Matte Box (Front Diameter & Filter Size)

D

DDirector

Veteran
I want to get some ND filters (for a simple filter holder), but I want to prepare myself for when I end up buying a mattebox.
I don't know whether I should be getting 4x4" or 4x5.65" filters.

For personal stuff, I shoot on a DSLR, with Canon/old zeiss lenses. So, they dont have a big diameter front or are very wide angle.
But, I am also trying to invest in my stuff and future proof myself completely for the time I get the Red Camera.

I have one matte box in mind, but its a 4x4" and the max lens front diameter is 120mm.

Should I get a 4x5.65" filter over a 4x4" filter?
Would there ever be a time when the 4x4" filter is just not wide enough for a particular lens? (keep in mind I can rent a lot of various lenses)

What about the matte box opening?
This is only a 120mm opening. A lot of lenses do fit within that range, such as the Zeiss CP.2 (which Id like to use), but there are also some zoom lenses that are 130mm to 142mm.
So, I dont know if a 120mm would be adequate enough, or not.

*Im pretty sure I wont be using professional lenses that are up to 142mm in diameter any time soon, but I will be keeping this gear for a long time.
 
Wide lenses and matte boxes don't play nice together. When I have my Tokina 11-16 on, I cannot use the matte box without vignetting unless I'm shooting at 16mm. 4x4 vs. 4x5.65 won't make a difference there.

I'd go for the 4x5.6 for one, simple reason: especially with smaller-diameter lenses, grad ND filters - especially soft-edge grad - won't have a whole lot of impact. Using 4x5.65 will allow you to adjust the filter up and down to change where the center of the filter sits, which gives much more flexibility with grads.
 
My biggest concern was thinking that a 4x4" filter would be cut off on some lenses because they are either wide, or have a large diameter front.

The widest lens I have is a 16mm, I don't think Id be getting anything wider and using it for video and would require a mattebox. If i do get a lense that wide, it would be for pictures.

thanks
 
Unless you're getting into Cooke or Zeiss cinema primes, you're not going to have to worry about the front diameter of the lens. Vintage SLR primes are generally in the 52/55/58mm range. The widest diameter lens I have is the Tokina 11-16mm, which 77mm.
 
I own 2 matte boxes.
#1: 4x4 2 stage bellows.
#2: Wider hard matte box with 2 stage 4x5.65, 1 stage 4x4, 138mm removable rear which will accommodate my large Cooke Zoom.
I also own a number of flexible lens hoods which is some cases makes more sense to use than a matte box. In any event, I don't attach a matte box to my camera unless it's a needed tool at the time.

All the Best!

Dave
 
I think this is the most future proof Matte box you can get. comes with both sizes of trays. Can take cinema glass or dslr lenses also.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/743357-REG/OConnor_C1243_0001_O_BOX_WM_Set_15mm.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbKTX4UScJA

another review


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT8BC9Wttfs


like you I dont think i'll be using cinema glass any time soon at all...but you never know. I'm planning to get this Obox when i can. I like that is small also...i dont like the huge ones like Redrock.
 
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