I'm thinking about switching up what lenses to use on my Gh4, right now i'm using the Pansonic leica 25mm 1.4 and the Lumix 12-35 2.8, i love the lenses don't get me wrong, i'm just wondering if its worth it to maybe think about switching up to the Sigma 18-35 and the Tokina 11-16 with a speedbooster just so i can get that extra stop of light and the extra width from the speedbooster, i know the lumix has OIS and i actually do like the OIS when i'm running it on my gimbal( OIS does help while on the gimble, i've tested both with and without) although i feel like with the extra width with the Tokina it should be pretty stable, what do you guys think?
GH4 Gh4 Canon lenses vs Pansonic lenses
- Thread starter Ashbury
- Start date
Realdvxuser
Well-known member
We use Nikon lenses with an adapter. They are fine lenses, but compared to native lenses on m43 the result is different: a little less crisp and contrasty, not as sharp. The lumix lenses are actually quite remarkable.
I think it has to do with light bouncing around inside the adapter and the images being corrected by the body in the case of native lenses.
Don't get me wrong: not trying to steer you away from that route, just know you may get results that are a tad different compared to lumix lenses.
I think it has to do with light bouncing around inside the adapter and the images being corrected by the body in the case of native lenses.
Don't get me wrong: not trying to steer you away from that route, just know you may get results that are a tad different compared to lumix lenses.
Panasonic lenses indeed are sharper and more contrasty. Probably due to in-camera corrections going on. Simply they provide a better image quality than most adapted lenses.
But, here's the catch. I like the look of adapted lenses more. It's more 'organic' and less 'harsh'. The extra stop of light (and DOF) with the Speed Booster come in handy as well.
Pick your poison.
But, here's the catch. I like the look of adapted lenses more. It's more 'organic' and less 'harsh'. The extra stop of light (and DOF) with the Speed Booster come in handy as well.
Pick your poison.
I have both.
Lumix lenses make sense for fast work (where occasionally hitting AF is very helpful) and situations that call for the lightest/most compact kit.
My Sigma 18-35/50-150/Tok 11-16 kit sometimes 'looks' nicer, but is substantially larger and slower to get the shot.
Also have Voigtlanders, and really would like to get more if a convincing pro m43 camera ever emerged.
Lumix lenses make sense for fast work (where occasionally hitting AF is very helpful) and situations that call for the lightest/most compact kit.
My Sigma 18-35/50-150/Tok 11-16 kit sometimes 'looks' nicer, but is substantially larger and slower to get the shot.
Also have Voigtlanders, and really would like to get more if a convincing pro m43 camera ever emerged.
Bruce Foreman
Veteran
For the most part I am happy with what I get with Lumix and m.Zuiko lenses, I have a fair collection of primes and a few zooms. If I need something a little less "crisp" with a bit of a softer look I have a set of "graduated" Cokin diffusion filters to use with them.
The GH4 is awfully close. I'm a retired pro and I could have gotten along very well with it had the "digital revolution" occurred a few decades earlier. While I used mostly Hasselblad, Mamiya RB67, and Nikon F2 F3 F4 series there's not really anything those had (feature wise) that I miss on the GH3 and GH4.
Realdvxuser
Well-known member
@leteeci: No, we don't use a speedbooster.
True enough Bruce... but I was more speaking of pro video bodies. Still undecided on the JVC, but maybe, just maybe.
deltoidjohn
Veteran
I'm a Sony user but am curious - are you able to use APS-C lenses on the GH4 with a Speedbooster? Or are you limited only to FF lenses?
Does the smaller sensor area of the GH4, particularly in 4K mode, mean you can use a Speedbooster with lenses designed for APS-C and still avoid vignetting? I know you cannot use Canon EF-S lenses due to the flange protrusion but lenses such as the Tokina 11-16, Sigma 18-35 etc will physically mount on the Speedbooster just fine - but will they work optically?
Does the smaller sensor area of the GH4, particularly in 4K mode, mean you can use a Speedbooster with lenses designed for APS-C and still avoid vignetting? I know you cannot use Canon EF-S lenses due to the flange protrusion but lenses such as the Tokina 11-16, Sigma 18-35 etc will physically mount on the Speedbooster just fine - but will they work optically?
brianc1959
Active member
When shooting the GH4 in 4k mode you won't encounter any vignetting with APS-C lenses when combined with either the 0.71x ULTRA or 0.64x XL Speed Boosters. There are quite a few examples posted on Vimeo and YouTube, e.g.: https://vimeo.com/138548386 . Most of the Canon EF-S lenses can also be used after a simple and reversible modification of gently removing a rear plastic "bumper" piece. Many APS-C lenses, including the Sigma 18-35 also work just fine in HD mode as well: http://suggestionofmotion.com/blog/metabones-speed-booster-xl-nikon-mft-review/