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[robstiff]

I have read that the Ultra Primes provide a sharper image compared to the Cooke S4 Primes.
I understand also that the Cooke S4 Primes yield a very desirable softer image compared to the Ultra Primes.

Do anyone know thru the use of filter(s) how to get a look similar to the Cooke S4s with Ultra Primes; if possible?

[Jumperjack]

Both lenses are just as sharp as one another.

The falloff on the S4s is more gradual as compared to the UPs. That is, the focus point of both lenses will be identical, for the S4s, as you get away from the focus point, things become gradually less and less in focus, whereas for UPs, as you get away from the focus point, things become dramatically less in focus. Think of a graph: things in-focus (y-axis) vs. distance (x-axis). The S4's would have a bell curve (also known as the "Cooke look"), the UP would have a tack-like (spiky) curve (thus the expression "that Zeiss is tack-sharp").

As far as I know, there is no way (filter or post-production plugin) to make an UP look like an S4.

However, if I were forced to "make" an UP look like an S4, I would open up the UP so that the falloff "looks" softer due to the shallower depth of field. But I really wouldn't be fooling anybody.

I prefer the S4s because the falloff is smoother and less jarring. Other people love the UPs and MPs for that "bamm" in your face sharpness. The new Leicas are a mix between the S4s and MPs (not as smooth as the S4s and not as tack-sharp as the UPs and MPs).

[robstiff]

Thank for posting on this. I have read somewhere that some DPs prefer the Ultra Primes over the Cooke Prime because they can thru filtration soften down the sharpness when needed, but not vise vera with the Cooke Primes...

[Jumperjack]

Robstiff,

Both lenses are just as sharp as one another!

The falloff is different. The contrast between "what is in focus" and "what is out of focus" is more dramatic on the UP as compared to the S4.

If you use filtration to soften the picture on the UPs, the overall contrast between "what is in focus" and "what is out of focus" is reduced. HOWEVER, "what is in focus" becomes less sharp. Whereas with a Cooke S4 with no filtration, "what is in focus" stays sharp.

[robstiff]

I appreciate and understand what you are saying.
What is your opinion on the Fujinon Alura Zooms (18-80mm) on the falloff
compared to the Ultra Primes & Cooke Primes?

[adrianjebef]

I've tested and shot all sorts of lenses on the ALEXA and its very clear to me that this camera likes a tac-sharp lens. Observations:

Master Primes and the new Leicas are the best. Both sets are super sharp.

Ultra Primes are nice. Sharp.

Cooke S4 and 5i primes are a bit "rounder". Some prefer this look. They are nowhere near as sharp as the Master Primes or Leicas.

The old Zeiss Primes are usually terrible. No offense but they're mushy and have a fair bit of chromatic aberration.

Canon K35's are a bit soft but not as bad as the old Zeiss Superspeeds. They have a very nice quality to them and the true circular iris is beautiful. Very nice focus fall-off but difficult for AC's to work with all the way open at 1.3 The K35's also have noticeably less CA than the Zeiss Superspeeds or older Cooke Panchros and Baltars.

Panavision Primos are great. Not as sharp as the Masters or Leicas but they have a great feel. Their zooms are pretty great as well especially the 11-1.

The ever popular Optimo line of zooms are not that great on the ALEXA. They don't resolve as well as they should. And they have noticeable CA and edge distortion. Especially the shorter zooms.

The very expensive Fujinon Zooms are the best (18-85). Crazy sharp.

The ARRI/Fujinon Alura lenses are very, very good for their price point. I prefer them over the Optimos.

Also, if you are attempting to judge a lens with an HD monitor keep in mind that most of the displays out there will add artificial sharpening. I still like my old 24" Cinetals over just about anything else primarily because they show a true image. I'd also suggest you'll want to use a 24" display or larger. A 17" isnt big enough to accurately display an image worth scrutinizing.

[Jumperjack]

Adrian,

I agree with what you said about the Optimos. I too see the edge distortion.

Do you think the ARRI/Fujinon Aluras match the Master Primes?

[adrianjebef]

JJ:

The Aluras are a better match with MP's than the Optimo's.  The high-end 18-85mm Fujinon is best. And there is also a 16.5-110mm Zeiss Master Zoom that I've been told matches the MP's almost perfectly but as far as I know there isn't one here on the West Coast. Though there are a couple for sale...

http://www.westcoastcinevideo.com/West_Coast_Cine_Video/Zoom_Lenses.html

I'm personally pretty jazzed to take a peek at the new Alura 15.5-45mm light-weight zoom. Should be sweet...

[robstiff]

The Fujinon ARRI Alura 18-80 is fantastic.

Actually comparing the Fujonon ARRI Alura 18-80 at 50mm to an ARRI ZEISS Ultra Prime 50mm, the 50mm Ultra Prime is a bit shaper...

Never used Master Primes, so I wonder if a 50mm Master Prime would be noticeably better vs. the 18-80 at 50mm?

[karwaing]

Give the Fujinon 24-180 a try too, if you don't need the longer end of the Optimo 24-290. The Fuji is sharper, contrastier, and has better geometry. Really wonderful performance especially for a zoom.

[Chris Bell]

I own the 45-250 Arri/Fuji zoom.  It is exceptional and a bargain compared to the big Optimo.  I have owned several of Fuji HD cine lenses in the past and their performance was also very good... especially the E series zooms and primes.  I am very interested in seeing the new short Alura's... I own both of the Optimo DP's which are very sharp and contrasty, but suffer from mild vignetting in the corners.  This is most noticeable on green screens.  There is also an annoying hot spot flare that appears at certain angles from a light source. 

The Red primes deserve honorable mention for being sharp and cheap.  Their flare rejections is not as good as Angenieux, and they are heavy.   

[robstiff]

Chris,
If you love your 45-250 Alura, you'll absolutely love the 18-80 Alura!
It's the ultimate solution for time sensitive shoots with the Alexa from 18-80mm.
We are thinking about adding the 45-250 Alura to our lineup. We are using the
180mm Ultra Prime more often, but sometimes I know we would get more out of the focal length range of 180mm to 250mm for sure.....
Thanks, rob

[adrianjebef]

I had the chance to test out a set of Unique Optics last week and was greatly impressed. I shot a quick test and you can take a peek at it here if interested:

http://thedigitalparade.blogspot.com/