Purchasing new equipment, Need advice

G

GarveyRyan

New member
Hey guys, new here! I am seeking some advice on what to get. I already have a 7D and Rokinon 14mm Ultra Wide (its in the mail). This is my first ever body and lens purchase. I have around a grand to spend. I am a videographer. With that money I plan on getting a Glidecam hd2000, and a monopod (560B). That leaves about 500 left. What are some suggestions for glass? I was thinking a 50 1.8 or 1.4, and a solid zoom lens (something with a more reach than a 50) within budget. Thoughts?
 
I would suggest picking up a 50mm 1.8. The build quality isn't the absolute best (compared to L lenses), but its a workhorse.

At only $100 you can't go wrong!
 
Got the 50mm 1.8, What about another lens without breaking the bank? I shoot mainly video, but what a solid zoom lens to cover a little more distance?
 
a zoom with that budget will probably be the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 non-VC

and keep in mind that you're definitely going to need other stuff: you'll need ND filters if you don't already have them, an lcdvf of some sort is a must, and a cheap rig will help a lot (here)
 
Samuel H said:
a zoom with that budget will probably be the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 non-VC
Click to expand...

+1 Can't beat that lens for image quality on a budget or not. Used on ebay for a few hundred bucks.
Be aware that the hand held steadycams work, but your arm will get tired after a few hours/days. They work best with a steady hand, not as well when your hand is shaking. It's a nice effect but really only needed when you are walking with the camera to smooth out the bumps. You will want locked shots, pans, dolly etc., because although "floating" camera shots are cool and fun to watch they get stylized and old quick. Also the steadycam and monopod will give you 2 versions of a similar non locked shot so you are better off with a tripod to go with your steadycam.
Velbon fluid head tripods are ultra cheap and not bad. I have a Sachtler and 2 Miller heads but I still bought a Velbon head from B&H for $35 ( gone up to $44 I see) a few years ago and use it because it's so small and light weight to carry in the bag and I mount it on anything with a 1/4 20 bolt, like your monopod.
Or for $85 they sell the tripod with the head but I don't believe the head is removable.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/152289-REG/Velbon_PH_368_PH_368_2_Way_Panhead.html
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=velbon+vmate607f&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ps
For a dolly get a skateboard to start, drill a 1/4 inch hole in the middle for your velbon head to mount your camera and if you upgrade the dolly you can still have fun riding it later with your glidecam.
 
Last edited:
egproductions said:
I don't see audio on that list.

What are you shooting?
Click to expand...
Absolutely set up your audio day one. I'd get a used jucedlink on ebay, they are great and you can plug any mic you have and monitor the audio recorded right on the camera card already in sync. You can also get away with plunging a mic directly into the camera.

I know audio guys will laugh, but try the desktop computer mic you probably already have to experiment with getting a mic close to the subject to learn how to mic things. I have a $3 Genius mic I use for Skype and tested it against my 2 Sony ECM 66 and 55 wired studio Lavs and was amazed to hear that the Genius sounded good. I played them back on a blind taste test to some people and most preferred the sound of the desk mic. The Sonys are Superior but warmer and softer while the "Genius" was sharper sounding.

It's not only the gear you have, but knowing what to do with it. Experiment yourself first hand will be the best teacher.
 
Last edited:
28mm is about "normal" on APS-C; if you like stuff a bit more compressed 35, but you'll need more room. So a good zoom that covers that range is useful. I have a Nikkor 28-70 2.8 and it's on my camera for video shoots 80% of the time.

I think the best deal for audio right now is the little tascam recorder, DR_60D or Mkii, usually includes PluralEyes for free. If you get just a preamp you'll still have the so-so DSLR audio to deal with, but the DR makes a good preamp for synch. there are very few affordable hyper-cap mics out there, so shop around.

I agree you need a decent tripod pretty soon. And at least a viewfinder loupe (the Kamerar is pretty great for the $$).

See you already got the 50, but the minute you have to pull focus you'll want to smash that plastic loser... look for an older Nikkor AIS and get a $20 adapter when that feeling hits, though a 50 on APS-C isn't (for many) a great length, they're so cheap it's kind of a no-brainer.

Keep in mind that used (aperture-ring) Nikkors (or any good & sharp pre-AF era lens) with a $20 adapter will give you a more "pro" feel shooting day - being able to adjust aperture, and to focus with a nice big, damped ring is pretty sweet, and when you get a follow focus you'll be glad you have 'em.

I'd skip the glidecam until you have a tripod - you can do a lot of glidecam-style stuff with a shoulder mount or DIY fig rig. And I can't see much use for a monopod for video. I was psyched to get mine (well, got a Came) but really don't get it out that much - it's usually known by the storyboard point whether it'll be needed.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys! I am skipping buying a tripod and audio gear because I have all of that available from my school, including Arie and lowell kits. My budget is now completed...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top