GH2 GH2 Lenses for Filmmaking, Web Videos and Green Screen Projects

L

lifilmmaker

Member
Greetings,

I'm seeking recommendations for some good Panasonic lenses to use with the GH2 for shooting dramatic film work, web videos and green screen projects? If not Panasonic, what other brands would you also recommend? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.
 
I think this will depend on your focal length needs, lighting scenarios, and budget.

It's kind of like asking what car should you buy. There can be no one or even general answer.
 
I have a 24, 35, 85mm Rokinon T 1.5 lens kit, and they are amazing for the price...great color and sharp full open. Not a bad choice for the gh2...affordable too, and they are geared for ff, so no need of extra snap gear to work with ff systems. With a simple adaptor you can use them on your gh....

carlo zanella
www.carlozanella.com

QUOTE=lifilmmaker;1986252126]Greetings,

I'm seeking recommendations for some good Panasonic lenses to use with the GH2 for shooting dramatic film work, web videos and green screen projects? If not Panasonic, what other brands would you also recommend? I appreciate any feedback. Thanks.[/QUOTE]
 
Hi Carlo,

Thanks for sharing the lenses you use. What does "ff" stand for?

What kind of adapter would I need to use with these lenses?

Thanks!

Carlo Zanella said:
I have a 24, 35, 85mm Rokinon T 1.5 lens kit, and they are amazing for the price...great color and sharp full open. Not a bad choice for the gh2...affordable too, and they are geared for ff, so no need of extra snap gear to work with ff systems. With a simple adaptor you can use them on your gh....

carlo zanella
www.carlozanella.com
Click to expand...
 
A set of Canon FD manual lenses would be the most cost effective way to outfit your GH2 for filmmaking, as these lenses can be bought very cheap on eBay. ( just make sure you buy Canon lenses with the SSC multicoating for low flare and greater contrast )

Next up would be a set of Nikon AI-S manual lenses, not as low cost as the Canon FD lenses, but these lenses will fit almost any type of camera, including modern Canon cameras. ( where the Canon FD lenses will not focus properly with modern Canon bodies )

If you like to shoot handheld, you might want to take a second look at the new Panasonic lenses with very good optical stabilzation, like the new 12-35mm f/2.8. These cost a lot more, but most higher priced M4/3 lenses are sharp at maximum aperture, where lenses like the Canon FD or the Nikon AI-S have to be stopped down 1 or 2 stops to to reach their true potential. ( also most M4/3 lenses are focus by wire, so they can be tougher to pull focus compared to an all manual lens )

Lastly, a lot will depend on how you shoot and what you want to shoot. Manual lenses can be slower to work with, but if you're shooting an Indie film, you probably want to take your time to get things right. In "run'n'gun" situations ( or live events ) you may want the optical stabilization and lenses that are sharp at full aperture to be able to shoot handheld in dimmer light.
 
FF stands for follow focus.
the adaptor you are going to need depends on which mount you buy those Rokinon lenses with. I use a Nikon F to m43 adaptor, because my first camera is a Nikon D600. That way I can use those lenses for both cameras, and maximize my $$ investment.
Hope this helps.

Carlo zanella
www.carlozanella.com

lifilmmaker said:
Thanks for sharing the lenses you use. What does "ff" stand for?

What kind of adapter would I need to use with these lenses?

Thanks!

Carlo Zanella said:
I have a 24, 35, 85mm Rokinon T 1.5 lens kit, and they are amazing for the price...great color and sharp full open. Not a bad choice for the gh2...affordable too, and they are geared for ff, so no need of extra snap gear to work with ff systems. With a simple adaptor you can use them on your gh....

carlo zanella
www.carlozanella.com
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Really this all comes down to money. You can spend relatively little by scavenging through eBay and this site, or even craigslist if you live in a big city, for vintage/older lenses. The great thing about micro four thirds is that almost any type of lens can be adapted to it. Before a few days ago, I relied heavily on the Pancake lens from Panasonic along with an FD mount Canon 50 mm. The problem with using a 50 is that it automatically becomes a 100 mm lens on a GH2. However, a few days ago I got the Voigtlander 25 mm. It's not perfect for video out-of-the-box (the aperture ring clicks, but that is easily altered with a cine–mod), but if you're willing to make the investment it is an excellent all-around lens. Highly recommend it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top