Leighton

There's an Olympus Zuiko 100mm f2.8 that I have been using as a taking lens for anamorphics on my 5Diii. It's the smallest (i.e. shortest) lens in that range that I could find and I like that it lets me keep my anamorphic rig small -- it is even smaller than most 85mm lenses that I have seen. It has a non-rotating front and a small filter size, so it's a good match for anamorphics. Doesn't cost too much either.

 

Here's a little more info on it: http://omexperience.wordpress.com/lenses/zuiko-100mm-f2-8/

 

Thanks QHR.

I note that there are various models - do the Single coated versions flare well?

I don't suppose you could point me at any footage you have taken?

Hi guys,

 

Thanks all for your honest and sometimes frank advice!

I have now purchased an Iscomorphot 16/2x lens with Redstan clamp for a good price from an EosHD member and I'm really happy with it.

I've done a few 'test' shoots (you know, of Cats and trees :) ) and I'm starting to get the hang of alignment, and dual focus, although I've already blown one 'shoot' of a family occasion as I had the alignment out.  It's all a great learning experience nonetheless.

 

Next up I am looking into a nice taking lens.  I am using a Canon EF 85mm F1.8 at the moment, so essentially, I'm losing a lot of the 'look' of anamorphic.  The image is way too sharp and flares are really dulled down.

I do have in my possession a Jupiter 9 85mm, however its the Pentax Kiev mount and looks to be unusable unless I fancy doing some major work on it with a hacksaw, some glue and a canon macro extension tube as I saw someone else has done after some Googling. ;)

 

Although I was surprised to find that I still have vignetting on my Canon 85mm.  It's not terrible, but it's visible.  I'm trying an old 135mm prime lens next as I now have the correct step down ring for the clamp to attach to.  Hopefully that should remove the vignetting at a cost of increased focal length.

This is a tiny x2 anamorphic & really really good quality - Here's a test done with this lens in comparison to other ones:

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Fixed focus is exactly as it sounds, stuck at 4m - so you set your taking lens to 4m as well.

The diopters will allow you to get closer to a subject.

I think if you stop down the taking lens then you can focus further than 4m (i'll check).

Because the glass in this anamorphic is so good any diopters will do (cheap ones if you're skint) - there is a thread on here giving you all sorts of options/prices.

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Clamps, as you're in the UK you should get them from REDSTAN as they are the best - you'll need a Front clamp (to attach the filters) & a Back Clamp (to attach to a taking lens).

If you let him know what you've got he'll send you the right things.

http://www.redstan.com/

 

Hi Bioskop,

 

Fantastic, thanks for the detailed reply and the links, much appreciated.

Here are some that might go cheap on ebay, you'll need clamps to fit them to a taking lens - but they aren't that expensive.

 

This one is worth keeping an eye on, as a similar one just went for £150 (its not a rare Gold coating, as advertised in the listing):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2x-Iscorama-Centavision-anamorphic-cinemascope-lens-like-kowa-lomo-anamorphot-/251523271002?pt=DE_Foto_Camcorder_Objektive&hash=item3a8ff4895a

 

This is an Excellent fixed focus (@4m) lens, v.sharp (one of the sharpest i've ever owned) & all you'll need is a few cheap diopters to get closer:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Anamorphic-Lens-ISCORAMA-Set-Boxed-Complete-/151294971187?pt=UK_Photography_Projection_Lenses&hash=item2339e20d33

 

This is quite good as well:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Used-Sankor-Anamorphic-16-D-Lens-/331190597314?pt=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item4d1c7f76c2

 

Hi Bioskop,

 

Thanks for the links.  Regarding the Fixed focus Iscorama set (@4m), does that mean it will only focus at 4m or is that just the minimum focus distance (which can be rectified by diopters).

I don't suppose you can point me at a recommended clamp and diopters can you?

I do have two Kowas and an LA7200 for sale.
Hit me a line.

Hi Eoskoji,

Thanks for the response, I've Pm'd you regarding the Kowas.

I would recommend the Kowa Prominar 16h. It is small, can handle wider taking lenses and is one of the best optical performers out there. Price ranges can vary but you can get a good deal if you keep an eye on ebay. It is dual focus but that will be the case with any lens unless you go high end. The SLR Magic is also an option that is not dual focus but it is on the expensive side and the 1.33x eliminates it for me.

Hi dhessel,

Thanks for the info and lens recommendations and advice. I'm inclined to agree with you. From what I've been reading (and seeing some examples), the 1.33x is less preferable.

IMO, ISCO integrated lens is good enough, even better than other 16x lens, except 16h.
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Hi Ken,

Thanks for the link, I'll go and have a read!

take your time and try to find a sankor 16c or sankor 16f or a kowa prominar 16s all small and nice optics.
try to buy at auction on ebay rather than buy it now if you are on a tight budget.

Hi Tony,

Many thanks for the lens recommendations and buying advice. Very much appreciated.

Best regards,

Leighton

Hi All,

 

I thought I'd better introduce myself to everyone.  You all seem a mostly friendly bunch here!

I will try not to bore you too much with my background.....

My name is Leighton and I'm from the UK (West Midlands).

I have had an mild obsession Photography for around 11 years, and 'Videography' for around 4-5 years now.

I'm not a professional Photographer or Filmmaker, having only done any real work on a few local projects such as multi-cam theatre productions, dance shows and the odd promotional video for local businesses.

 

Currently I use a canon 5D (MKII) and a variety of different Prime lenses (nothing too spectactular from 50mm up to 300mm - yes prime!) for both Photography and Videography projects.

I like tinkering with non-standard ways of using my equipment - my last project was an 8mm Cine to HD convertor (

).

 

However, recently, not having done much in the way of Video projects, I started looking at new ways I can capture video, and came across anamorphic lenses.

I love the look created by these lenses, and have seen a few tutorials on how to make my footage 'Look' anamorphic, however I really don't think it compares to the real thing - at least from the results I've seen.

 

All googling lead me to here, where I found the Anamorphic Guide, which I have purchased, read, and hopefully understood now.

I've also enquired via PM to a couple of guys on here regarding Lenses for sale, and I have to admit I was very shocked at how much they go for!

 

I'd love to be able to justify spending 000's on one of the top lenses, but as I don't do this kind of thing for a living, I not ever likely to re-coup the cost.

So really, the question I'm putting out there to you experts is, is there an 'entry-level', moderately priced, moderate quality lens make or model that exists, that one of you kind people could point towards please?

 

Best regards,

 

Leighton

Hi,

Did you sell this lens?

Regards,

Leighton

Hi there.

I'm new to this forum, and excited to get started on Anamorphic video! (Already bought and read the guide).
I'd love to see more pics/info of the equipment you're selling,
Do you have an idea of the price bracket?

Best regards,

Leighton