Best FF lens for A7s Zhiyun Crane Gimbal Use?

F

filmguy123

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Looking for some lightweight FF lenses for mount on A7 series. I prefer adapted EF lenses, though I am open to E-mount if that gives the best solution with image stabilization and lightweight (lens weight + no adaptor weight), etc. I know the Zhiyun crane has a pretty low weight limit.

Prime lens options, as well as perhaps a wide zoom or two for convenient reframing or focal length changes.
 
Never heard of the Zhiyun crane before your mention. Saw some reviews and was blown away. Now I gotta have it. I thought the price would be double what it actually is--($650.00)

I saw in a review that the A7SII and Sony full frame 16-35mm work with the Zhiyun crane--the one that supports 2.65 lbs.

Might be a bit pricey but that's a versatile, killer combo.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082052-DEMO/sony_sel1635z_vario_tessar_t_e_16_35mm.html

There are plenty of other lightweight primes if you want lighter.

You could research this a little:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1126139-REG/sony_sel28f20_fe_28mm_f_2_lens.html

I'm old school and use Minolta lenses with an adapter. I checked the weight and it should be fine. A7sII + LA-EA4 + 24mm prime =1,002 grams or 2.2 lbs.
 
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I use a A7SII+Sony 16-35 combination on my crane. It does work fine but it would be better to use a smaller and lighter lens. The upside using the 16-35 is I can change focal length but that does also change the balance.
 
How is the rolling shutter when using full-frame mode with the crane? Do you need to use APS-C instead? If so, then I would consider a 16mm prime (24mm equiv.) or something like that.
 
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The FE wide angle lens I lust for is the Batis 18mm f/2.8. I have no idea about how good the AF is, investigate it in case that matters for you (on a zhiyun crane it probably will), but that thing is SHARP. And it's light-weight so that's a plus too. The review that convinced me that this is THE ONE.

@Viscount Omega: I sold my Nebula 4000 to get a Zhiyun Crane, and I'm super happy with it. The N4000 feels ancient in comparison. Super solid stabilization out of the box, no tinkering needed whatsoever. Very long thread about it here.
 
That Batis 18 looks like a nice alternative. Just thinking if one would miss the range of 16-35 on the Sony? Size and weight on the Batis 18 looks really good for use on the Crane thou.
 
I'm using a Nikon 28mm f2.8 AI lens which I brought specifically for the gimbal itself as all my other wide angles are way too heavy for it. Got it for £70 in fairly rough condition, but the focus ring and optics are in great shape.

t's wide enough for gimbal use, but not so wide that it makes everything look miniaturised. Plus because its not as wide as, say, a 16mm lens, the shakes are a little more noticeable and force me to use perfect technique. Seems to work really well with IBIS on too if you find you need to have it on. Very happy with that set up for the steadicam.
 
Why not use the Sony FE 28mm f2? Small, light, wide enough for gimbal use, quick AF, and cheap. It also has a fish eye and ultra wide (21mm) adapter. It's been my lens of choice so far with my a6000 on a Crane, but i'm no pro, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
 
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