HPX500 Lens choices

Randy Bernard · June 14th, 2008, 03:01 PM

I'm considering taking advantage of the $2k rebate on the HPX500, but wanted to get some insight into a good lens choice. From what I've read in the forum, don't skimp on the lens, seems to be a common theme.

For those that have a 500, what would you guys recommend? The budget is limited (isn't it always?), so that's a factor.

I primarily want to continue to shoot indie short films, docu's, features...but I realize that commercials, training videos, company intros, etc will probably be what pays for the new camera.

Any other key components that should be part of the HPX500 initial purchase package?

Thanks in advance

Chris Hurd · June 15th, 2008, 02:01 PM

If you're going to use this camera on a tripod (and I sincerely hope you do!) then you'll also want to consider a remote zoom control / record trigger, mounted on the tripod's pan handle.

Get two pan handles so you can also mount a remote focus controller (zoom / rec on the left, focus control on the right). If you're going to be shooting handheld most of the time then this probably isn't a big deal. But I'd say it's pretty much mandatory for tripods.

Bob Woodhead · June 15th, 2008, 07:35 PM

While I have remote zoom/focus controllers, I'd say they're not manadatory - just really comfy when shooting long time on sticks. I also find the focus VERY touchy. You can always get just as good (or better) w/o controllers, for shorter durations.

Spend your coin on the best lens & fluid head you can afford. Everything else gets prioritized after those. (And the rest can be a LONG list!)

Randy Bernard · June 15th, 2008, 09:31 PM

Thanks for the insight. Seems like the best bang for the buck in to start with a good HD lens. The choices seems endless, but I've heard that Panny recommends a few that tend to work better. I can't find that list on the Panasonic site.

Derek Nickell · June 18th, 2008, 10:30 PM

I got the KJ13x6BKRS from Samy's Camera for an unmentionable price. No doubler, but zooms nice.

Check out the footage: http://www.alan-curtis.com/video/Dunton

Robert Lane · June 19th, 2008, 10:03 AM

Randy,

Check out this stuff from Nick Harris:

http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.ph...067#post889067

I'm not sure which Fujinon lens he's using (ask him) but it's the best I've seen off the 500 with a Fuji lens. (not that Fuji doesn't make good glass, almost all the clips I've seen from other shooters have had Canon glass).

Matt Gottshalk · July 13th, 2008, 03:46 PM

Here is a comparison between a broadcast Canon SD lens and an Angenieux HD lens on the same HPX500:

http://www.vimeo.com/1244031

Alex da Silva · July 14th, 2008, 05:14 PM

Derek,

I've quoted a Canon KJ13X6 KRS at Samy's and the price is 25% less than any other place I quoted before. Which makes me suspicious and hopeful at the same time.
Right now with the rebate, 3 32gig cards and a battery package the 500 get to less than 25K.
Amazing for this quality camera.

June 14th, 2008, 03:01 PM	#1
Randy Bernard New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cary NC Posts: 5	HPX500 Lens choices I'm considering taking advantage of the $2k rebate on the HPX500, but wanted to get some insight into a good lens choice. From what I've read in the forum, don't skimp on the lens, seems to be a common theme. For those that have a 500, what would you guys recommend? The budget is limited (isn't it always?), so that's a factor. I primarily want to continue to shoot indie short films, docu's, features...but I realize that commercials, training videos, company intros, etc will probably be what pays for the new camera. Any other key components that should be part of the HPX500 initial purchase package? Thanks in advance

June 15th, 2008, 02:01 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 21,311 Images: 535	If you're going to use this camera on a tripod (and I sincerely hope you do!) then you'll also want to consider a remote zoom control / record trigger, mounted on the tripod's pan handle. Get two pan handles so you can also mount a remote focus controller (zoom / rec on the left, focus control on the right). If you're going to be shooting handheld most of the time then this probably isn't a big deal. But I'd say it's pretty much mandatory for tripods. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net for quick answers \| The best in the business: DV Info Net Sponsors \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

June 18th, 2008, 10:30 PM	#5
Derek Nickell Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: LA/SFV Posts: 122 Images: 2	I got the KJ13x6BKRS from Samy's Camera for an unmentionable price. No doubler, but zooms nice. Check out the footage: http://www.alan-curtis.com/video/Dunton __________________ My Website::::www.alan-curtis.com

July 13th, 2008, 03:46 PM	#7
Matt Gottshalk Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 116	Here is a comparison between a broadcast Canon SD lens and an Angenieux HD lens on the same HPX500: http://www.vimeo.com/1244031 __________________ http://www.mcgeedigitalmedia.com

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June 15th, 2008, 07:35 PM	#3
Bob Woodhead Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 59	While I have remote zoom/focus controllers, I'd say they're not manadatory - just really comfy when shooting long time on sticks. I also find the focus VERY touchy. You can always get just as good (or better) w/o controllers, for shorter durations. Spend your coin on the best lens & fluid head you can afford. Everything else gets prioritized after those. (And the rest can be a LONG list!)

June 15th, 2008, 09:31 PM	#4
Randy Bernard New Boot Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Cary NC Posts: 5	Thanks for the insight. Seems like the best bang for the buck in to start with a good HD lens. The choices seems endless, but I've heard that Panny recommends a few that tend to work better. I can't find that list on the Panasonic site.

June 19th, 2008, 10:03 AM	#6
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 1,661 Images: 15	Randy, Check out this stuff from Nick Harris: http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.ph...067#post889067 I'm not sure which Fujinon lens he's using (ask him) but it's the best I've seen off the 500 with a Fuji lens. (not that Fuji doesn't make good glass, almost all the clips I've seen from other shooters have had Canon glass).

July 14th, 2008, 05:14 PM	#8
Alex da Silva New Boot Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 23	Derek, I've quoted a Canon KJ13X6 KRS at Samy's and the price is 25% less than any other place I quoted before. Which makes me suspicious and hopeful at the same time. Right now with the rebate, 3 32gig cards and a battery package the 500 get to less than 25K. Amazing for this quality camera.