Lens extending and matteboxes

T

theuniverseinanutshell

Member
Hello all. This is probably a stupid question, but I'd never know for sure if I don't ask it. I was planning on building a set of Zeiss slr primes for filmmaking use. I had my eyes set on the f2 50mm Makro-Planar (having just bought the 21mm) and I noticed that the lens extended for focus. Am I right in thinking that I'm pretty much limited to 'clip-on-lens' matteboxes? I had wanted to invest in a lens that was more flexible than this, considering the price.

Regards to everyone.
 
Thanks, Andrius. Just to be sure, there is no hit on image quality (i.e., from varying lens to filter distance) or practicability/functionality by going the nun's kickers route, is there?
 
Well, technically speaking ... yes there could be a slight visual difference. The further away you put the filter, the more it will be in focus. So dust or imperfections on the filter might be noticed. This would be most likely to happen with a wide angle lens, which already has a large area in focus. Also, if you're using a star filter or a graduated ND filter, you might see a difference in the effect.
The nun's knickers are used to avoid light hitting the back side of the filter and causing a flare; and they allow some movement of the lens. (That, and it's just fun to say "nun's knickers":grin:)

-- Ken

P.S. -- I was thinking of zoom lenses that extend during zooming. If you're just shifting focus on a prime lens, I wouldn't worry much.
 
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