Video-Friendly Lenses for Lumix DSLRs

LPowell

@spike08
The vintage manual-focus Vivitar 28-90mm is a one-touch varifocal lens (does not hold focus when zoomed), which in my view makes it impractical to use on a follow-focus/matte box rig. Here's how it rates on my list of video-friendly features:

Vivitar Series 1 28-90mm f2.8-3.5

http://jfcampbell.us/photo/vivitar28-90.htm
http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/lenses/35mm-zoom/vivitar/series-1-28-90-f-2-8-3-5-mf/prd_84956_3128crx.aspx

* Manual aperture ring: Yes
* Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes
* Proper focus ring rotation: Nikon direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: No

spike08

What about vivitar 28-90 f2.8-3.5?

LPowell

@tonalt
Sorry, I don't have the time to devote to a Google Docs project like that. If you have time to do some market pricing research, I'd be interested to add that data to this thread. Optical performance, however, is a complex judgment that I think is best evaluated by the individual reviews I've linked for each lens.

tonalt

@LPowell Could you add the data to e.g. Google Docs Spreadsheet? Would make it easier to choose the right lens. It would also be nice to have price estimate and somekind of grade for optical performance.

Shield

@LPowell - I actually managed to find a Sigma 17-50 four thirds mount lens! I will report my findings with the GH2 once it arrives this week.
Shawn

LPowell

@Shield - "I think many of us here shoot video in manual mode..."
Indeed, that's why I listed video-friendly manual-focus lenses at the start of the thread in my second post:

http://www.personal-view.com./talks/discussion/859/video-friendly-lenses-for-lumix-dslrs#Item_2

I thought a follow-up on the auto-focus lenses listed above would be of comparative interest since many of them are widely used for video, in spite of their drawbacks.

Although they won't auto-focus on the GH2, there are several video-friendly professional Nikon zoom lenses that have built-in manual aperture rings:

Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f2.8 D

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/230-nikkor-af-s-17-35mm-f28-d-if-ed-review--lab-test-report

* Manual aperture ring: Yes
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Nikon direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: Yes
* Constant field of view: Yes
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes

Nikkor AF-S 28-70mm f2.8 D

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/239-nikkor-af-s-28-70mm-f28-d-if-ed-review--test-report

* Manual aperture ring: Yes
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Nikon direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: ??
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes

Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8 D

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/252-nikkor-af-80-200mm-f28d-ed-review--test-report

* Manual aperture ring: Yes
* Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes
* Proper focus ring rotation: Nikon direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: No
* Non-extending outer barrel: Yes
* Constant field of view: ??
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes

Shield

@LPowell - I think many of us here shoot video in manual mode, and the compromise for slow lenses isn't worth the benefit of having autofocus. The Nikon 17-55's aperture can be controlled with the Novoflex adapter, but it isn't cheap for sure. I am going to pick up a used Nikon 17-55 for about $800 along with the Novoflex adapter and will report back in.
Thanks for this thread,
Shawn

LPowell

@Shield
The zoom lenses listed above all auto-focus on the GH2. The Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 G would be a very expensive and inconvenient lens to use on a Lumix camera. It neither auto-focuses nor does it have any way to set the lens aperture. The Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 listed above is much better suited for use on the GH2.

While some may object to electronic lens noise, I think it's a non-issue when shooting with a shoulder-mounted rig with a follow focus. Neither the lens focus ring nor the follow focus gear mechanism are designed to operate silently. In cases where camera noise is a concern, microphones should be acoustically isolated from it.

Shield

Ok, how about Nikon 17-55 2.8?

Also, you might want to mention how noisy the OIS is in the 14-50 Leicasonic. It's quite loud for video mode; even outdoors with the birds chirping I could hear it in all of my recordings.

LPowell

Auto-focus Zooms for Lumix DSLRs

Here's how a variety of GH1/2-compatible auto-focus zooms rank in video-friendly qualities. In addition to auto-focusing on the GH2 (and the GH1 in certain cases), some of these lenses also have Optical Image Stabilization, which can be very useful on a shoulder-mounted rig.

