2005Follow Focus forum
Lightweight zoom lens recommendations for Steadicam work
21 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Panavision produces lightweight zoom options suitable for Steadicam, including a 27-68mm at T2.8 with 3-foot minimal focus and a 17.5-34mm at T2.8 with approximately 1.5-foot minimal focus.
- Century Optics manufactures compact, lightweight zooms in PL mount, with a 17-35mm option that has been used successfully on production work.
- The Cooke zoom discussed weighed approximately 13 pounds, which was considered heavy for Steadicam application.
- Larger zoom lenses may require additional support equipment like flying rods, making them impractical for handheld Steadicam work.
- Elite produces Russian-made zoom lenses designed for handheld and Steadicam use, with one model reportedly around 25-80mm range and available through specialty vendors.
Depends on
- The specific weight and optical performance characteristics of the Century and Elite zooms were not thoroughly documented in the discussion.
- Availability of lightweight zoom options depends on camera rental inventory and specific production logistics.
- The discussion centered on 35mm film camera work with a 435 camera body, limiting applicability to other formats.
- Some lens specifications mentioned in the thread were recalled from memory rather than confirmed specifications.