Ok, what other lenses should I get? at DVinfo.net

Dave Allen · August 2nd, 2013, 08:38 PM

I have a Zeiss 16-35 A-mount, which ends up being a 24-52 equivalent. I find the e-mounts don't autofocus worth a damn, and the A-mounts and LAE2 adapters focus far better.

I do have a large external monitor with focus peaking if I need to do manual focus, focus racking, etc.

My shooting needs are:

1. Very wide angle indoors/outdoors in extremely low light.
2. Outdoors not too distant in lower to very strong light
3. Macro indoors in low light
4. Macro outdoors in lower to very bright light.

What lenses would you recommend for 1-4 and why?

Thanks!

Dave Sperling · August 2nd, 2013, 09:41 PM

Since you already have the Alpha adapter, take a good look at the Zeiss 24-70 /2.8
I use it a lot on the FS700 and the image quality from it is excellent.
It is not my favorite lens for manual follow focussing, however. Focus throw is too short and feels a little mushy - maybe the gearing between the ring and the scale?
Also, be very careful if your large monitor is HDMI. The display lag on the hdmi output is enough that if you're trying to do a rack focus based on watching the monitor, by the time the monitor is in focus you've already racked past your distance! HD-SDI seems better for this...

Dave Allen · August 2nd, 2013, 10:27 PM

That Zeiss lens would make it s a 36-78 I think. I used a 3G-SDI cable for 7" external monitor.

Oren Arieli · August 2nd, 2013, 11:54 PM

The e-mount 16mm pancake lens at 2.8 is fast, small, light and focuses relatively quickly. Let's face it, a lens that wide shouldn't have issue focusing, even wide open.
My issue with the LA-EA2 is that you can't choose your focus point, so you're at the mercy of the camera. More often than not, I like to frame off-center, and that's not ideal for autofocus without face-tracking or focal point choice. When you engage/disengage the auto on the LA-EA2, it often will hunt or rack the focus motor, so it's terrible for live productions.
If you're using this for unmanned operation, I can understand the necessity for rock-solid auto focus performance, but I haven't found that to be the case with this camera and any lens. That is why my collection is mostly manual (or at least manually operated).

August 2nd, 2013, 08:38 PM	#1
Dave Allen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 497	Ok, what other lenses should I get? I have a Zeiss 16-35 A-mount, which ends up being a 24-52 equivalent. I find the e-mounts don't autofocus worth a damn, and the A-mounts and LAE2 adapters focus far better. I do have a large external monitor with focus peaking if I need to do manual focus, focus racking, etc. My shooting needs are: 1. Very wide angle indoors/outdoors in extremely low light. 2. Outdoors not too distant in lower to very strong light 3. Macro indoors in low light 4. Macro outdoors in lower to very bright light. What lenses would you recommend for 1-4 and why? Thanks! __________________ Dave -

August 2nd, 2013, 09:41 PM	#2
Dave Sperling Major Player Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Tinton Falls, NJ Posts: 780	Re: Ok, what other lenses should I get? Since you already have the Alpha adapter, take a good look at the Zeiss 24-70 /2.8 I use it a lot on the FS700 and the image quality from it is excellent. It is not my favorite lens for manual follow focussing, however. Focus throw is too short and feels a little mushy - maybe the gearing between the ring and the scale? Also, be very careful if your large monitor is HDMI. The display lag on the hdmi output is enough that if you're trying to do a rack focus based on watching the monitor, by the time the monitor is in focus you've already racked past your distance! HD-SDI seems better for this...

August 2nd, 2013, 10:27 PM	#3
Dave Allen Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 497	Re: Ok, what other lenses should I get? That Zeiss lens would make it s a 36-78 I think. I used a 3G-SDI cable for 7" external monitor. __________________ Dave -

August 2nd, 2013, 11:54 PM	#4
Oren Arieli Major Player Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 919	Re: Ok, what other lenses should I get? The e-mount 16mm pancake lens at 2.8 is fast, small, light and focuses relatively quickly. Let's face it, a lens that wide shouldn't have issue focusing, even wide open. My issue with the LA-EA2 is that you can't choose your focus point, so you're at the mercy of the camera. More often than not, I like to frame off-center, and that's not ideal for autofocus without face-tracking or focal point choice. When you engage/disengage the auto on the LA-EA2, it often will hunt or rack the focus motor, so it's terrible for live productions. If you're using this for unmanned operation, I can understand the necessity for rock-solid auto focus performance, but I haven't found that to be the case with this camera and any lens. That is why my collection is mostly manual (or at least manually operated).