Which lenses for RED Scarlet/One

[DDirector]

We are shooting a 10minute short film in about 2 months with either the RED One or the Scarlet.
I have been reading about these lenses, but i got all confused as to which was which and the pros/cons of each.

These are the choices:
- RED Pro Primes
- Zeiss Master Primes
- Zeiss Ultra Primes
- Zeiss CP.2 Primes
- Cooke S4 Primes

I have read many reviews of each. They all have good pros and cons to them making it a tough choice.

 

[Stephen Mick]

A poll isn't going to answer this question for you. The choice of which lens to use is, at this level, an aesthetic one. Whichever one gives you the look and feel you want for your film...well, that's the one you want.

 

[DDirector]

A poll isn't going to answer this question for you. The choice of which lens to use is, at this level, an aesthetic one. Whichever one gives you the look and feel you want for your film...well, that's the one you want.

I made a poll just to see what people would prefer. No it wont answer it, but id just like to see.

I haven't used any of these lenses. So, I cannot really say which lens would be right for me.
Looking for something sharp throughout, good contrast, colours, bokeh, no C.A.

 

[Stephen Mick]

I made a poll just to see what people would prefer. No it wont answer it, but id just like to see.

I haven't used any of these lenses. So, I cannot really say which lens would be right for me.

Well, that's the problem. If you're DP'ing a film, chances are you want a certain "look" for the piece. And a good part of that look will be served up by the lenses you choose. For example, the "Cooke looke" has a very distinct feel that will be very different from the look of Ultra Primes or Master Primes. And honestly, if Ultras or Masters are in your budget, don't even bother considering CP.2 lenses.

So...what are you shooting, and what kind of aesthetic do you want it to have?

 

[DDirector]

So...what are you shooting, and what kind of aesthetic do you want it to have?

This isnt a big budget shoot, I am not 100% sure that we would be able to use the more expensive lenses, but i cant say that we wont be using it.

I know thats a problem not knowing. I have never used these lenses before, and have never had the chance to test or play with them. I dont often go out on a shoot where I am the DP and am handling a full set with will out equipment. I have worked on smaller sets with descent equipment, but this is going to be a big bigger than usual.

Its more of a action/drama/sci-fi with like robots.
Example movies: Total Recall, iRobot

Funny. Its actually under a same title as Total Recall - "Recall"... It supposed to have a similar look, but its not related.

 

[bgundu]

They are all stellar lenses. Focus on lighting, talent and the script

 

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Well, that's the problem. If you're DP'ing a film, chances are you want a certain "look" for the piece. And a good part of that look will be served up by the lenses you choose. For example, the "Cooke looke" has a very distinct feel that will be very different from the look of Ultra Primes or Master Primes. And honestly, if Ultras or Masters are in your budget, don't even bother considering CP.2 lenses.

So...what are you shooting, and what kind of aesthetic do you want it to have?

Hahaha, yeah!

CP.2's are good for the money and a world better than 99% of any photography lens when used for cinema production. I think they offer a great tool for those they were made for. However, if money is not a big factor in the equation, they quickly loose their biggest strength. Same goes for the Reds, IMO, although some will disagree. I think we can all agree that all these lens sets are nothing to shake a stick at.

At Cooke S4 and Master/Ultra Prime tier, it's down to if you like the aesthetic differences of either and/or if you need the stop. Modern day sensitivity is negating the latter.

It really depends on what you are shooting! Maybe vintage cine lenses are what you want. Maybe zooms, maybe anamorphics. Who knows. 95% of shows don't typically get a free reign choice of any lens set, so get the best you can get and move on.