FS700 replacement for kit lens

[morgan_moore]

When you guys are talking about the f4 version of the canon 70-200, which one are you referring to:

EF 70-200mm f/4L USM Lens

EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Lens

Another issue in the search for the kit replacement is...I hate to say it...., but auto focus. LOTS of my situations pretty much requires it. For example, today, I've been shooting a training session In Denver on a specific EDA software. I'm about 20 feet from the instructor. He paces back and forth, backs up and steps forward....at a pretty constant pace. If I had to manually keep focus all the while panning my camera to keep him in the shot, I don't think I could do it. Auto focus really saves my butt and allows me to keep the instructor framed correctly. And it is for this reason that I still think about the Sony alpha lenses.

Has anyone here had good luck with the alpha lenses with the FS700 (or FS100)?

Thanks!

Is it not the case that AF only works on those lenses at 3.5? - Seems to me that is not really a solution

I find the AF on the kit lens really good!

Ive got the cheap canon btw - nice little lens

It seems to me that at some point you need to question your methodology for this coverage

Maybe go to an EX1 or use multicam to cover dropping focus .. Or get more light!

Believe me - I don't like the image from my ex1 - but sometimes it is the right tool for the job.

Or you might find that if you get a manual lens with really good smooth focus action you can hold focus on such a shot .. With practice

There is nothing strange about your struggle IMO - large sensor is hard to do at a professional level - just the bloggers making pretty films don't tell you that..

S

 

[rawnster]

Hey Rawster,

www.photozone.de does really good lens tests and the Alpha zoom tested really well. I've seen an early FS700 + autofocus Alpha test and it worked really well. The guy was filming his dog running and the autofocus worked great.

Yeah I've seen that footage of the dog. Quite impressive. This is partly why I was thinking about alpha lens option. Thanks gene.

 

[rawnster]

Hey morgan, the light issue has to do with how the instructor/presenter is delivering content. 99% of the time they are using PowerPoint slides that coincide with their discussion. They want the lights turned down so the audience can view the projection screen better. This is partly why I have no control over lighting. I've trying to add lights; I've attempted this discussion many times. Doesn't matter, it won't happen. I'm not allowed to add them. I simply have to use what's given. I know, it's sounds pretty petty. It just what I've got to deal with. These engineer types are extremely smart...at some things.

 

[morgan_moore]

For sure - I guessed that is what it is - powerpoint projector - dark room... and i guess trying to balance the two.

But filming that stuff is not easy -it is specialised and demanding - there is no magic bullet - just skill and gear,

I might get a lens like a 135/2 or one of the 2.8 zooms - this is one of the few situations where a 2.8 might be better than an old 4, but a speed booster and a 4 is 2.8 - a speedbooster and a 135/2 is a 135 1.4

Id know I was going to blow focus with the tele and be running Broll on a second cam maybe with a 24 1.4, 35/2 or whatever fits

I could then cut to that second camera if the focus got too funky

You might get a dedo DLH4 (appropriately dimmable) and get a focussed spot on the podium just to give you that tiny lift that makes all the difference.. or not as the client orders

S

 

[stefanvanjaarsveld]

Hey Stephan,

I shoot video so I think in terms of Super 35mm. I don't do still photography so I don't think in terms of full frame. A 35mm full frame lens will have the EXACT same field of view as a 35mm APS-C lens on the FS700. It does not look different. The difference is that a Full Frame lens covers a larger sensor like the 5D while the cheaper APS-C lens does not.

A 50mm lens just becomes 35mm lens with Speed Booster, a 35mm becomes a 24mm, etc... I own one and have used it quite a bit lately. This is a fact. Here's what Lensrental.com wrote about the Speed Booster (and I guarantee you they know a LOT MORE about lenses then either of us):

--------- Lens Rental wrote:

The EF to NEX Speed Booster, for example, changes the effective focal length x 0.71, and increases the maximum aperture by 1 stop. A Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens effectively becomes a 35.5mm f/0.9 NEX lens, for example. Videographers all over the internet were singing Hosannah and laying palm leaves along the path of it’s introduction.

-------

here's the article btw

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2013/01/metabones-magic

Hi Gene,

Thanks for the article. I guess coming from DSLR's I've always had a different perspective - I see where you're coming from now. Cheers & happy shooting!

 

[rawnster]

For sure - I guessed that is what it is - powerpoint projector - dark room... and i guess trying to balance the two.

But filming that stuff is not easy -it is specialised and demanding - there is no magic bullet - just skill and gear,

I might get a lens like a 135/2 or one of the 2.8 zooms - this is one of the few situations where a 2.8 might be better than an old 4, but a speed booster and a 4 is 2.8 - a speedbooster and a 135/2 is a 135 1.4

Id know I was going to blow focus with the tele and be running Broll on a second cam maybe with a 24 1.4, 35/2 or whatever fits

I could then cut to that second camera if the focus got too funky

You might get a dedo DLH4 (appropriately dimmable) and get a focussed spot on the podium just to give you that tiny lift that makes all the difference.. or not as the client orders

S

Thanks morgan. You got it right that these shoots are demanding. It's a major test of my patience and "mental" focus. I've been shooting training sessions all week out in Denver CO. Certainly not glamorous, but definitely pays the bills. I like your idea of the speedbooster. Never had any experience with one. Definitely check it out. As the squeaky wheel gets the grease, I'll keep pestering them about lighting until I can sneak in a focussed spot as you mentioned.

 

[jcs]

Since the word exact is coming up, keep in mind the Speed Booster creates a 1.09 crop vs full frame.