Beastgrip DOF vs. Standard iPhone Lens!

In this video we compare shooting video with the Beastgrip DOF MK2 to the standard iPhone wide lens. All footage shot with FiLMiC Pro Flat 4K 24fps.
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▶︎ FAVORITE Apps & Gear:
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If you’re new to our channel we’re all about taking mobile & DIY filmmaking to the next level. We share tools, tips & techniques to empower indie filmmakers, KZbin creators, mobile journalists and really anyone who wants to create better videos and movies. We primarily use iOS devices - but most of our tips will work with any smartphone - so if you're an Android user there's plenty of good info here for you, too! :)
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#beastgrip #iphone #filmmaking
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©2020 Splashbox Studios

[@justjava22]

Best comparison I’ve seen on the tubes. Using the polar pro on the iPhone was great

[@SmartphoneFilmmaker]

Interesting how much better the DOF shots looked indoors opposed to outside. Really striking images. Not sure if I’d ever buy one but I have alway wanted to see this comparison so thank you! 👍🏻

[@consumeboxing]

He brings good content for us to see interesting examples.

[@1dir951]

Good video, good results. Didn't show a final cost of all the gear though. Where I don't need to do a film entirely on an iPhone, I guess I'd rather get a GH5 system which may actually be a smaller overall size package at a competitive cost, and easier to set up and carry around. That way I'd have the phone to use as I like in addition.

[@jimintaos]

Thank you. That was really helpful to me as I was considering buying the DOF and beastgrip package. I might still buy it at some point but overall I found that I liked the sharpness of the iPhone a bit better. I also felt like the color on the iPhone without the DOF was richer.

[@iphoneographers]

The DOF is a lot of fun to use, but it’s not something you’d use all the time. The sharpness is definitely less, but that’s actually the point. It gives the image a much more filmic and analog/organic feel. But you can do similar things using mist filters without the DOF, too. Thanks for watching!

[@heroicvision]

The DOF definitely takes practice to get used to.I have the Ulanzi DOF and didn't like it at first because I always got out of focus and really softer images until I started relying on the focus peaking on Filmic Pro and McPro 24fps.Using 35 and 50mm prime lenses really look pretty damn good.

[@Macro_Dreams1]

Maybe you can help me out I just bought a dof adapter from beast grip and am having some issues. If you are on Facebook or Instagram it would be easier to message through there if possible.

[@heroicvision]

@@Macro_Dreams1 On Instagram you can find me at @heroic_muscle

[@Macro_Dreams1]

@@heroicvision I sent you a message and a follow

[@Macro_Dreams1]

@@heroicvision my Instagram is @visionstoskin I followed you and sent a message check your requests

[@heroicvision]

@@Macro_Dreams1 Gotcha!👍

[@CRPFilmsChristianRaymundPastor]

This is so awesome, I really appreciate that kind of lenses for phones.

[@heroicvision]

This DOF really shines if you use it for short films along with a Tiffen Black Pro Mist.

[@iphoneographers]

Need to try a black pro mist sometime. Have used a Hollywood Blackmagic and looks good.

[@jimveybe7689]

I can see the artistic choice to blur the frame except for the middle 11.1% rectangle, but I would not use it when more than that is needed in focus.

[@inconceivable5269]

I like the shallow depth in shots but the blur on the edges of the DOF shots looks like a lens looking into a lens because that's what it is. Maybe one day they'll make a phone that can actually use interchangeable lenses since smart phones are more about capturing pics/vids these days more than ever.

[@iphoneographers]

Definitely a possibility. RED looked like they were headed in that direction with their phone a few years ago, but it tanked and they unfortunately scrapped it.

[@heroicvision]

Blake you're doing a fantastic job keep it going .I'm enjoying and absorbing every video you do.And this is coming from a person who doesn't have an iPhone.I'm strictly an android fan!

[@iphoneographers]

Ha, thanks! Androids are cool I just use iPhones is all. :) Appreciate you watching & commenting!

[@umeshgrg4062]

Need help!! I have got my dof mk2 adapter and want to use it with sigma lens 70-300 mm . Which adapter should i buy inorder to attach dof mk2 with my sigma lens ?

