Longest Focal Length for Flying at DVinfo.net

John Kopec · December 13th, 2010, 04:31 PM

Hey guys, I'm just wondering what you all would recommend the longest focal length for flying with a glidecam would be? (I'm using the 2000HD)
I'm asking because I'm purchasing the Sigma 30mm on friday, and would like to know how it flies.
Has anyone had experience with doing this?

Ken Diewert · December 13th, 2010, 05:09 PM

John,

I have a 5d with the GC 2000, so it is a little different for your 7d, but you will be equivalent to about 48mm which I think will be pushing it with the GC. You can do it, but the GC does take practice, and the wider, the smoother. I use the 17-40 f4L all the time with the GC and the 5d. I have used my 50mm f1.4 but it depends on what i'm shooting, and where i'm walking while shooting.

It would be good if you could try the lens and return it for something wider if you're not happy with the results.

Bill Pryor · December 15th, 2010, 01:21 PM

I use either the 24mm or the 35mm for the 5D with a Steadicam. That would be equivalent to about a 16mm and 22mm on the 7D. For me that Sigma probably wouldn't be wide enough. But you really don't know till you try it. The wider the lens, the easier it is.

Greg Fiske · December 16th, 2010, 12:06 PM

And with these camera's barely resolving 720, you can crop your frame down from 1080p and zoom into your wide angle shot without any loss in IQ.

December 13th, 2010, 04:31 PM	#1
John Kopec Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: United States Posts: 41	Longest Focal Length for Flying Hey guys, I'm just wondering what you all would recommend the longest focal length for flying with a glidecam would be? (I'm using the 2000HD) I'm asking because I'm purchasing the Sigma 30mm on friday, and would like to know how it flies. Has anyone had experience with doing this?

December 13th, 2010, 05:09 PM	#2
Ken Diewert Trustee Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Vancouver Island, Canada Posts: 1,200	John, I have a 5d with the GC 2000, so it is a little different for your 7d, but you will be equivalent to about 48mm which I think will be pushing it with the GC. You can do it, but the GC does take practice, and the wider, the smoother. I use the 17-40 f4L all the time with the GC and the 5d. I have used my 50mm f1.4 but it depends on what i'm shooting, and where i'm walking while shooting. It would be good if you could try the lens and return it for something wider if you're not happy with the results. __________________ C100, 5DMk2, FCPX

December 15th, 2010, 01:21 PM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I use either the 24mm or the 35mm for the 5D with a Steadicam. That would be equivalent to about a 16mm and 22mm on the 7D. For me that Sigma probably wouldn't be wide enough. But you really don't know till you try it. The wider the lens, the easier it is.

December 16th, 2010, 12:06 PM	#4
Greg Fiske Major Player Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Santa Ana, CA Posts: 499	And with these camera's barely resolving 720, you can crop your frame down from 1080p and zoom into your wide angle shot without any loss in IQ.