Category: Review

product reviews from a technical and practical point of view

Accessories, Canon, Canon RF, Lenses, News, Opinion, Review

Canon VCM L Lenses for Filmmaking: A Complete Review for Hybrid Video Creators

by Frank Ramirez1 Comment on Canon VCM L Lenses for Filmmaking: A Complete Review for Hybrid Video Creators
Canon VCM L Lenses for Filmmaking: A Complete Review for Hybrid Video Creators

Canon has long been a trusted name in both photography and cinematography, but it’s been a while since we’ve highlighted any new releases from the brand. The last time we dove into their products, it was nearly two years ago, with the CN-E Flex Zoom lenses. Since then, Canon has been relatively quiet, especially as other brands have adapted to the mirrorless market. However, Canon recently launched the VCM L hybrid lenses, a series designed with promising features that could be particularly useful for video creators. The question is, how do they hold up for filmmaking, and more importantly, can they be Cine-Modded?

Continue reading “Canon VCM L Lenses for Filmmaking: A Complete Review for Hybrid Video Creators” →
Canon, News, Review

Canon’s New Zoom Now Shipping

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Canon’s New Zoom Now Shipping
Canon’s New Zoom Now Shipping

I haven’t been impressed with a 10x zoom since the original Angenieux 25-250mm HR. There are have been several attempts at reviving that focal length; the Fujinon 25-300mm, Arri Alura 45-250mm, even an Angenieux 25-250mm Optimo Style zoom. None of these lenses were bad, they just weren’t particularly good. So I didn’t want to get my hopes up when Canon announced their 25-250mm Cine-Servo. But now that I’ve had a chance to play with it and put it through its paces…

Continue reading “Canon’s New Zoom Now Shipping” →
Lens Guts, News, Review, Tutorial

The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test

by Matthew Duclos1 Comment on The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test
The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test

Yep. We did it again. Last year the folks at ShareGrid, Old Fast Glass, a brilliant, talented crew, and myself came together to test a wide variety of vintage lenses to give the cinematography world a sort of sampling, flight, if you will, of the various vintage lenses and what sort of characteristics you can expect with when using them. It’s been shared thousands of times and utilized in who knows how many pre-production meetings to determine the visual aesthetics as it pertains to lenses for a specific project.

So what’s next… ANAMORPHIC! The subject that baffles so many with a shroud of mystery. Optics designed to provide a wider field of view when bound by a specific format, fashioned by unsung geniuses from around the world – some a shining beacon of optical engineering superiority, and others a trophy of intentional flaw for the sake of introducing artifacts and characteristics that, to the average viewer, carries a subconscious nostalgia, lending honesty and legitimacy. But most importantly… They’re beautiful! Continue reading “The Ultimate Anamorphic Lens Test” →

Leica, Lenses, News, Review

Leica R Primes Done Right by Cinescope and TLS.

by Matthew Duclos9 Comments on Leica R Primes Done Right by Cinescope and TLS.
Leica R Primes Done Right by Cinescope and TLS.

Since the DSLR Revolution the Leica R primes have been the pinnacle of quality hybrid photo-cine prime lenses. Duclos Lenses has applied their Cine-Mod® to thousands of Leica R primes which brought a seamless focus gear, smooth  click-less aperture, common 80mm front rings and Canon EF mount. But we had never tackled the PL mount solution. There were a couple of Chinese modifications that brought PL mounts and larger, heavier housings to the R series. But it wasn’t until Cinescope teamed up with TLS in the UK to bring a proper, robust cine-style housing to the Leica R primes.  Continue reading “Leica R Primes Done Right by Cinescope and TLS.” →

Canon EF, Lenses, Review, Rokinon

A Closer Look at Rokinon’s New ‘Special Performance’ Line of Primes

by Matthew Duclos3 Comments on A Closer Look at Rokinon’s New ‘Special Performance’ Line of Primes
A Closer Look at Rokinon’s New ‘Special Performance’ Line of Primes

I know… Another Rokinon post. What can I say? They’re in high gear and don’t show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Samyang, the magicians behind the Rokinon line of photo and cinema lenses have another new line of primes. Several months ago they announced their native E-mount auto-focus lenses which I completely ignored since they don’t really interest me (google it if auto-focus E-mount primes interest you), but Rokinon has just begun shipping two primes in a new line they’re calling “Speical Performance” or “SP” for short. Currently, these two lenses consist of a 14mm f/2.4 and an 85mm f/1.2. I spent a few weeks with the new 85mm so let’s give that a closer look Continue reading “A Closer Look at Rokinon’s New ‘Special Performance’ Line of Primes” →

Leica, News, Review

Leica Macro-Lux Line Expands with +0.5 and +2 Diopters

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Leica Macro-Lux Line Expands with +0.5 and +2 Diopters
Leica Macro-Lux Line Expands with +0.5 and +2 Diopters

Leica announced the original +1 Macro-Lux Diopter last year and it has quickly become the go-to clamp-on diopter for a wide range of productions. If you didn’t catch the announcement at NAB 2016, I’ll recap for you really quickly… The Macro-Lux +1 is essentially a super high quality clamp-on diopter. If you’re not familiar with diopters, think of them as a very quick way to achieve closer focus than what’s normally possible. A +1 is a pretty standard magnification which is why Leica released this one first. Now you can achieve even greater artistic goals with the +0.5 and +2 Macro-Lux. Continue reading “Leica Macro-Lux Line Expands with +0.5 and +2 Diopters” →

