Filters & Zooms for Africa
 

I'm heading to Africa for 3 weeks at the beginning of May and need to pickup a few items before I go.
I know I need a teleconverter lens for my Z1U, but I just don't know which one to get? Same with the filters. I've read a lot about either Tiffen or Hoya SMC filters. But which one for a dusty yellow landscape? I'll also be visiting Victoria Falls so I'm guessing a good polarizer too eh?

Hi Justin,

Get a matte box...one of these either, a Formatt, TLS, Cavision or Vocas will suit you best. A few 4x4 filters will be so much easier to use with a matte box...
1) Circular Polarizer
2) ND 0.6; 0.9
3) ND Grad 0.6; 0.9
4) Perhaps a tobacco grad...

The Z1 isn't great with convertors from what I've read... but is wide enough to make only a teleconvertor useful option..... Century among others offers these....

cheers
Gareth

You've got to travel light these days, especially Africa. I just took a UV filter, circular polarizor and 6hrs of tape for 4weeks with a GS400. Don't waste time there, IMO get good clean footage and do all your effects in post.

If you're out on safari, take a big plastic bag to rush the gear into to escape the dust, it's like talcum powder. Victoria Falls is best at sunset when you need all the light. No problems with customs, but do not repeat do not, video the police or the military.
Have a great trip.

Thanks for the advice!
I'll be picking up a circular polarizer & UV filter for sure. I just ended up getting a HVL-20DW2 light for the darker areas as well as a Audio Technica AT897 boom. (Although I'm still not sure if I should use the AT897 or just get a Rycote Mini Windjammer for the stereo mic)

As for the teleconvertor... I was looking at the 1.6x & 2.0x from Century Optics. Is there a +/- to either one or are they fairly similar to the 1.5x from 16x9?

... also, being that the teleconverter is a bayonet mount, do you know if I can put a filter on the Z1U *then* attach the zoom to it?

Thanks.

I used the century 1.6 when I visited Kenya last year. It does not come with a shade which I found you needed . Century make a shade that covers both the wide angle and tele converter for the Z1 It is also a filter holder (4x4). Part number 0VS-SS05-00. Shame you are not in the UK as I have mine for sale as I am now useing a Canon H1.

Regards

Mick

Remember teleconverters on the Z1 have huge vignetting. If you will be videoing most of your subjects at half to full zoom you should be alright but half way to fully wide your footage will look like your videoing down a piece of 1 inch PVC pipe. I've used one and would rather go with a red rock and a 20X prime. Good luck with the Safari and make sure you got some pocket change to make customs questioning halt with a loaded hand shake.

Why so many filters? I surf much in digital photography forums and nobody use filters.
The use only polarizor. I think it is possible to make every effect in post production. Do I make a mistake?

The filters on the list other than the pol were grads & NDs. The grad would permit capturing detail in the areas brighter/darker than you would get without, effectively compressing the tonal range of the scene. If you highlights are blown out there is no way to recapture in post. Same for underexposure. ND would allow more selective depth of focus.

I'd consider adding a UV for sharpness enhancement, esp. at altitude, but haven't done sufficient UV tests with my Z1 to know whether that's worthwhile.

Packing List
 

Ok... So this is what I'm taking over with me. (Including the items I just picked up)


Sony HVR-Z1U
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Audio Technica AT897
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Kata Backpack
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=368034&is=REG

Rycote Windjammer
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=367837&is=REG

Century Optics 2.0x Teleconverter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=462430&is=REG

Schneider 102mm clear filter (for teleconverter)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=474571&is=REG

Hoya SMC 72mm Polarizing Filter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=129975&is=REG

Hoya SMC 72mm UV Filter
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=168215&is=REG

Sony HVL-20DW2 Light
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=162282&is=REG

Sto-fen OM-EZ for Sony Light
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...u=89908&is=REG

Manfrotto Monopod 694
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

Vortex Media WarmCards
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search



Is there anything else that you guys can recommend? This is really a once in a lifetime trip for me and I want to make sure I record everything as best as I can!

Also, which would be better to use while on the safari's; the Audio Technica at897 or the built-in stereo mic with the rycote mini windjammer? And, when I set me white balance, should I do this before or after I put on the polarizing filter?

Thanks a lot for your help guys.

Well I have a use for all the filters I quoted... Not really into effects filters but these I do use..

