What are your favorite S16 lenses?

Michael Maier · May 2, 2005

What are your favorite S16 lenses? Primes and Zooms.

Michael Maier · May 2, 2005

Just because I'm thinking about getting into S16 and am looking at buying an Aaton. So I would like to get suggestions for nice lenses. I would like to know the very best zooms and primes and also the best bang for your buck options. I heard that C mounts are a cheaper option, with equally great glass, and it's really easy to mount them in an Aaton using an adapter.

I shoot video at the moment, but have been thinking of shooting S16 for a long time. I think now is a good time to start.

Thanks.

Rik Andino · May 3, 2005

I heard that C mounts are a cheaper option, with equally great glass,
And it's really easy to mount them in an Aaton using an adapter.

Thanks.

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You can forget about C-mounts if you're using an Aaton...

No said adaptor exist to convert an Aaton mount to C-mount.

I've asked around.

The very best S16 lens are ridiculously expensive to own

So I figure renting might be an easier option

If you really want to use the good glass.

Personally I really like the Canon 8-64 and the Cooke 10-50

I also like the converted Zeiss 10-100--the MK-II lens with the optex conversion.

Now if you're looking to purchase

You might be able to snag a 10-100 at an affordable price if you catch a deal.

Usually you can find them for cetain prices.

Zeiss 10-100mm T3 ($500 - $1500US)

Zeiss 10-100mm T2 MK-I ($1000 - $2500US)

Zeiss 10-100mm T2 MK-II ($1500 - $4000US)

Now if you're take into consideration the price of conversion is usally $2K

You can probably find a lens on the lowend for around $2500 - $3000US

As for primes I've only worked with Zeiss superspeeds.

If you're looking to rent the S4 I heard are awesome

And alot of people like the Zeiss Ultras

However if you're looking to purchase

An older MK-I set of Zeiss superspeeds can be had for around 5 grand

And you should also check out the Optar Illuminas which alot of people like.

Anyways you should do your research on all these lens

Because it'll pay off in the long run

And you'll be able to recognize deals alot quicker.

Eitherways

Good Luck

Michael Maier · May 3, 2005

Thanks for the info. I haven't decided yet between an Aaton LTR or an Arri SR I or II.Although I'm heavily inclined towards the Aaton. Is there a C to Arri/PL/Bayonet adapter? Would it be worth going for an Arri, if a C lens would be possible? Maybe I could get a better glass for the money on a C mount as they seem cheaper?

I have also seem many Augineux(sp?) and Schneider zooms and primes for cheaper. Are they any good?

What would be the disadvantages of getting a 16mm lens for a S16 camera?They are cheaper than S16 lenses.

Thanks.

David Mullen ASC · May 3, 2005

The lenses for 16mm and Super-16 are the same EXCEPT that some lenses don't quite cover the larger Super-16 frame; they vignette in the corners. Some of the zooms also have this problem, so you may need one of the zooms made for Super-16.

There are also a few lenses that may have trouble clearing the spinning mirror in some cameras due to their flange depth.

Robert Hughes · May 5, 2005

As David says, some cameras cannot accept C mount lenses. For instance, on a CP-16R a 25mm C mount lens will contact the mirror before focus is achieved.