Heavy telephoto lenses on LEX

Yann Gourhant

Yann Gourhant

Member
Hi,

I guess this question has been answered a hundred times.

I was thinking about getting myself a Canon FD 300mm f2.8. But, is it really useful? Doesn't the weight unbalances the rig? Is f2.8 fast enough? (there is no faster in that range, but I don't know...) Can I use a matte box and a follow focus with such a large lens?...
Just tell me everything I have to know, even if I haven't asked... :)
 
putting on such lens, i would suggest you get some extra support for the lens as it's really really heavy! it is fast enough for shooting in daylight, no problem... i used 105 2.8 sigma lens, no problems whatsover for the light.

mount everything on long good rails with some support for the lens, it should be fine, just tripod should be capable of big weights.. my a1 with lex, lens, ikan hd monitor , rails, ff weighted around 7kg, with the lens you want, also a better monitor, you can easily reach
10 kgs...
 
I use the v.1 rail, and it works, but v.2 is really just leaps and bound above that. I'll definitely upgrade when I can afford it.
 
MY 180 Zeiss Lens is about the same size and weight as the LEX.
I have an extra lens support for it .

It gets pretty nose heavy that way, but I compensate by shifting the center of gravity
a bit backwards with the railsystem I build.

Frank
 

Attachments

  • IMG00026.jpg
    IMG00026.jpg
    100.5 KB · Views: 0
  • IMG00018.jpg
    IMG00018.jpg
    114.3 KB · Views: 0
  • z3.jpg
    z3.jpg
    53.1 KB · Views: 0
i used indifocus rails, so i can't tell much, but i suppose there is sense that toll-less adjustments is an amazing feature, so i would suggest you to go with v2.
 
I've been using an FD 300mm 2.8. You do need a support, but the first few times I used it I didn't.
Here's a photo and the first video I shot with it:
http://www.planetmurphy.co.nz/Sandy Bay.html

My lense came with a doubler (takes it to 600mm f5.6), which can be removed. This is not an 'add on doubler' as the apeture ring has two rows of figures for both the 300mm and 600mm focal lengths.
I'm working on a quirky nature type doco at the moment, and I'm really happy with the shots I'm getting from it. Please understand that these are all in daylight. I don't know how or why it could be used indoors without a sh*t load of lighting and a large room.
It's nice to be able to fill the frame with a sparrow at about 20 meters distance.
I have to be very careful with my lens, as the previous owner took the little ball bearing out that makes the apature ring click and hold place. One slight touch and I've moved the ring, introducing unacceptable grain into the shot.
 
Thanks guys!

I think I'll take the letus V2 and a support, then.

Pastor Thug> Cool video! The 300mm sure blows the image up! It's the SSC model, right? The one I'm looking for is the newer (white) model. I think it's even heavier. So, I'll definitively need a support
 
Yann Gourhant said:
Pastor Thug> Cool video! The 300mm sure blows the image up! It's the SSC model, right? The one I'm looking for is the newer (white) model. I think it's even heavier. So, I'll definitively need a support
Click to expand...

Yeah it's the S.S.C. and whilst I used it without a mount that time it really does need one.
 
I'll take the support.

Do you think it's included in the bundle, when you're purchasing the lex + V2 rails (+$300)? Or do you only get it if you purchase the V2 rails alone ($700)?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top