[@heroicvision]

Two huge drawbacks is that you need to put the DOF on either a full size gimbal like a Moza Air Cross 2 or a tripod because you get zero image stabilization.And also your lenses and DOF have to stay perfectly dust free because even the tiniest spec will show up on video and can ruin everything.I always have to carry a dust blower or brush which can be annoying.

[@billyoung9538]

Yup, this has always been the case with these projecting through a fresnel hacks. The same issue happened back with the old Canon Vixia HV20-HV40. Dust and picking up the fresnel lens pattern. Of course back in the Vixia days they started literally vibrating the fresnel lens to prevent the fixed concentric circle patterns from showing up, but then back in those days the adapters could cost more than an iPhone with a Beast rig, and for we budget cinematographers it was still a fraction of the price of owning a real cinema camera. Sadly the rings can still be a problem even with these modern adapters if one is not careful.

[@HikingWithCooper]

Is it just me or do the dof shots look blurred at the edges rather than out of focus based on distance?

[@FAT8893]

As much as I love this whole concept, I'm not sure if I want to do this especially when there are a vast selection of mobile lenses out there, especially for long zooms like Beastgrip 3x Tele Zoom Conversion Lens, that can fully utilize the smartphone sensor's full potential in the first place.

[@orestes1984]

This isn't for zoom but for a much shallower depth of field than an i{hone can produce

[@drrrw]

So this is basically a speedbooster for the iphone that reduces the crop factor, lens wise?

[@mdturnerinoz]

Blake! You are my hero! Thanks so much for this video! I just got the DOF Mk2 and have been struggling with lens vignetting and focus; your ideas are so helpful! BTW I have been trying to use the Canon 40mm "pancake" lens just to learn with and have had severe focus issues. I do have that same Rokinon 24mm, so I will give it a try! Thanks again!

[@heroicvision]

I had the same vignetting issue with my Ulanzi DOF when using it on the Beastgrip Pro cage.What I did to stop the vignetting is buy the upgraded Beastgrip optical mount for $15 and actually I had to install the new mount backwards to resolve this and works like a charm.

[@iphoneographers]

Different lenses do perform better for sure. Need to try more options but when you get the right combo it looks pretty great!

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

Thank you very much. This was very informative.

[@billyoung9538]

I think the biggest flaw in this comparison is that Rokinon 24mm T/1.5 lens. Not because they are horrible for their price point, but because they become super soft wide open. While a lot of people are blaming the softness on the DoF adapter, at least 50% of the softness is probably from that lens being as wide open as it is. My experience with those lens is they do much better either shooting in low light , which would starve the DoF adapter, or with a slightly higher T-stop resulting in a wider depth of Field, obviously defeating half of the purpose of this video. If the goal is to give a good comparison of the DoF adapters potential then I would recommend getting some quality vintage manual glass on there and redo the comparison, as I'm betting the results would look quite a bit better.

[@heroicvision]

I've tried my Ulanzi DOF with a pretty wide lens and did not like the look.However I had much improvement of video quality with a 35mm and 50mm lens and also with my modified vintage 58mm Helios 44-2 Anamorphic lens.

[@RCModSquad]

Very interesting comparison. Thanks.

[@DigitalRestore]

Pretty much only useful in shooting objects up close and zooming in, or shifting focus. Normal photos without depth of field have a lot of lens distortion on the dof adapter shots, which can look cool if you are aiming for that, but normally you wouldn’t want that much distortion. Imagine shooting a wedding with that much distortion, now you get the point.

[@DrCARLOSBENTABOL]

I hope you are very well, two questions, 1st do you have a tutorial in Spanish ;: 2nd the Ulanzi DOF Adapter, they no longer sell it? Have they stopped making them? What alternative is there to mount Sony Lexia cinema lenses on an iPhone 12 pro max? Thank you very much, greetings, your explanations are always excellent.

[@iphoneographers]

Hi, no tutorials in Spanish besides the auto generated subtitles that KZbin can add. As far as Ulanzi... Not sure. Last time I checked it was still on their website. You’d have to adapt that mount to EF for the Beastgrip or Ulanzi also has a Nikon mount. Hope that helps!

[@clarencenewby716]

If you were to add Cinebloom filter wouldn’t the effect be amazing?

[@robborr5096]

sorry to ask so many years later but do you still recommend using a DOF adapter with an iphone 15 pro max or can the new iphone achieve shallow DOF on its own without an adapter and additional lens? Thanks!

