D800 gear, lenses, tripods, sliders, lights etc... HELP ME PLEASE

therussian · Jun 1, 2012

Hi Guys and Girls,

I am required to assemble a gear for photo and video for the company I'm working for. I started this thread because of the different nature of each question it seemed to be a better idea than flood several different topics... Sorry for this.

So I have to use this gear to shoot photos and videos (portraits, pictures of machines, and pictures of different estates like factories, hotels etc... everything this company owns). So it's a pretty colorful job for which a I need a good and easily usable gear.... So here comes the hardest part cause I have only a few days to give them the shopping list... PLEASE HELP me...

So... Here's what I thought of, please correct me where you think, or recommend be better options!

Nikon D800 (for photo, video)
MB-D12 battery grip (for photo, however I don't know how much I need this...)

Lenses for photography:
nikon 24-70 f2.8 (for general photography, events etc)
nikon 14-24 f2.8 (for indoor phogotraphy of hotels, buildings etc..)
nikon 105 micro or 85mm 1.8g for portraits

Lenses for video:
Zeiss ZF.2 21mm 2.8
Zeiss ZF.2 35mm 1.4
Zeiss ZF.2 50mm 1.4
Zeiss ZF.2 85mm 1.4

Philip Bloom Pocket Dolly Kit - Slider

TRIPOD:
It' still a question.... Could I use one tripod for photo and video also? Or should I use separate ones? What would you advise me? A Mnafrotto 055Xprob for photo, and for video?

I'd also like a Monopod...

SOUND:
I'm really not home in sound, and like to keep it really simple.... So a Rode Videomic Pro is enough, or should I opt for a Zoom H1?

RECORDING and MONITORING:
Atomos Ninja VS. SmallHD and internal recording VS. Blackmagic Hyperdeck????

RIG:
Zacuto rig, I still didn't decided it but I'm 100% certain in a Zfinder 2.5 and a DFocus Followfocus.
Maybe I combine a:
Zacuto Striker + Jag35 Cinema Bundle
Any thoughts on this?

Questions:
-Do I need the Atomos ninja? I saw a test on vimeo which showed that the internal recording is sometimes better than the ninja...
-Do I need the MB-D12 battery grip for the D800?
-Whats the difference between the Zeiss ZF 35mm 1.4 and f2 lens?
-How necessary is a Zeiss macro 100mm lens for video? Or the 85mm is just enough? I know thats not macro, but a very good telephoto.
-What type, kind of ND filters will I need for video? Which one should I choose if I want to use it with a matte box, or without one?
-Which type of Manfrotto video head will be good for pan and tilt shots on tripod, or on the Philip Bloom pocket dolly?
-What do I need to use a Mafrotto tripod for this Pocket Dolly? Which type of tripods will be good for that?

Please advise me on tips and tricks which make the working with this system easier. For example, Zacuto Gorillahead which makes it faster to switch from shoulder mount to tripod mount..... etc.... So things like this... I will operate this things mainly MYSELF so every little tips which make my life easier are APPRECIATED

Thanks,

Exact · Jun 1, 2012

Lots of questions and there will be no real 100% right or wrong answer to most of this stuff.

Before we start, you didn't really say "what" you will be videoing, and that can have significant impact on several of the questions / answers.

We shoot the D800 for both Photo and Video. So here goes....

therussian said:
Hi Guys and Girls,
Nikon D800 (for photo, video)
MB-D12 battery grip (for photo, however I don't know how much I need this...)

Absolutely get the grip if it's in budget. We don't even bother using the Nikon battery, preferring instead to use Sanyo Eneloop AA batteries in the grip. This has two main benefits. Firstly they last longer and secondly it's much easier to change batteries from the side of the grip than to fish a battery out from underneath when the camera is on a tripod (thinking about video here).

It also makes the camera easier to hold in both landscape and portrait orientations. I wouldn't be without it.

therussian said:
Lenses for photography:
nikon 24-70 f2.8 (for general photography, events etc)
nikon 14-24 f2.8 (for indoor phogotraphy of hotels, buildings etc..)
nikon 105 micro or 85mm 1.8g for portraits

No problem there. They all work fine for both photo and video. Realise you don't always need f1.4 for great video and the 24-70 f2.8 makes a pretty flexible tool for video too.

therussian said:
Lenses for video:
Zeiss ZF.2 21mm 2.8
Zeiss ZF.2 35mm 1.4
Zeiss ZF.2 50mm 1.4
Zeiss ZF.2 85mm 1.4

If you have the budget, sure, why not?

therussian said:
Philip Bloom Pocket Dolly Kit - Slider

We have one of these and use it quite a lot.

therussian said:
TRIPOD:
It' still a question.... Could I use one tripod for photo and video also? Or should I use separate ones? What would you advise me? A Mnafrotto 055Xprob for photo, and for video?