Review, Tokina

Tokina’s Gateway to Cinema: The 11-16mm

by Matthew Duclos7 Comments on Tokina’s Gateway to Cinema: The 11-16mm
Tokina’s Gateway to Cinema: The 11-16mm

I’ve written about the Tokina 11-16mm many, many times. In fact, I was temporarily banned from REDUser years ago for backhandedly plugging the Duclos 11-16mm conversion – breaking the rules of the forum. I’ve since cleaned up my act (sort of). I speak often of the Duclos 11-16mm, and when I do, I always give credit to Tokina for making such a great product. I wanted to take a post here and acknowledge the original lens, it’s heritage, influence, and evolution over the past (nearly) decade.  Continue reading “Tokina’s Gateway to Cinema: The 11-16mm” →

Arri, Canon, Cooke, Duclos, Leica, News, Review, Zeiss

The Ultimate Vintage Lens Test

by 2 Comments on The Ultimate Vintage Lens Test
The Ultimate Vintage Lens Test

Over the course of two days, in a studio in Burbank, California, a band of self-proclaimed “lens geeks” set out to complete the ultimate vintage cinema lens test. The project first began as a collaboration between ShareGrid’s Brent Barbano, and Duclos Lenses’ own Matthew Duclos. Initially, Barbano and Duclos had been planning to complete a rather small-scale lens test with the industry’s most popular and widely used vintage lenses. However, upon approaching director and cinematographer Mark Lafleur to ask him to participate, they discovered that he too was getting ready to carry out his own vintage lens test. The two sides decided to join forces, and before long a whole team was assembled. With Lafleur and Barbano as Directors and Executive Producers, and Duclos as Lens Consultant, Kyle Stryker was brought on as Director of Photography. The team also came to include Camera Assistants Matthew Borek and Michelle Diaz, and Nick Ferriero as Editor. Continue reading “The Ultimate Vintage Lens Test” →

Accessories, Duclos, PL, Review

Field Test – Duclos 2x Extender

by Mark La FleurLeave a Comment on Field Test – Duclos 2x Extender
Field Test – Duclos 2x Extender

For many years now I have used 1.4x and 2x extenders with my still lenses for both photography and video, and I am familiar with their advantages as well as their shortcomings.  Since PL mount lenses have really become my gear of choice lately, I was in the market for a good PL mount 2x extender. I am now the happy owner of the Duclos 2x Extender and I wanted to take a minute to share my first impressions of it. Continue reading “Field Test – Duclos 2x Extender” →

News, Review, Rokinon

Rokinon Reveals Two New Xeen Primes

by Matthew Duclos7 Comments on Rokinon Reveals Two New Xeen Primes
Rokinon Reveals Two New Xeen Primes

Not even six months ago, Rokinon announced a new line of cinema prime lenses deemed Xeen. This new prime lens set consisted of a 24mm, 50mm, and 85mm – intended to compete with the likes of Zeiss, Schneider, and Canon in terms of tech specs, features, and image quality. But there was no competition when it came to price. The Xeen primes halved the price of any of the aforementioned brands with little to no compromise elsewhere. Rokinon has filled in the obvious gaps with a 35mm T1.5 and a 14mm T3.1. Continue reading “Rokinon Reveals Two New Xeen Primes” →

Review, Zeiss

Phil Holland Takes The Otus Trio Out For A Spin

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Phil Holland Takes The Otus Trio Out For A Spin
Phil Holland Takes The Otus Trio Out For A Spin

Phil Holland, a friend and Zeiss Embassador, recently published an article on Zeiss’ cleverly titled blog – LENSPIRE. The post explores the conditions in which Phil finds himself needing the absolute best image quality possible, and how the Zeiss Otus primes allow him to achieve his vision. With an ever growing line up, 28mm f/1.4, 55mm f/1.4, and 85mm f/1.4, the Otus line continues to set the bar for photographers and cinematographers alike. Continue reading “Phil Holland Takes The Otus Trio Out For A Spin” →

News, Review, Rokinon, Tutorial

Rokinon, Cine, Cine DS, and Xeen – What’s The Difference?

by Matthew Duclos14 Comments on Rokinon, Cine, Cine DS, and Xeen – What’s The Difference?
Rokinon, Cine, Cine DS, and Xeen – What’s The Difference?

As with many lens manufacturers, Rokinon tapped into a market they may or may not have anticipated and as a result, their product line evolved along with user demand. The same thing happened with Zeiss when they realized that we were modifying their ZF line of lenses for cinema use. Back at headquarters in Germany, a quick visit to the engineering department and, BAM! Compact Primes. So what’s the difference between the Rokinon Cine, Cine DS, and Xeen primes? Is one better than the other? Why the big price difference? Should I sell my Cine lenses and get the DS lenses? Let’s take a more in-depth look at the line and try to answer these questions. Continue reading “Rokinon, Cine, Cine DS, and Xeen – What’s The Difference?” →

Micro 4/3, Review, Rokinon, veydra, Voigtlander

Micro 4/3 Wide Angle Comparo

by Matthew Duclos6 Comments on Micro 4/3 Wide Angle Comparo

wide angle comparo

Here’s a quick one for ya.
Veydra just began shipping the 12mm Mini Prime which completes the full set. I’ve had some time to play with it and I have to say it’s impressive considering it’s wide angle nature and the fact that it’s coming out of China. Like I said in previous posts with the other Veydra Mini Primes, these are probably the only Chinese lenses that I enjoy using. But how does it stack up to a few other options? Continue reading “Micro 4/3 Wide Angle Comparo” →