[@iphoneographers]

You can’t get the same shallow DOF, but you can get more now. However, Besstgrip is releasing a new DOF soon for the 15 Pro/Max and I’ll be doing a new video about it (not for sure when though, but in the near future).

[@robborr5096]

@@iphoneographers Awesome, you just saved me some cash and I will be looking forward to your review!

[@hobinyasarid8390]

is it hard to take photo using dof adapter without tripod or monopod?

[@iphoneographers]

You can shoot handheld, just have to make sure focus peaking is turned on in your app (but you do that regardless). I tend to use a tripod though.

[@roadcrewfilms]

Awesome channel mate!!!! Thanks!

[@humancaos]

for video I prefer plain iphone camera, because it looks more natural to what I would see in real life, but for a movie maybe the unfocused look is good, but for Photos the DOF was totally worth it made it more focused on the item .

[@liiontommy]

Does it make more sense to go this route or get a mirrorless/DSLR camera?

[@iphoneographers]

Depends what you’re trying to do and your budget. This is not really a replacement for a mirrorless camera, this is an alternative to it or an addition to it. The DOF adapter is very fun to use and you can get great looking results, but it’s not as easy to use or reliable as a traditional setup. If you already own some lenses and already have the phone, then it’s an affordable option to get super shallow DOF shots.

[@AmmarGhodiwala]

Hi Would like to ask if dof mk2 does support s20 ultra? And if yes can we use 200-600 mm lens? What is the setup required? It's for filming sports videography. We would really appreciate your kind advice. Thanking you in advance

[@iphoneographers]

Have not used an s20 with it. But if it fits in a Beastgrip Pro it should work with the DOF MK2. You can use electronic long zoom lenses, however, you can’t adjust the aperture. So what some people do is simply set the aperture to wide open or one stop down using a traditional camera, then put it on the Beastgrip and it should remember the setting. Beastgrip recommends using manual lenses for this reason, but this is a workaround. It just needs to be a full-frame lens with an EF mount (or you can use an adapter for other mounts). Best of luck!

[@AmmarGhodiwala]

@@iphoneographers Thanks a lot once again sir.

[@kingslepton]

The price of the cage and adapter just makes me wanna buy a dslr

[@IOS.mobile]

Great video Blake! Since the Beastgrip DOF is back in stock. I decided to pick one up. Now, it's time to grab some lenses. Do you have access to more of those Rokinon lenses? If so, can you share what your thoughts are on those?

[@iphoneographers]

The full frame Rokinon’s have worked pretty well. Have used the 24, 50 and a 14. Good bang for the buck. You could also look at less expensive manual photo lenses too. It’s fun to try out different stuff!

[@deandee8082]

welp the pink laptop on the bed, note how the standard lens focused on the flooring way better than the DOF where the bed is out of focus, is this a matter of what you were focusing on or telling the camera what to focus on? press on image and hold it will focus wherever your finger is, android anywho.. hmm...

[@EJSMMediaFilms]

DOF is the best shoot cinematic result. 🙏🏼 good job between lenses

[@CSNK2008]

Softer image aren't a problem for me, but do you now, approximaticaly, how many f-stops do you lose with this kind of dof adapter? Thank you guys

[@iphoneographers]

Believe it’s approximately 2 stops, which for shooting outside in the sun actually helps. Inside works fine, just watch your ISO and try to keep it low to limit video noise.

[@CSNK2008]

@@iphoneographers Hi and thank you, i'd believe much more! 2 stop's not bad

[@RobertoHernandez-qk4sl]

Like every photo review should be

[@trogdor]

What field of view are you getting with the 24mm lens on the DOF adapter? Haven't been able to find the crop factor anywhere.

[@iphoneographers]

That’s a good question. Not 100% sure. Need to do a follow-up video. However, the FOV Is pretty similar between the two and the iPhone wide is a 24mm equivalent.

[@moooo8272]

I have noticed that the videos shot with the DOF have pretty severe aberrations in four edges, only a small area near the center of the image is correctly interpreted. Can that be corrected by anyway?

[@iphoneographers]

On wide shots the edges are defocused and that’s the nature of these adapters. But if you frame wider then push in some in post you can often get rid of it. And when shooting on longer lenses it all blends together with the natural shallow DOF and looks pretty good.

