News

It’s Coming! The New Zeiss 55mm f/1.4… Otus?

by Matthew Duclos11 Comments on It’s Coming! The New Zeiss 55mm f/1.4… Otus?

Otus_ZFZeiss has officially released all of the details around their elite new line of lenses which they are calling Otus. Otus? That’s almost as weird as Touit. But with the kind of specs and image quality Zeiss has been touting with this new line of lenses, I don’t care what they call it. The 55mm f/1.4 is the first prime lens to be released this coming November and if Zeiss can stick to the extremely high manufacturing tolerances and quality required for such a lens, I think everyone will want one of these in their kit.

It’s going to be available in the ZF.2 (Nikon F) and ZE (Canon EF) mount just like the former ZF.2/ZE lenses. Again, the ZE version will not have a manual aperture ring but the ZF.2 version will. Duclos Lenses will be offering the full Cine-Mod and possibly the same great Leitax Canon EF mount for the ZF.2 version so that you can have the beautiful de-clicked aperture ring on your Canon EF mount camera. It makes perfect sense that Zeiss started with the 55mm focal length as it’s considered the “normal” field of view for 35mm full frame cameras (and if we’re being honest, the 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2/ZE is the weakest link in the older model line-up and deserves the refresh the most).

If you haven’t heard about why the new Otus line of lenses is so desirable, you should check out the post here. Zeiss is really talking up the superb image quality of these new lenses which are setting my expectations very high with quotes like:

…the new ZEISS Otus 1.4/55 offers ambitious photographers who do not accept any compromises in image quality…

Our goal was to bring the best standard lens for SLR cameras onto the market. The Otus 1.4/55 delivers outstanding sharpness and contrast rendition all the way into the corners of the image.

If you’re already aware of this amazing lens, Duclos Lenses is accepting Pre-Orders which should be available November 2013. As soon as these beauties begin rolling in, I assure you I’ll be taking one out for some stress testing. Exciting.

News, Review

The Image Circle Database Is Back!

by Matthew Duclos23 Comments on The Image Circle Database Is Back!

Tired of guessing which lenses will and won’t cover a specific sensor? Stress no more, I’ve revised the Image Circle Database that so many of you have been asking for. It’s an ongoing project that I update periodically as lenses come through the shop (there’s a lot of them). With the rate that manufacturers are designing and releasing new lenses, this database will be updated as a downloadable PDF often. If there is a specific lens you would like researched for image circle, please list it below in the comments. The Database is going to stick to primarily cinema lenses or at least those used for cinema often. Check out the details below. Continue reading “The Image Circle Database Is Back!” →

News

Schneider Adds More Xenon Focal Lengths Ahead of Launch

by Matthew Duclos8 Comments on Schneider Adds More Xenon Focal Lengths Ahead of Launch

20130915-141807.jpg

What’s The Big Deal?

Schneider has, quite possibly, the most anticipated new cinema prime lenses soon to be available. Announced and revealed April 2013, the original set of three Schneider Xenon-FF primes which included at 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm, all with a consistent T-stop of 2.1, the Xenons are unique in that they are purpose built cinema prime lenses with a 35mm (24x36mm) format coverage at a very attractive price around $4k per lens. Feedback for the initial three was well received by Schneider with a return promise of more focal lengths. The initial three lenses are due to begin shipping Q4 2013, just a few months away, and Schneider already announced their follow-up focal lengths including a 25mm and 100mm, both T2.1. The two new primes offer an excellent complete set of primes all at T2.1 with excellent size and weight, not to mention Arri PL, Canon EF, or Nikon F mount. Schneider also hinted at a few more focal lengths to come including a macro and other focal lengths. This set of five primes is sure to be a hit among professional operators looking to own their own set of cinema prime lenses. Perhaps the perfect transition lenses for those coming from DSLR cinematography, and even those looking for a professional set of primes that doesn’t weigh a ton. Continue reading “Schneider Adds More Xenon Focal Lengths Ahead of Launch” →

Uncategorized

There Is No Perfect Lens

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on There Is No Perfect Lens
18-80While browsing my usual blogs, I came across a great article written by Roger Cicala of LensRentals.com. Roger is probably one of the few people who sees more lenses come through his office than myself. LensRentals.com not only stocks and rents an impressive range of optics, but also sees multiples quantities of each lens. This gives Roger and his team a great perspective on how well a lens can and should perform. To sum up the article, Roger is basically showing us why we can’t expect perfection from every lens, even if the manufacturer has some great MTF chart that shows how great a lens can perform, you may not always get the golden ticket. While his article focuses mostly on manufacturing tolerances and quality variation of still photo lenses, he notes several times throughout the article the high standards to which motion picture lenses are held to and why such lenses are priced significantly higher than their still photo cousins. Give the article a read, gain what you can from it, and appreciate the effort and tolerances motion picture lens makers go through in the design, manufacturing, and assembly of such exotic lenses. You can continue reading the article below or view the original article on the LensRentals.com blog here.