We have the 055X and it's OK, but we don't use it for video unless we need another camera setup and have run out of our video tripods. In other words it's our last resort. Personally I prefer a tripod that can lock it's spreaders (i.e. it doesn't collapse on you every time you pick it up) because it saves a LOT of time. This can be anything from the cheap Velbon DV 7000 upwards (replace the head with a Manfrotto).

therussian said:
I'd also like a Monopod...

Mantrotto 561BHDV. This has small fold out feet that means you can stand the monopod up and if your camera is balanced it will stand unaided. it's also good for doing push shots etc. It also shares the same quick release plate as the video heads, which in my experience is worth a lot. I hate having to change plates on a camera because changes tripods or monopod.

therussian said:
SOUND:
I'm really not home in sound, and like to keep it really simple.... So a Rode Videomic Pro is enough, or should I opt for a Zoom H1?

While we have the H1, we tend to use that for remote recording. The H4n would normally be our preferred choice (which is why we have more of them than the H1).

therussian said:
RECORDING and MONITORING:
Atomos Ninja VS. SmallHD and internal recording VS. Blackmagic Hyperdeck????

Unless you are looking for unattended recording of more than 20 minutes then external recording doesn't give you much as far as i can tell. We've done our own testing using the HDMI out ad it's not enough to worry about. If you really want to do it, I would put these at the bottom of the list as something to buy if you have lots of budget left over. We're having no problems colour grading using the built in recording.

therussian said:
RIG:
Zacuto rig, I still didn't decided it but I'm 100% certain in a Zfinder 2.5 and a DFocus Followfocus.
Maybe I combine a:
Zacuto Striker + Jag35 Cinema Bundle
Any thoughts on this?

I'm not qualified to comment on rigs like this because we don't use them.

therussian said:
-What type, kind of ND filters will I need for video? Which one should I choose if I want to use it with a matte box, or without one?

We use the Singh ray 8 stop variable. There are cheaper versons around now, although they don't all get good reviews. The Singhray works for us.

therussian said:
-Which type of Manfrotto video head will be good for pan and tilt shots on tripod, or on the Philip Bloom pocket dolly?

The 501 works well, but the 701 is smaller and lighter and packs nicely in the Pocket Dolly case. We use 501 heads everywhere else. The larger heads are overkill for DSLR.

therussian said:
-What do I need to use a Mafrotto tripod for this Pocket Dolly? Which type of tripods will be good for that?

We just use our regular tripods and heads. I added some Manfrotto quick release plates to the bottom of the Pocket Dolly so we can just slide it on to the existing heads. Quick and easy.

Sorry I didn't answer 'all' your questions, but hope that helps.

macgregor · Jun 2, 2012

For industrial work I would just get the 3 nikons and screw the zeisses:
14-24 (although you might have problems with no filter support, so might as well look for 16-35 4 VR)
24-70
70-200

I wouldn´t even bother with anything else. Carrying too much gear is a pain in the ass. And I don´t think you´re going to be constantly pulling focus.
I love the Zacuto EVF, I think it´s expensive but very useful.
I don´t think any external recorder would be worth it for this job.

Stephenh · Jun 2, 2012

I wouldn´t even bother with anything else. Carrying too much gear is a pain in the ass.

HaHa! This guy has a great sense of humour. I think a tripod might be a good investment if you plan on doing video shots. For static shots you probably could get away with a 501 head or similar. But if doing a lot of pans or vertical movements then get a good fluid or you will wish you had. The rest is cream really. The Nikon lens are a good starter, not sure if you need the Zeiss. Depends on what you are shooting and the final product.

An external stereo mike like a Rode will probably suffice for audio if there is a lot of industrial noise. Just adjust audio levels in camera.

macgregor · Jun 2, 2012

I was talking about lenses...:grin:

Stephenh · Jun 2, 2012

I know macgregor, just saw the funny side of the statement

rogar-SunGlass(DBG.

Exact · Jun 2, 2012

macgregor said:
For industrial work I would just get the 3 nikons and screw the zeisses:
14-24 (although you might have problems with no filter support, so might as well look for 16-35 4 VR)
24-70
70-200

I wouldn´t even bother with anything else. Carrying too much gear is a pain in the ass. And I don´t think you´re going to be constantly pulling focus.
I love the Zacuto EVF, I think it´s expensive but very useful.
I don´t think any external recorder would be worth it for this job.

Just to add to this, we find ourselves shooting with:

14-24
24-70
70-200 VR II
+ 50 1.4 and 105 VR Macro the most.

