How to control IRIS (*Aperture) with EF Lenses from the RED V-RAPTOR

 So you saved up and bought the NEW Red V-Raptor but what about EF lenses and more important if you already own a decent set of Canon glass how are you going to use them effectively on this monster of a camera that came with an RF mount!? Mainly how will you tackle the issue of no IRIS control??

Well there's some great news, a company called FOTODIOX made an EF to RF SMART adapter!

The best part, well it's only 74.95 !! This little adapter converts the EF electronics/command set straight across to the RF interface on your Red Raptor so you can now fully control the electronic IRIS, Hallelujah! So there's a lot of great used Canon and 3rd party EF lenses out there like the almighty SIGMA 60-600mm! So no need to start shelling out more big $$ for the newer RF lenses. 

Red, by the way created the same solution as the Fotodiox SMART adapter but it's only for the RAPTOR XL version and the cost is $1250.00 but in all fairness it is NOT an adaptor as it replaces the XL's lens mount and sits directly over sensor. 
However, those of us who could only afford the Raptor VV well here's the equivalent function and no longer a need to have a camera body around to set the IRIS to desired setting dismount, holding the button and then mounting again on Red right when the light is changing and "go back and do it again..."

Here's our setup we tested and it worked flawlessly, of course DON'T FORGET TO RAISE THE LEVER that tightens whatever you have attached to the Red's RF Lens port. That was a GREAT feature to add to the Raptor. It gives your lenses a POSITIVE LOCK, not quite a PL lens mount but yes the functionality to remove the play all EF and RF lenses are prone to by design.

So that's our review and solution for this week. NAB is just around the corner and we'll be there to checkout the latest and greatest REASONABLY PRICED solutions for low and high end gear, our goal for the months of April and May to showcase to you. 

*Iris and Aperture how do they differ??

IRIS:The Iris is the adjustable opening that can restrict the amount of light that enters the camera's sensor.It is comprised of mechanical elements, Shutters (blades) and springs, that actually open and close.

APERTURE: The Aperture is the size of the opening, the hole. The size of that hole is represented in values called F or T stops.