Is there a need for ''4K'' converter lenses now?

demoboy

demoboy

Well-known member
So we've seen new generation lenses for various mounts marketed as ideal for 4K capture, so I assume the science is that optics are calibrated and tested for optimized 4K video for DSLR shooters. So what about the generation of converter lenses from the last 15 years or so, from SD to FullHD. When will new generation converter glass be in the market for us wanting Wider Converter Lenses for upcoming new generation 4K camcorders? Is there a need for optically matched ''4K lenses?'' I'm aware of marketing gimmicks too.
 
This is a question more suited in the "Cinematography'' section below.

Anyhow. 4K ready lens technically means the lens is able to resolve and be sharp with 8 megapixel sensors/images. Something most lenses from the 1980s can do. Modern photography lenses like from Canon lenses, 24-70mm 2.8II resolves 20-30 mp sensors so can be called 6-7K lenses.

It's a marketing term.

Don't judge a lens quality by that term. Judge it by resolution, contrast, colour fringing, distortion, chromatic abberation, breathing, lens mechanics: ring smoothness, focus marks, accuracy of built, etc...

This varies from each single lens ever made to the other, and even different copies from the same lens.

 
Ebrahim Saadawi said:
This is a question more suited in the "Cinematography'' section below.

Anyhow. 4K ready lens technically means the lens is able to resolve and be sharp with 8 megapixel sensors/images. Something most lenses from the 1980s can do. Modern photography lenses like from Canon lenses, 24-70mm 2.8II resolves 20-30 mp sensors so can be called 6-7K lenses.

It's a marketing term.

Don't judge a lens quality by that term. Judge it by resolution, contrast, colour fringing, distortion, chromatic abberation, breathing, lens mechanics: ring smoothness, focus marks, accuracy of built, etc...

This varies from each single lens ever made to the other, and even different copies from the same lens.

Click to expand...

Thanks mate. But I'm referring to converter adapter lenses that provide extra wide, tele, macro, or fisheye coverage.
 
Yes I realize that, what I mean is being 4K ready is simply about sharpness level of the lens exceeding 8mp (or the lens+converter combination if you're using one).

I've yet to meet any wide angle/tele converters that do not degrade the lens optical quality, they do, some more than others. That's why most of us now much prefer interchangeable lens camera where we can attach high quality tele/wide/macro optics with great quality.

But if you still want to use a converter on a 4K camera/camcorder, use the highest quality ones that do not degrade optical quality too much. The high quality converters can be called 4K ready if you want as they do resolve 8mp on most cases if the lens is sharp.

I don't think there will be companies making 4K ready converters especially, so best option is to look and search for the 4K ready (meaning just high quality) ones already available. Don't really put too much attention in the 4K-ready designation on any optics, just see how they perform optically to decide if they're 4K ready, meaning they can look good on an 9 year old Canon 10D. The 4K word use in optics is a marketing term and doesn't mean anything.

Just my two dimes.
 
Ebrahim Saadawi said:
The high quality converters can be called 4K ready if you want as they do resolve 8mp on most cases if the lens is sharp.
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Click to expand...

This is good to know. I sell camera kits to all types of wedding videographers, some go the DSLR or Mirrorless route while others prefers semi-pro to pro camcorders. Regarding the camcorders some of my customers get stressed on the wide end and want no less than 18mm (35mm equivalent). They know because many come from photography, but expand their services to video. Most now know of record times and XLR combinations that they just want a fully integrated system.

My curiosity came about for Panasonic's new 4K DVX200 and what 72mm wide angle converter can be used. The resolution from the dvx200 is so nice I wonder if even mid level converter glass would just decrease the image quality such as the sides slightly softened or chromatic aberration etc by just 5-10%. I guess the best way to tell is to just test but I don't live in the states and there's no BH in Istanbul.


The information helps. I wouldn't call this a Cinematography post since any consumer buyer can benefit from this information for any type of camcorder/photo camera.
 
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