Panasonic 14-140mm f4-5.8 Micro-4/3

http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/682-pana14140
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicdmcgh1/page17.asp

Panasonic 14-45mm f3.5-5.6 Micro-4/3

http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/414-pana_1445_3556
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicGF1/page19.asp

Panasonic 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 Micro-4/3

http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/615-pana1442

Panasonic 45-200mm f4-5.6 Micro-4/3

http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/417-pana_45200_456

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 & GH1
* Optical Image Stabilization: Yes

Panasonic/Leica 14-50mm f2.8-3.5 Four-Thirds

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Leica1450mm/
http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=262

* Manual aperture ring: Yes
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: Yes

Olympus 9-18mm f4-5.6 Four-Thirds

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/olympus_9-18_4-5p6_o20/
http://www.lenstip.com/164.1-Lens_review-Olympus_Zuiko_Digital_9-18_mm_f_4-5.6_ED.html

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: Extends only 3mm
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 & GH1
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Olympus 11-22mm f2.8-3.5 Four-Thirds

http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=215

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: Yes
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Olympus 14-35mm f2.0 SWD Four-Thirds

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1137
http://www.lenstip.com/260.1-Lens_review-Olympus_Zuiko_Digital_ED_14-35_mm_f_2.0_SWD.html

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Olympus 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Mark I/II Four-Thirds

http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1239
http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=227

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 (& GH1 on Mark II version only)
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Olympus 12-60mm f2.8-4.0 SWD Four-Thirds

http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/450-oly_1260_284
http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/olympus_12-60_2p8-4_o20/

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Olympus 35-100mm f2.0 Four-Thirds

http://www.thewsreviews.com/2008/09/olympus-35-100mm-f20.html
http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?test=obiektywu&test_ob=242

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: Yes
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Olympus 50-200mm f2.8-3.5 SWD Four-Thirds

http://www.photozone.de/olympus--four-thirds-lens-tests/454-oly502002835
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/38

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Yes
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 (& GH1 on SWD version only)
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 HSM Four-Thirds

http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/308-sigma-af-10-20mm-f4-56-dc-ex-hsm-lab-test-report--review
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/171

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Lumix direction
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: Yes
* Constant f-stop aperture: No
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Four-Thirds

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/315-sigma-af-18-50mm-f28-dc-ex-macro-review--lab-test-report
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/four-thirds/lenses/normal-range/sigma-18-50mm-f2.8-ex-dc-for-four-thirds

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes
* Proper focus ring rotation: Lumix direction
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: No
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 HSM II DG Four-Thirds

http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/sigma_70-200_2p8_n15/
http://www.cameratown.com/reviews/sigma/70200f28/

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera
* Direct-coupled focus ring: No
* Proper focus ring rotation: Lumix direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: Yes
* Constant field of view: Mostly
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes
* Shutter-button auto-focus: GH2 only
* Optical Image Stabilization: No

Shield

Looking for information on this one as well:

Tokina ATX-PRO 28-80mm 2.8 Aspherical Nikon mount

LPowell

@Shield

Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro

http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/315-sigma-af-18-50mm-f28-dc-ex-macro-review--lab-test-report

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture set in camera on 4/3rds version only
* Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes
* Proper focus ring rotation: Lumix direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: ??
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes

Shield

Sorry, taking this to PM for more detailed discussion with LPowell.

LPowell

@Shield

Thanks for the link, I didn't know there was a 4/3rds version of the Sigma zoom available, though this appears to be a different model - 18-70mm f2.8 with a 72mm filter ring.

The Tokina model 270 works in completely manual mode on the GH2. There is no iris flicker at all and it holds focus over a large part of its zoom range.

Shield

@LPowell - I assume this lens would work with the 4/3rds/micro four thirds adapter and allow at least "push" focus. I just can't find one for sale.
https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/four-thirds/lenses/normal-range/sigma-18-50mm-f2.8-ex-dc-for-four-thirds

Also, regarding the Tokina - how is the breathing, and does the iris flicker when zooming at various f stops? I assume it's not super duper sharp, but might be more than passable for video.

@Vitaliy_Kiselev - sorry, these are all lenses for Lumix DSLRs and cameras I'm trying to get to work. :)

LPowell

@Shield

Tokina AT-X AF Pro 28-70mm F/2.6-F/2.8 (Nikon Mount) (has aperture ring)

This is a variant of the Tokina model 270 I reviewed in my second post of this thread. It works beautifully on my shoulder rig with both follow focus and matte box.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@Shield

IF you want to ask questions or advice, use other topic.
This one is very specific.

Shield

Thanks for the reply. One could also state that autofocus isn't used either as well as zoom; I just want the ability to slowly zoom in/out and keep focus on a stationary object.
I actually bought one of these lock rings to test, and I'm sure it works how you mentioned. Is the Novoflex adapter any better? However, I plan on getting a F/2.8 fixed zoom lens and leaving it at 2.8 and shooting with it; I can knock down some extra light with the ND filters, or switch to the 14-140 if I want deep DOF.
Anyway, I'm down to a handful of fixed aperture zoom lenses and wondered which one you'd pick:

Tamron 17-50 F/2.8
Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 VC (Would the OS/IS work with the M/43rds adapter?)
Tokina AT-X AF Pro 28-80mm F/2.8 (Nikon Mount) (has aperture ring)
Tokina AT-X AF Pro 28-70mm F/2.6-F/2.8 (Nikon Mount) (has aperture ring)
Older Sigma 18-50 F/2.8, or
New Sigma 17-50 F/2.8

I think sharpness-wise I am leaning heavily towards the Sigma 17-50, but I am all ears.

