Hello!
I’m new to anamorphic shooting but I’ve been researching for the last 8 months to trying make a decision. Hoping for a recommendation. Here’s my situation:
I shoot on RED and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K. I work with mid-budget clients, mostly with Canon Cinema lenses and a great set of vintage Canon FDs (which I love!). Most of my projects are simple commercials and corporate videos though a few times a year I get a project where I think anamorphics would be ideal. I also live in a location where rentals are really inconvenient and time consuming to pick up, so that isn’t ideal. A purchase really is my best bet.
Because I’d be using the lens or adapter on paid, mid-budget work they may or may not be run-and-gun, I’d like something that is sharp, with nice pronounced flares and single focus. Weight isn’t a huge factor.
One more thing, I have a potential project with a generous budget that would cover most of the cost of one new Xelmus or Atlas Orion lens, or a nice Iscorama or something. The third option would be a full set of Ironglass anamorfakes.
Having not used anything, I’d love to hear other people’s opinions on my situation. The idea of a full lens is appealing, but I couldn’t afford a full set, so perhaps a really nice adapter with some diopters and use my Canon FDs as taking lenses? The Ironglass anamorfakes seem like a good option- easy to use and fairly inexpensive so I could get a full set. I’m just not sure if they are suitable for client work.
My apologies for the long post. Any thoughts are welcome!