F5: Zooms: Super16 vs B4 ENG

J

JCummings

Well-known member
For run and gun documentary work and finish at HD resolution, what do you think would be better, a S16 in crop mode or B4 HD zoom with the Sony B4 adapter. (with the resulting light loss from that adapter.)
I like the idea of a lightweight S16 zoom but worry about the sharpness. OTOH, I don't like losing all that stop with a B4 adapted HD zoom.
I hear Sony may come out with a faster B4 adapter (less magnification) specifically for crop mode...it seems that might change the discussion somewhat.

I'm about to pull the trigger on an F5 and need to decide what direction to go. 4K is not a priority and the servo drive isn't a factor for me.
Thoughts?
 
Classic S-16 zooms such as the Canon 8-64, 7-63, 11.5-138 and 11-165 we all derived from their HD ENG zooms. I can tell you that they are great glass and you will do just fine in using them. Crop mode is definitely a bit softer than full sensor, but when you're going through the B4 adapter, well it's likely a wash in the end. At least in resolving capabilities. There's still the matter of available zoom ranges (+1 for B4) and no light loss (+1 for S-16). Choose your poison.
 
Mitch Gross said:
Classic S-16 zooms such as the Canon 8-64, 7-63, 11.5-138 and 11-165 we all derived from their HD ENG zooms. I can tell you that they are great glass and you will do just fine in using them. Crop mode is definitely a bit softer than full sensor, but when you're going through the B4 adapter, well it's likely a wash in the end. At least in resolving capabilities. There's still the matter of available zoom ranges (+1 for B4) and no light loss (+1 for S-16). Choose your poison.
Click to expand...

+1 especially the part about "Choose your Poison"

To JCummings; FWIW I purchased an F5 from Abel Cine last December, knowing what I know now I wish I had purchased the F55 instead.
 
No way to circumvent physics, I guess. Maybe I'll try using my crappy MTF B4 adapter that's been gathering dust. Who knows, it might work better in crop mode than it did on the F3.

scocklin said:
FWIW I purchased an F5 from Abel Cine last December, knowing what I know now I wish I had purchased the F55 instead.
Click to expand...

Man, I hate to hear that. I really wish I could afford the 55, but it's just not in the cards this year.
All I really need is a F3 replacement with a broadcast spec for this project. A real viewfinder will be a bonus, too.
 
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