PMW-EX3 Lens Support at DVinfo.net

Dennis Mortemore · May 24th, 2011, 07:48 AM

I'm looking for recommendations for a lens support system to use with a EX-3 and Nikon lenses. Longest lens I have is the 70-200mm zoom + 1.7 teleconverter. Appreciate some input.

Chuck Fishbein · May 24th, 2011, 08:54 PM

I'm currently using a Genus base plate and rails with a Redrock lens support with my Nikon 80-200 2.8 and 300mm 2.8. It works well and give me the option of using a matte box, as well on the smaller lens.

If you happen to already own a Letus Extreme (as many EX owners do) you can use the front support that they supply to support your lens.

Just remember that you are multiplying your lens size by a factor of 5.4 , so with a 1000+mm lens, you want to have a really good, solid tripod

Dennis Mortemore · May 24th, 2011, 09:54 PM

Appreciate the feedback. I am just now ordering the EX-3 and I want to put the "right" system together. I've got a nice variety of Nikon lenses so I'm looking for the right accessories to compliment the EX3 and Nikon lenses. What's the advantage of a Letus Extreme vs using an adaptor ring for the lenses?

Chuck Fishbein · May 25th, 2011, 12:39 PM

A Letus or any other "depth of field" adaptor helps you obtain shallow depth of field, meaning that your subject is in focus and foreground and background are selectively out of focus. Part of the "film look".

It also allows you to use lenses at their normal range. For example, a 50mm will work at 50mm just as if you were using it on a Nikon. Using an adaptor, that same 50mm is magnified by a factor or 5.4 so your 50mm lens becomes a 270mm lens. Your 70-300 will become a 378mm-1,620mm lens.

Not very practical for an interview unless it is conducted on a football field from 40 yards back.

Below are some simple examples of selective depth of field using a Nikon 50mm on an EX3 with a Letus Extreme adaptor.

Dennis Mortemore · May 27th, 2011, 07:43 AM

I've investigated the Letus Extreme and it sure looks like the way to go. Does it work with Nikon G series lenses and, if so, how do you control the aperture of the Nikon lens as the G's have no aperture ring?
I appreciate your feedback.

Chuck Fishbein · May 27th, 2011, 04:51 PM

I don't think it works with G lenses as they do not have controllable iris rings. Also, if you plan to get an adaptor, as you mentioned, from someone like MTF or Adaptomax, you must get one that will work with G lenses.

From my experience, prime lenses work best on depth of field adaptors, as they usually have faster apertures. 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0, as opposed to many zoom lenses that start at 3.5 and beyond. Also, you would require a 'back focus' adaptor that allows you to adjust the distance of your rear element to the ground glass in the Letus. \

Just do a search for Letus and you'll find their site. Redrock Micro, and several other companies make depth of field adaptors, as well.

May 24th, 2011, 07:48 AM	#1
Dennis Mortemore Tourist Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Monclova, OH Posts: 4	PMW-EX3 Lens Support I'm looking for recommendations for a lens support system to use with a EX-3 and Nikon lenses. Longest lens I have is the 70-200mm zoom + 1.7 teleconverter. Appreciate some input.

May 24th, 2011, 08:54 PM	#2
Chuck Fishbein Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Weehawken New Jersey Posts: 210	Re: PMW-EX3 Lens Support I'm currently using a Genus base plate and rails with a Redrock lens support with my Nikon 80-200 2.8 and 300mm 2.8. It works well and give me the option of using a matte box, as well on the smaller lens. If you happen to already own a Letus Extreme (as many EX owners do) you can use the front support that they supply to support your lens. Just remember that you are multiplying your lens size by a factor of 5.4 , so with a 1000+mm lens, you want to have a really good, solid tripod

May 24th, 2011, 09:54 PM	#3
Dennis Mortemore Tourist Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Monclova, OH Posts: 4	Re: PMW-EX3 Lens Support Appreciate the feedback. I am just now ordering the EX-3 and I want to put the "right" system together. I've got a nice variety of Nikon lenses so I'm looking for the right accessories to compliment the EX3 and Nikon lenses. What's the advantage of a Letus Extreme vs using an adaptor ring for the lenses?

May 25th, 2011, 12:39 PM	#4
Chuck Fishbein Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Weehawken New Jersey Posts: 210	Re: PMW-EX3 Lens Support A Letus or any other "depth of field" adaptor helps you obtain shallow depth of field, meaning that your subject is in focus and foreground and background are selectively out of focus. Part of the "film look". It also allows you to use lenses at their normal range. For example, a 50mm will work at 50mm just as if you were using it on a Nikon. Using an adaptor, that same 50mm is magnified by a factor or 5.4 so your 50mm lens becomes a 270mm lens. Your 70-300 will become a 378mm-1,620mm lens. Not very practical for an interview unless it is conducted on a football field from 40 yards back. Below are some simple examples of selective depth of field using a Nikon 50mm on an EX3 with a Letus Extreme adaptor. Attached Thumbnails

May 27th, 2011, 07:43 AM	#5
Dennis Mortemore Tourist Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Monclova, OH Posts: 4	Re: PMW-EX3 Lens Support I've investigated the Letus Extreme and it sure looks like the way to go. Does it work with Nikon G series lenses and, if so, how do you control the aperture of the Nikon lens as the G's have no aperture ring? I appreciate your feedback.

May 27th, 2011, 04:51 PM	#6
Chuck Fishbein Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Weehawken New Jersey Posts: 210	Re: PMW-EX3 Lens Support I don't think it works with G lenses as they do not have controllable iris rings. Also, if you plan to get an adaptor, as you mentioned, from someone like MTF or Adaptomax, you must get one that will work with G lenses. From my experience, prime lenses work best on depth of field adaptors, as they usually have faster apertures. 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0, as opposed to many zoom lenses that start at 3.5 and beyond. Also, you would require a 'back focus' adaptor that allows you to adjust the distance of your rear element to the ground glass in the Letus. \ Just do a search for Letus and you'll find their site. Redrock Micro, and several other companies make depth of field adaptors, as well.