Lens Talk

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I know there's a good amount of new DSLR shooters who haven't invested in ND filters yet, so here's a good example of the difference it can make to improve your DSLR video. To properly exposure on your DSLR you'll primarily be changing either Aperture or Shutter Speed. Since the majority of people love to shoot with a shallow depth of field (wide open aperture), changing the shutter speed is the only other option in bright days. This is where you could really compromise the video quality (unless you're going for that fast shutter look specifically). Get invested into some ND (neutral density) filters to cut down on the light so you can maintain that 'double framerate' rule.

To maintain the sharpest image possible, a single piece of ND glass is your best bet. The problem is that you need to have 1 filter for every sized lens, and you'll also need different densities according to the lighting. If you want to save time in swapping densities, you could get into Variable or Fader ND filters. These are adjustable filters that change densities as you rotate them giving you up to 9 stops in one single filter. Just be careful about the uber cheap ones. Here's a good article about those Variables http://cheesycam.com/variable-nd-filters-fader-filters/.

Here's a variable that i've been using with good results, but price has gone up a bit: http://cheesycam.com/nature-fader-nd-variable-neutral-density-filters/

Single Density ND Filter
find-price-button Single Density ND FIlters ND2, ND4, ND6, ND8

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find-price-button Adjustable Variable Density Fader ND Filters

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Thanks to an email from Matt, The Tokina 11-16mm is back in stock. This was my first 'Tokina' brand lens I picked up because of some excellent reviews and I admit this thing has become one of my favorite wide lenses for cropped cameras like the T2i, T3i, 60D, or 7D. It is possible to mount this lens to a Full Frame camera like the 5D Mark II, but only when it's zoomed out to it's 16mm. When used in that manner, this thing is wicked wide.

The Tokina 11-16mm is one of my favorite lenses for Flying with a Steadicam / Glidecam stabilizer (many others favor this lens too for flying). Unlike Canon's 10-22mm, the Tokina can also maintain a nice wide aperture of F/2.8 throughout it's range for low light imaging. The lens has a solid build and very sharp, so if you're missing this super wide range in your lens collection, this is definitely the lens to get (click here).

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find-price-buttonTokina 11-16mm F/2.8 for Canon, Nikon, and Sony cameras

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When Four thirds or Micro Four thirds cameras were first announced, they were quite limited in native Auto Focus lenses. Sure you can adapt other lenses, but the size and speed of having an actual four thirds lens can't be substituted. In the last few years, the MFT camera lineups have grown and so has the availability of different lenses.

Two new micro 4/3 Prime lenses that people are anxious to grab is the new 12mm F/2.0 (about 24mm) and the 45mm F/1.8 (about 90mm). If you're not too familiar, these lenses also work on the Panasonic GH1, GH2, GF2, G3 type cameras. It's all Micro Four Thirds. These new lenses fill in some of the gaps that have been missing in the lens lineups, and further reiterate that small mirrorless cameras are in demand. (Rumor is that Canon already has one in the pipeline).

12mm-olympus-mft
find-price-button M. Zuiko Digital ED 12 mm f/2.0 Lens

45mm-olympus
find-price-button M. Zuiko Digital ED 45 mm f/1.8 Lens

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A look at how the latest version CarrySpeed VFinder attaches to a Canon 60D with that swivel out screen. Right off the bat the metal frames might not line up perfectly, but they are easy to bend into position. If you want something super secure, I say permanently glue the sucker to the metal QR frame.

The 3:2 viewfinder fits perfectly on this Canon 60D and it is slightly slotted to fit the Canon T3i as well. The CarrySpeed viewfinders come with a Neoprene pouch, a Lanyard, Metal Frame, and the VFinder loupe. Not a bad deal for an important tool to help you set focus and dial in proper exposure (especially on those bright days). You might want to add some Anti Fog solution too.

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find-price-button Canon 60D / Canon T3i LCD ViewFinder Quick Frame

[Update] Also available via Amazon below
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find-price-button CarrySpeed LCD ViewFinder

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Rokinon 35mm F/1.4
find-price-button Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 For Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, Pentax

Just talking about how well reviewed the Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 lens was, and now here's a bit about the Rokinon 35mm F/1.4. First off, this is the same as the Samyang but since it's a different name, you'll save about $100 dollars off the retail price.

