Hi: I'm thinking of picking up the Sigma Cine Zooms for a low budget horror shoot because of the T2 & because we are planning on using a gimbal (so less balancing time) along with the Canon C300 Mark ii (at 4k raw). Has anyone had any experience with this combination and thoughts on how the tonality of the image comes out? i.e. Too clean, cinematic, just right, moody, etc.
Cinematography : Sigma Cine Zooms Lens by Mark Vadik
Sigma Cine Zooms Lens
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Haven't had a reason to look at the Sigma Cine lenses, so cannot comment on their quality or image resolution.
A zoom lens has moving internal elements that change the balance point of the camera system. So either balance the camera with the lens at the focal length you will use for a shot and balance again when you choose a different focal length for a different shot. Or balance in the middle of the zoom range and let the rig work to hold everything in place when zooming. This will heat the motors and use more power in relation to how much the balance changes.
A C300MkII is ok, with a zoom lens, 3 motors for lens control, iris rods and matte box as well as video transmitter it will be a little heavy for extended use on a gimbal mount. There are camera support systems that can hold the gimbal mount but at that point a steadicam may make more sense.
In going with a cine style lens system, you don't use one of the best features of the C300MkII, the auto focus system. Combined with the built in corrections for Canon still lenses, the quite amazing auto-focus makes inoperable still lenses into a reasonable option. Earlier this year I shot a project using the C300MkII and still camera lenses I consider to be "paperweights". I was pleasantly surprised at how well the combination worked using the autofocus.
Shoot RAW, preferably to a separate recorder like an Odyssey 7Q+. Make sure you test the camera for the look(s) you will use all the way through post.
I like them. They look more natural than the CP.2 in and better images my opinion and very well machined.
Found a link to this yesterday. Knowledgeable DP testing the lenses. Interesting results. As always testing by someone else is always prone to being questioned. Read carefully and think about the implications on set.
http://www.imago.org/index.php/technical/item/675-the-sigma-zoom-lenses-...
I wish there was a segment in stage 32 just for camera advice. Many of us are non techies! Websites and shops promote their own goods, and sales assistants are often biased in what they advise we purchase. Heck, I once even left a store with a video camera that was for “underwater” filming and I had only asked for a video for filming simple scenes. Some great tips above. If you are reading this RB may we have a technical advice forum Stage 32?
Debbie, you can post here for camera advice.