Recommended zoom lenses for 16 mm

[David Owen James]

I'm interested in hearing your recommendations for zoom lenses. What lens do you like to use and why?

[Matej Pok]

Hi,

 

I use Zeiss 10-100mm T2 and Angenieux 9,5-57mm T1.8-2.4 H.E.C.

They are both very good - stopped down (f4) as good as prime lenses.

 

Zeiss breathes a bit and has got longer minimum focus distance (1.5m).

 

Angenieux has warmer color rendition, has got very good controlled breathing and good minimum focus (0.6m) also it´s usuful for macro.

 

I used to shoot also with Angenieux 12-120mm T2.4, which is good for "old look", but I´d stay away from it for serious work.

 

When you´re buying Angenieux, try to find one with as bigger serial number as possible. Especially 1.4xx.000 series. They are from beggining of 90´s.

 

Are you planning to use it on Super16 or standard ?

[Dom Jaeger]

The Canon 8-64 is another very good 16mm zoom, which covers S16. The Zeiss 11-110 is the S16 version of their 10-100.

 

The nicest I've come across though, is the Cooke 10.4-52 Varokinetal, a S16 version of the earlier 9-50. The Cooke 10-30 is another beauty, if you can find one.

[Kip Kubin]

I use a Cooke 9-50 lens.

 

I did buy it for 16mm but I do use it quite a bit for 2k on RED/EPIC/SCARLET...here's a screen grab.... T4 This should give you a good idea of sharpness and contrast on dark and light skin.

 

 

I should be getting my first 16mm transfers with the lens in a week or so...I'll post a screen grab from those so you can get a visual idea of the lens when shooting film.

Edited November 30, 2011 by Kip Kubin

[Matej Pok]

I use a Cooke 9-50 lens.

 

I did buy it for 16mm but I do use it quite a bit for 2k on RED/EPIC/SCARLET...here's a screen grab.... T4 This should give you a good idea of sharpness and contrast on dark and light skin.

 

 

I should be getting my first 16mm transfers with the lens in a week or so...I'll post a screen grab from those so you can get a visual idea of the lens when shooting film.

 

Hi Kip,

please, could you describe Cooke regarding - flare, breathing, close focus and sharpness wide open ? And what is its front diameter ?

 

Thanks for information.

 

I should probably upload screen shots of my lenses, too :rolleyes:

[Kip Kubin]

Cooke 9-50

 

 

Close Focus 1 '6"

 

Little to no breathing.

 

Prone to flairs...I always use a french flag when shooting without a Matte Box

 

It is sharp and acceptable wide open.

 

Front diameter is 83mm

 

Covers Super 16mm at about 17mm on

[Matej Pok]

Cooke 9-50

 

 

Close Focus 1 '6"

 

Little to no breathing.

 

Prone to flairs...I always use a french flag when shooting without a Matte Box

 

It is sharp and acceptable wide open.

 

Front diameter is 83mm

 

Covers Super 16mm at about 17mm on

 

Thanks a lot!

 

These information are very useful.