F55: Alternative to Stock Zoom lens?

JimmyMcV

JimmyMcV

Member
I wanted to consider alternatives to the stock zoom lens I could order with the FS5. That's the 18-105mm F4. I do wish the lens were faster. But, with the cam's low light capabilities, should I be that worried? I mainly do run and gun, journalistic work.

I will probably be getting the Canon > Sony Metabones speedbooster (or should I just get the regular one?) so a Canon zoom would work. I guess I could use the 24-105mm Canon zoom. And the the speedbooster would make it a 2.8.

Any other ideas or words of caution? I'm new to this line of cameras and the Metabones (moving from Canon).

Thanks!
 
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Canon 24-105 is a stop darker on the long end, so i dont recommend that.

Sigma 24-105 ART OSS works like a charm, and is a tad sharper. Vignettes heavy though. Weighs more than the Canon. Focus ring is very nice, and gives firm resistance and good feedback. Takes a little getting used to the fact that the zoom ring and focus ring has traded places (!). Its fairly parfocal, so suitable for run and gun for the price and weight, but its not a proper news lens and is not 100% parfocal. Better than my copy of the Canon though.

Then you have the Sigma 18-35 (crop sensor 27-52) 1.8 ART that many use.

I have just bought the Sony FE 24-70 f/4 to use when weight is of the issue. Primarily use it on my A7 II though, so FS7 use is only bonus. The focus ring is LOL to work with. Give it a try in a store nearby, you will understand.
 
Interesting Martin. I tried a copy of the Sigma and it was wildly unparfocal so much so that I considered it unfit for normal run & gun . My Canon 24-105 is much better. Odd.
Would lik to hear other reports since I'm not at all crazy about the Canon.
Jimmy , be aware that lots of people including me tried the 18-105 and just couldn't stand the "fly by wire" focusing and sent the lens back.
Unfortunately those are the only choices you have for a run & gun lens longer than 24-70 . I just use the 24-70 f2.8 Tamron which I think is a great lens . Focuses the wrong way but its got good IS and is very sharp.
 
Lenilenapi said:
Interesting Martin. I tried a copy of the Sigma and it was wildly unparfocal so much so that I considered it unfit for normal run & gun . My Canon 24-105 is much better. Odd.
Would lik to hear other reports since I'm not at all crazy about the Canon.
Click to expand...

You should try a different copy. I am satisfied with the performance of mine. I can get away with a zoom out during run and gun, and zooming in does not require a lot of focusing to get "there". Im talking about just a small adjustment to maintain focus. I just tested to make 100% sure i was not lying :-) I shoot most of my corporate work with the Sigma, and occasionally use other Canon zooms, or Sigma Art primes.
 
Ok, good to hear other perspectives.

For me this all affects my purchase decision on the camera itself. I'm charged with getting an A camera and a B camera for my journalism team. And I've been debating between FS5+A7s ii VS C100 mk ii + C100 mk i.

I still haven't ordered the FS5 yet. I've owned the C100 mark i for a couple of years now and the Auto Focus has a been a dream on it. That's the main reason I'd stick with the Canon for this kind of journalistic work (yes, the color science is great too). The thing is - the world seems to be rapidly moving in the 4K direction and I also love slo motion. Hence, the reason I was going to get the FS5. But the work I do is 98% for the internet. Maybe I shouldn't be so hungry for 4K.
 
I really like the 18-105mm which I own, when I've used it with an FS7. Try it out yourself, you might like its pros (large zoom range, small size, cheap price, etc) more than its cons.
 
Welcome to our shared dilemma, Jimmy!

Welcome to our shared dilemma, Jimmy!

JimmyMcV said:
I wanted to consider alternatives to the stock zoom lens I could order with the FS5. That's the 18-105mm F4. I do wish the lens were faster. But, with the cam's low light capabilities, should I be that worried? I mainly do run and gun, journalistic work.

I will probably be getting the Canon > Sony Metabones speedbooster (or should I just get the regular one?) so a Canon zoom would work. I guess I could use the 24-105mm Canon zoom. And the the speedbooster would make it a 2.8.

Any other ideas or words of caution? I'm new to this line of cameras and the Metabones (moving from Canon).

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Try out the 18-105mm and decide for yourself.

One suggested lens package is what I will call the Budget package:

* Sony 10-18mm f/4.
* Sony 18-105mm f/4
* Canon 24-105mm f/4

The redundant coverage is because the Canon has a sharpness and a "look" that the Sony glass lacks. The Canon would be your interview lens.


_________________________

Another possible package is what I will call the Fast package:

* Rokinon Cine 12mm f/2.2
* Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8
* Canon 24-70mm f/2.8


Either way you are going to be changing lenses often and likely have to carry lenses on your person in waist pouches or a backpack. The second lens package is going to leave you lacking on the long end and you will quickly be wanting the Canon 70-200mm. But that: A) drives the package cost up significantly B) places you in the situation where you have a bulky lens that is difficult to carry around on your person while shooting. That is currently my biggest issue with the Sony 28-135mm- not easy to carry around. The other day while shooting a basketball game I ended up placing it on the ground while shooting with my other glass and having to leave it unattended. ( stashed it behind the goal when shooting with my wides. A still photog was doing the same with one of his zooms. )

The lack of zoom that covers wide to tele is the reason that Sports photographer use two cameras. One camera mounted to a wider zoom, the other camera mounted to their longer zoom.

Meet your new friend:

Kinesis.jpg
 
My own basic solution as been all Canon EF Mt:

11 - 16 Tokina f2.8
24-70 Tamron (only 24-70 with IS great for handheld) f2.8
70-200 Canon f2.8
18-200 f3,5-6.3 Sony

get both speedbooster and a regular Mark IV . That way if one of your adapters craps out you can still shoot. Also speedster gives you an F2 17-50 lens with IS which is fabulous in a lot of situations. I also have other lenses including f1.4 primes but 90% these do it. Ypu always have that Sony lens when you just need to run & gun - and in Custom mode at 12DB and 1/24 or 1/30 shutter you can really shoot a lot of interiors even at 6.3. Likewise speedbooster gives you an f2 50-150 on the Canon zoom which is perfect for interviews in a small room.

You can easily get a single lens bag to hold your 3 spares lenses over your shoulder and/or 2 lenses and spare batts etc.

I also have a 24-105 Canon but I just don't like and may sell. I would try out the Sigma again though
 
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