On the Canon side of things (we're dumping Canon ASAP! we also have some fast primes, 24/35/50) and still tend to use the 24-70L over them unless we're in really low light. Go figure.

chagchag · Jun 2, 2012

Actually, the 24-120 f4 VR is a quite useful run and gun lens for video (and stills). Obviously it's not that fast, but it's got a very practical zoom-range and vibration reduction. Shooting at f4 on a FX-sensor camera is not at all bad. Even the 28-300mm 35.-5.6 is a very practical lens if you are on the go.

An extrenal recorder can be practical for a couple of reasons. The higher quality files is one thing. Another is that you can record to a solid editing-friendly format, meaning you won't have to convert footage (this of course depends on your editing software). The apparent gain in quality depents on what you are shooting. Lots of changing detail and motion, as well as noise (high ISO-shooting) wil benefit from recording to a higher quality format. Then again, the an external recorder means extra cables, batteries, rigs etc

macgregor · Jun 2, 2012

I have the 24-120 and I dislike because it´s impossible to focus manually and the lens flares are ugly. Not as good as I expected but it´s ok for a 1 lens job.

therussian · Jun 3, 2012

Hi All,
Thanks for the answers! I'll reply in this email collectively, it seems easier than several different posts...

I'll be videoing and photographing for a company in the military field. They own stuff like machines, tanks, etc.... they service it, use it, etc. They also own several estates like hotels too in the company portfolio. I have to make business-to-business videos, and photos for them. Most of them for in-company use, but some of them for outside use as well. Sometimes there will be events which I am required to video. So basically something like this...

You mention that the nikon 24-70, 14-24, and 70-200 work really fine for video. But they don't have aperture ring, is it a problem? What would be the benefit of using Zeiss ZF primes for video? The extra speed, and shallow depth of field, and the more compact size? What's the benefit of using the mentioned nikon zooms for video, besides the fact that their can be used for both photo and video, so they are cost effective solutions?

What's the advantage of using the mentioned Nikon zoom lens set for video, if I can't' zoom during video because of focus issues? I don't have to change lens for a different focal length?

I'm thinking about leaving the Zeiss ZF primes, because most of you tell me the Nikon zooms are really good for video. Maybe I get 2 Zeiss prime for video additionally. Which two should be that? 35 and 85 maybe?

For photo maybe a Nikon 50mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 (or instead of it, the Nikon 105mm micro for portrait?) would be added just for the cases when I have to travel light for a photoshoot, and for portrait work of employees, leaders etc...

A guy advised me the Mafrotto 504HD head for video. Is it a good option for pan and tilt, etc? What's the main difference between the 501, 701 and 504 head? The bigger the product number the better?

I'm probably getting a 055xprob tripod for photo. Not sure in what to get for video though...

EXTERNAL Recorder and EDITING
If external recorder is not giving me that huge benefit then I don't get one, because I try to keep things simple... BUT you say that the other benefit of using one is the edit ready formats it shoots to. I will edit in Premiere Pro CS6. I think that handles natively the D800 dslr footage. Am I wrong?

Instead of Atomos Ninja, maybe should I consider the Blackmagic Hyperdeck Shuttle? Could you COMPARE this two? Get a Blackmagic and maybe a SmallHD monitor if needed.

EDITING:
First I thought about getting a HP z620 or z420 desktop workstation for video and photo editing. But now I'm considering of getting a pro mobile workstation like HP Elitebook or Dell Precision M4600. This way I could edit at home, at work, or many places. In any case a fast and powerful mobile workstation is required to handle the D800 photos in Lightroom editing, so why not max out a laptop which is capable of video editing also? However for video editing a G-Speed Q Raid 5, 8Tb, would be added, and maybe and external monitor. WHAT'S YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?

A highly capable mobile system and desktop system won't' fit the budget, so maybe a mobile system would be better, ONLY IF it can handle the workload, speed etc...

Am I making a mistake going with a mobile workstation?

How good will be the D800 video editing on a system like this? Adobe CS6, nVidia Quadro m1000 or m2000, with i7 processors, and at least 16Gb ram.

What I gain with the Zoom H4n over H1 audio recorder?

RIG:
I want a flexible, light rig. I was thinking of the:
Zacuto Striker + Jag 35 cinema bundle with the Dmattebox and Dfocus.

Is it a good solution? Or should I opt for a shoulder mount version because of the heaviness of the D800 and for example 70-200mm combo?

I know it's a video forum, but as I'm trying to assemble a photo-video gear, so forgive my question... For PHOTO I know the most usable way is to get a Full Frame DSLR, with fix aperture zoom lenses, like the Nikons mentioned. BUT: Yesterday I was at an event (still with my own low profile dslr gear), and I found myself to enjoy the simplicity of using mostly the Nikon 35mm 1.8 dx lens on my cropped sensor. Of course there were shots when a tele lens was required so I attached the 55-200 3,5-5,6 lens. Now I'm facing to make the decisions in acquiring a gear for photo I'm debating what should I get..... A 14-24, 24-70, 70-200 set pretty much good for everything. BUT: I'll be heavy loaded with huge and heavy gear. So it just run through my brain to get a 28mm 1.8g, 50mm 1.8g, 85mm 1.8g lens combo for the photo work. How much is it a bad idea for my needs? It would be a smaller set, but with the limitations of fixed lenses, which can be bad in case of event photography. WHAT YOU THINK? You know, just try to keep things simple...