Continue reading “There Is No Perfect Lens” →

Uncategorized

Angenieux to Introduce New 25-250mm 10x Zoom at IBC (UPDATED)

by Matthew Duclos2 Comments on Angenieux to Introduce New 25-250mm 10x Zoom at IBC (UPDATED)

Angenieux recently revealed their 56-152mm S2 Optimo Anamorphic Zoom at NAB which was a welcome addition to the currently lacking offering of anamorphic zoom lenses. Angenieux still hasn’t released a single S2 56-152mm zoom but is already introducing yet another lens.

thales-invitaion-ibc2_r1_c1This new lens will be an addition to the Optimo DP series which is Angenieux’s more affordable range of professional zoom lenses. According to sources, this will be a NEW 25-250mm similar to the beloved classic 25-250mm HR. Hang tight for more specs such as speed and format coverage during IBC 2013, September 13th.

UPDATE

Angenieux did in fact announce their newest addition to the Optimo DP series, a 25-250mm T3.5. The lens looks like it could be a great hit given the classic focal length with modern optics and mechanics. Coverage will reach out to a 31.5mm image circle, just enough to cover most Super35 format cameras. The lens isn’t too heavy weighing in around 16lbs, available in PL, PV, Nikon, and Canon mount. Price is set right around $50,000, scheduled to begin shipping Fall 2014. It’s never too early to pre-order. 

News

Zeiss Reveals 15-30mm T2.9 Wide-Angle CZ.2 Lens

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Zeiss Reveals 15-30mm T2.9 Wide-Angle CZ.2 Lens

ZEISS Objektiv-Premieren auf der IBC Show 2013 | ZEISS Lens Premieres at IBC Show 2013Just ahead of IBC, Zeiss revealed their expected wide-angle Compact Zoom lens which fills out the CZ.2 line of lenses, which now offers coverage from 15mm all the way to 200mm  with just three zoom lenses. Zeiss goes on to detail a few features of the new zoom such as it’s compatibility with the other CZ.2 zooms in terms of color matching and performance, as well as it’s 35mm full frame coverage and interchangeable mount system. The speed of the zoom is a T2.9 which matches the other two zoom in the set, the 28-80mm and 70-200mm. Zeiss mentions a release date of April 2014 for this lens. Let’s hope they can keep up with demand. The 28-80mm which was supposed to begin shipping in June 2013 has yet to make a public appearance. Check out the complete article from Zeiss which also provides some details of their upcoming Master Anamorphic 100mm. Original Article > 

News

Zeiss Makes No Compromises

by Matthew Duclos5 Comments on Zeiss Makes No Compromises

zeissUPDATE: Pre-Order Here!

Zeiss has spent the last three years working on a new line of high-end SLR lenses that many shooters are getting very excited about. The first lens to be released will be the 55mm f/1.4 – a perfect place to start considering the lacking results of the current 50mm f/1.4 ZF.2/ZE. They aren’t meant to replace the current line of ZF.2/ZE primes, but to offer an even higher level of quality. Zeiss claims that this new line of lenses will be unrivaled.

In this phase, all the details have to be right,” explains Casenave. “The variations in optical quality should be almost zero: every customer has to get exactly the same quality level. Also, in the product design there are a number of minor details that should be optimized. They are truly minor, but they make the difference to a standard product. Here again there should be nearly no variation from production.

In terms of still photo lenses, that’s a pretty believable claim. But stacking these new high-end primes up against the likes of motion picture optics such as Leica Summilux-C and Zeiss Master Primes will be a true test once they are available. Duclos Lenses will be very anxious to apply the Cine-Mod™ process to these new beauties as soon as they are available. Be sure to check back often for delivery and pricing updates. Read the entire blog post from Zeiss here.

UPDATE: PRE-ORDER HERE!

News, Review

Erik Naso Goes Hands-On With Canon’s Cinema Primes

by Matthew Duclos1 Comment on Erik Naso Goes Hands-On With Canon’s Cinema Primes

Erik Naso did a nice write-up and video on the Canon CN-E prime lenses that includes a lot of facts and some useful opinions. I agree with pretty much everything he has to say about the Canon CN-E primes so check out his perspective. If this video doesn’t convince you that the Canon cinema primes are a great option, swing by Duclos Lenses to try them for yourself.

