Documentary PL Zooms - Preferences?

DustinSchmidt

DustinSchmidt

Well-known member
I'm currently in the market for a PL mount zoom or two.

I've curious if anyone on this forum has experience working with the Angenieux EZ series vs. the Optimo DP series? The EZ looks to be more versatile to own, with different mount options as well as super35 or full frame.

I'm also considering used versions of the super35 Canon CN-E zooms now that everyone seems to be offloading them for full frame glass. Although if I went that route I would probably look for copies that are Duclos multi-mount converted.

Yes, I am aware that I could rent each for upcoming jobs and compare to see what my preferences are. And I probably will. But it's always nice to hear from anyone who may already have experience.

There's also a TON of more modern options that have come out in recent years, and maybe those would work just as well and I should just get a cheap set of DZO's and call it a day. I dunno.

Thanks.
 
I have a buddy who has a set of the EZ Zooms and I’ve shot with them a couple of times. Nice lenses, but short zooms aren’t really my style. Personally, zoom wise, I own both the Canon 17-120 and 25-250. IMO, they are perfect for doc work(if you don’t mind the size and weight). And I do a ton of sports doc work. If I was buying from scratch today, I’d go for the 15-120 that has a 1.5x extender built in. Also worth looking into if you’re wanting short zooms, are Canon’s version of the EZ’s. They are also convertible between s35 and “FF”(I haven’t shot with them, so can’t really comment too much on them).

Renting sucks. There’s no money in it and it’s a huge hassle. That’s why I own all my gear.
 
I have the listing on Facebook Marketplace at current, have meant to do a post here of the lenses I'm currently selling but haven't gotten around to it! The 19-90 is a V2, and I've listed at $14,990. It was checked through and cleaned at lens service and given clean bill of health. Includes the servo, lens hood, flight case and d-tap cable for the servo.
 
Run&Gun said:
I have a buddy who has a set of the EZ Zooms and I’ve shot with them a couple of times. Nice lenses, but short zooms aren’t really my style. Personally, zoom wise, I own both the Canon 17-120 and 25-250. IMO, they are perfect for doc work(if you don’t mind the size and weight). And I do a ton of sports doc work. If I was buying from scratch today, I’d go for the 15-120 that has a 1.5x extender built in. Also worth looking into if you’re wanting short zooms, are Canon’s version of the EZ’s. They are also convertible between s35 and “FF”(I haven’t shot with them, so can’t really comment too much on them).

Renting sucks. There’s no money in it and it’s a huge hassle. That’s why I own all my gear.
Click to expand...

Agreed on renting. I own most of my gear and every time I need to rent something additional for a specific job I think about what a giant hassle and waste of money it is. I live in a very small market though (Oklahoma City) so there's nowhere to just go pick up gear if you need it. I have to plan ahead by several days, have it shipped, be home to sign for it, etc. I'm sure if you live in LA or New York or somewhere it's much easier to rent. The challenges are different everywhere of course.

The Canon 15-120 looks pretty amazing, as do those new short Canon zooms that are convertible between FF and s35. Both are slightly out of my price range at the moment, although I think they'd be a phenomenal investment you could use forever.
 
Zachadoodle said:
Canon zooms may be the right thing to go. A 24-70 and a 70-200 and a 85 is all ya need.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the recommendation. I actually already own those lenses. I'm looking to upgrade to a PL mount zoom for my cameras that don't have autofocus, and even for the cameras that do have autofocus, I'd like something with better manual focus control, parfocal, etc.
 
DustinSchmidt said:
Thanks for the recommendation. I actually already own those lenses. I'm looking to upgrade to a PL mount zoom for my cameras that don't have autofocus, and even for the cameras that do have autofocus, I'd like something with better manual focus control, parfocal, etc.
Click to expand...
Get some good PL mount zooms. I think the Canon 25-300mm can cover all you need. Zooms are best for documentary work since you'll have more time on the subject than swapping lenses constantly.
 
Dustin, are you still in the market for zooms? Any interest in talking Cabrios? I tried to DM but this forum refresh has thwarted me.
 
CharlesPapert said:
Dustin, are you still in the market for zooms? Any interest in talking Cabrios? I tried to DM but this forum refresh has thwarted me.
Click to expand...
Hey Charles! I'd say at this point I'm cautiously waiting to make any more purchases. But the Cabrios would still be high on my list if/when I finally make the move.

I ended up filling some different needs across other verticals, so the zooms got put on the back burner for now. But I appreciate the followup!
 
Alex H. said:
Click on his user name/avatar, and click on Start Conversation.
Click to expand...
Thanks Alex--that was at the beginning of my woes where my account went into some sort of limbo, my posts were all marked "awaiting moderation" etc. Since fixed by another mod.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top