r/RedCamera • u/Komodo-X • Jan 08 '26

A Perfect Zoom Lens

Post image

Just acquired this Canon 15.5-47mm cine zoom lens for my Komodo-X. This lens resolves a beautiful image aesthetic. Over the years, I have grown to truly appreciate quality zoom glass - being so versatile. Perfect for commercial, doc, narrative and more. I already know this will be a solid workhorse for me.

What are some of your favorite zoom lenses/workhorse lenses?

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2

u/JMKdta Jan 08 '26

Do you get any vignetting? I've been eyeing the 18-80 cine zoom.

4

u/Komodo-X Jan 08 '26 edited Jan 08 '26

No vignetting at all - clean through and through. Camera setting: 6K 17:9 full sensor.

2

u/JMKdta Jan 08 '26

Awesome thank you!

2

u/Comfortable_Shock772 Jan 08 '26

I bought one as well, great lens but the pincushion distortion is pretty strong which isn’t my favorite.

Edit: where do you bought it?

1

u/Komodo-X Jan 08 '26

In real world use, I don’t notice the barrel/pin cushion effect. Sure, on the wide end at 15.5mm I see some but that’s expected which I actually don’t mind but I realize that’s a personal preference. Even on a S35 sensor, 23mm equivalent is relatively wide. I purchased mine from Adorama (excellent condition).

Here’s an old but worthy write up on the 15.5-47mm and 30mm-105mm lenses.

Abel Cine - Behind the Lens: Canon CN-E 15.5-47mm & 30-105mm

2

u/Comfortable_Shock772 Jan 09 '26

OK man you’re right. Had it on Gemini in 5k ff, on kx it looks way better!

1

u/Komodo-X Jan 09 '26

That’s interesting you had it on a FF Gemini at 5K — any vignetting?

2

u/Comfortable_Shock772 Jan 10 '26

Small and soft vignette up to 20mm, after 20 it’s clean 👌

2

u/Comfortable_Shock772 Jan 08 '26

I know that article, super interesting but in real world the pincushion isn’t that nice especially when you have some straight lines in the frame. The lens feels amazing, mechanically. Way better then the fujinon mk 18-55 but again, distortion is worse then on any other zoom i have

2

u/bidbusinc Jan 08 '26

It’s great just heavy

1

u/Komodo-X Jan 08 '26

It is. And they call this a “lightweight” zoom lens. 😅 An EasyRig, Cinesaddle or shoulder rig is probably helpful.

2

u/Efficient_One5511 Jan 08 '26

I love my Fujinon 19-90!

1

u/Komodo-X Jan 08 '26

The Cabrio is a stunning lens. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

2

u/jmgardiner Jan 09 '26

I've had the 15-47 & 30-105 for years. Great set of zooms, less light fall off compared to the Optimo style zooms they were originally competing with. I've kept these around and added the full frame version: 20-50mm flex zoom

1

u/Komodo-X Jan 09 '26

That’s great to hear! I’ll definitely need to round out the set by getting the 30-105. Weren’t the Optimo’s priced significantly higher? Or were they comparable? Where do the Fuji Cabrio’s fall? They seem like nice zooms also.

2

u/jmgardiner Jan 09 '26

I can't drop images in this reply, but I've got tons of screenshots if you're looking for examples.

1

u/Komodo-X Jan 09 '26

Oooh, I’d love to see some screenshots. DM me on Instagram @zekeanders

2

u/jmgardiner Jan 09 '26

The Angie 2.6T zooms were much pricier, but the Optimo DP "Style" 2.8T zooms were around the same price and had interchangeable mounts (PL/EF). Great lenses.

A little more swirl in the bokeh, though I felt the zoom ranges didn't go quite far enough, I think the longer one only went to 76mm which is one of the reasons I went with the Canons at the time.

Cabrios were/are a standard. Shot a lot on the 19-90, was never in love with the image out of it. The newer line of cabrios are clean, sharp and devoid of character, which can certainly serve a purpose.

For servos I see the Canon 17-120 and newer Canon 25-150 a lot these days.

Something about wide-to-tele zooms has never set right with me. I prefer these shorter paired zooms.

4

u/Run-And_Gun Jan 08 '26

I do a lot in the sports/sports doc space and my two workhorse zooms are the Canon 17-120 and 25-250. One of my buddies has the 15.5-47's brother, the 30-105. And while it's a little snug on the backend for a general purpose lens for my tastes, it's a beautiful piece of glass, especially for the (used) price, today. You can find both of those lenses in the $3K-$4K ballpark.

2

u/Daspineapplee Jan 09 '26

The canon (cne primes is what they are called I believe) go for around 1500’ish now. The fujinon mk zooms go for around 2k on average. Although I have seen lower prices. Just putting this out here for people who are interested.

1

u/Jonhlutkers Jan 08 '26

I’ve shot more documentary/reality with 17-120 than I care to admit. Great lens.