Fixed versus zoom question

Mars United

Mars United

Well-known member
Just wondering: if one were on a tight budget yet wanted to have multiple 35 mm lenses, say, for use with an M2 adapter and an HVX200, why not simply use a zoom lens and buy a couple of fixed lenses that are out of the zoom's range?

I've done a number of searches, and whether people are talking about the Red, or one of the 35 mm adapters, all I can find are references to which primes people would choose for their toolbox.

Is a zoom inferior in quality by THAT much, or are there other factors involved?

I know this is probably a very basic question, but ... I have to ask. :)

Thanks!
 
Hard to get a zoom that is fast, ie sub f2 aperture.

I have an array Nikon fixed, mostly. I also picked up a new (Nikon mount) Sigma 28-200 F3.5-5.6 (Macro) for a song recently. Unless I have a lighting truck at my disposal, I am guessing I am going to suffer trying to do an interior shoot with the Sigma zoom. My Nikon 50mm is f1.4, will be my best bet indoors, though I read shooting at f1.8 for better results on the edges.

I am waiting on my Brevis to arrive, so I guess I am talking mostly theory here. I will leave it to the experts to properly advise.....
 
Tyler's got it. It is not only hard to find, but even if you did it would cost a fortune for a low f-stop zoom.

Also, prime lenses are generally higher quality because they don't have to move at all.
 
Thanks

Thanks

Thank-you for the responses.

So basically, to get a zoom to work in low light it would be less economical than just buying a set of primes. OK. Got it.

Hmmm. Just went to the Brevis site. Looks cool. I am going to be buying an HVX in a couple of months and I'm trying to figure out what adapter and lens options would be best.

I wonder if the Brevis is easier to set up than the M2.

I am curious about one more thing if anyone cares to answer: How does a follow focus work when you are using different lenses on an adapter? I mean, is it fairly fast to change lenses and have the FF lined up? I've played with one on an HVX without an adapter, but it seems to me that each lens would have to have it's own adapter ring, and then, would they all line up to the same spot?

These are real newbie questions, I know. But I appreciate all I can learn.

Thanks again! :)
 
Oh, btw, I'm pretty sure FF isn't an option on SLR lenses, so I guess I'm just wondering how the cine lenses work.
 
FF IS an option on the 35mm lenses. You get rings made for each lens to hook the FF up to. heres a decent pic of our FF hooked up to one of our 35mm lenses, i think thats the 100mm in that shot.

they all just line up in the same spot for the FF to meet with, all FF's should adjust inward and outward away and toward the lens to meet the gear ring where it is on the lens.

1156193238.jpg
 
Mars, the only adjustment required for the Brevis is a one-time (assuming you only use it on one camera) rear alignment (XY). That would take about 5 minutes. Once that is done, you simply screw it on, set your back focus, and start shooting. It takes me about 60 seconds if I'm pokey. The rails support will go on in about that time too if you're using rails. The HVX and DVX can be used without rails for run n gun stuff.
 
Dennis explains how quick to setup a Brevis here. The said speed to setup is what attracted me, and the footage it produces looks great. Amazing M2 footage/info to be found in this forum also.

With the Brevis, I was also drawn in by Bob G's HVX, Krummi's DVX and Dennis' GS-400 footage.

I have opted for Hyson FF and Matte Box products. Joel will customize lens gears and provides very personalized service and the products are very reasonably priced, imo. Joel is a top guy. :thumbsup:
 
Thanks for the info guys!

Yeah, I saw Bob G's Brevis clip last night and it sort of blew me away. I know the shooter counts for a lot, but damn, if that doesn't look fantastic.

I have a couple of months to sort this out before I start buying. My budget will be between $20 - $30,000 CAD.

My gear-lust list:

HVX and P2 cards
M2 or Brevis Adapter
set of lenses (need to research this, cheaper stills versus cine)
Matte Box
Follow Focus
Cartoni Focus head and Cartoni 2 stage Sticks
Marshal onboard monitor
Larger CRT monitor ($3-$4,000??)
Boom and mic and lavs
Lighting kit (also unsure here)
Final Cut Studio
Shake
Either a MacBook Pro or a used Powerbook
Dolly and tracks
one of those manual 12 foot cranes (maybe)

I'm still trying to decide on a workflow. With the DVX it was pretty easy. Record to tape, download footage into FCP. With the HVX you have P2 cards, direct to laptop, firestore, etc, etc. Too many options and there seem to be limitations with each.

I guess this is a pointless post. I just can't wait until I buy this stuff, so I'm babbling. But any thoughts regarding things I've missed, additional costs, or workflow suggestions would be appreciated. Otherwise, I'll just keep researching.

How could I have missed the Brevis? Cool.

Cheers.
 
TylerD said:
Dennis explains how quick to setup a Brevis here. The said speed to setup is what attracted me, and the footage it produces looks great. Amazing M2 footage/info to be found in this forum also.

With the Brevis, I was also drawn in by Bob G's HVX, Krummi's DVX and Dennis' GS-400 footage.

I have opted for Hyson FF and Matte Box products. Joel will customize lens gears and provides very personalized service and the products are very reasonably priced, imo. Joel is a top guy. :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

TylerD: Cool, he should be giving you the same great service he gave me. Very personal and service oriented. Hes local to me, and he delivered it personally and helped me set everything up. A+ !!!
 
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