GH4 Best value in a 3x3" HARD SHADE MATTE BOX WITH TOP & SIDE FLAPS

4x5.65 overkill?

When I want to work quickly and scale down, I use a screw on rubber lens hood.

Otherwise when I need a matte box I use one with 4x5.65 & 138mm
 
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I only use a Matte Box to make clients feel their getting their money's worth, clients like to see impressive looking equipment that's particularly true when your working with a small camera like a GH2, 3, or 4. So in this case, "Smaller May Be Better" these guys also have some nicely priced 3x3 Filters. http://cavision.biz/3x3anti-infrared.aspx
 
Yes never ever skimp on the filters. They will destroy your image. Buy well known filters used by professionals and do not under any circumstances try to save a few bucks on the filters.
 
Thanks for all your comments.................I prefer Tiffen IR ND Filters, but it's always a good idea to keep your eyes open for something just as good for less.
 
I bought that matte box and the size is perfect for the GH series. I've used it with the SLR Magic 12mm and it does not vignette. It is light enough and designed to use as a clamp-on, but I've never used it that way as I bought the rail mount attachments. I have to be honest and say that I bought it purely for pimping-out my GH2 for the corporate gigs (I always used my EX-1 for those but switched to using the GH2 for everything at the beginning of this year). I was nervous at first showing up with my GH2 rig thinking I might get a "what the hell is that little thing" - but I actually got several compliments on my setup and no one ever said anything negatve with the GH2 footage (Moon T5)....and the EX-1 has been in it's bag ever since. Mind you, this is all indoor talking head/b-roll stuff, and I've never have needed to use ND filters with it, but I am looking for a used set of real glass 3x3's. I use a GenusTech Eclipse when outdoors, but that's for chasing the kids, vacations, and don't use the rails/FF/matte box for that.
GH2rig.jpg
 
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Also wanted to add that this matte box is NOT heavy duty by any means...it's plastic, but well designed and has the same features of the more expensive units. I take really good care of my stuff, so I'm not worried about longevity. For the price and the "wow" factor it brings - I know some will say that the looks are not important - it definitely adds some "pro" to the mix...
 
I also have that matte-box. Like Danny Dale said, it is the perfect size for the GH cameras. It is plastic, but I don't think that will be a problem. I found the metal filter trays to be a good investment. One sticking point on mine is that the matte-box is not vertically planar with the lens. Not a deal breaker for me, as I mostly use screw-on lens filters.

Kevin
 
For me a Matte Box adds what I call “A Big Hood Ornament Factor” or in other words, if it looks impressive, it must be important. In most situations a normal Lens Hood or carefully positioned Flag is all you need to control Lens Flare. Also handling screw-in filters is much more convenient than trying to use 4x5.65, 4x4 or 3x3 Filters.

All this being said, always use a Matte Box when you work with clients and if a 3x3 does the job, so much the better. Whatever you can do to make your clients feel they’re getting their money’s is worth it.
 
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