasnt the HD option, so I've ordered the only indie kit available with the shim kit. Of course for my HVX200 I want the HD M2.
Is the M2 HD version different from the SD or its just the acromatic lens? I've asked redrock if I can change the order without loosing the waiting slot but I'm afraid that if is completely another item they will not allow this.
Cannot wait until monday to know the answer.
 
Steve. I know it would be unuseful for you, since youre on HVX, but did you try the new achromat with a DVX?
Thanks.
Alvise
 
Schmovies production said:
Steve, hi.
I've ordered the M2 6 weeks from now and I'm almost sure that at that time on the redrock site there wasnt the HD option, so I've ordered the only indie kit available with the shim kit. Of course for my HVX200 I want the HD M2.
Is the M2 HD version different from the SD or its just the acromatic lens? I've asked redrock if I can change the order without loosing the waiting slot but I'm afraid that if is completely another item they will not allow this.
Cannot wait until monday to know the answer.
Click to expand...

The only difference between the packages is the new 72mm Achromat lens.

Current M2 users can upgrade to the new lens for $295, which is the price difference between the SD and the HD.....
 
Steve: That chart looks awesome, especially for a 1.2 lens wide open! It's exciting to see the edge-softness issue being eliminated. Can't wait to see your new footage... and to shoot my own... :)

Schmovies: I ordered the M2 Indie bundle a month ago, and upgraded my order to include the HD achromat a few days ago. You can do it by emailing orderstatus@redrockmicro.com and telling them you want to upgrade to the HD achromat. Include your order number in the email. One note: They charged me $350. to upgrade to the HD achromat, even though in the on-line catalog the achromat only costs $295.
I asked them why $55 more, and was told it's because they have to stop the production line to upgrade the units. Oh well. I'm still thrilled to be getting the improved achromat.
 
Sorry Alvise I don't have a DVX so can't compare.

Didn't get the chance to shoot anything today so no new footage. Definately an improvement on the 55mm achromat. I would like to see an 82mm achromat for the HVX, but this is good enough. You need to focus to about 75 on the HVX to be zoomed in enough on the GG for the edges not to show.
 
Hey Steve,

I also just got my HD achromat but I'm having some problems. When I push the REDROCK M2 flush against the achromat, I can't get it to focus because it's too close. I heard you're supposed to pusht the M2 as close as possible to get good edge to edge sharpness. Can you give me a few tips on how you got your chart to look so sharp? Thanks so much!

Andrew
 
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