Is THIS the Ultimate Cine Mini-Doc Camera Setup?! Canon RF 24-105mm + Red V-Raptor VV
If you're in the market for a versatile, high-quality lens that pairs well with the RED V Raptor, the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens might be just what you're looking for. This lens has been praised for its reliability and image quality, making it a popular choice for a wide range of shooters. But how well does it actually work with the RED V Raptor, and are there any compromises to be aware of? Let’s dive in and explore the strengths and weaknesses of this pairing.
Does the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z Lens Work with the RED V Raptor?
The short answer is yes—this lens works with the RED V Raptor. In fact, it’s almost a perfect fit for a run-and-gun setup. The 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens offers a great balance of range and performance, making it an attractive option for shooters on the go. However, as with any gear, it's not without its limitations. So, let's take a closer look at what this lens brings to the table.
The Image Circle: A Key Limitation for Vista Vision
One of the biggest considerations when using the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens with the RED V Raptor is the image circle. While this lens performs excellently on full-frame sensors, it doesn’t quite match up when paired with the V Raptor’s Vista Vision sensor.
If you're shooting anything wider than 35mm to 37mm, you’ll notice significant vignetting at 8K resolution. It’s a major issue if you're working in high-res formats, but the situation improves at lower resolutions. At 7K, the vignetting is less noticeable, and at 6K, it’s somewhat manageable. The sweet spot for avoiding vignetting altogether seems to be 5K, where the lens performs most effectively.
Image Stabilization: Solid Performance
When it comes to image stabilization, the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens shines. The stabilization works well in both modes 1 and 2, and it’s clear that Canon’s technology delivers smooth, steady shots even in dynamic shooting situations. Whether you’re shooting handheld or need a bit of stabilization for more controlled shots, the lens performs admirably in this area.
Distortion: A Creative Challenge
On the wide end of the zoom range, the lens can exhibit quite a bit of distortion. If you're going for a more exaggerated or creative look, this may not be a problem. However, if you're aiming for a more controlled or natural visual, the distortion can be an issue. It’s important to note that in Canon cameras, distortion is effectively corrected in-camera, but unfortunately, the same correction isn’t available when using the V Raptor. So, if you want to minimize distortion, you'll need to address it in post-production, which could add extra time to your workflow.
Aperture Ring: A Missing Feature
One of the standout features of the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens is its aperture ring, which is a great tactile feature for users. Unfortunately, this feature doesn’t function when used with the RED V Raptor. It’s disappointing, as it’s a pleasant addition when working with other cameras, but for now, it’s non-operational with this RED camera.
The good news is that the control ring on the front of the lens works just fine, and you can configure it for a variety of settings. In our case, we set it to control the iris, but you can customize it to work with other functions, which adds a bit of flexibility.
Autofocus: Impressive Performance
Autofocus is one area where the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens really impresses. The autofocus is quick, snappy, and reliable—ideal for fast-paced shooting environments. While autofocus performance can vary depending on your subject and lighting conditions, our initial tests were very promising.
In the current version 1.8.5 of the RED V Raptor firmware, face tracking autofocus works in beta, which is an exciting feature. However, RED is still refining the algorithm, and newer beta versions promise further improvements. Despite this, we didn’t feel comfortable testing the beta firmware, so we stuck to the stable 1.8.5 release.
Verdict: A Solid Run-and-Gun Setup, with Some Caveats
All things considered, the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens is a fantastic addition to your RED V Raptor setup, particularly for run-and-gun style filmmaking. It offers excellent image quality, solid autofocus, and reliable image stabilization, making it a dependable tool for fast-paced shoots. However, it’s important to be aware of the compromises—like the vignetting at higher resolutions and the lack of in-camera distortion correction—that come with pairing this lens with the V Raptor.
That said, for a mini-dock-style setup, this lens can still produce stunning results. It maintains the sharp, clean, and high-contrast image quality that Canon’s L-glass is known for. While it might not offer the most creatively exciting look, it’s a lens you can trust to deliver professional-quality results time after time.
If you’re in need of a reliable, all-around lens for your RED V Raptor and you’re aware of its limitations, the Canon 24-105mm f/2.8 Z lens could be an invaluable addition to your gear bag.