[@moooo8272]

​@@iphoneographers I got it, am thinking to order one of DOF MK2, your video answered a lot of my questions, THANKS!

[@TonyBabarino]

#1 fan in the #1 position! Now send me free stuff! 😊👍

[@orestes1984]

The corners are horrible when shot stopped down, you would have top open the lens up to hide the corner issues.

[@Rohol64]

Sorry for the off topic question, Thank you for your super interesting content in the videos. Can I ask you if you have seen around a solution for a Samsung S20 plus? A case, a step-up ring and a working ND filter that covers all lenses ( especially the ultra wide one) thank you from Bergamo Italy. I am searching on all sites like Polar pro etc

[@iphoneographers]

Have you looked at Sandmarc? Their clip-on NDs work well and cover all lenses on iPhone, so might work with your phone. There’s a link to them in the description of this video. Also believe Moment has a S20 Plus case you could get and add an ND filter to it. Also a link to them in the description. Best of luck! Thanks for watching.

[@GregoryFariss]

I associate depth of field with F/stop. Why doesn't an f/1.6 iPhone lens have a shallow depth of field?

[@iphoneographers]

It does with objects close to the camera. The DOF there will look like traditional cameras. However, since it’s such a small sensor you don’t get the same shallow DOF from a distance, although you can get some using the Tele lens.

[@vvillberry]

I wonder how the softness on there compares to how on android you're able to turn off the digital sharpening in filmic pro that I guess you're not able to do on iphone

[@iphoneographers]

Yeah no way to turn that off on iPhone, so normally soften in post with subtle blur, but with this on it works pretty well.

[@TonyBabarino]

DOF doesn’t look as good as I expected. Kind of bad actually. iPhone itself is so crisp.

[@patricklevar]

Ya I agree 🤔

[@i.am.rossalex]

Crisp is not the goal. But I think Beastgrip is a little bit overpriced for it possibilities.

[@vegasrenie]

I thought it looked good on the indoor shots, but the outdoor shots are really degraded in quality.

[@heroicvision]

@@i.am.rossalex Yeah it's definitely used for more of a cinematic look so you don't want video to look crisp and super sharp when trying to shoot for example a short film or documentary.Also the Ulanzi DOF is much cheaper around a $100 or more less.

[@iphoneographers]

Have the Ulanzi DOF too and planning to do a comparison with Beastgrip.

[@paulvanobberghen]

I wonder, when you go to that extend, why not just use a dedicated camera body, even APSC, which will have better definition anyways? This seems like « I positively exclusively want to use my iPhone for filming, no matter what! ». A Sony A6400, for instance, will cost you more than the grip and the DOF, granted, but not that much, but with many more options. And you still can use your phone, you know, as a phone. So, my question is, what’s the actual bonus of using the iPhone instead of a dedicated camera body?

[@iphoneographers]

This is definitely niche, but also creates looks you simply can’t get with a phone alone and for those people who want to stay mobile it’s a great option. The accessories cost about $400 and if you already have a phone - and that’s the main point, almost everyone does - it’s a way to get cinematic looks w/o breaking the bank. And you can get vintage lenses on eBay for super cheap or use modern ones if you already have them. I own an a6400 and use it all the time (shot a lot of this video with it). It’s currently about $1000 with no lens. It’s a great deal, but many still can’t afford it. Though there are also those who really like using their phone regardless because of its convenience, portability combined with enough quality (especially today with 10-bit log video). So for some it’s an affordable way to get into cinema style shooting and for others it’s just a fun way to shoot. It’s not an either or for me, I personally use my mirrorless camera more, but I love having the options.

[@SGTSAS]

Hi, I wanted to ask how this set up is and if its worth it. I have an option to pick up a DOF Mk2 adaptor for 80 Euros second hand, now my IDEA was to combine the DOF Mk2 with a KAMLAN 50mm MK2 for some nice Bokeh. DO you think this combo will work? Is it worth it? Thank you for your video and greetings from Mallorca/SPAIN.

