IN[FOCUS]

So, there are cinematographers that spend their whole careers mastering the art of taking flawless video in helicopters and airplanes. I, am not one of them. So when I ventured into uncharted territory of using a helicopter to get b-roll for a recent wedding film, I began to research. Sure I could have rented a gyro for quite a chunk of change, but that would have eaten into my profits big time for this wedding, as I didn’t add that cost in (or know about the helicopter) when I booked the wedding. 

The video above is what you might call my “poor man’s guide” to shooting great video in a helicopter with the tools that you already have. Enjoy. And don’t worry, although I did throw up after I got out of the helicopter at this wedding, I refrained from any vomiting during and after the recording of this blog post.  

P.S. Wanna see the end result and how I used it in the film? Check out the blog post here, or view the embedded video below! 

Matt Davis

Matt Davis (coaching at lifestagefilms.com) of Life Stage Films has been described as the “head coach of wedding videography,” providing one-on-one business coaching as well as group coaching webinars. A featured speaker at both WEVA 2009-10 and IN[FOCUS] 2010-11, as well as a multiple CEA award winner and 2009-10 EventDV 25 All-Star, he is based in Wilmington, N.C.

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So we’ve all heard the saying “newer is better,” and today I’m going to put that statement to the test. I tested two of Canon’s wide-angle L-series lenses. The 24mm 1.4L, and the 24mm 1.4L II. In the video, I’ll highlight some of the differences between the lenses, as well as talk about how they stack up against each other. Which one is better? You’ll have to watch the video to find out!

In 1997, Canon released the 24mm 1.4L lens. The lens was extremely successful and was used heavily. In 2008, the 24mm 1.4L II was released. While the lens had a few cosmetic upgrades, the internals were upgraded as well. Canon added an additional aperture blade, made the lens weather sealed, and added some other internal upgrades that were intended to minimize ghosting and lens flare.

Some things that remained the same between the lenses; the lack of hard stops on the lens (fine for photographers, a hindrance for cinematographers), the filter diameter is still 77mm, and the minimum focus distance is still 9.8 inches.

Pricing for version 1 will vary greatly, as you’re going to have to find this lens on the used market. For version 2, pricing is set at $1,661 on B&H Photo.

Be sure to check out the video and watch some of the test footage, as well as hear my final verdict. What do you think? Is one better than the other?

Be good.
Eric

Eric Kmetz

Eric Kmetz is the lead filmmaker for Epic Motion, based in Detroit, MI. Named one of the 2010 EventDV top 25 filmmakers, Eric has been a full-time wedding filmmaker since 2009. In his spare time he devotes himself to being as kmawesome as legally allowed. Furthermore, 83% of people agree…he's the bees knees. True story.

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When we started using DSLRs, we started collecting lenses.  Super expensive, super painful, and super fun.  It has been necessary to have quick access to my lenses as event filmmaking is all about being able to capture the moment at the right time through the right lens.

I’ve owned the Shootsac for about 1.5 years and mostly needed it to switch between my 24-70 and 70-200.  Granted – I hate putting the 70-200 in the Shootsac and carrying it around… I just don’t think it is comfortable at all.  But – that’s all I knew until I tried out the ThinkTank Retrospective 30 a few weeks ago.

You’ll notice in the video the dramatic difference in size for these two bags. There are definitely different reasons why each of them is useful – so it really comes down to how you plan on using it.  For me – on an event day – if I’m going to running around by myself, having the Shootsac would not be sufficient.  The ThinkTank Retrospective 30 is big enough to carry around a TON of stuff, but it also can end up weighing a ton — especially if you put a ton of stuff in it.

Long story short – I’m glad I have both but if I had to choose between the 2, I’d choose the ThinkTank as it has more uses than the Shootsac.  In all fairness, the Shootsac would probably be considered a lens bag (with a spot for some other small stuff like snacks, wallet, keys, iPhone, Garbage Pail Kids, etc.) and the Retrospective would be considered for camera+lens+other handy stuff.  Check out the video to see for yourself.

Here’s a link to Adorama to purchase the ThinkTank and here’ the link if you’re interested in purchasing the Shootsac and don’t forget the shoulder shtrapp pad (you say strap – I say “shtrapp”).  Don’t bother w/ B&H – they don’t carry either. 

Ryan Koral

Epic Motion is a photo + video studio specializing in weddings and events. Based in suburban Detroit and led by Ryan Koral, Epic Motion has been named one of the Top 25 Event Filmmaker Studios in the World.

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