For Nikon, the Rokinon 35mm F/1.4 lens actually has a 'focus confirmation chip' built in. Why did they not include this for the other brands? The Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 comes in at an excellent price range, and I would say very affordable. This new 35mm F/1.4 sounds good, but it's going to have some very very stiff competition. In this area you could still get the wildly popular Sigma 30mm F/1.4 for cheaper, and that comes with full Auto Focus.

The Sigma 30mm F/1.4 has already been proven out in the field and is a very sharp lens for cheaper than than the Rokinon 35mm. The Sigma 30mm is just a tad wider, but that's a good thing especially for cropped cameras. If prices don't change, in my opinion the Sigma is the lens to get. A quick note to Micro Four Thirds shooters - the Sigma 30mm F/1.4 has been discontinued for Four Thirds cameras. If you're considering this for a GH2 (would need an FT to MFT adapter), there might be a few left in retail spots like Amazon Here, or check a few eBay Auctions Here.

Screen shot 2011-06-06 at 10.31.51 PM
find-price-button Sigma 30mm F/1.4

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Tamron 18-270mm

I don't know how Tamron has done it, but they made a great thing even better. There's a 'new' version of the 18-270mm Super Zoom lens. This lens might hold the record of longest zoom in a single lens, and this all includes Image Stabilization or as Tamron puts it VC - Vibration Compensation. I admit Tamron's VC is very very effective and much quieter than most of my Canon IS lenses.

This is a highly recommended lens by me when i'm looking to travel light on vacations. I get the best wide and super duper zoom features in a single lens (NOTE: not for full frame cameras). Below is a snapshot of my 60D with the original version of the Tamron 18-270mm.

Tamron-18-270-2Tamron-18-270-1

So what's great about the new version? New motors make the lens more silent and faster. Smaller too. Yes, as if they couldn't make a 270mm Lens any smaller, they've managed to cut down the whole package another 24%. Obviously this all translates to being even lighter than the original version too. I know, you're curious about Video quality. I loaned my original version out to a friend and had a hard time getting it back, he loved it so much. Here's a sample video below shot during his trip to China on the 'older' 18-270mm @24fps.

The Video above is a good example of how far this lens zooms out to, so that you can grab a few 'stolen shots' or use it for 'stealthy street photography' without your subjects even knowing. Now you're wondering about Photography. What is the difference in zoom from 18-270mm? Here's two examples I shot in a Museum, one at 18mm on a Canon 7D and the other at 270mm (handheld too - love the VC).


Above: Image shot on Canon 7D at 18mm


Above: Image shot on Canon 7D at 270mm

Overall this lens won't give you the most incredible shallow DOF as a single Prime lens would, but once you have it in your hands, it's hard to let go. The convenience of carrying a single lens with the amount of zoom range and very effective Image Stabilization makes this one of my favorites. And for the first time, this new lens version is now available in a Sony mount (not just Canon / Nikon).

Tamron 18-270mm
find-price-button Tamron 18-270mm Super Zoom with Vibration Compensation (a.k.a Image Stabilization)

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Another thumbs up review about the Rokinon 85mm F/1.4 Lens. I wrote an older article about these lenses found here: http://cheesycam.com/budget-manual-focus-85mm-f1-4-lens/. As you know Canon has an affordable F/1.8 lens, but according to Vimeo member Jared, the Rokinon would be a better choice for those who shoot only video. These lenses come rebranded between Rokinon, Bower, Samyang, Vivitar, and a few others. You might want to check pricing on each one as they will vary on the brand name. Some cheaper than others, but pretty much the same lens. Everything else you need to know is in the video above. [Thanks Jarrod]

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find-price-button Vivitar 85mm F/1.4 Manual Focus Lens

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find-price-button Vivitar 85mm F/1.4 Manual Focus Lens

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find-price-button Rokinon 85mm F1.4 Aspherical Lens for Canon (Black)

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Vimeo member Just Basl Productions gives us his opinion on the VF Prime LCD view finder. This is a 3" LCD View Finder, so it will crop a bit on a T2i, T3i, or Canon 60D if you choose to use it. It's not the cheapest LCD Viewfinder solution, but it's also not the most expensive. This one has received excellent reviews so far. The mount is the typical stick on plastic frame type, and optional frames can be purchased seperately.

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find-price-button Mounting Frame for VF Prime

You can find this under a few different names like 'VF Prime' or Seagull View Finder. Can be found on eBay here: VF Prime LCD View Finder for 3" Canon Nikon DSLR

Or also Available on Amazon here:
VF Prime
find-price-button VF Prime DSLR Camera LCD Viewfinder for 3" LCD