Sub $500 DOF Comparison

[bpr103]

Hi,

I've read a lot on these forums but haven't seen anything from people who've used and could compare the various low-end pre-made DOF adapters out there.

All I can go by is the videos on vimeo and those posted here, but it seems to me that they all have their limitations:
JAG: vignetting
Twoneil: vignetting
GT35: seems to need more light than other models
Handy: pricey, cumbersome, fixed mount and orientation

Granted, the vignetting in the Jag and Twoneil is reduced in the higher end pro and plus models, but it's still apparent. It actually looks good in many of the test shots, since they are not narrative and short (and typically exteriors, which are brighter), so it's like an effect, rather than a limitation. These would make awesome Hallmark commercials. In a narrative or longer piece, though, I'm afraid this would become tiresome at best.

I'm leaning toward the GT, since its samples seem to have the best edge-to edge look, but it seems to require a lot of light, moreso than the other models. It's hard to tell since the samples are under varying conditions, but it's one defect I see that's common (lighting, either over- or under-) in the GT sample interior shots. This may be due to what appears to be a longer body, or simply poor lighting, but I don't know.

In any case, I'm wondering if anyone's used these side-by-side for a comparison, or even months apart with similar lens and camera. If you were unhappy with one, then found another more to your liking and why.

Ultimately, I do understand these are all budget models, so I can't expect too much. I also wouldn't be surprised if you said they are pretty much all the same, except for design (noise, appearance), since they all likely use similar quality components.

If you don't feel comfortable posting in the thread I'd appreciate it if you PM me.

Thanks

[scorpionkill]

I have a Jag35pro and the vignetting can be eliminated by zooming in slightly. If I am at full wide I get slight vignetting, zoomed in a hair it goes away.

[krewcial]

In a narrative or longer piece, though, I'm afraid this would become tiresome at best.

most people go overboard with a DOF adapter and use it on every single shot.

any serious DOP will vary framing/shots and lenses throughout a shoot. this is one of the things that sets experienced people apart from amateurs, cos it requires knowledge of lenses/focal lengths and insight in composing/telling a story.

back to your question : there's plenty of footage available out there that should let you make your decision.

in general : the price reflects the quality you get. I have experience with a Jag35Pro and Jag35SP right now, but I'm upgrading to a Handy35.

the Handy35 has a better design & build quality since it's CNC milled aluminium and a better image (as the available online footage will clearly show you).

the current Jag35Pro has almost no vignetting (also depends on the lens, a 35mm will give you more vignetting than a 50mm), to me it is one of the best adapters out there at that price point.

the difference in image quality between a Jag35Pro and a Handy isn't that big (in the right hands, a Jag will yield excellent results), but to me the build quality is what makes me upgrade, mainly becos I'm getting more video work and need a reliable and sturdy DOF adapter that can take some abuse.

Jag = plastic, Handy35 = aluminium ...

however, the price of a new Handy wouldn't justify the relatively small difference in image quality to me, so I just waited until I could buy a second hand model.

[Perladdict]

Don't forget to consider the new MEKA35 spinning adapter in that list!

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

I got absolutely no vignetting with my jag35st and the achromat... works like a charm

I also have to agree with the fact that shooting with shallow DOF is not suitable for ALL shots... (unless you shoot evthing medium to close shots only)

besides my jag35st and the 50mm 1.8 I have a raynox WA for well... wide shots? :-P


the only purpose of the shallow DOF is to provide a focusing area for the audience at a specific point in the framing, however, I also like the look of the image through the 5 micron focusing screen, it's kinda creamy and I love it :-)

it's a matter of taste , in the end; you should do the most you can with whatever you can get your hands on and with whatever you like

[bpr103]

Thank you all so much for your replies.

I agree that the adapter shouldn't be used on every shot, but what I'm concerned with is that every shot it is used in will be "colored" by the adapter used.

I'd like to hear more from scorpionkill, since this user has experienced what I have seen (sees what I see), and found a way around it.

What kind of lens are you using on the Jag (1.8? 1.4?), and, pardon my ignorance, but you are zooming in using the lens, not the HV?

Seroiusly, forgive my ignorance, but I have never used one of these things and don't want to throw one at a DP without having some kind of understanding and field experience.

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

the adaptor is light-hungry as hell, so make sure your lens is a fast PRIME, zoom lenses work as well but only when you have a lot of light available

I use a 1.8 and indeed I get some noisy areas, but that's ok because it's sorta the look I wanted for some of the shots, the focused area remains decent though

if you can get an 1.4 it will work a lot better, but you will have a little less depth of field so focusing properly can be a bit tougher than with 1.8

also, I got used to shooting upside down, which for the most part is not very comfortable, but once you have enough PRACTICE it will turn out fine.

[guitcry]

Best ever made = modo35 around 300euro no vignetting well built. I m making my rig and after I ll show some footage. The sharpness it's unbeatable. Bye

[guitcry]

And of course no noise at all

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

interesting man, could you give us a link to this adapter? I'm thinking of upgrading soon and trying diff toys...

it's the only way to learn ;-)

[LOGOS PATHOS ETHOS]

ok found it

http://www.modo35.com/


looks VERY neat , maybe gonna buy this.. the price seems reasonable as well , especially for a spinning adapter

thanks a lot for the hint dude


MOLTO GRAZZIE

[krewcial]

what's the difference between the Modo35 Light and Pro ??? Searched the site for an answer, but found nothing ...

[guitcry]

I think that the pro is for big cameras only and that's it. believe me it is unbelievable, the only think is that the battery doesnt last much, but you easy get away attaching another square battery and that's it. Grazie a te, ciao

[Seo]

I think that the pro is for big cameras only and that's it. believe me it is unbelievable, the only think is that the battery doesnt last much, but you easy get away attaching another square battery and that's it. Grazie a te, ciao

What size is the achromat and can you attach your own plus extension tubes?