24-70mm zoom for 35mm adapter

I am looking for a zoom lens for my 35mm adapter. I have a Nikon mount. What do you guys think about these lenses:

---------------------
Sigma Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro DF Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D $499

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/350972-REG/Sigma_548306_24_70mm_f_2_8_EX_DG.html
----------------------

It looks like the Sigma lens will go into manual focus. I can't tell if it has manual iris control. How does it compare to the following Nikkor:

------------------------
Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto AF-S Zoom Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Autofocus Lens (Black) $1,699.95

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520637-USA/Nikon_2164_AF_S_Zoom_Nikkor_24_70mm.html
--------------------------

The Nikkor seems like a lot of money. Is it worth it? Does it have manual focus and iris controls needed for a 35mm adapter?

Should I be looking at a different zoom lens?
 
Thanks!

I know that a lot of people are using a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom. I wonder what the model number is that I should be looking for?
 
I use a sigma 20-40 its a constant f2.8 with aperture ring. it can be auto and manual focus.

Me too. I like it. Focussing manually with this particular lens is a little tough when zoomed out fully to 20mm, but it works well enough I've found.
 
i had the sigma 24-70 f2.8 for nikon mount.

my one had an aperture ring!! you might want to check if the nikon version they're selling has one or not by calling the store up. the photo could just be a generic photo coz they make the same lens for multiple mounts.

the lens it's self was soft wide open. but not overly soft. it just has a soft feel to it. also there was a slight yellow cast compared to my other nikons. not objectionable though

the focus ring is touchy though. it's not dampened at all and has a short focus draw. you can use it without a follow focus but you need A LOT of practice.

now for the giant flaws.....

on my version... which was a second hand version. all my lenses are second hand and this is the first lens i've had giant problems with (though it could have been an older version hence the aperture ring).

the zoom ring was stiff and jolty. unless i was doing a crash zoom it was almost impossible to get a smooth zoom during a shot. it went really stiff at about the 35mm point. and when you faced the camera strait down the lens would zoom out just because of it's own weight.

i had other problems but i think that was specific to my particular lens because the previous owner wasn't nice to it. the infinity was way off and it didn't track during the zoom. it would go slightly off at the 50-60mm mark then come back at 70mm.

i shot a music video clip with the lens and i loved it. but it just had too many mechanical issues for me. but those could have been specific to my copy. i haven't touched another one.

i know the guys at http://www.theblacksheep.be/ shot a feature and many many other cool things with it. i think it's their main lens. they're the reason i bought the lens and my sgpro too :)

the feature - http://waynekinney.iforumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=351&mforum=waynekinney
other stuff - http://waynekinney.iforumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=1000&mforum=waynekinney

all the shots of the band in this i shot with the sigma - http://vimeo.com/2274779

Leisure_Class.jpg

i added sharpening to this grab :)

i think you should check it out in person. if the mechanics are in order then you'll be a happy camper with this lens if you don't mind the soft look.
 
Looks like I am getting some conflicting reports here. If anyone does find the Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 zoom lens that will work with a 35mm adapter, please include a link so that I have the right model number. Thanks!

I know they used them on the Bourne Ultimatum.
 
Thanks!

I know that a lot of people are using a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom. I wonder what the model number is that I should be looking for?

You'll want the older Nikon 28-70mm/2.8 zoom; it has a manual aperture ring and longer focus throw. You can find them on eBay or KEH.com if you can't find one locally. They usually go for around $1000 used if they're in excellent shape...
 
The Sigma 20-40mm f2.8 that was mentioned earlier was used to shoot the one shot teaser trailer for my LossFest entry, "STUPENDOUS". I think it was zoomed in to about 35mm and stopped to f4.
 
I found a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 zoom on ebay. It has a manual iris ring. It was around $900. I'll let you know how much I love it when I get it in a few days! I wonder how difficult it will be to follow focus? Regardless, I am looking forward to having a good zoom and not having to switch lenses all the time. I can also use it with my Nikon still camera.
 
Well keep us posted; I'd be interested to see exactly which lens you ended up getting. I've never seen a Nikon 24-70 2.8 with a manual iris ring.

Cheers,
 
Last edited:
Iris ring, aperture ring; same things that allow you to manually change the f-stop. I know the older Nikon 28-70/2.8 zooms all have the ring, but I believe Nikon eliminated it on the newer 24-70/2.8 zooms to cut some costs. Are you positive you bought a 24-70/2.8 and not a 28-70/2.8?

Cheers,
 
I'm really curious about the Tameron 28-105 f2.8 (I think that's what it is). I mean if it performs well it's sort of a 1 stop shop for most stuff I'd shoot with my 35mm adapter.
 
I've got a Nikon 28-70 2.8 and it's great. I paid about $1000 for it on eBay several months ago. I use it with a Letus Extreme/HVX200a/Optimizer kit.
 
I just got my Nikon 28-70mm 2.8 lens from e-bay. It appears to be in good shape. I will test it out this weekend.

It looks like a sticker has been ripped off (silver residue is left behind) about 1 inch below the MADE IN JAPAN text (bottom of lens). Is this where the serial number was? Should I be worried about that or MADE IN JAPAN?

The ebay seller had positice feedback, but I don't want to get ripped off.

Thanks!
 
I found on the iris ring a six digit number that starts with US. I bet this is the serial number. Perhaps the other residue was just a place that had a sticker on it or maybe it was a place that came in contact with some sort of brace device?
 
Back
Top