I am planning on investing in a canon 7D and some accessories while I wait for the Scarlet or next Canon camera. I currently own the cannon A1 and HV20 which I plan on keeping for a while longer. I also have Two Photoflex 1000W soft boxes and a Lowel light kit (3 lights), a Manfrotto tripod and 516 head and a bigger tripod that supports my EZ-effects Jib, Sony wireless lav microphone, Portable green screen and a teleprompter. I edit with Sony Vegas 8 on a quad core PC. I am hoping to get accessories that I can continue to use with future camera upgrades. My budget is $5-$8,000.
I want to add shallow DOF, rack focus, as well as follow focus to my work. I was thinking about getting the RedRock eyeSpy Deluxe Bundle ($1470) along with a Z-Finder ($375), but that system may not work well for my next camera. So for just $88 more I can get indiRAILSpro XVsm ($269), Redrock microFollowFocus v2 Indie Bundle ($675) and the small HD ($989). I may need to get smaller rods or the indiRAILSpro 10 ($99) for the Jib. Do you think this will work well?
Other accessories include: The Zoom H4n ($299), Lexar Professional Series UDMA 16 GB ($118) and the Glidecam HD 2000 ($449). I would also like some quick release plates for moving between the Glidecam, Jib, and tripod. There will be a few extras cables, weights for the shoulder mount, and mounting arm for the small HD. All together my accessories ($2,800-$3,000) added to the cost of the camera ($1700) = $4,500- $4,700. Is there anything that I am missing?
Now for the lenses. Just when I think I have it figured out I get confused again. Some say fast primes (Sigma 30/50mm 1.4). Others say the constant 2.8 zooms (Canon 17-55IS/ 70-200IS) are good enough because it’s hard to keep the actors in focus with the faster primes. Some say get image stabilization (IS/VC) to help with hand held; shoulder work and flyers, while others say that it is not helpful and may cause artifacts as well as noise. Then it seems that the Zeiss ZF Primes by Duclos are the rage do to the pressed focus gears, 80mm front rings and de-clicked aperture. The funny thing is some of these primes are not very fast (18mm 3.5/ 21 and 25mm 2.8 for example). To help me out could you put the following in order of importance or give your experience?
· Fast primes (1.4-1.8)
· 2.8 Or faster zooms
· Image stabilization (IS VC)
· Ability to focus (long, smooth)
· Matching lenses (same brand)
· Same filter size
· Construction (L lenses)
· Resale
· Ability to use on future cameras FF vs 1.6
· Other?
What lenses would you buy if you had a $2000 budget for lenses? What lenses would you buy if you had a $4000 budget for lenses? And once the Scarlet or next Canon camera comes out would you be able to use those lenses or would you want something different?
Thanks for taking the time to give your advice and share your expertise.
David
I want to add shallow DOF, rack focus, as well as follow focus to my work. I was thinking about getting the RedRock eyeSpy Deluxe Bundle ($1470) along with a Z-Finder ($375), but that system may not work well for my next camera. So for just $88 more I can get indiRAILSpro XVsm ($269), Redrock microFollowFocus v2 Indie Bundle ($675) and the small HD ($989). I may need to get smaller rods or the indiRAILSpro 10 ($99) for the Jib. Do you think this will work well?
Other accessories include: The Zoom H4n ($299), Lexar Professional Series UDMA 16 GB ($118) and the Glidecam HD 2000 ($449). I would also like some quick release plates for moving between the Glidecam, Jib, and tripod. There will be a few extras cables, weights for the shoulder mount, and mounting arm for the small HD. All together my accessories ($2,800-$3,000) added to the cost of the camera ($1700) = $4,500- $4,700. Is there anything that I am missing?
Now for the lenses. Just when I think I have it figured out I get confused again. Some say fast primes (Sigma 30/50mm 1.4). Others say the constant 2.8 zooms (Canon 17-55IS/ 70-200IS) are good enough because it’s hard to keep the actors in focus with the faster primes. Some say get image stabilization (IS/VC) to help with hand held; shoulder work and flyers, while others say that it is not helpful and may cause artifacts as well as noise. Then it seems that the Zeiss ZF Primes by Duclos are the rage do to the pressed focus gears, 80mm front rings and de-clicked aperture. The funny thing is some of these primes are not very fast (18mm 3.5/ 21 and 25mm 2.8 for example). To help me out could you put the following in order of importance or give your experience?
· Fast primes (1.4-1.8)
· 2.8 Or faster zooms
· Image stabilization (IS VC)
· Ability to focus (long, smooth)
· Matching lenses (same brand)
· Same filter size
· Construction (L lenses)
· Resale
· Ability to use on future cameras FF vs 1.6
· Other?
What lenses would you buy if you had a $2000 budget for lenses? What lenses would you buy if you had a $4000 budget for lenses? And once the Scarlet or next Canon camera comes out would you be able to use those lenses or would you want something different?
Thanks for taking the time to give your advice and share your expertise.
David
Last edited: