24-70 2.8 alternative

macgregor

macgregor

Veteran
Hi all, I´m looking for an alternative to the nikon 24-70 f2.8 zoom lens, not that I want to save money but I want a lens with better manual focus capabilities for shooting video. On this lens, you go from 2m to infinity in like 1 degree. Any recommendations?
 
Maybe an older Nikon zoom would work better for focus...

Hey - are you talking about the latest 28-70 or the older one (AF-S D one?).

This is the older one - or is this what you're already talking about?
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/2870afs.htm

Maybe go older (35-70 2.8):
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/3570.htm

Or go even older (and push-pull!)
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/28-50mm.htm

Yeah, there is a serious gap there in the dept of mid-range zoom lens that:
- doesn't cost $$$$$
- is small and lightweight
- you can pull focus with
- has a constant aperture (preferably f2.8)

They had to re-house some Nikon 24-70s for one of the Bourne movies because there wasn't anything else available at the time.

Maybe nowadays an Optimo DP 30-80 Rouge? $20,000 though... or there's the new Carl Zeiss 28-80 t2.9... which covers full frame for your D800 - also $20,000 again though. WTF.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/08/30/carl-zeiss-presents-28-28mm-t2-9-cinema-zoom-lens

It would be nice if one of those Samyang Korean manual lens guys decided to make a zoom!

What else?

Bruce Allen
www.boacinema.com
 
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I'm right with you on this one. My lens set was as follows:

14-24g
24-70g
80-200 af d

I sold the 14-24 and the 24-70 and have picked up a 17-35 and the 28-70 is on the way. Combine that with the 80-200 and its gonna be a great set
 
Does it need to be a zoom? Because I would probably go for a 14-24, and fill the mid range with a couple of nice primes (already have 35mm and 50mm)
 
To give context I own.. 18-50 tokina, 18-200 sony, 18-80 nikkor AF, canon 24-105, nikon 24-120 early AF that I have bought in my search for the perfect midrange S35 zoom lens on a budget, I have also handled angie cine lenses.

I consider then all to be unshootable. (aprart from the angie)

For a laugh I picked up a 35-70 manual http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35-70mm-35-ais.htm at thrift store for £100

This lens is close to a zeiss super speed in feel

That lens and my 18/f4 manual nikkor (the 4 has longer throw than the 2.8 or the 3.5)

I shoot 90% of stuff, even though I have boxes of other lenses

It is just the best zoom lens ive ever touched that didnt say $25k on the box.

Im now on the hunt for the 28-80 version

Now nikon go 'the wrong way' if that bothers you you could consider..

the angie/vivitar (28-70?)
a contax zeiss (28-70)
a canon FD 35-70


S
 
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One note - the close focus in macro (70mm) is amazing, but the minimum focus is less good through the rest of the range compared for example to a 35/2

S
 
It's actually for a DX sensor, and again, it needs to be constant aperture. Budget is not an issue.

Does the Tamron 24-70 have a better manual focus traveling distance?
 
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Mac, you can try my Angenieux designed Tokina ATX-Pro 27-70 f/ 2.6-2.8

Had it projected, it's as sharp as the Nikon. It's not parfocal, of course, and barrel rotation is minimal, which I'm sure you'll find with all these lenses unless you go with a RPZ. I had it modded at Duclos, been using it on the F3 and other cameras for MTV and VH-1 gigs.

I also have a Zeiss JenaZoom, not as fast in FD mount 35-135, not as fast though.
 
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