Best Nikon lenses for M2

[hraheem72]

Hello. I'm going to order the redrock M2 and want to get a recommendation on a set of lenses for the M2. I have a set of Canon L series lenses but plan to invest in some manual Nikon lenses. Please advise on which lenses I should consider to cover all bases. Thanks.

[iposiniditos]

50mm f1.2 or 1.4 or 1.8
85mm f1.4 or f1.8
24mm or 28mm f2.0 or 2.8

These lenses can cover most of the situations.

[Nathan Drillot]

This is the set I use.

28mm f2.0
35mm f1.4
50mm f1.4
85mm f1.8
105mm f2.0
300mm f.4.0

If you can't afford the faster glass then don't sweat it.

Just don't cheap out on the 50mm. It will be your primary lense so get at least the f1.4

[mobiledeli]

i like mineee i got a:

28mm-90mm - f2.8
50mm - f1.8
135mm - f2.8

my primary is the 28mm cause i kinda like the wide feel, but i often use the 50mm... actually rarely use the 135mm lol

[hraheem72]

Thanks guys. I have the budget for 3 and my choices will most likely be:

28mm / 2.0
50mm / 1.2
85mm / 1.4 or 1.8

I think these 3 will allow me to cover a large base.

[siniarch]

this might sound stupid, but which Nikon Lenses do I get to use with the M2 adapter:
Nikon Manual Focus (AI/AIS)
Nikon Manual Focus (Non-AI)
Nikon Autofocus
I'm assuming I should by the AI/AIS, but just wanted to make sure
Thanks,
Luis
oh Yeah What is the difference between AI and AIS. Thanks.

[smelni]

it doesnt matter - all nikons are the same mount - just make sure you can manual focus and manual iris

[Hans Moleman]

When I had to pick up lenses after ordering my Brevis35, I looked around, and actually read from Ken Rockwell that between the Nikon 1.4 and the Nikon 1.8 (at least the E series) the faster glass was considerably less sharp and more prone to CA, prompting me to go with the 1.8. My $0.02.

[Nathan Drillot]

I agree,

I'd save the money you'll spend on the 50mm f1.2, and just buy the f1.4 or f1.8. I have both the f1.2 and the f1.4 and always go with the latter.

I avoid shooting fully open and stick to a f2.0 for for max light and sharpness. For use with the red rock the extra bit of light is really not necessary and not worth the cost. With the money you save you may be able to pick up another lense.

just my 2 cents.

[Abaddon]

How would zoom work with this thing?

Like if I'm shooting a documentary and need to zoom in and out while rolling.

[Cynic821]

Nathon seems to have it right on.

To zoom, youll obviously need a zoom lense, and if you are run and gunnin it for the documentary, or even if not, youll need alot of equipment and 2 guys i would think. one to handle the follow focus, one to handle the zooming and of course youll need an on board monitor and shoulder system, best to go without it for a Doc imo

[soren k jensen]

On my MPIC adapter the 17-35mm AF 2.8 is great. I can't use focal length beneath 22mm because I get dark corners, but the rest is fabulous. In addition to the lenses already mentioned above, I recommend the 55mm 2.8 Micro nikkor. It is at least as god as alle the 50mm's, with the extra macro ability. Great lens! I use the Lensbaby with fun and different results. Actually very beautiful.

[Abaddon]

Nathon seems to have it right on.

To zoom, youll obviously need a zoom lense, and if you are run and gunnin it for the documentary, or even if not, youll need alot of equipment and 2 guys i would think. one to handle the follow focus, one to handle the zooming and of course youll need an on board monitor and shoulder system, best to go without it for a Doc imo


I think you're right.

I just wanted to see if I could get good DOF with the HVX without having to shoot from across the house.

[smelni]

you would need to put a zoom lens on the m2

[Lenilenapi]

Soren,
What's it like using the lensbaby?
I've never seen one and called them to see if it could work well for this as its designed to only hold in one position long enough for a still.
Their response made me think you couldn't hold it steady enough to get a usable shot and I've been waiting for lensbaby 2 which will have controls to lock it into position.

is it sharp enough? Any images to post?

[Abaddon]

you would need to put a zoom lens on the m2


So is the zoom operated through the camera or a zoom control on the lense?

[soren k jensen]

Hi Lenilenapi (http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/member.php?u=10994), I have the version 2. It is not easy to keep focus in one place, so I plan to do a little mod that will help my fingers holding it in place. The version 3 has little metal rods that you can fix, so that focus and sweet spot does not move. That's a great idea for stills. As I really want to move focus and sweet spot while recording, I don't need that function. I love it, it's fun and beautiful... vbmenu_register("postmenu_761810", true);

[Charli]

soren - how do you like your mpic? I had considered that for a short while, but
the cost factor, just couldn't do it.

[soren k jensen]

-that just about says it ;-)

[Lenilenapi]

Soren,
How wide is the sweet spot on the Lensbaby when you are at open f-stops @ 16:9? Could it be used for an interview? (I'm thinking Lensbaby 3.
How sharp are the tele & wide adapters if you have them?

[n8ture]

I knew there was a reason why when I was into still photography I bought all Nikon glass.
Gee, I wonder what a 600f4 would do on that baby! :)

[soren k jensen]

Nah, I think that the sweet spot on the version 2.0 at f2 is pretty narrow. It can be used for an interview, sure, but everything depends on what you're after, and for that I would get the version 3 for static focus and sweet spot, plus light the set bright enough to be able to in the f-stop ring that suits your taste.

I only have the macro lenses, which work fine.

[evilken]

I'm not sure your question has been answered fully here. Ideally, you need a full 35mm kit, which means:

28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and possibly a 105mm or 24mm at the extremes. All prime lenses. AIS manual lenses are best suited, as they will have nicely weighted focus gearing, and are cheap on ebay. In theory, you could pick up the lot for $250-500. Don't bother looking for the super fast versions, as Rockwell says, the stock Nikon primes are excellent lenses and tend to be sharper / less distortion-prone / less heavy. E series lenses are even cheaper, and on the whole they are decent and very lightweight. I use an E series 'pancake' 50mm 1.8 on my SLR, and it takes sharper pictures than my expensive (and heavy)50mm 1.4.

Don't bother with zooms as they will be too slow - the adaptor will lose light as it stands, you don't want to lose more. If you are doing a run and gun shoot, you would be better off without the M2...