LETUS, SG PRO or BREVIS ?
- Thread starter riky
- Start date
Joseph Stunzi
Veteran
Riky have you tried the search feature here?
There's plenty of posts about this topic. Around 3 to 5 a day, I bet.
But I'll try to help you out. Answer these questions...
What type of mount do your lenses have?
What is your fastest lens?
What type of footage will you be filming?
What's your price rage?
From there I can give you a pretty good idea in terms of quality, light, and noise my friend. You see it really depends on how much of an investment in lenses you are willing to make.
There's plenty of posts about this topic. Around 3 to 5 a day, I bet.
But I'll try to help you out. Answer these questions...
What type of mount do your lenses have?
What is your fastest lens?
What type of footage will you be filming?
What's your price rage?
From there I can give you a pretty good idea in terms of quality, light, and noise my friend. You see it really depends on how much of an investment in lenses you are willing to make.
Lenilenapi
Carbonite Member
No one has put all 3 side by side or investigated many unanswered questions about them. A lot of people on this board are shouting that the new Letus is by far the best, but from what I see most of them or perhaps none of them have tried the other 2.
I would take uninformed recommendations with a grain of salt, though you'll find alot of them here.
It sounds like the Brevis and the Letus are more sensitive in low light than the SGPro. They all produce good images. Right now the Letus is the only one with a flip, but very soon the Brevis will have a flip that supposedly will work on the SGPro as well.
How do they compare in sharpness? Nobody's put all 3 side by side - I can tell you from experience that both the Brevis and the SGPro are sharp.
How do they compare in Bokeh? No comparisons yet
How do they compare in DOF? same answer
Grain? Same answer though the Brevis CF1L is pretty good with grain below 5.6 and the SGPro as a spinning adapter is better. The Brevis CF3L with lower DOF is worse with grain, but you don't need to use it.
Ease of use for handheld - Brevis no doubt as its lighter, but then its upside down so that's a minus.
All 3 are made by people who are constantly improving their product and listening to users.
Lenny Levy
I would take uninformed recommendations with a grain of salt, though you'll find alot of them here.
It sounds like the Brevis and the Letus are more sensitive in low light than the SGPro. They all produce good images. Right now the Letus is the only one with a flip, but very soon the Brevis will have a flip that supposedly will work on the SGPro as well.
How do they compare in sharpness? Nobody's put all 3 side by side - I can tell you from experience that both the Brevis and the SGPro are sharp.
How do they compare in Bokeh? No comparisons yet
How do they compare in DOF? same answer
Grain? Same answer though the Brevis CF1L is pretty good with grain below 5.6 and the SGPro as a spinning adapter is better. The Brevis CF3L with lower DOF is worse with grain, but you don't need to use it.
Ease of use for handheld - Brevis no doubt as its lighter, but then its upside down so that's a minus.
All 3 are made by people who are constantly improving their product and listening to users.
Lenny Levy
I'll take that one step further, I find some of these same people havent purchased their first one...wtf?
Joseph Stunzi
Veteran
bwest,
I've purchased my first one. In fact, I've arranged a test day with a local photographer to try out his "faster lenses." Here's my perspective on the companies themselves and then on the adapters.
I personally feel that Cinevate is the best in terms of customer support. They're forums are active and so is the general community using them. People like Matt and Kendal of FreshDV love the Brevis and many others on DVXUser do as well. The Brevis adapter is about quality and care. It's the only adapter that has interchangeable elements (correct me if I'm wrong?). When you receive a Brevis, you receive a beautifully packed (in it's own pelican case) and cared for product. From my understanding, Letus adapters used to come in a box of packing peanuts. Now they come with bubble wrap (the particles from the peanuts got into the adapter). This is all besides the point except for the fact of quality and care. Now yes the Brevis doesn't have a flip. However, you loose more light for that flip in the Letus. What does the Brevis have, numerous adapters and additional products. Cinevate makes rails adapters, follow focus units (coming soon I guess), matteboxes, carbon fiber rails, and other things. So Cinevate isn't just an adapter company. Have access to a fancy PL Arri lens? Well then the Brevis could mount that baby on your camera.
So the bottom line is, if you want less light loss and lens mount options, go with the Brevis. If you want only Canon and Nikon mounts, a flip, and more light loss, go with the Letus. It's all a matter of opinion. People used to love the Letus because of its price range, but the price of the Letus Extreme is greater than the current price of a Brevis (without the flip module). Now you may be thinking that the Letus Extreme looses the same amount of light in comparison to the Brevis. I find that hard to believe, but do any Letus Extreme owners have any input?
