Is this $70,000 LENS worth it?

[@Char7es96]

I wasn't convinced until you did the zoom into the building vent. Unbelievable visual clarify at that wide a zoom range is staggering. Totally makes sense it's $70k to me after that.

[@BenTutton]

Yeah, and that’s comparing to a 600mm lens so it’s no slouch, but it has a very impressive range and the servo makes it so smooth to use.

[@matthieurochette]

As a stills shooter who takes a lot of gear with me on hikes / walks in nature to shoot wildlife, I'm impressed to hear that some people think of the CN20 as a lens you can carry around in a backpack in nature. I mean, not that it's not doable, but if you are alone and out for half a day or more, you will need more than just your camera/lens/tripod with you. Stuff like water bottle/gourd, accessories, food... And that's not accounting for any camouflage gear either, for example, although the sheer reach probably makes it easier to not need that.

[@BenTutton]

Yeah. The bigger the lens, the bigger the tripod too. Often it’s about 20/25kgs without any extras. I tried a Nikon 600mm recently it was so light! Made me slightly jealous.

[@jamesandcamera]

If you ever need a similar zoom at a much more affordable price, a B4 broadcast zoom with an Ursa Broadcast camera or other optically adapted camera can get some really great zoom ratios. I have an SD and HD Canon 21x B4 lens, with a swing away doubler built in and they perform really well for wildlife too. They are just a bit of a faff to optically correct to non broadcast cameras. But it is worth it since B4 lenses are relatively affordable compared to S35 broadcast zooms.

[@BenTutton]

I’ve used the HJ21 (and had a quick play with the HJ40) with the IBE adapter, but you lose quite a bit of light and quality in the converter. I’m interested to see how they’d adapt to a m4/3 lens

[@jamesandcamera]

@@BenTutton yeah I use a HJ21x on my FS7 in centre scan S16 mode. I use a 1.1x optical correcting adapter so I only lose just under 1 stop of light. It is really nice to use and great image quality. S16/Micro4/3 seems to be a good size to adapt to without excessive light loss. Just a shame I am stuck to 2K capture in S16 mode. I have always wanted to use a HJ40x. How was it? As heavy as it looks? Or deceptively portable?

[@jamesandcamera]

@@BenTutton if you want to see how they adapt to a S16 size sensor I have lots of test footage of various B4 lenses adapted to my FS7 on my channel 😊🤙 in short it's very nice and a f1.8 adapted becomes approx an T2.8 which is still very nice to work with

[@BenTutton]

It was a long time ago, but it was pretty heavy from what I remember! GH5 has a 4K centre scan mode too. It would be interesting to see if the resolution of the lenses holds up to 4K. The HJ40 isn’t a cheap lens even now though!

[@love4wildlife]

Great comparison, Ben. One of my setups is the Sony 200-600 on a FX6 and the zoom is buttery smooth. But boy do I ever miss the wider range. Now that CN20 is a beast and it also requires a beast of a setup - tripod and head will easily run another 20k or more. And then there’s the weight…The lens was made at the request of wildlife film maker Ivo Norenberg. There is a video here on YT about it. Good luck with the bears.

[@BenTutton]

I really need to try the 200-600. As it’s E mount it should be easier swapping to a wide. I currently have to unscrew my adapter from the rig which is a pain! So I’m happy I can get out to 60mm Yeah, the bigger the lens the bigger the tripod! And lots more weight. 💪

[@NeoPholushe]

Hi Ben. My name is Neo. I own this bad boy lens. I think you & I spoke two years ago. Glad to see you again. I loved & enjoyed your previous video & I'm even more happy for this one. It looks like that CN20 has a shock-proof rubber guard around the front. What is that?

[@BenTutton]

Hey Neo! Glad you liked this video. Do you get out and film much wildlife with your lens? The lens has a camouflage neoprene "Lens coat" on it.

[@happy1wandering]

Great video as always Ben! Does the fx6 compensate for the focus breathing on the sigma lens ?

[@BenTutton]

Cheers! The FX6 doesn’t compensate for focus breathing on that lens, but I’ve never noticed it to be a problem. I’m never doing massive pulls really.

