Looking for a Lens to accomplish THIS effect... at DVinfo.net

Jordan Orberg · June 4th, 2008, 11:05 AM

Hello,
Look at the depth of this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7pKs7tAocY

I currently only own a 50mm 1.4. I use the Brevis35 + Flip with a Nikon Mount. I am shooting with a Canon XH-A1. How can I achieve the depth that they have in this video? What lens do you think they were using?

Any help you could offer would be appreciated!!! :)

Thomas Richter · June 4th, 2008, 12:55 PM

Jordan,

the DOF increases almost quadratically (squared) with the lens focal length. Opening a lens up further (lower F-Stop) on the other side is only linear. [please do not slaughter me for minor mathematical inaccuracies]

Try a 100 mm focal length at F2 and you will get a pretty close resemblance. Much shallower DOF than 50 mm at 1.4.

2 times the focal lenght (squared) vs. only one f-stop less (linear).

Hope that helps,

Thomas

Charles Papert · June 4th, 2008, 01:31 PM

I'd agree that a 100mm at least will deliver that look (a function not only of depth of field, but distance to the background and relative magnification of the background).

Have to say I don't think there's anything remotely attractive or interesting about that blown-out background. I don't know if they were going for something "different" or just didn't know better.

Jordan Orberg · June 4th, 2008, 02:04 PM

Thanks for your help! I was considering the 100mm, so I guess this means I'll have to pick one up! Thanks again for your help!
-Jordan

June 4th, 2008, 11:05 AM	#1
Jordan Orberg Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Redmond, Virginia Posts: 84	Looking for a Lens to accomplish THIS effect... Hello, Look at the depth of this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7pKs7tAocY I currently only own a 50mm 1.4. I use the Brevis35 + Flip with a Nikon Mount. I am shooting with a Canon XH-A1. How can I achieve the depth that they have in this video? What lens do you think they were using? Any help you could offer would be appreciated!!! :)

June 4th, 2008, 01:31 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	I'd agree that a 100mm at least will deliver that look (a function not only of depth of field, but distance to the background and relative magnification of the background). Have to say I don't think there's anything remotely attractive or interesting about that blown-out background. I don't know if they were going for something "different" or just didn't know better. __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

June 4th, 2008, 12:55 PM	#2
Thomas Richter Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Frankfurt, Germany Posts: 181	Jordan, the DOF increases almost quadratically (squared) with the lens focal length. Opening a lens up further (lower F-Stop) on the other side is only linear. [please do not slaughter me for minor mathematical inaccuracies] Try a 100 mm focal length at F2 and you will get a pretty close resemblance. Much shallower DOF than 50 mm at 1.4. 2 times the focal lenght (squared) vs. only one f-stop less (linear). Hope that helps, Thomas

June 4th, 2008, 02:04 PM	#4
Jordan Orberg Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Redmond, Virginia Posts: 84	Thanks for your help! I was considering the 100mm, so I guess this means I'll have to pick one up! Thanks again for your help! -Jordan