Almost forgot the SGPro. Well the SGPro really requires rails. The Brevis and Letus don't. HOWEVER, I'd highly recommend using rails with your adapter. They aren't cheap. Neither is the repair on your camera's threads. The SGPro seems to have faded somewhat in the community.
As we've been saying, no one has compared them side by side.
If you've been considering the SGPro, why not the Redrockmicro M2?
I've purchased my first one. In fact, I've arranged a test day with a local photographer to try out his "faster lenses." Here's my perspective on the companies themselves and then on the adapters.
I personally feel that Cinevate is the best in terms of customer support. They're forums are active and so is the general community using them. People like Matt and Kendal of FreshDV love the Brevis and many others on DVXUser do as well. The Brevis adapter is about quality and care. It's the only adapter that has interchangeable elements (correct me if I'm wrong?). When you receive a Brevis, you receive a beautifully packed (in it's own pelican case) and cared for product. From my understanding, Letus adapters used to come in a box of packing peanuts. Now they come with bubble wrap (the particles from the peanuts got into the adapter). This is all besides the point except for the fact of quality and care. Now yes the Brevis doesn't have a flip. However, you loose more light for that flip in the Letus. What does the Brevis have, numerous adapters and additional products. Cinevate makes rails adapters, follow focus units (coming soon I guess), matteboxes, carbon fiber rails, and other things. So Cinevate isn't just an adapter company. Have access to a fancy PL Arri lens? Well then the Brevis could mount that baby on your camera.
So the bottom line is, if you want less light loss and lens mount options, go with the Brevis. If you want only Canon and Nikon mounts, a flip, and more light loss, go with the Letus. It's all a matter of opinion. People used to love the Letus because of its price range, but the price of the Letus Extreme is greater than the current price of a Brevis (without the flip module). Now you may be thinking that the Letus Extreme looses the same amount of light in comparison to the Brevis. I find that hard to believe, but do any Letus Extreme owners have any input?
Almost forgot the SGPro. Well the SGPro really requires rails. The Brevis and Letus don't. HOWEVER, I'd highly recommend using rails with your adapter. They aren't cheap. Neither is the repair on your camera's threads. The SGPro seems to have faded somewhat in the community.
As we've been saying, no one has compared them side by side.
If you've been considering the SGPro, why not the Redrockmicro M2?
I have a Brevis I love it. I had a Letus Flip (original) loved it hated the light loss. Awaiting the Brevis flip addition. Very enthused with what i've seen from the Letus Flip. Thrilled with the customer service of both Cinevate and the Adapterplace. Love the footage from some of the better shooters with the SGPro Rev 2 & 3. THe M2 ain't no ***** either and if you look at footage from the Vincent Pascoe's and Matt Workman it all looks phenomenal. So here's your answer, what's important to you? I hate working upside down even with my marshall flipped, and i'm not a fan of the hack. Now there is a flip that has little light loss from Letus, and an add on module with little light loss from cinevate. You say I could give a rat's ass about flip? More concerned with light loss? Then the Brevis is for you and has multiple gg elements to taste. The SGPro from what I can tell seems to be equally well suited to little light loss. The M2 not so much, you're gonna need a good light kit in dim situations from what i've read. Its a virtual buffet of awesome adapters out there so pick one, your not gonna hurt any of these guys feelings buyin one or the other, but its an aesthetic objective opinion as to which one to go with. Those of us who own them typically love the one we're with like an old country song, and espout the virtues of our love. Don't let that sway you, find someone with an adapter you can look at in person, if not you'll have to go off of what you see on the web.
Hahaha... too bad Wayne hadn’t shipped Disjecta a free SGpro 6 months ago!
I think it will be some time before we see a shootout between the three, and by that time there’s sure to be a few more metamorphoses to the GG’s , mounts, and flips… so it would all be irrelevant!
Joseph Stunzi
Veteran
Ya, I have a gut feeling Redrockmicro will be coming out with something new up their sleeve. We haven't heard from them recently, ya know? They have their own flip, a remote follow focus, and lots more in store for all of us. Who knows who will take the lead in this horse race
smithy
Well-known member
SGpro has not disappeared.
SGpro has not disappeared.
