ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

8 years, 9 months ago - Lee 'Wozy' Warren

The lenses you chose should be a creative decision. How close? How deep focus etc. How fast? Etc...

And yes you would probably need some form of editing equipment as I presume that you are not shooting shot for shot per the script? So you'll need to put all your shots together in the correct script sequence after.

8 years, 9 months ago - Jamie Kennerley

What's your camera Claire? Also what's your budget? I've shot all kinds of stop-motion, from features to commercials to corporates. I would bin Stop-motion pro if I were you and to move to Dragonframe. It's 200% better.

8 years, 9 months ago - Rakesh Malik

On the photography side, it's basically the same concept as photographing a film set, but on a smaller scale.

8 years, 9 months ago - Jamie Kennerley

There's definitely focus to consider - whether perhaps you need a Macro lens or two (all depends on the size of what you're shooting). Also thinking about how the lens will communicate with the animation software - if it's an electronic lens with no manual iris then can the software set the stop? Also, how stable is the lens in general. Shots will be ongoing for hours or even days often, so you want a lens that can maintain a certain amount of consistency - both in optics and actual stability (and I don't mean stabiliser) so you don't get wobbly frames over the course of a shot.

Of course, it all depends what level you're working at. If you're starting out then and still very much playing then the most basic of kit to get you started is fine. Even a cheap stock Canon lens would likely do the trick, depending on what you're shooting.

Claire - any feedback?

Jamie

8 years, 9 months ago - Claire Creswell

Budget about £1500. Am about to get Canon EOS DSLR body . Research showed that most useful lenses for claymation would be 55mm Macro, 35mm 2.8 wide angle and 24 mm A1S wider. Is a zoom lens a good idea as well? I googled that Nikkor Russian used lenses are good;
I have been using a camcorder which is why I need advice for still DSLR.
Thanks. Claire

8 years, 9 months ago - Jamie Kennerley

You want to try to make sure your lenses are all fairly similar in terms of colour and sharpness. In my opinion I'd buy the older Nikon Nikkor lenses - there's loads on Ebay. We shot The Fantastic Mr Fox on those lenses, as well as Tim Burton's Frankenweenie. You'll just need a Nikon - Canon adaptor.

That version of the 55mm Macro is also pretty much the standard one used in animation. See here:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nikon-Micro-Nikkor-55mm-F2-8-Ai-s-Macro-Lens-just-serviced-by-Nikon-/262680879249?hash=item3d29002091:g:MBMAAOSwNRdYBpDl

I can't see you need anything wider than a 24mm, but I'd suggest potentially getting an 85mm also, so you have something longer.

But I'd go for those lenses. They're fully manual, which is what you want. I wouldn't buy electronic lenses. Nor would I be interchanging lens makes if you can help it. I can't see a reason to get a zoom. It's one more 'axis' that you'll just need to tape off when you start a shot so it doesn't slip over the course of the filming.

A second hand Canon 5D mk2 would be a good camera. Just make sure the sensor is clean before you start shooting!