PLASTIC Lenses on RED V-Raptor X: Blasphemy or Genius?

Just some more exploration of lenses, rigging, and how to get the most out of the magical tool we call a cinema camera. Specifically the V-Raptor X, possibly the best camera of all time in my humble opinion.
As usual, everything in this video is just my off-the-cuff rant, feel free to ignore me completely :-)
Thanks to my kids and Paisley C. for modeling in these quick test shots. Oh, and Oscar too (my parrot). Great job all around, everyone!

[@nick_salazar]

Just noticed I said "18k" instead of "8k" at one point. My mistake!

[@onimar]

I still use the old ef pancake 24mm on the Komodo X for this reason. Good glass. Tiny and light. I also like being able to use the VND ef to rf converter but might give some of these a try.

[@CineAmaniacs]

Amazing video man Stunning images I’m curious is the Raptor [X] image quality as good as the original raptor I know RED says it (no compromise) but im getting mixed answers seeing as you owned and operated both cameras what do you think ?

[@nick_salazar]

Short answer: they're about the same.
Longer answer: in my experience, while the V-Raptor [X] does seem to have a little more chroma noise in the deep shadows than the original sensor, in practice it's not a meaningful difference. You can clean it up with VERY minor noise reduction and get essentially the same range as the original sensor. This is consistent with CineD's finding that while it has slightly lower absolute DR, it retains the same latitude of ~9.5 stops. CVP seemed to get this result as well (slightly more absolute noise, but same exposure latitude). I haven't seen anyone who has found differently. I did a short video comparing the V-Raptor X to the R5 C and mentioned that the performance is similar to the original V-Raptor. So again, the dynamic range is essentially a wash, but you get a global shutter and lots more.

[@nick_salazar]

And thank you for the kind words!

[@CineAmaniacs]

@@nick_salazar thank so much for this response im tryna decide if i should buy the raptor [X} orginal raptor or this new ursa cine 12k so im making my rounds ill keep following your journey

[@nick_salazar]

@@CineAmaniacs my pleasure! Honestly any of them will produce a fantastic image. If the budget is a critical issue, go for an older Alexa model, or even used Alexa Mini is getting less expensive. If you can swing for an original V-Raptor, it's a STUNNING camera. Or if you go all the way up to V-Raptor X, you will not be disappointed.

[@CineAmaniacs]

@@nick_salazar yea I just checked on eBay your right we’re really living in a time where we’re able to get an Arri ALEXA at $25,000 that’s nuts Im curious to know how come you didn’t grab an ALEXA instead went with the raptor X seeing as tho Arri is the holy grail of digital cinema cameras

[@lucariccidj]

what's filer ND you use when using the canon RF Plastic lens? Thxxxx

[@nick_salazar]

Hey Luca, I use two Urth filters, a 1-5 stop filter: amzn.to/3WBczps and a 6-10 stop one: amzn.to/4ah109Y - I buy them in the 52mm size. Two of the lenses already use 52mm threads, and for the other ones you'll need a step-up ring.

[@lucariccidj]

@@nick_salazar thank you and good luck for your film 🎥

[@TotalRADandMORE]

I have a set of these but they’ve been sitting on a shelf as they al have different thread sizes making NDs a nightmare.
Also, the focus motors cant always keep up with the speed you spin the wheels.
But yeah super cool!

[@nick_salazar]

I adapted them all up to 52mm, and no issues with focus motors, not sure what you’re getting.

[@TotalRADandMORE]

The motors just can’t keep up with fast focus moves like they can on the L series. Not a huge issue but i thought it worth mentioning

[@poti732]

I really like your videos , but Im not getting why are you are obsessed with keeping the weight down this much. Alright , easier to balance on a gimbal, but you can have a gimbal setup and QR the camera out of the rig , mount the handles , magic arm w the monitor on bottom rods if you want. You can use an easy rig if you want to go handheld and you can use a sturdy tripod and or slider if the dolly is overkill. All can handle a big 10kilogram rig easily. Industry standard professional gimbals as well.

[@nick_salazar]

For me, the lighter things are the more likely I am to try out different angles or ideas. I also prefer keeping the gimbal handheld, without a support vest - I feel like the footage is smoother, plus it's easier to change setups. In some situations, you're right that weight isn't critical. But for some setups, every gram makes a difference.

[@poti732]

@@nick_salazar I get it but w an easiy rig im pritty flexible I can try out new angles easily and i feel like the gimbal footage is smoother when I use an easy rig, maybe it just me. But out of all the stabilization methods , it is byfar the easiest and less cumbersome. U have to balance the steadycam, same w the gimbal , sliders are way less flexible , same w the dolly because they are gigantic. The easy rig is not too big and very flexible . There are SOME shots , where you cant use it ofc. But than you just slide down the parts on your nato rail and go handheld like you do usually .

[@nick_salazar]

@@poti732 Well hey, if you like your Easyrig and it helps you do what you want, awesome! You certainly don't have to shoot like I do. Personally I hated using an Easyrig, but I know lots of folks love them. If you're getting the shots you want, more power to you.