GH2 and vivitar zoom, serie 1, 28-90, stability question

M

maltess2

Well-known member
Hell, I am looking for a cheap zoom for a GH2 with some cinematic style. A member recommend this zoon, Vivitar series 1, 28-90. I been watching some expamples in vimeo and I like the look. I have also read is heavy and not meant for handheld. If someone has experience wit this zoom, please questions are:

1. I am going to be using this cheap spider ring most of the time, would this be enought to balance and get decent stabilized shots?

http://www.sgcamerastore.com/video-equipments/dslr-spider-rig/prod_1063.html

2. If I dont use this and I shoot handheld, is this going to be impossible? I mean, an unusable shaky crap in every movement

Best regards
 
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I've got the same rig, and it held my Nikon 80-200mm F/2.8. You could knock someone out easily with that thing. ;) I'd suggest mounting something to the back arm of the rig that goes over your shoulder, since the heavy front will want to pull the back upwards. I just used a super clamp I had lying around, and it was fine.

If it's heavy, I'd suggest some kind of support, even a monopod, since your arms will eventually grow tired and start to shake.
 
And go to the gym, all camera stabilization is ultimately based on body strength and stamina. All good Steadicam operators I've ever met are really really fit.
 
Yes, that´s true, but you cant compare a DSLR with photo lenses and a cheap ring with steady cams, proffesional video cameras, etc. This is just a matter to find a balance to shoot somthing with a decent quality and low budget, probably being in shape helps but I dont think is the main concern here
 
I have that same lens and same rig. With a rig, the combo is ok. I usually set mine up with a dual-shoulder support.

Without any rig or tripod, this lens combo is virtually unusable because it is ridiculously front-weighted and telephoto to boot.
 
28-90 is REALLY long (on this camera) and is going to be shaky no matter what (aside from tripod). Maybe test some image stabilization software (warp?) before shooting (you may have to frame your shots with this in mind). Are you going to actually be recording a zoom from 28-90? You can get the (nearly full stop slower) Panasonic 14-42 lens with OIS for less than $50. Of coarse there is the 14-140mm with OIS but it's around $500.
 
You will be unable to zoom with this lens because it is completely varifocal. It works well as a no-change variable prime, though.
 
I guess you guys above were fine, but I felt this lens was way too heavy for the mount of my gh1/2 alone. I used a bit of support to hold the lens up. I agree with a couple others, 90mm is way too long for handheld, will be way too shaky, even with a mono pod I wouldn't recommend being so front heavy. I would say 90mm or handheld, pick one but not both. The panasonic 14-42mm (as stated already) or even the Canon FD 35-70mm, which come in a few different speeds.
 
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