20-120 or 25-250mm?

January 28, 2005

If you had to pick between either an angenieux 20-120 or a 25-250 as a general purpose lens, which would you go for and why? Seems the 20-120 clocks in a little faster than the 25-250.

I'm probably losing all of my old std-mount primes in a camera upgrade and am just trying to figure out what a good zoom for under $1000 would be. I must admit, I haven't found much need to be shooting anything in the longer focal lengths yet. (a 25-250mm is available for cheap rental if I ever really need to go longer). Any alternate suggestions? Anyone selling one?

Sean

Phil Rhodes · January 28, 2005

Hi,

Yikes, I wouldn't even expect a decent standard-def video zoom for US$ 1000, let alone for a higher resolution format! In general zooms with higher ratio will be slower and have poorer optical performance.

Phil

Stephen Williams · February 2, 2005

If you had to pick between either an angenieux 20-120 or a 25-250 as a general purpose lens, which would you go for and why? Seems the 20-120 clocks in a little faster than the 25-250.

I have bought both on E-Bay the 25-250 for $300 the 20-120 for GBP 125!

I think the 20-120 is quite good even wide open, most of Easy Rider was shot with one! I would choose this one.

The 25-250 is fairly soft wide open, but at 5.6-8 very sharp. I was able to cut between a Cooke S4! (There is no 250mm Cooke S4). As a general lens the minimium focus distance is way too far, I wouldn't want to use a diopter with this lens.

If you could spend $2000 then a Cooke 20-100 is a fantastic lens. I use one all the time for low budget shoots! This was the zoom of choice for 20 years!.

Stephen

February 3, 2005

If you could spend $2000 then a Cooke 20-100 is a fantastic lens. I use one all the time for low budget shoots! This was the zoom of choice for 20 years!.

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Thanks for the suggestion Stephen. Hmm, min focus of 2'4". Not too bad.

Stephen Williams · February 3, 2005

Thanks for the suggestion Stephen. Hmm, min focus of 2'4". Not too bad.

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At 100mm the Cooke is almost a macro lens as well, you can put Kodak Gelatine filters in the back so you don't need 6x6 filters! Its Great wide open T3.1/ f2.8. The focus marks have very wide spacing ! I would pop down to a rental house if you don't know the lens and check one out. Also your clients say wow it's a Cooke lens! Its the best money I have ever spent!

Stephen Williams

Lighting Cameraman

www.stephenw.com