I agree...Wayne doesn't have to get into the horserace to say..because he is so busy trying to catch up with his orders and at the same time trying to get his first 30 Follow Focus out before the end of the month. As for the SGpro, not being talked about in the community lately..perhaps the users of SGpro's are too busy making films and don't have time to waste talking about their adapters on light loss. In addition there are not as many SGpro owners as Brevis or Letus ones because of the limited amount of SGpro's that are in the marketplace right now.
http://www.sgpro.co.uk
SGpro has not disappeared.
I agree...Wayne doesn't have to get into the horserace to say..because he is so busy trying to catch up with his orders and at the same time trying to get his first 30 Follow Focus out before the end of the month. As for the SGpro, not being talked about in the community lately..perhaps the users of SGpro's are too busy making films and don't have time to waste talking about their adapters on light loss. In addition there are not as many SGpro owners as Brevis or Letus ones because of the limited amount of SGpro's that are in the marketplace right now.
http://www.sgpro.co.uk
I think that's the real issue. When I spend money i'm ready to see my purchase right now. So I don't think that Pro users are making any more films than anyone else, its that people are anxious to have a $1000 purchase in their hands asap. Even Redrock's wait is 50x better than it was. But c'mon man don't take little jabs like SG user's don't worry about light loss etc. We know you love your SG but this thread has been pot shot free.
ifownlee41nite@mac.com
Well-known member
From footage I've seen the SGPro Rev 2 and up gives a very sharp edge to edge image at what I believe is at .5 light lose.
The new Letus Extreme footage that has been posted lately has shown amazing edge to edge sharpness also, while also intergrating an awesome flip feature while still only losing .5 stops of light.
Before the Letus Extreme and SGPro Rev3 hit in my opinion the Brevis was the one to go with but I was only comparing it to the M2's light lose factor.
I believe the Brevis too only loses .5 stops of light also.
I currently have a RedRock M2 HD package and am awaiting my Letus Extreme.
I can honestly say I'm putting my money where my mouth is. If the Extreme would have hit the market place 2 weeks later I would have gone and ordered the SGPro Rev3.
I chose the Letus Extreme for my new adapter because of the light lose, $1200.00 temporary price tag, delivery time, support testimonies I've read, and flip. I've actually gottin use the flipping the image in post with my M2, but I can't lie I am looking forward to not having to do that ANYMORE.
Hope this helps in some way.
The new Letus Extreme footage that has been posted lately has shown amazing edge to edge sharpness also, while also intergrating an awesome flip feature while still only losing .5 stops of light.
Before the Letus Extreme and SGPro Rev3 hit in my opinion the Brevis was the one to go with but I was only comparing it to the M2's light lose factor.
I believe the Brevis too only loses .5 stops of light also.
I currently have a RedRock M2 HD package and am awaiting my Letus Extreme.
I can honestly say I'm putting my money where my mouth is. If the Extreme would have hit the market place 2 weeks later I would have gone and ordered the SGPro Rev3.
I chose the Letus Extreme for my new adapter because of the light lose, $1200.00 temporary price tag, delivery time, support testimonies I've read, and flip. I've actually gottin use the flipping the image in post with my M2, but I can't lie I am looking forward to not having to do that ANYMORE.
Hope this helps in some way.
Dennis Wood
DVXuser Sponsor
To correct a poster back a few pages...we have just implemented a rental program...and just got the first rental back from a music video shoot. Be carefull with light loss quotes! The Brevis loses .5 to .7 stops with a 50mm f1.4 lens attached...the letus figures are measured with no lens attached. From what I've seen, no one has measured relative light loss on the Letus with a 50mm f1.4 attached.
Ultimately, the shooters out there drive development of these devices..and there's plenty of room left for development. Until I can say with 100% confidence that our adapter image looks exactly like it was shot on film, our R&D program will continure to build on itself offering modular upgrades and interchangeable imaging elements that leave few, if any, legacy users behind. We're currently increasing our staff compliment by two more folks specifically to make sure phone, email, forum or pmail requests are dealt with within the hour, or live where possible. Selling things to folks is great, but being able to have a replacement unit within 24 or less at their doorstep or studio, is more important.
It took over a year, quitting a very good day job/100% committment, and highly refined workflow to get all of our suppliers and more importantly our CNC shop (expanded capacity by a factor of 3x) capable of keeping up with demand. When the adapter market disappears, we'll still be there with high quality tools to make the indie film maker look like a professional film maker.
Ultimately, the shooters out there drive development of these devices..and there's plenty of room left for development. Until I can say with 100% confidence that our adapter image looks exactly like it was shot on film, our R&D program will continure to build on itself offering modular upgrades and interchangeable imaging elements that leave few, if any, legacy users behind. We're currently increasing our staff compliment by two more folks specifically to make sure phone, email, forum or pmail requests are dealt with within the hour, or live where possible. Selling things to folks is great, but being able to have a replacement unit within 24 or less at their doorstep or studio, is more important.
