MatteBox

[<terdbird>]

Are Matte Boxes worth the money? If you used color effects on Avid etc. would you be getting the same effect? Thanks

[Eric J. Smith]

I love using a good Matte Box. It has a lot of mechanisms to block light from the lens, it'll hold filters, and specialty filters like Grads' position can be adjusted.

I also like using the follow focus knob. It helps me to position by body in a comfortable way where I can hold the shot steadier. Focusing with the lens can be plenty steady, but my wrist gets pretty sore over the long haul.

If you're just wanting to use flat field color effect filters, then maybe look into a cheaper route of buying (I would suggest sizes) series 9, or 138mm color effect filters and retaining rings. Then all you would have to do is buy "Step-up Rings" to go from your lens barrel size to your filter size (i.e., series 9 or 138mm). Unless it's a grad filter and you need to "dial it in", you'd be fine with that set-up.

Avid's or any other NLE's color effects are NOT the same. If you color your video in post you're adjusting a video signal, and in doing so, video noise will start to appear. If you use a filter, open your iris more...you won't record any extra noise that way. If you're wanting to save the integrity of your image, be intentional and do your color effects with filters. Use NLE system's color effects for fine tuning between shots.

[Terry E. Toller]

I agree. My mattbox keeps stray light off of my lens. I also have a french flag attached that adds even more protection. Keeps the lens dry in the rain too...