Canon 5D Mark II
Contax Zeiss 50mm f1.7

Testing the Mark II to determine if it can be used to shoot a short film. The object of this test was to see how well I could follow action. Since movement and the ability to shoot hand held are essential to the film, the director was interested in determining how difficult focusing on the go would prove.

As you can see, it was difficult. Subsequently we shot another test, this time with the aperture closed down several stops. This had the advantage of ensuring that person in frame remained in focus. Unfortunately, the resulting deep focus is not what is desired by the director.

Note: it has become apparent that the Contax 50mm does not stop down properly when mounted on the Mark II. I was aware that this problem existed when mounting the lens on the original 5D, but was hoping that the Mark II solved the problem. Unfortunately, the construction of the body hampers the movement of the aperture. The result is that the lens will only stop down one half.