FS7: lens choices

[Jim Ritscher]

I have about 11 lenses, mostly Nikon mount. The key point, I think, is that if you do any run and gun/doc work, it's very helpful to have a zoom in the f4 range, maybe 24-105 (or 18-105) with auto focus, IS, and auto iris. You may not need the auto features very often, but when you do, they're very helpful. If I had to settle for a narrower focal length range, I'd throw away some of the telephoto end and keep the wideangle. If the lens covered full frame, that wouild be good for use with a speedbooster. For up-close people shooting, something around this range allows you to shoot with one lens most of the time. If you decide that's what you want (and you might make a different decision), then that basically throws you into E-mount lenses, or Canon with a Metabones (possibly Speedbooster) adapter, or possibly Alpha lenses with an adapter (don't know much about Alpha lenses). If you can throw away the auto features, that widens your choices somewhat.

 

[FlacaProductions]

New offer - free Metabones from sony with FS7 purchase. I saw the new link posted in the FS7 listing at B&H, but here's the basics:

PROMOTION: Purchase a Sony PXW-FS7, PXW-FS7K, NEX-FS700R, NEX-FS700RH, NEX-FS100U, NEX- FS100UK, FS700R/7QPAC, FS700RH/7QPAC promotional package and receive a Metabones EF Lens to Sony NEX Smart Adapter (MARK II) Free via Mail-in Rebate
PROMOTION PERIOD: April 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015

 

[Alpha Beta Omega]

So they offer a mkII adapter that is in Advanced mode instead of the newer adapters. Interesting.

 

[HD Gear Guru]

Blind Dog, when you say the heads are intermittent you are referring to the tape heads, no? If that is the case then why not get an atomos, small HD, Pix240 or other device with recording capability and attach to your HDX 900. I know lots of reality show companies that went that route a few years back now with a different recorder. Works great and keeps that 2/3" investment running for a small incremental charge.