[@philldixon8001]

Is it worth it depends entirely on what you are doing. Own both and use them for different needs. CN20 is incredible and the parfocal and cine throw make it invaluable. Hauling it, O'connors and a cinema camera can be a PITA but if you need it you need it. The Sigma is great for lightweight work and when you don't need a massive rig - ie pull out a CN20 to film in the UK and see how many random people appear if you aren't filming in a hide or closed access 😂

[@mr.firdoesh1648]

what a informative video, love it. 👏🏽

[@BenTutton]

Glad you liked it! 👍

[@travis329]

Awesome comparison. Have you tried using the 60-600 with a teleconverter?

[@BenTutton]

I’ve not used a teleconverter with the 60-600. I know people do though.

[@travis329]

@@BenTutton thanks! I recently picked up the sigma 300-800, which is great, but thinking this 60-600 might be a bit more convenient for it's size and wide end.

[@BenTutton]

@@travis329 a beast of a lens! It’s sooooo long though! I suppose it all depends on your use case. The 60-600 is better for me as an all round lens, but if you’re filming small birds I’d say the 300-800 might be a better bet!

[@travis329]

@@BenTutton hmm, sounds like I want the 60-600 for second camera, and keep the 300-800 as well! haha. Cheers! I appreciate the feedback!

[@BenTutton]

@@travis329 I also like the look of the sony 200-600 which is smaller and lighter, but obviously less wide.

[@FamilyofTech]

Great video !!❤

[@BenTutton]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@imagesbyrina]

Fun to watch this video. Thanks for this! That CN20 though - 😮‍💨PHEW! Amazing lens! Must be brilliant to use. I can't even afford to rent it! HA!

[@BenTutton]

Glad you enjoyed watching! It's a beast of a lens, and I'm lucky to be able o use it for work, but the Sigma is really nice too.

[@paulhenry7]

When the AF failed on my Sigma zoom lens there were no parts available to repair it. Since then I only buy Canon and Zeiss.

[@BenTutton]

That’s fair! Was it the Sigma 60-600 that failed?

[@paulhenry7]

@@BenTutton No, it was a 70-200 f2.8, but I found Sigma's attitude truly awful and vowed never to buy a Sigma lens again. And I haven't and won't.

[@David-rc8fb]

A stunning Lens technically and practically, sadly beyond the realms of the many, lucky you 😊 keep well and stay safe 👍🇬🇧

[@BenTutton]

Yeah, it’s great to be able to use the CN20 for work. It makes everything so much easier (but not lighter!)

[@OllyJelleyWildlife]

Awesome!

[@BenTutton]

Toys!

[@FamilyofTech]

What video head are you using on the sigma setup??

[@BenTutton]

It’s a Cartoni 20s with a 100mm bowl (I picked up for a good deal second hand) on Miller Solo legs.

[@David-rc8fb]

P.S. and, Buzzards, Kestrels and Garden Birds but, my APO Telyt 280F4 works fine for an old Lens 👍🇬🇧

[@BenTutton]

Oh lovely. Is that the Leica one? I’ve used the 400 2.8 for night filming. It’s a solid lens!

[@David-rc8fb]

@@BenTutton Would love to be able, one day, to try a CN20 on my Leica’s but Canon are difficult to adapt to L Mount although, theirs probably a work round. The APO Telyt 1:4/280 R mounts via R to L and has the best Focussing action, better than the newer APO Vario Elmarit 90-280. APO Telyt 400 F2.8 R, nice, great optics. A dream of mine to obtain one. Keep well 👍🇬🇧

[@BenTutton]

Who wants a CN20? Let me know what you'd film with it.

[@nicolasgiraldoecheverry7328]

Hi Ben!!! Greetings from Colombia!!! I have been dreaming about the CN20 for a few years now, I would love to take it to the Orinoco plains to film Jaguars mating, or the wattled umbrellabird lek that has never been documented before. Dude, thanks for sharing, I love your videos. I hope to share stories someday, I am a Colombian wildlife filmmaker looking for a way to be part of the industry.

[@BenTutton]

@ The long Wattled umbrella bird is insane! I’d love to come and film that!

[@nicolasgiraldoecheverry7328]

@@BenTutton Well, Ben, let's start planning this project! I'll be waiting for you in Colombia