It took over a year, quitting a very good day job/100% committment, and highly refined workflow to get all of our suppliers and more importantly our CNC shop (expanded capacity by a factor of 3x) capable of keeping up with demand. When the adapter market disappears, we'll still be there with high quality tools to make the indie film maker look like a professional film maker.
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smithy
Well-known member
Cinebuddy
There was no intent there..but it is true that a lot of people don't like to wait as long for their adapters to be at their house in a matter of days vs months..but hopefully it would be better in the future. I believe Wayne is getting more help to cut down lead times like Redrock did.
There was no intent there..but it is true that a lot of people don't like to wait as long for their adapters to be at their house in a matter of days vs months..but hopefully it would be better in the future. I believe Wayne is getting more help to cut down lead times like Redrock did.
Waaaaaaaaaaaa Dont say that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dennis Wood
DVXuser Sponsor
Being able to have an adapter at your doorstep in as quick as 18 hours has taken 18 months of work! We tend to average 3 business days, but our record is 17 hours...to Florida.
Lenilenapi
Carbonite Member
Regarding lightloss,
This is a trickier than obvious question.
One issue is that different screens on different cameras may or may not show all the advantage that comes with opening a lens from f2.8 to f1.4. So testing at either fstop is only part of the story and your mileage with another lens or camera combination may vary.
If one adapter is faster at f1.4 it could be slower or equal with a 2.8 lens! I prefer not to shoot at f1.4 if I can help it so both issues are important to me.
Unless you put the adapters up with the same type lenses on the same type camera you don't know a whole lot, though we do know the Brevis is quite fast and that the Letus sounds like its in the same general arena, but if you think you know which is faster with or without the flip that's coming to both and without having them in your hands, you're smoking too much dope.
I can tell you from experience that the Brevis is faster than an SGPro Rev2 (maybe about a stop but i need to test more yet) and certainly than a Redrock.
Also be aware that a screen that is faster may also have more DOF (that could be good or bad) and probably a different quality Bokeh - so you need to look at these things carefully- and you may ultimately prefer the look of a slower adapter or a slower screen in the case of the Brevis.
Even side by side tests need to be extremely careful because you can make mistakes easily and discount factors you didn't notice.
- Lenny Levy
This is a trickier than obvious question.
One issue is that different screens on different cameras may or may not show all the advantage that comes with opening a lens from f2.8 to f1.4. So testing at either fstop is only part of the story and your mileage with another lens or camera combination may vary.
If one adapter is faster at f1.4 it could be slower or equal with a 2.8 lens! I prefer not to shoot at f1.4 if I can help it so both issues are important to me.
Unless you put the adapters up with the same type lenses on the same type camera you don't know a whole lot, though we do know the Brevis is quite fast and that the Letus sounds like its in the same general arena, but if you think you know which is faster with or without the flip that's coming to both and without having them in your hands, you're smoking too much dope.
I can tell you from experience that the Brevis is faster than an SGPro Rev2 (maybe about a stop but i need to test more yet) and certainly than a Redrock.
Also be aware that a screen that is faster may also have more DOF (that could be good or bad) and probably a different quality Bokeh - so you need to look at these things carefully- and you may ultimately prefer the look of a slower adapter or a slower screen in the case of the Brevis.
Even side by side tests need to be extremely careful because you can make mistakes easily and discount factors you didn't notice.
- Lenny Levy
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Wayne Kinney
DVXUser Sponsor
We are certainly here and have been a little quiet on this board simply because we have been very involved in expanding over the last few months. We now have new premises and are finishing work on the new shoot35 website (our business name) to launch this month. From there we are offering the SGpro and SGfollow focus for sale and hire.
Yes, it's funny you mention that as this has previously been our main problem, trying to keep our CNC shop on track. Unfortunately, all machine shops seem to be like this, so we have resorted to the only answer and investing in an amazingly large batch of parts!
The result of this means that in a few months, we will have the SGpro in stock and ready to ship when you order.
Yes, it's funny you mention that as this has previously been our main problem, trying to keep our CNC shop on track. Unfortunately, all machine shops seem to be like this, so we have resorted to the only answer and investing in an amazingly large batch of parts!
The result of this means that in a few months, we will have the SGpro in stock and ready to ship when you order.