Polarizer: in sunny weather & around water... makes skies look superb...
ND Grad: Northern France is not as sunny as Italy so it gives a nice sky ..less blown out..
ND: Keeps the Z1 in the sweet spot range if the built in's aren't enough.. useful when I was in Spain.

These are about the only ones I use regularly...

cheers
Gareth

AT 897 with a rycote

I've heard though that the at897 with a rycote show's up when at wide angles though.

I went to Kenya just over a year ago along with my PDX10.

I'd strongly recommend some form of protection for the whole camera. I have a Portabrace. It got very dusty - the camcorder didn't. Even inside the safari bus!

I also took a tripod, rather than a monopod, and used it occasionally.

The other device I found indispensable was a Novoflex chest pod. Great for quickly stabilizing the cam and for carrying it on hikes.

Quite often, much of the video opportunities were from inside the vehicle, standing up. I found it quite easy to rest the camera on the roof to get stability.

Finally, a decent safari jacket with lots of pockets. During the day, I loaded up my pockets with lenses, tapes etc. When video opportunities arose, they did so very quickly! You need to be ready and, when actually shooting, you'll be so engrossed in it that you don't want to have to mess around with anything.

Regarding audio - my experience was that you will do a lot of handling of the camera, which means lots of mechanical noise if you use the built-in mics. I always used the external shotgun mic to avoid handling noise - except one night when I was recording the sounds of some bats (I set the camcorder up on a tripod and let it roll).

If you get the chance, practise assembling, disassembly, shooting etc from inside a car before your leave!

Great Picture! Looking forward to getting my own like that.

I forgot to mention that I also did pickup the little shoulder mount Sony makes for the Z1U. It's not the best, but it works well for quick stabilization.
My dad will be bringing a decent tripod for his Nikon D80 so I'll just use that when I need the still shots.

Thanks for the tip on the jacket. That makes a lot of sense especially since we'll be picking up a Canon 30D (or 40D if it comes out next month).

These are great suggestions, thanks everyone for all your help.

I have to say that the trip I took was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life.

I'd always been a bit wary of doing an above-ground safari - I've done a lot of underwater video and always thought that you'd never get as close to the wildlife above ground as you can underwater.

I was astonished at how close you can get to the wildlife on safari. That particular shot of the lioness finishing the wildebeest was taken from about 8 feet away! (Inside the vehicle, of course!) We were just as close to a mating lion and lioness, too - they seemed oblivious to our intrusion.

If you get a chance, I'd strongly recommend visiting a local village, too. We visited a couple of Maasai villages. Not many people seem to bother. But you learn a tremendous amount from them not only about their lives but also the weaknesses of our own, supposedly more enlightened ones. If you get "pestered" by villagers at border crossings etc (trying to sell you souvenirs), take the time to talk with them (they are very multilingual) - it's an interesting experience.

There's something very primal and "right" about the feel of being in that part of the world.

I was in Zambia for 2 weeks last year and got some great video. One thing I might suggest ,and I wish I had, is a stabilizing device for hand help shooting. I had my tripod, but depending on which country you are visiting, a tripod my not be the best solution. In Kenya tripods are not allowed in the landrovers. I was in Zambia and my vehicle was open so I could use my tripod. Next time I go I will take either the DVrig pro or my Dvrig Junior ( I own them both) and the Cinesaddle that I just purchased. With handheld cameras, especially using telephoto adaptors, its real important to reduce the bounce as much as possible. More often than not, a tripod just is not the answer. Things happen fast in Africa and you have to be ready.
Dennis Kane

I was thinking about taking my DVRigPro... but that would just be more weight that I don't need. At least my thought of taking my monopod was more for the landrover rides, etc.
Apart from the safari's, I'm taking 5 days to help build an orphanage in a small village http://vohzambia.com
The great thing about this location, is that about an hour away from here is a village that no one knew existed until 2 years ago. It's VERY primitive and should make for some great shots.

Africa
 

Justin / See Post under DVX / Africa Documentary.


Herman.

I just picked up the teleconverter... and is it ever big!