[@iphoneographers]

If that’s an EF mount then yeah it should work well (needs to be full frame too). And that seems like a pretty good deal on the DOF. New they’re around $260 USD. And is it worth it? It really depends on what you’re doing. You can get some very cool looks using the setup, but it’s not overly practical as an every day kind of rig. It’s a lot of fun to shoot with though and again especially using a phone you can get some very nice looking footage. Just don’t expect it to be like a mirrorless or DSLR camera. It’s different as it’s a more stylized look. One note, if you’re using a 12 Pro Max you HAVE to get a new DOF MK2 as it’s different. For other phones the previous versions will work fine. Good luck! 👍🏻

[@SGTSAS]

@@iphoneographers I would be using a iPhone 11 Pro Max.

[@iphoneographers]

That will work fine.

[@CutNGo100]

DOF Adapter soften the image to much. Would like to have more sharpness on focussed details.

[@iphoneographers]

You need the right lens combination and you can get pretty great results. But yes, that can definitely be a problem.

[@Keji839]

Spherical aberration is strong with this one

[@melgross]

What part of the adapter gets in the picture? That’s not good. But if it’s just a tiny sliver of the edge it can be machined off. I’m surprised they didn’t notice that in the prototype and fix it. Are all of the shots slightly soft? No, I don’t like that. Also, do you think it’s a factor of the adapter and lenses that cause that awful distortion, because it’s really bad. Using external lenses for zoom and wide capabilities on the large sensor is a main factor, and DOF manipulation is just one of the reasons for using them. There are many times to use a wide or tele when you want/need a sharp field of view and if this doesn’t give it, it’s not very useful. Of course, when I’m seeing this it’s three years later so the cameras are much better, Apple log is much better and shooting more seriously with my small SSD is very helpful.

[@what2125]

Phones nowadays have really impressive shallow depth of field so those lenses wouldn't be too necessary for filmmaking.

[@iphoneographers]

That’s true to a degree, but one thing this also does is add a filmic look shooting through the ground glass. They are coming out with a new version too that I hope is easier to use.

[@teuntoomryukin5759]

putting a DOF adapter makes the image less contrast

[@iphoneographers]

Yep

[@emuka-art]

it would probably look better with no dpf, but only using beastgrip lens

[@defiverr4697]

3:55. O my god, please please I need one, two, ten.... Why I clicked on the video. day dreaming all day for a moment with...

[@oneplus6t469]

I just saw 2 samples and had my opinion... DOF is good for videography only... Not for capturing pictures... As standard is good for photos but not for videos...

[@EdoHDpro]

not impressed with DOF, composition is entirely different, with loss of image quality, much more happy with a nice anamorphic Ulanzi G3 PRO 1.33TX

[@EdoHDpro]

Seems that the image has a compression on it, which can be better seen at 4:59, is there any reason why this happens, perhaps it would look better desquezzed... Or it might need a much wider lens to become aesthetically pleasing...

[@Murshyne]

It's not obvious that all that DOF ad videos wasn't shot with it, because the footages here is very poor.

[@RobandSijay]

the DOF is way too expensive to have such a narrow lane of focus

[@iphoneographers]

Definitely wish it was wider. It’s a niche product for sure, but for tighter shots especially it’s pretty great. Though I agree it is on the expensive side.

[@35emulsion]

The lens for $260 is too expensive for those results 🥺

[@iphoneographers]

That’s the DOF adapter price that doesn’t include a lens.

[@takugava_cg]

За эти деньги можно fujifilm x t взять и будет качество намного лучше

[@mikewatson4814]

Don't like the fish eye effect that you're getting tbh

[@rexyCS]

lol DOF obviously worth it

[@TheDutchVegaShow]

1

[@TonyBabarino]

1st!!!!!!!!

[@i.am.rossalex]

Thanks for comparison. Beastgrip DOF MK2 films ugly in the corners. Maybe it depends on lens you filming on? I think if you need a DSLR quality of a picture, just buy a DSLR. Lumix G7/G9, Sony 6100/6300/6400 or Fujifilm X-T30 shots much better and doesn't cost like an airplane.

[@iphoneographers]

Two different animals for sure. This doesn’t replace a DSLR or mirrorless camera, just a different tool to use with a phone.

[@redrum8993]

Beastgrip DOF MK2 is a toy for those who want to play around with occasional depth of field. Take that away and the image is never clear and perfect focus is impossible. I'm willing to bet sales are not great since the first version was launched. Totally un-needed for any serious filmmaker.

[@FAT8893]

Errr... not really. Even serious filmmaker who only shoot using mobile use DOF adapter.