At A Glance: Rokinon VDSLR Lenses

The “V” is for video

By Neil Matsumoto

Large-sensor cameras, especially video-enabled DSLRs with APS-C or full-frame sensors, have changed low-budget filmmaking forever. Like HD or 24p capture, the ability to use fast prime lenses to capture cinematic shallow depth of field was a huge breakthrough for filmmakers used to shooting with camcorders that contained 1⁄3-inch CCDs and fixed zoom... Read more

At A Glance: Hang On To Your EF Lenses

Redrock Micro’s LiveLens MFT

By Neil Matsumoto

The Panasonic AG-AF100 was the first large-sensor camcorder to hit the market, and because of its ability to capture full 1920×1080 HD to SD cards, 4⁄3-inch image sensor and relatively low price point ($4,995), the camera quickly became popular with indie filmmakers. Now that the video industry has shifted toward large CMOS sensors in hopes... Read more

At A Glance: Go Wide

The Canon EF 8-15mm ƒ/4L fisheye zoom lens

By David Willis

Most of us are familiar with the distorted 180° angle of view that a fisheye presents. Similar to the peephole of a door, a foreground subject close to the lens will appear much closer and larger than the background, while the background will curve in an exaggerated distortion. The possibilities of the complete 180º field of view provided by a... Read more

Through The DSLR Looking Glass

Choosing the right lens package for your DSLR

By Dan Brockett

Many months after the introduction of innovative detachable-lens video cameras like Sony’s NEX-FS100U and Panasonic’s AG-AF100, digital single-lens-reflex cameras like the Canon EOS 5D Mark II and EOS 7D and Nikon’s new D7000 continue to enjoy robust sales among video shooters. Why? Undoubtedly, some of it’s simply economics.... Read more

Prime Time

In part two of our new lens report, we look at the latest prime lenses designed for both film and digital cameras

By Andrew Takeuchi

The past year has seen an avalanche of new lenses. Some of this development can be attributed to the exponential growth in the field of digital motion-picture cameras, with new products from RED and ARRI, as well as the explosion of HD DSLRs, which are being used in professional applications, including music videos, television, commercials and even... Read more

Optics Within Reach

Priced-to-purchase lenses join the digital cinema revolution

By Jim Matlosz

Many people will argue that it’s not so much what’s behind the camera, in terms of capture medium or format, but what you put in front of the camera in the way of lenses that matters most. And while this debate rages on the set, fodder for these arguments is being offered annually by those who set the standard for high-quality glass. Motion-picture... Read more