Wow, it looks very nice. I must say I am a little concerned about keeping such a fine system steady enough, especially in HD. The cinesaddle is light and can serve as an excellent subsitute for a tripod in the field
Dennis Kane

True, the cinesaddle looks like it would work great. But I only can bring what will fit in my backpack. Unfortunately it's just a little too big.
Btw, here's a better picture of the Century Optics 2.0x teleconverter.
I'm filming a wedding for a friend next weekend and I'll let you guys know how well it works.

If you use a AT8415 shock mount with the mic with a rycote, it is not visible and it keeps the mic far enough from your camera that you dont get any camera noise bleeding into your audio. I highly recommend it.

What do you think about upgrading from the at897 to the sony ecm-678 with Rycote?
I'm a little unimpressed with the at897 as it's not the *hot* of a mic and I usually have to bump the audio levels way up.
Has anyone had experience with the Sony ECM-678?

Well, since my last post (for anyone wondering if the Sony ECM-678 is that much different) yes it is.
I ended up purchasing one 2 weeks ago and used it for a wedding this past weekend. I found it extremely sensitive in comparison to the AT897 and did not have to adjust the manual audio gain on the camera. I just left it on auto and it worked great.
Although the Sony mic is about double what the Audio Technica is, for my personal taste, the Sony was a no brainer and I should have done it sooner.

Justin /

Remember - compressed air ! / Africa = DUST !

enjoy your trip / Herman.

Never, ever use compressed air on a lens, and it's not a good idea to use it inside of tape transports, follow focus', or other geared or sensitive areas either. You can destroy a microphone or lens very easily with compressed air. Compressed air will force dust into places from which you cannot remove it. Compressed air blows dust and crap in, not out. Additionally, compressed air has a propellant that can really screw with parts as well.
Use a microfibre lens cloth, and for crannies and edges, use a bulb blower (squeeze-type, with a brush on the end) or a baby's ear syringe. Cloth baby diapers work for dust cloths too.

Mick, I'd be interested in picking up your shade on my way to Africa in May. I'm staying a couple nights in London on the way their. Please PM me how much you're looking for it and are you anywhere near London?

Got-it

Compressed air bad, diapers good.

Thx :)

Just a thought...if you use compressed air on an expensive lens...you just might need a diaper anyway.
BTW, if you do use a diaper vs microfibre, wash the diaper several times before using, it really softens them up.

I would double check with Century, not sure if their sunshade/filter holder is compatible with the new 2x lens (it clamps onto the outside). Works fine on my 1.6x and .6x though. See my note in this thread if you want to pick one up here in the US: http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=87463

Compressed air
 

Douglas /

Raised and born in Africa I've never used canned compressed air on any lens.

We use it in Africa to blow dust off your cam body AND equipment returning
from a day's shoot, driving and filming in an open landrover with clouds of
dust.

The Century 2.0x teleconverter i got came with a lens hood that also clamps on the outside. So I'm sure the sunshade/filter holder would work well on both the 0.7x, 1.6x & 2.0x lenses.

It might look strange, but what about using a rain cover or underwater case for the cam - to keep dust/etc off and out of the mechanicals?

Understood, but in a trhead about lenses, filters, zooms; your only two words were "Compressed air." Suggesting that compressed air is used for cleaning your cam body and equipment isn't readily apparent. You might know what you meant, but the meaning isn't clear to everyone, and these threads end up being viewed for years in the future.

Douglas /

Sorry if my comment led to a misinterpretation to other readers and you.

I merely reacted after Justin's Filter list been picked up for the trip and
responding to his request as the end of the thread / Is there anything
else that you guys can recommend ?

Peace, Herman

I would recommend B+W MRC filters or Heliopan filters. The Hoyas have been a letdown...they just do not clean up really nicely (the more you wipe, the more swirls you get). The B+W MRCs have proven otherwise. That said, I will advise bringing a few "disposable" filters such as the Hoya HMCs which are cheap and you need not worry if you get grit or scratches all over them.

Cheers

WeeHan

This is where the MultiRig fits best, low weight and compact. This is why we made it.

Africa Video
 

Thanks for all your help guys. I actually just got back from Zambia a couple days ago. And now starts the fun part of editing all the video that was shot.

I never had a chance to apply any filters or doe any enhancing, but here is a small clip I took of a few Elephants swimming in the river.

Enjoy!

http://homepage.mac.com/justin.carls.../elephants.mov

Good Lord! That was worth the wait of the download. Great footage, and thanks for posting an update.