Let’s look at the best cine prime lenses for the Canon C500 Mark II.
The Canon C500 Mark II in its base configuration has a standard EF mount that is non-locking. You need to pay $2,199 extra for a locking EF mount (called EF-C) from Canon.
Should you opt for a locking mount?
It depends on the lenses you are going to use it with. If you’re using cine lenses or heavier zoom lenses then definitely yes. If you’re just using Canon still lenses then probably not. Canon sells the following adapters, both with shim kits:
B4 mount adapter
If you need PL lenses, then you’ll need the EF to PL mount (PM-V1) adapter.
First, here are some criteria for the lenses to qualify:
- True cine lenses, not rehoused still lenses.
- EF-mount lenses
- PL-mount lenses
- Must at the very least cover an image circle of 43mm.
We won’t be looking at specialty lenses or anamorphic lenses.
Pick your mount for my suggestions:
Best cine prime lenses for the Canon C500 Mark II in the PL mount
Here’s a list of the best cine prime kits available for the Canon C500 Mark II in the PL mount:
Feature | ZEISS Supreme | Angenieux Optimo | Cooke S7/i | ARRI Signature |
Aperture Range^ | T1.5-T22 | T1.8-T22 | T2.0-T22 | T1.8-T22 |
Front Diameter (mm) | 95/114 | 95 | 110 | 114 |
Blades in Iris | 16 | 9 | 9 | 11 |
Image Circle (mm) | 46.3 | 46.3 | 46.31 | 44.7 |
Close Focus (mm)^ | 460 | 407 | 500 | 450 |
Weight (kg)^ | 1.2 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 1.8 |
Focal Lengths in KIt | 15-200mm | 18-200mm | 16-135mm | 12-280mm |
Consistent Length?* | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Largest Consistent Aperture** | T1.5 | T1.8 | T2 | T1.8 |
Focus Rotation (degrees) | 300 | 300 | 270 | 300 |
Price for 50mm (B&H, USD)^ | $20,625 | Not Released ($23,000) | $23,400 | $24,920 |
*For about four lenses in the kit, typically 24 to 85mm.
**If three of the lenses (among the middle five) are T1.5 but the other two are T2.1, then the largest consistent aperture is T2.1.
^For the 50mm lens in the lineup. For the Arri Signature Primes, it’s a 47mm.
Best cine prime lenses for the Canon C500 Mark II in the EF mount
Here’s a list of the best cine prime kits available for the Canon C500 Mark II in the EF mount:
Feature | Tokina Cinema Vista | Schneider FF Cine-Tilt | Sigma FF | Zeiss CP.3 | Canon Sumire |
Aperture Range^ | T1.5-T22 | T2.1-T22 | T1.5-T16 | T2.1-T22 | T1.3-T22 |
Front Diameter (mm) | 114 | 100 | 95 | 95 | 114 |
Blades in Iris | 9 | 14 | 9 | 15 | 11 |
Image Circle (mm) | 46.7 | 45 | 43.3 | 46.3 | 43.1 |
Close Focus (mm)^ | 480 | 500 | 400 | 450 | 450 |
Weight (kg)^ | 2.11 | 1.41 | 1.21 | 0.77 | 1.1 |
Focal Lengths in KIt | 18 to 105mm | 25-100mm | 14 to 135mm | 15 to 135mm | 14 to 135mm |
Consistent Length?* | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Largest Consistent Aperture** | T1.5 | T2.1 | T1.5 | T2.1 | T1.5 |
Focus Rotation (degrees) | 300 | 300 | 180 | 300 | 300 |
Price for 50mm (B&H, USD)^ | $4,499 | $5,598 | $4,499 | $5,790 | $7,410 |
*For about four lenses in the kit, typically 24 to 85mm.
**If three of the lenses (among the middle five) are T1.5 but the other two are T2.1, then the largest consistent aperture is T2.1.
^For the 50mm lens in the lineup.
My favorites?
I’ve only shot with a few of these, but for what it’s worth, my two favorites are:
ARRI Signature Primes
These are probably the best lenses as far as this comparison is concerned. Note the following:
- 12mm T1.8!! (Coming soon)
- 11-blade iris, which is probably enough (Master Primes have only 9)
- Goes all the way to 280mm, so Arri is fully committed to this line.
Angenieux Optimo Primes
I had a chance to test them at Broadcast India (just the 40mm), and I’ve seen sample videos and to be honest the look is incredible:
- Smooth bokeh and great skin tone
- Warm organic look – matches Optimo zooms
- Angenieux are experimenting with removable aperture blades and an internal lens element!
On a lower budget, I’d say it’s hard to beat the value, range and quality of the Sigma Cine Primes.
What do you think?