LPowell

@Shield
I bought several Canon FD to M43 adapters with "Lock" rings similar to the one in your ebay link.

They all sucked.

These "Lock" rings are not designed for reliable manual aperture setting; they are intended for use with auto-aperture still cameras. In the locked position, the adapter holds the lens aperture wide-open, allowing you to focus with maximum available light. In the unlocked position, the lens works normally. While intermediate positions of the lock ring can be used to gradually close down the iris, it is finicky and unstable. In practice, you would need to tape down the lock ring after carefully adjusting it to make sure it would not slip during a video take.

As for breathing, I'd expect a parfocal lens design to show less than a zoom with internal focusing, such as the Leicasonic 14-50mm f2.8-3.5. In my experience, every one of the Panasonic and Olympus digital lenses I've tried has shown blatant focus-breathing, and the Leicasonic is one of the worst in this regard. This is a lens property that is rarely tested in published reviews, and really requires hands-on evaluation in each case.

In my original post, I considered whether to include parfocal zooming as one of the criteria. While it's very desirable for ENG use, zooming is rarely used in cinematic filming. Modern auto-focus still camera lenses are designed to be zoomed and then auto-focused before each shot. Next to lens breathing, this property is even less frequently documented or reviewed, so I decided to leave it out.

Shield

Right, but you can pick up a Nikon -> Micro 4/3rds adapter with adjustable iris for under $25. I don't care about auto focus for video shooting. Image stabilization shouldn't be too much of an issue at this short of a focal range. I use an AF100 so I don't have/need a matte box. Any word on the "breathing" of this lens? I wonder if it breathes as much as my former "heavy breather", the 14-50 Leicasonic?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/330559337683?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

LPowell

@Shield

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8

http://www.photozone.de/canon-eos/531-sigma1750f28os

* Manual aperture ring: No - aperture cannot be set on Lumix DSLRs
* Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes
* Proper focus ring rotation: Lumix direction only
* Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
* Non-extending outer barrel: No
* Constant field of view: ??
* Constant f-stop aperture: Yes
* Rotational zoom ring: Yes

In the Photozone review linked above, the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 delivered excellent optical performance down to f4, and fine center sharpness at f2.8. It also has smooth bokeh with almost no chroma fringing. Unfortunately, it's not well-suited for use on Lumix DSLRs, as it has no aperture ring and its auto-focus and image stabilization features will not work. In addition, its outer barrel extends far enough during zooming to make it awkward to use with a rails-mounted matte box.

I have the less-expensive version, a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8-4.5 in a Nikon F-mount. While this lens lacks a constant f-stop aperture, its outer lens barrel is fixed and neither rotates nor extends. However, the lack of a manual aperture ring makes it impractical for me to use it on my GH2, and the focus ring rotates opposite to the direction I prefer.

Shield

What do you guys think about the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 as a good video lens? According to this guy, the lens is parfocal, so when you focus on something and zoom in/out it keeps focus. The IS/OS won't work with any micro four thirds adapters, but it appears very sharp as isn't extremely expensive.

RRRR

Vitaliy: sure thing. I thought it was OK since duclos and CP2 was in the topic aswell.. I'll make a new topic later on for cine lenses.

Just to reply to @qwerty123 quickly (and not leave the question hanging): It's not much if you look at what you get. (below 4k/lens) Actually it's t1.2 (latest version) and a pretty much complete range of often used focal lengths.. Like I said, zeiss or leica top cine lineups (with similar t-speeds) are up to 10 times as much... That said, there's plenty of good glass in the low end to shoot with. Many are in this thread.

Re: fd, I've only used my 35mm f2.0 ssc with follow focus (I'm pretty good at focusing without ff) and there wasn't much throw to talk about. Individually, it varies with each lens I suppose, also in terms of condition, but the build quality is overall very good. I've not had many problems, but I have my preferred choices. IMO you need to do a bit trial and error to see what works for your particular needs - although there's plenty of info on most lenses if one gives it some time.
Which entails taking the time to resell lenses you don't like. It doesn't take too long to get a good grip if something is wortwhile or not (without buying).
I've got a c-mount canon f1.4 (used to be a tv-lens in the 70's) that is absolutely brilliant on the gh2. Worked really good with FF.

Vitaliy_Kiselev

@RRRR

Guys, this is specific topic, please move your discussion of this lenses to other place.

alcomposer

@LPowell are we allowed to discuss here upcoming lenses? The Samyang 25mm 1.4 looks amazing! If I didn't know any better it seams like they are creating a speed primes kit!

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