14-40mm kit vs. 14-140mm kit (for video)?

GrahamH

GrahamH

Well-known member
I've read various comments that the 14-140mm is well-designed for video - OIS, quiet focus etc.

So what about the 14-40 lens for video? It reviews as less sharp, but what about focus noise, OIS, etc, etc? Thanks.
 
The 14-42mm lens probably also won't autofocus as fast. It does have OIS, but in general it's a much lower quality lens, and it's not an "HD" lens so I am sure there is some focus noise. If you're considering which GH2 kit to buy and it's your first m4/3rds camera I strongly recommend the 14-140mm kit, then augmenting it with Nikon primes, and the Lumix 20mm f/1.7.
 
The only lens rated for "HD Video" by Panasonic is the 14-140. If you want a lens primarily for video, don't walk: run full speed to get the 14-140. That's what it's made for and it does it very well.
 
Barry_Green said:
The only lens rated for "HD Video" by Panasonic is the 14-140. If you want a lens primarily for video, don't walk: run full speed to get the 14-140. That's what it's made for and it does it very well.
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+1 Although, I am a little surprised with the release of the Gh2 that Panasonic didn't come out with another lens (or two) rated and optimized for "HD Video". It would have been nice (considering the GH1 & 2 are so optimized for video) to have seen a faster zoom lens rated for HD as the 14-140 is such a great lens but kinda slow which makes it limiting.

Anyone have any thoughts on whether Panasonic will be releasing more of these or if this was just a one shot deal with the HD 14-140 and why that might be.
 
Yeah, I am quite surprised that the only HD-Video-rated lens is the 14-140. I hope there are many more, but so far it's the only one.
 
I was totally unimpressed with the Lumix 14-140mm and its HD video features. The first thing to know about this lens is that throughout most of its zoom range, its widest aperture is about f5.6, making it a daylight-only lens in my view. The Lumix 14-45mm and Lumix 45-200mm maintain wide apertures over a much broader range of focal lengths.

I can see how the HD video features of the 14-150mm can be useful for home videos. The face-tracking auto-focus will find your subject in less than a second. The quiet operation of the lens reduces mechanical camera noise when using the built-in microphone. The "stepless" auto-aperture adjustment keeps exposure within viewable limits while shooting a video. However, I would never rely on focus-tracking, auto-aperture, or the internal mic when shooting anything intended for post-processing. For video editing purposes, I lock down the lens and exposure settings in advance, hence none of the 14-140mm lens' HD-video features are of practical value.
 
I agree that I also do not use most "HD" functions. I like the 14-140 mostly because of it's nice focal range (documentary and journalistic work) along with the image it produces (very sharp and nice color contrast). I mostly use old primes if I'm shooting narrative fiction due to the controlled environment.

http://www.43rumors.com/mr-kitao-itirou-panasonic-talks-about-the-small-gf2-and-the-next-lenses/

Probably old news but according to Mr. Kitao Itirou from Panasonic Japan, they will be releasing a couple "bright" zoom lenses next. I would sell my HD 14-140 in a heart beat if they released a zoom lens covering a nice focal length starting at f2.8 (faster would turn a lot of heads) that wasn't HD.

The only G series lens I've been impressed with in regards to features and price range has been the 20mm f1.7 so far.
 
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The 14-140's advantages are that it opens up a whole range of other-than-cinema uses to the camera. If you're only ever concerned with cinema shooting, then you don't need it. But if you want your AF100 to serve as a video camera too, the 14-140 is very useful.
 
lpowell said:
I was totally unimpressed with the Lumix 14-140mm and its HD video features. The first thing to know about this lens is that throughout most of its zoom range, its widest aperture is about f5.6, making it a daylight-only lens in my view. The Lumix 14-45mm and Lumix 45-200mm maintain wide apertures over a much broader range of focal lengths.

I can see how the HD video features of the 14-150mm can be useful for home videos. The face-tracking auto-focus will find your subject in less than a second. The quiet operation of the lens reduces mechanical camera noise when using the built-in microphone. The "stepless" auto-aperture adjustment keeps exposure within viewable limits while shooting a video. However, I would never rely on focus-tracking, auto-aperture, or the internal mic when shooting anything intended for post-processing. For video editing purposes, I lock down the lens and exposure settings in advance, hence none of the 14-140mm lens' HD-video features are of practical value.
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Good points. I, too, was disappointed by the aperture for indoor. However, it is a very sharp lens. I haven't yet experimented with the face tracking feature, but I suppose that could be useful. I can't even figure out how it works, DOH! So far, I have always bolted on a prime for video, mainly owing to the quality of the 20mm and my legacy glass. Hey, maybe I should sell it :) But it is a nice hiking lens, if somewhat heavy.
 
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