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Sony CP2 85mm 2.1 or Cannon 85 1.2L

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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
Sony CP2 85mm 2.1 or Cannon 85 1.2L for DSLR Film?

Has anybody tried either of these lenses out before for a DSLR? I have used the canon a lot and the picture it produces is amazing. But, I am interested to see what the Sony can do, is it worth the extra cash?

These will be for filming interviews.

http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Zeiss_Compact_Prime_CP2_85mm_T2_1_ZE_for_Canon

http://www.borrowlenses.com/product/Canon_85mm_f1.2L_II
Jul 21 2011 4:11PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,099
Why did you call it a sony cp2? its a zeiss cp2. And the cp2s are DRAMATICALLY better than any still photog lens. If you're just renting for a couple days, or even one day, get the cp2.
Jul 21 2011 4:18PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,099
One thing i'd like to point out, the cp.2s minimun focus distance is 3.25" while the canon 85mm is 38.4".... i mean either will work for dslr interviews but i mean shit its only 50 more bucks for of the best cinema lenses you can get for a dslr.
Jul 21 2011 4:21PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
Probably because im not up on my cinema lens lingo, thanks for the heads up I will give it a try for my next one.
Jul 21 2011 4:34PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,246
definitely get the zeiss! such a phenominal lens
Jul 21 2011 5:30PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
If you're just shooting interviews, why go with a CP2? Ya they're nice, but if that camera is just sitting most of the time with no changes, go with a Zeiss 85 1.4, optics are very comparable, if not indistinguishable, and it's half the price. A compact prime would be good for narrative work, otherwise it's just overkill for interviews.

I'd go with a 85 1.2 over a CP2 for interviews any day. You could do some fun stuff with the 1.2. And if you're low on light, the extra stops could help a lot.

Just because a lens looks cool, doesn't mean it's better for a job or optically better.

So, check out the Canon 85 1.2 if you dig the canon look, or go with the zeiss 85 1.4 if you're feeling zeiss and want to switch it up. But skip the CP2 for interviews.
Jul 21 2011 5:47PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
the "look" of the lens is not a huge factor for me. Been watching a bunch of videos that used it (pretty good picture) and read up on them and have heard nothing but good things. I'm all about the Canon 85 personally, but am always open to new ideas to improving the image.
Jul 21 2011 5:51PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
A CP2 is a Zeiss ZF.2 (still lens) rehoused for motion picture use. Almost identical optically, just different cosmetically and functionally. The long focus throw would drive me nuts shooting interviews. If you ever want to throw your subject out of focus, you'll be cranking on the lens quite a bit with a CP2.

If you're wanting to switch it up, go with a zeiss 85 1.4. Or go with the CP2, you're just paying more for a slower 85.
Jul 21 2011 5:57PM
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TravelsTI
Posts: 1000 - Karma: 353
I see what your saying, good to know. What do you think between cannon 85 and the regular ziess 85?
Jul 21 2011 6:25PM
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Siroteknologies
Posts: 434 - Karma: 75
What about the Canon 85 1.8?

One of my favorite non-L series lenses, fast, crisp, plenty of stops to work with, and only $400.

Which camera are you shooting on as well? The 85mm on a crop sensor (Rebel, 60D, 7D) will be like a 135mm, so you'll have to step further back to get more of that portrait look.

Just some food for thought
Jul 21 2011 7:51PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,099
I think he's renting it...
Jul 21 2011 8:52PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
Comes down to weather you want the zeiss look, or canon. I really like the 85 1.2, great lens. But the ZF's are awesome as well.

I'd go with the 85 1.2 personally.
Jul 21 2011 9:10PM
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1337
Posts: 31054 - Karma: 29,246
canon 85 1.2 = jizz
same with the CP2, but for what you are going to use it for i'd stick with the canon

Click for larger image

dat bokeh
Jul 21 2011 11:27PM
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eheath
Posts: 61603 - Karma: 123,099
make a meme, you wont
Jul 21 2011 11:31PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
My opinion is that Canons are phenomenal still lenses with great bokeh, but when you are shooting video and are pulling focus, there is noticeable bokeh distortion.

In terms of general IQ, I personally think Zeiss blows Canon out of the water.
Jul 21 2011 11:35PM
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IanAvery-Leaf
Posts: 9931 - Karma: 9,399
lol
Jul 21 2011 11:38PM
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[~_~]
Posts: 20239 - Karma: 1,273
I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Why would you want to throw your subject out of focus, and how does having long throw give one less focusing dexterity?
Jul 21 2011 11:39PM
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horner
Posts: 2439 - Karma: 1,578
It's sometimes nice to start out of focus at the beginning of a statement and bring the subject into focus. CP2s have a nice long focus throw. It can just make it a little trickier to pull that off quickly without a follow focus or someone else doing it depending on your framing, subject distance, all that. Just something I like to do on occasion during interviews.
Jul 22 2011 1:05AM
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