Asked to put together a 5D2 Video Package..

[aroundlsu]

So the commercial video production company I contract for finally decided to jump into the DSLR video world. We currently use a JVC GY-HD200 for the bulk of our work and occasionally rent Panasonic Varicams for larger productions. Twice we have rented a Red One. I have been begging for a 5D2 for a year but I think the unprofessional look of the camera when compared to Varicams and Red Ones kept them from seriously considering it.

Anyway, they changed their minds and asked me to put together a wish list. Look it over for me and let me know what you think. I am recommending the Zeiss lenses since they won't be needing autofocus capability. We need a matte box since (as far as I am aware) the Zeiss lenses don't come with lens hoods and I like to use square ND filters anyway. Plus it might ramp up the look of the camera a bit.

We need XLR microphone inputs, so I found this box that attaches to the 5D. Not sure how well it really works.

Follow focus rails would be nice, but I haven't been able to find a decent set for under $3,000.

1. 5D Mark II Body
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583953-REG/Canon_2764B003_EOS_5D_Mark_II.html

2. Wide Prime Lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/655184-REG/Zeiss_1762848_Distagon_T_21mm_f_2_8.html

3. Normal Low Light Prime Lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583975-REG/Zeiss_1677817_Normal_50mm_f_1_4_ZE.html

4. Portrait/Interview Low Light Prime Lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/583976-REG/Zeiss_1677838_Telephoto_85mm_f_1_4_ZE.html

5. XLR Pack
http://www.adorama.com/VDBDXA5D.html

6. Batteries (at least 4)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590459-REG/Canon_3347B001_LP_E6_Rechargeable_Lithium_Ion_Batt ery.html

7. Battery Grip
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/590457-REG/Canon_3353B001_BG_E6_Battery_Grip.html

8. Matte Box
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/483764-REG/Cokin_CZ360_Matte_Box_Model_Z360.html

9. ND, Polarizing, and Black Frost Filters for Matte Box
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255667-REG/Schneider_68884401_4x4_Filter_Kit_Consists.html#fe atures

[Trey T]

21mm is a bit too wide for my taste on the 5DII, IMO. we have 20mm and 24mm but the 24mm is perfect on the 5D. it matches really well w/ other focal range. when you ahve it too wide, the footage is distorted when you pan and will become very noticeable when you go from cut to cut. you might be able to make it work but these sensor are so large.

canon lens vs Zeiss, I would pick canon lens over zeiss any day. cheaper and gets the job done. the focus ring is the same on the zeiss, to the right is infinity and to the left is macro. this is important when you pick your follow focus.

[aroundlsu]

My reasoning on using the Zeiss glass is it has manual aperture controls and real manual focusing as opposed to focus by wire on some canon glass. When I shoot video I like having the iris control at my fingertips instead of having to dial it in on the camera.

Now maybe there is some old school Canon MF glass I could use? Anything 1.4 or wider?

[JohnJH]

list looks good. i'd lose the battery grip though. is the half second inconvenience of changing batts worth a couple hundred dollars?

[JohnJH]

also consider a different audio setup. if you go with a portable field recorder, you can use it like the beachtek when needed, and also utilize it as a second system field recorder if you need to distance the camera from the sound source.

that said, i happen to be selling my zoom h4n field recorder with 2 xlr inputs here:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=190896

[Trey T]

it make sense to use MF lenses on T1i bc of the automatic exposure. however, if you have manual exposure(5DII and 7D) and the controller is at the rotary wheel and it displays the f/stop on-screen, it's a better way, IMO.

95% of our lenses are either Nikon glass w/ aperture ring or other MF lenses, and we wish we can afford to shoot w/ Canon L glass. Canon L glass are made for extremely high resolution for photography and it's a much more critical than the puny resolution of today's HD resolution.

having the AF and onscreen display of the aperture is a convenience you do NOT want to pass up. At one point in time when I just wish I can have AF to take some stills. it's one of those convenience.

Zeiss glass is just a big hype, IMO. Just bc those indie filmmaker uses Zeiss, doesn't mean it's better on these DSLR.