Read the complete review from Erik Naso here.

Tutorial

2013 Cine Prime Lens Buyers Guide

by Matthew Duclos13 Comments on 2013 Cine Prime Lens Buyers Guide
Cooke Mini S-4i • Zeiss CP.2 Compact Prime • Canon CN-E Prime
Cooke Mini S-4i • Zeiss CP.2 Compact Prime • Canon CN-E Prime

So you bought a new Sony F5 or even better, an F55. Or you’re upgrading from a 5D to a C100 or C300. You’re Red Epic needs some better glass for the upcoming Dragon sensor. Regardless, congrats. Now you need some lenses to get the best performance out of your new camera. But where do you start? I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but there’s a new camera almost every month these days. Sensor tech continues to improve and grow. However, lenses are a lifetime investment. Unless you jumped on the 2/3″ train and bought some lenses that are useless now you may have also noticed that a set of, now vintage, classic Zeiss Super Speeds is still $50k and they’re almost 40 years old!!! Let’s explore some options that won’t break the bank and still give you some amazing performance. Continue reading “2013 Cine Prime Lens Buyers Guide” →

News

Zeiss Drops Wide-Angle Zoom Hints

by Matthew Duclos7 Comments on Zeiss Drops Wide-Angle Zoom Hints

new CZ.2

Compact Zooms

Zeiss discontinued their 15.5-45mm Lightweight Zoom (LWZ.2) about three months ago. This LWZ was a great range and a decent speed for hand-held and Steadicam work but it didn’t match up well with the design or build of the new Compact Zooms (CZ.2). Zeiss released the 70-200mm T2.9 Compact Zoom a few months back and has been slow to deliver since it’s release. The lens is an excellent tele-zoom that will be comfortable for shooters coming from DSLRs who loved their Canon, Nikon, Tamron, Sigma, Sony… Take your pick – just about every lens manufacturer makes a 70-200mm Tele-zoom. The 70-200mm performs very well at all focal lengths (review coming soon) which has left it in very high demand. Continue reading “Zeiss Drops Wide-Angle Zoom Hints” →

News

Fujinon Fills Out Cabrio Family

by Matthew Duclos4 Comments on Fujinon Fills Out Cabrio Family

14-28mm-FujiFujinon has been making some progress with their Cabrio line of professional lenses. With some very steep competition from Canon and Zeiss in terms of sub-$50k cinema zoom lenses, Fujinon’s Cabrio series are a great option with the included zoom rocker and relatively light-weight. The Cabrio line started with the 19-90mm T2.9 and was joined by the 85-300mm T2.9 shortly thereafter. With a large number of users who are looking for that slightly wider field of view thanks to the 5D and the larger sensor in full-frame cameras, Fujinon announced the 14-28mm T2.9 Cabrio during NAB 2013.

Continue reading “Fujinon Fills Out Cabrio Family” →

News, Uncategorized

Proper Maintenance Is Critical For New Lenses

by Matthew DuclosLeave a Comment on Proper Maintenance Is Critical For New Lenses

Duclos Lenses recently announced a now program that offers customers the ability to bring their equipment in anytime for what is essentially routine check-up and maintenance. Any lens purchased from Duclos Lenses is eligible for two years from the date of purchase at no additional cost to the customer. This is great for users who shoot in harsh climates or rough conditions since they can simply bring their lens in to Duclos Lenses after a shoot and have it cleaned up, back-focus checked and calibrate, and evaluated for any potential damage done during the shoot. It’s like having your own personal lens tech to inspect your gear before and/or after every shoot. Considering Duclos Lenses has been servicing lenses for over a decade and has over 100 years of combined motion picture lens service experience, this is just another reason why Duclos Lenses is the premiere destination for professional motion picture optics. Continue reading “Proper Maintenance Is Critical For New Lenses” →

News, Snaps

NAB 2013 Rolling Update

by Matthew Duclos5 Comments on NAB 2013 Rolling Update

DSCF7048NAB 2013 is officially underway. Aubrey and I have begun scouring the show floor for interesting new bits of information pertaining to cinematography and more specifically, lenses. I’ll be dividing this post by manufacturer and will continue to update throughout the show. If you have any tips, please feel free to email them to me and I’ll go check out the details and see if I can get specific details from manufacturer reps. Enjoy! Continue reading “NAB 2013 Rolling Update” →