What lenses work best for a DSLR 3D stereoscopic rig?
Asked 3/29/2012
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2 answers
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I’m planning a DSLR-based 3D/stereoscopic rig and understand I’ll need two cameras, a dual mount, synchronized triggering, and software to combine the images. My main question is about lenses.
Current lenses:
- Canon 15mm f/2.8 fisheye
- Canon 17-85mm f/4-5.6
- Canon 50mm f/1.8 II
- Canon 70-300mm f/4-5.6
Would mixing lenses work, such as setting the 17-85mm to 50mm and pairing it with the 50mm prime, or using the fisheye and cropping to match another lens? What problems would that cause?
Or is it much better to use two identical lenses for a stereo rig, even if that means buying a second inexpensive 50mm prime? Also, if the two camera bodies are different, what issues should I expect?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
4
In your other question you mention you have a 7D and 30D, I'd be worried about the results you'd get with two different cameras and two different lenses, especially if one of them is a zoom. The 7D viewfinder gives different coverage to the 30D so you can't match focal lengths by viewing through the viewfinder, you'd have to shoot several images and use a bit of trial and error.
Even if you did get focal lengths matched up or you bought a couple of identical lenses, the different cameras will give you different colour renderings, slightly different exposures and different resolutions, meaning a lot of work in post production to make the images match up.
A better idea if you really want to get into 3D stereoscopic photography would be to limit yourself to static scenes and build a mount that lets you slide the camera side to side and shoot both images with the same camera. You can then experiment with many different focal lengths.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
14y ago
0
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For a stereo rig, matched gear is strongly preferred. The most reliable setup is two identical cameras with two identical lenses, set to the same focus, focal length, aperture, and exposure.
Mixing lenses is likely to cause problems: different field of view, distortion, sharpness, color/contrast, and transmission can make the left and right images hard to align and uncomfortable to view in 3D. A zoom paired with a prime is especially awkward because even if both say “50mm,” framing may not match exactly. Using a fisheye and cropping is even less suitable because its distortion differs dramatically from a normal lens.
Different camera bodies add more mismatch: color rendering, exposure response, resolution, and viewfinder coverage can all differ, increasing post-processing work.
So yes, two matching lenses are the better choice, and ideally two matching bodies as well. If you proceed with different cameras/lenses, expect trial-and-error setup and significant post work. For best results, start with static scenes where careful alignment is easier.
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