Comments on: The Prime Directive-Shooting with Prime Lenses https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/ The Sites & Sounds of Creative Expression Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:04:55 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.1 By: Hasta La Vista Baby (Until September) « The Art & Business of Filmmaking & Photography https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3810 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:04:55 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3810 […] The prime directive-shooting with prime lenses […]

]]> By: Ron Dawson https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3809 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:11:34 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3809 In reply to Moses.

Hey Moses,

Well, there are so many ways you could go about it. It really comes down to what you will be using the camera for. My suggestions to you might change based what most of your work would be. Also, what is your budget. Accessories can cost many thousands of US dollars. I encourage people to rent the equipment they need if they can’t afford to buy it without going into debt. Since you’re in India, I don’t know what’s available as far as rentals. But, if you want a basic answer, I would suggest the following as a minimum: a good tripod, a Zoom H4N or H1N for audio; a 50mm lens (doesn’t have to be an L lens, but get it if you can afford it). If you have additional funds, look into getting a rig you can do hand-held shots with (check out Zacuto.com, cinevate.com and redrockmicro.com). These companies also have additional gear like matte boxes, etc.

I could write many blogs posts on equipment. If you want a great overview and education, check out Vincent Laforet’s CreativeLive seminar (the first one he did. creativelive.com). It should still be for sale. Also, check out Philip Bloom’s DVD on 5D filmmaking (philipbloom.net). Lastly, (shameless plug) I have a digital download recording of a 3 hour webinar I did on both the business and art side of DSLR filmmaking ( http://bladeronner.com/training/).

Hope this helps.

]]> By: Menuez on Manhattan – Adventures in Filming with an 85mm Lens « Blade Ronner: The Personal Blog of Ron Dawson https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3808 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:03:43 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3808 […] The Prime Directive-Shooting with Prime Lenses […]

]]> By: Moses https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3807 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:55:36 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3807 Hello Dawson,
I am Moses from Chennai, India. First of all let me tell about myself, I’m more passionate towards cinematography and photography. I have done many projects like short films, corporate films advertising and documentaries. Recently I have found this DSLR Film making and it turned my interests towards it. At present I’m using Canon EOS 400D & Nikon D300 for my Photography assignments. Right now I’m planning to buy Canon EOS 5D Mark II which I think it’s very good for film making. I dedicate the usage of 5D only for making films so kindly suggest me the products (lens, accessories) which i require Awaiting for your reply

Thanks in advance
Yours Faithfully
Moses S

]]> By: The Prime Directive-Shooting with Prime Lenses « Blade Ronner: The … | Prime Lenses https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3806 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 06:00:12 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3806 […] more here: The Prime Directive-Shooting with Prime Lenses « Blade Ronner: The … Tags: from-the-world, length-lens, ofessional-or-prosumer, pain-not, prime, prosumer-camcorders, […]

]]> By: Ron Dawson https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3805 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:39:58 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3805 In reply to Jennifer | ZinchukFilms.

Thanks for sharing Jennifer. And congrats on our new lens purchase.

]]> By: Jennifer | ZinchukFilms https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3804 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 05:28:05 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3804 I couldn’t agree more with this post–our filmmaking has made a 180 as we have changed over from HD video cameras to DSLRs and along with that, from zoom lenses to primes. Our films are more carefully shot (like Mike just said) and SO MUCH SHARPER. We have been renting for the past year (owning just the basics like 50 1.4) and this week we finally bought our very own L-series prime–the 135 2.0. LOVE that lens – it is just yummy! But it lacks image stabilization so it’s amazing when you’re in a stable location on a tripod, but sucks if you have shaky floors (like near a reception speaker, wooden floors, etc) or on a monopod. Carefully chosen primes – and strategically used zooms – really take event films from “video” to really cinematic masterpieces!

]]> By: Ron Dawson https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3803 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 20:07:42 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3803 In reply to MikeCollins.

Thanks for the comment Mike. You’re absolutely right. As I mention in the post, particularly for event work, there are times when zooms will be necessary. But I also like your point about primes forcing you to better compose your shot. I think in many ways, they make you a better filmmaker. Would you agree?

]]> By: MikeCollins https://daredreamer.com/the-prime-directive-shooting-with-prime-lenses/#comment-3802 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 19:47:44 +0000 http://bladeronner.com/?p=2996#comment-3802 Primes are fantastic when you have a controlled shoot. I prefer to shoot with primes as much as possible but there are times where you are going to need a zoom. I think shooting with primes forces you to better compose your shots and to prepare more on the front end of your work. Zooms allow you a little more flexibility.

If I could only choose one it would be a prime though.

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