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zoom recommendations


Brad Grimmett

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A DP that I am working with next week just called me and asked me what zooms I like to work with when on steadicam. I didn't have a good answer for him because I'm used to using primes in 35mm. I very rarely work with zooms in 35mm. He was asking specifically about a Cooke that he said weighed 13 lbs., and if it would be OK. I told him that I'd like to find something lighter, but didn't have any specific recommendations. Are there any zooms that any of you like, as far as weight and length go? I'd like to help him, as well as myself. All we are getting for the job are zooms. No primes at all. Which sucks, but what can you do.... The zoom he was asking about was 14mm on the wide end, so something comparable to that would be nice to find.

Any help is appreciated. The camera is a 435 I believe.

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Brad,

 

Hey man, how goes it? The Cooke 20-60 is decent. Newer alternatives include one by Century - it is very small and light. I think it is a 2:1 (maybe 16-32??? Can't recall, but VERY light with a fabulous minimal focus - Google it).

 

If you can talk them into the Pana-Camp, Panavision makes two light wights zooms for Steadicam. The first is a 27-68 (T2.8 with a 3' minimal focus) and the LWII which is 17.5-34 (also a T2.8 with a fabulous minimal focus - I think 1.5').

 

Say no to anything bigger because you'll end up having to fly support rods too!

 

Cheers,

 

Okay, just looked up the Century. Here is the info:

http://www.centuryoptics.com/products/film...enses/index.htm

I used the 17 to 35 on a show once and it was fine. I see now that they have a longer one too. PL mount.

Edited by Alec Jarnagin
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Thanks Alec. Boy I wish we were using one of those. I don't know what we're gonna have yet, but it's probably not gonna be fun. I wish it were a Panavision job so I could get one of their lightweight zooms. Foiled again! I guess I'll just have to dock a little more often. I'll keep those lenses in mind for the future.

Thanks for the info.

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I think there are some good zoomlenses from Elite (russian made?)

 

Specially for hand-held/steadicam use and there must be some sets available in US.

 

 

Cannot find any info it though.... :(

 

 

Available from Slow-Motion, Inc. in LA. Brad, see my comments on this lens on the Cinematography forum in response to your post there. I believe it is 25-80mm.

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