I WANT A COMPACT AS POSSIBLE and USABLE SYSTEM, so please advise me on practices, etc...!

Thanks,

therussian · Jun 4, 2012

Anyone?

Stephenh · Jun 4, 2012

Hi therussian, I think you are expecting forum members to give you a step by step layout of how to shoot industrial photos and video. The guys have already giving you some very good comments and suggestions of what they think you should look at. You probably need to search the forums and read some of the information that is available and start to learn what different lens and shooting styles can assist you.

There is no hard and fast rule on how to shoot video or even photos. It all depends on what you want to achieve at the end.

You mention that the nikon 24-70, 14-24, and 70-200 work really fine for video. But they don't have aperture ring, is it a problem? What would be the benefit of using Zeiss ZF primes for video? The extra speed, and shallow depth of field, and the more compact size? What's the benefit of using the mentioned nikon zooms for video, besides the fact that their can be used for both photo and video, so they are cost effective solutions?

You do not need an aperture ring to adjust the lens iris on any of the latest DSLR's. You can use on camera dials and buttons. The Nikon D800 for example allows you to use a feature called Power Aperture to change the aperture during video recording. Though most would generally setup the exposure (shutter/aperture/white balance) prior to taking the shot. The advantage of a zoom lens is you can reframe without relocating the tripod or whatever you have the camera mounted too. Cost effective? probably, given that you getting multiple lens in one.

What's the advantage of using the mentioned Nikon zoom lens set for video, if I can't' zoom during video because of focus issues? I don't have to change lens for a different focal length?

See Above. You can zoom during video shots, you just have to be careful that you do not alter focus. Best not to use AF, as it can sometimes hunt for focus. You need to practice zooming and holding focus from start to finish.

The advantage of primes over zooms is generally the primes wiill be faster which means good in low light. Zooms are good for quick frame change's as discussed above. There is no right or wrong lens for video the Zeiss ZF lens are excellent for both video and still photography.

A guy advised me the Mafrotto 504HD head for video.

This is an excellent starter head which will serve you for both video and still photography. I myself started with a 501 followed by the 503HDV. I still believe that your tripod is as important as the lens you buy for your camera. So if you can afford a good fluid head like a Sachtler FSB 6 or 8, would be better head and not to expensive. Have not used the 701 but the 501, 503 and 504 just allow more weight + the quality of the viscuse disks get better but will not compare to the likes of a FSB 6 or 8. Unless you are needing a very light tripod for walking up hils and into bush combine the cost of two tripods and buy one very good one. You will thank yourself later.

Read as much as you can on the different threads on this forum and then maybe just ask one or two specific questions of the other users and go from there. You will get plenty of advice, just take it one step at a time. You will learn heaps.

therussian · Jun 4, 2012

Hi,
I've never assemble a system like it, and now I have to and the time is limited.... sorry for the questions...

Another one... ZACUTO+ JAG35:
I'd like to get a very flexible and usable rig. I thought of the Zacuto Striker + Jag 35 Cinema Bundle. Is it possible to extend this system to a shoulder mount version? What would I need for this? longer rods, shoulder pad? what?

thanks

Stephenh · Jun 5, 2012

Hi,
I've never assemble a system like it, and now I have to and the time is limited.... sorry for the questions...

Ok! How is this for starters. Create a list which includes a camera body (Nikon/Canon FF) your choice. A good tripod with fluid head (don't skimp). One good zoom lens say F2.8 24-70mm + a prime 50 or 85 F1.4 or similar + maybe a LCD monitor for critical focus. Tell the company that you would probably want to add to that at a later stage, once you have shot sample photo's and video. That way you get a feel for the type of situations you will be filming in and make buying decisions based on that. You may find that a shoulder rig will not be required and that most of your shooting will be hand held or locked down on a tripod.

Your selection of lens could increase depending on your individual shooting needs, maybe one to two. Hope this helps.

therussian · Jun 5, 2012

I would have liked to take a route like this, but.... this isn't possible. This is a now or never chance to get a full gear. If I get a low profile starting gear and starting to make videos, photos etc with it, and they see it's good then they won't spend the other several thousands of dollars... So building from small blocks is not an option...

therussian · Jun 5, 2012

D800 gear, lenses, tripods, sliders, lights etc... HELP ME PLEASE

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