2 minute read
Heath McKnight checks out the latest film and photography projects receiving the thumbs up from investors on the crowdfunding sites.
We have some cool production equipment-related crowdfunding campaigns that you can take a look at. SIRUI has two different campaigns running, one featuring a pair of affordable and light anamorphic prime lenses and another with a set of fast APC-C prime lenses, the Hyperdolly and the Beastgrip DOF Adapter MK3 for Smartphone, which you have to see to believe.
SIRUI Saturn Anamorphic and APS-C Prime Lenses
SIRUI has been successfully launching new lenses via crowdfunding for a while (usually Indiegogo), and the company recently completed two new campaigns.
SIRUI Saturn 50mm and 75mm 1.6X full frame anamorphic lenses
The Saturn range has expanded to three lenses
SIRUI is promising that the new Saturn lenses are the world’s lightest full frames, and they are both constructed with durable and light carbon fiber. The 50mm and 75mm 1.6X lenses are fast at T2.9 (to T16) and will join their 35mm T2.9 sibling. Mounts include E, RF, X, Z, L, and DL.
The Saturn lenses feature nice and classic blue flares and neutral flares, a 1.6X squeeze ratio (2.4:1 and 2.8:1 cinema scope aspect ratio), weigh less than 500g (17.6 oz), and other cool features.
The Saturn hit over 6500% of its $5000 flexible goal, though that initial amount seems pegged back to game popularity algorithms. Prices start at $1293 at the moment, with the company running a 15% discount. List is $1522.
SIRUI Sniper Series F1.2 APS-C autofocus lens set (three total)
The SIRUI Sniper Series F1.2 APS-C Autofocus Lens Set features three fast prime lenses at F1.2 (to F16), a 23mm, 33mm, and 56mm lens with E, X, and Z Mount options. They weigh less than 380g (13.4 oz.) and feature fast and quiet autofocus with an STM motor design.
The different focal lengths of each SIRUI Sniper prime lens give you flexibility when filming or shooting: 23mm (equivalent to 35mm), 33mm (equivalent to a nifty fifty 50mm lens, probably the one you'll reach for the most), and 56mm (equivalent to 85mm).
The Sniper Series reached over 3600% of its crowdfunding target, so they’re definitely popular too. The three-lens set costs $1125, with each individual lens available for $392.
Hyperdolly: track-free robotic cine dolly
While dollies bring smooth-moving shots to any production, they are a pain to set up and use. Tracks need to be laid down and assembled (whether for straight or curved shots), and a dolly grip handles the movements while the cinematographer sits atop it and operates the camera.
Filmmaker and DIYer Andrii Statieva has developed the track-free and robotic Hyperdolly to make things easier. Thanks to its foldable design, it easily sets up and can hold a maximum load of 26.4 lbs. (under 12kg).
The Hyperdolly also features a 2.4GHz radio control, 10.5 in./sec. max speed (0.27 in./sec. min. speed), and a quiet motor. You can manually push it or program it wirelessly for repeated movements.
As of writing, Hyperdolly has a 27% discount, so the price is $1240 (vs. $1700) for a complete kit, and 50% of shipping is covered. Tax not included, if applicable. It comes with the Hyperdolly, a remote control, a durable case, and a strap. There are optional add-ons such as a shutter release cable and more.
Check it out at Kickstarter.
Beastgrip DOF Adapter MK3 for smartphones
This one is wild because it's a smartphone lens adapter, but not with lenses made specifically for mobile filmmaking. Instead, creator Vadym Chalenko says the Beastgrip DOF Adapter MK3 will allow you to use SLR and DSLR lenses on your smartphone.
It has been redesigned from the two previous versions and is based upon the Canon EF mount; and really takes mobile filmmaking to a whole new level with the lenses you can use. You can also add other Beastgrip accessories to help out if you like. I imagine it's heavy with a sizable lens.
Early bird special pricing is $209 (vs. $299) for the DOF Adapter MK3. Learn more at Kickstarter.
Tags: Production Lenses
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