Proper Zoom length for shooting surfing on 16mm Arri-S

[gene_can_sing]

Hello,

We're doing this surfing project that we're going to shoot on Super 8mm; and now we might also have use of an Arri-S.

On my Beaulieu, I've adapted a Canon FD using a C-mount adapter and it looks great.

Sadly, that option does not exist for Arri Standard mount.

What do you guys think is a good zoom length on a 16mm Arri for shooting surfers who are 250 meters or so from the shore (quite a big distance). I'm not rich, so something moderately priced is more realistic.

Maybe Mattias will have a good answer since you surf and are a good DP.

Also, have any of you used a Tele-Extender for far zooms (this is definetly a budget solution)??

Thanks in advanced

[mattias]

"it depends". pretty long. :-)

here's the formula though: subject distance/subject size=focal length/frame size, meaning that if you want the framing to be 5 meters tall at 250m, and since the film frame is 7mm high, you need a 350mm lens.

/matt

[Nigel]

If it is the S/B then you should be able to find some decent longer lenses in Arri B mount. An older 25-250 should be cheap to rent.

Good Luck

[Blin]

Also, have any of you used a Tele-Extender for far zooms (this is definetly a budget solution)??

Yeah a few times. You lose 2 stops with a 2x extender and a bit of image quality (sharpness). Hopefully you'll have enough light so that you won't have to shoot wide open on your lens. You'll need the stop for sharpness and depth of field.

Where are you shooting?

[fogo]

Hi Gene can sing,

Im heading over to the Biarritz round of the World Longboard Champs this weekend (and hoping for some sunshine). For surf in Super8, in addition to my standard 66mm zoom im using a 280mm prime which can be a touch too long at times...therefore Mattias' suggested theoretical length sounds like an excellent starting point for 16, hope this helps,
ade