The Dream Room

ANTICIPATION | SLR Magic 8mm f/4

SLR Magic 8mm f/4

This is a special lens, for the micro four thirds system. A lens so wide, so light, so economical, has not existed until now.

Personally, I produce more content with a lens when it is:

Light, so I have it with me even when I’m not expecting opportunities.

Economical, so I am willing to use it in situations where it could be lost or damaged.

Easy to operate, so handling the lens does not interfere with my creative process.

Optically interesting, so I can discover its character and learn to use its strengths.

This is exactly such a lens!

It’s nominal optical performance peaks in the range f/5.6-f/8. By default I use f/8. For video, on my Black Magic Design Micro Cinema Camera, or my Z-Cam E1, I use mostly f/5.6-f/8. For photography, if near constant edge-to-edge detail is important for the impact of the image -rarely- I would lean towards f/11. If light is a little low, f/5.6. F/4 is best when minimizing the ISO setting is a priority.

I just love the straight diverging lines of this ultra wide lens. In stills, it can create a feeling of presence in the scene, in video, a sensation of acceleration or hyper awareness.

In a short time, I have become attached to this lens. I enjoy holding it, feeling the smoothness of the focus and click less aperture rings, smiling at its small size and weight, and appreciate what it does with light. The files interest me, motivate me to edit, and make me want to take the lens out again.

I can recommend this lens and wish the same experience for you! 

Recommended Filming Equipment

Last updated on 30 MAR 20.

Please support my work, at no cost to you, by using these links to my recommended equipment.

Cam 1 | Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4k | https://amzn.to/2J0Ebhw
Cam 2 | Blackmagic Design Micro Cinema Camera | http://amzn.to/2nvoSjH
Cam 3 | Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera | http://amzn.to/2A45bbN
Cam 4 | GoPro Hero 8 | https://amzn.to/2xyqiUw
Cam 5 | Ricoh GR III | https://amzn.to/2LutSnw

Stabilizer 1 | DJI Ronin S | https://amzn.to/2YD6MD1
Stabilizer 2 | Zhiyun Tech Crane M2 | https://amzn.to/2V13Mfh
Stabilizer 3 | Zhiyun Tech Crane v2 | https://amzn.to/2ISTW7Z
Stabilizer 4 | FeiYu Tech G6 | https://amzn.to/2QeVAol

Lens 1 | Laowa 7.5mm f/2 | https://amzn.to/2ZX30AA
Lens 2 | Laowa 4mm f/2.8 | https://amzn.to/2vZ8WzG

Lens 3 | Rokinon 7.5mm f/3.5 | http://amzn.to/2nJQjaD
Lens 4 | SLR Magic 8mm f/4 | http://amzn.to/2wvohoY
Lens 5 | SLR Magic Hyperprime CINE 10mm T2.1 | https://amzn.to/2IRXxDw
Lens 6| Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 15mm f/1.7 | http://amzn.to/2A4jRrq

Saint-André-les-Alpes

Lost in the Garden

'Just a short flight, I won’t need water.’, I thought. My backyard site, Grouse Mountain, produced unexpectedly magical evening air which offered an exploration of the deeper valleys, far from roads and landing fields. I had a rare close up view of Crown Mountain and even the base of The Lions. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lions_(peaks) The return to civilization was tense, for a time, when I faced a headwind lower in a valley. With only steep rock faces and a sea of evergreen below me, I breathed deeply, and focused on finding lift. 'You're not there, you're here. Fly this.', I reminded myself. In challenging situations, I sometimes begin to fantasize about being in a less challenging situation than to give all my attention to what is happening now. How did this happen? Why am I here? Why am I low? I don’t want to be here. All useless thoughts. I descended into a narrow gully. Still, my anxiety was fading, I was noticing the beauty around me and taking in the sensations. I was no longer running for the exit, resisting the situation, wishing for something to be different. I was relaxed and therefore more able to manage the risks I had created. Patiently, I focused on improving my position, gradually. After some time, I realized I had a good chance to reach the main valley. I was enjoying the flying so much that I hadn't noticed the transition from trapped to free. I was always free. Such euphoria to fly over this beautiful and rugged terrain, smile at how absurd it is that humans can do this just for fun, return from this remote paradise, land in a familiar field with children playing, covered in lush grass, close to home, and replay the magic in my mind as I leave across a dew covered field, as the Sun sets.

Castle in the Clouds

O'ahu