Buying a 5D – but what lenses should I get for video?

[Fred Robinson]

Check out this similar thread…

https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/280/3541

I’d recommend the 50mm f1.4.
But, of course, it depends on what you are mainly going to be shooting.

[Bob Dix]

Hi Claus,
We have been using a 5D mark II for 18 months, the 24-70 F2.8 mm L seriies lens Ef Pro is too heavy and not image stablised.Great for stills. We have used a 28-135mm Image stabilised lens EF great for wide angle and you can get in far enough for travel stuff. If you do not use a tripod and no image stablization you will have movement problems. But, what stunning video and stills.

It has become a prime lens for us, we used to use 35-350mm it is just not needed.Run the 5d at 1/50 sec on PAL 25fps in video exposere mode and you cannot go wrong, But, you will need a stereo mike, we use a RODE X/Y Condensor other wise you will pick up IS noise etc.

Ps., You will need a i7 Quad Core 64 bit computer with Raid 0 plus approved video card , see Adobe for minimum requirements for editing H.264 mov files at 1920 x 1080p from this camera other wise you are going to have editing issues ??????????

You do not need a fast lens on this camera as the ISO setting can be set at automatic , and believe me you do not need additional lights to do fashion or art galleries, the result is broadcast quality.

As this camera runs at 38.5 MB/s you will need a SanDisk or equivalent CF card at 45-60MB/s UDMA for 1080P for smooth running.

Incidentally all the Canon Lens can be manually adjusted, I like you ,like the “old way’ of doing things like depth of field etc.But, setting the camera to Shutter Priority @ 1/50sec is the only way to go for smoothist video.https://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2326
Freelance Imaging & Video
AUSTRALIA

[Claus Frederiksen]

Bob,

Thank you very much. Extremely helpfull. But, hvor do you ajust the iris/aperture on that lens?

Fred, Brilliant link. Thank you…

Kind regards from Denmark,

Claus Frederiksen
http://www.frederiksenproductions.dk

[Bob Dix]

Hi Claus,

The lens Canon EF 28-135mm F3.5-5.6 IS USM can be set in AV : Aperture-Priority AE mode from the camera, electronically very effectively. You set the desired aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed automatically. Bear in mind that the ISO speed can be set automatically 100-3200 and also expandable to ISO 25800 (HZ).

I must stress that you should attempt to maintain the shutter at 1/50,1/60 or 1/125 sec for smooth operation.As the CMOS sensor of this camera is some 10 times the size of a consumer camcorder and may be 3 times the size of a 3 CCD Pro camcorder and generates hugh H.264 mov clips in 1920 x1080p High definition movie Mode. And there may be some “pixel shift at higher speeds”.

All operations for the camera can be set manually.

You would be advised to check out all the reviews from Canon and elsewhere for further information.

As I mainly do still images , this is the camera for me. And it does professional HD video, but, If I was doing pure video I would choose one of Canon’s Professional Video cameras because of the advantages of motorised zoom and better handling.etc.

Regardless of that I love using the 5D Mark II, especially for its intercahngeable lens system and amazing exposure range.
The stills are as good as or better than Hasselblad’s medium format ?

The video in PAL is equvalent or better than broadcast in Australia.

Freelance Imaging & Video
AUSTRALIA

[Claus Frederiksen]

Hi Bob,

I need the camera for video, 98% of the time. I have seen some stuff on vimeo and on TV, shot on that camera that was unbelievable. “House” and “24”in the US, is entirely shot with that camera. Loads of high end commercials in Europe also. Problem with “traditional video cameras is, well – they look like video. Even after some great color grading etc. I currently work with the 2100e P2 1080i from Panasonic. Great camera, but very much “video”. I need something that will give me a lot more DOF, and the option of putting better lenses on – for the that “film look”…

I will edit, and transcode, in Pro Ress!

The reason for manual iris, is because I need to be able to change it – fast. Im looking at Zacuto and Cavison rigs as we speak, for the 5D. Lenses to morrow 🙂

Kind regards from Denmark,

Claus Frederiksen
http://www.frederiksenproductions.dk

[Bob Dix]

I agree , I have seen “HOUSE” and yes the 35mm sensor as per 35 mm film, on the 5D Mark II will give you the movie look with large apertures, shallow depth of field which is hard to capture with a 1/4 inch or 1/3 inch sensors on Pro Camcorders, and yes the colour is sensational.

Your background in pro production gives you an edge in this area , in House the hand held video , I presume using IS Canon Lens in delicate surgery is impressive. And of course if you do not focus manually there is no AUTO.
See some of the low level video shot on my son’s 5D mark II with a Canon Fish -Eye lens and other.In Korea, Hong Kong etc using iMovie would you believe ?

https://www.stevendix.com/2009/

Greetings from Down Under, How is the snow ?
Bob

Freelance Imaging & Video
AUSTRALIA

[Claus Frederiksen]

Hi Bob,

I seen you are just as impressed by the quality as me, on those 5D :-). Cool stuff from your sons 5D…

I bumped into this, https://vimeo.com/14428901 – not long ago. That one, and this one her; https://vimeo.com/7058755 did the trick for me. I just got to have a 5D 🙂

Snow? It´s all over the place – and more is coming. But its nice, I like it. And light this time of year, up here in northern europa, is just breathtaking sometimes…

Kind regards from Denmark,

Claus Frederiksen
http://www.frederiksenproductions.dk

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[Aleksander Ødegård]

Iris is rapidly changed with the big wheel on the rear of the camera (next to the lcd screen).
Changing aperture while shooting is a bad idea. Traditional video cameras change aperture smoothly, while dslr´s doesnt. Try for yourself and you´ll see.

I dont agree with the suggestion of shooting with aperture priority or any other kind of auto/semi-auto mode.
I always shoot in fully manual mode, no matter what camera I use.
Shooting with dslr´s is sort of going back to the ways of shooting film. They are not meant for point-and-shoot like video cameras.

I would suggest the following lenses:
16-34/17-35 mm canon L series f2.8
50mm 1.2/1.4/1.8 depending on budget.
24-70mm 2.8 L series.
These lenses would cover most needs and works well without IS if you got a good tripod and hand held rig, if you handle them correctly.

If you would like to talk it over in more detail, it would be easier for me to explain in norwegian rather than english.
Feel free to send me an email at aleksander(att)fortfilm.com

Aleksander Ødegård
http://www.fortfilm.com

[Claus Frederiksen]

Aleksander. Mange tak – det var fedt og meget brugbart!

🙂

Kind regards from Denmark,

Claus Frederiksen
http://www.frederiksenproductions.dk

[Bob Dix]

Hi Aleksander,

You may be able to teach some of our Australian producers/videoographers a thing or two. I bet the computers at the Norweigian Broadcasting Commision are a help with the h.264mov clips from the Canon. It must be magic in Oslo and Bergen this time of year ?

Freelance Imaging & Video
AUSTRALIA