GH4 Stabilization options

Martin Murphy

Martin Murphy

Member
I'm trying to improve my GH4 setup for handheld shots; the thing that's holding me back is stabilization. I'm considering the Lumix 12-35, but I don't really like (or use) zooms, and I feel $800 is too much for a lens that I'd basically use just for the OIS. I keep looking at this lens because it's at least f/2.8, and this is about as high an aperture as I'd like to go. I have the 14-42mm Lumix, and I feel the OIS is good, but f/3.5 isn't quite fast enough, and I'm also not happy with the quality of the glass on this lens.

So, kind of a noob question, but does anyone know of any non-panasonic lenses that have built in stabilization that will work on the GH4?

Short of this, I might try getting an Xcam Sabre (or similar), although I'd love to have some kind of lens that could take out the 'handheldness' of the shots, because my whole set up right now is about keeping everything compact.

Any leads are greatly appreciated.
 
I think that 12-35 f 2.8 has worse stabilization that 14-42 I and II. I find some little micro vibration in POWER OIS with that lens. Check yourself before you buy.

MEGA OIS lenses are rock steady handheld. I have 14-42 I (good) and 14-140 II (bad it has very bad micro jitter). The worst is 35-100 2.8 (unusable handheld).

Have you considered Canon or other brands with an adapter?
 
Thanks for the response Vesku. I'm definitely considering other brands - I think what I'm still wondering about is if the stabilization will still work on the Panasonic? If I were to get a Canon IS lens, do you know what kind of adapter I'd need to be able to power the stabilization inside the lens?
 
14-50mm f2.8-3.5 Pan-Leica Four Thirds has OIS and (clunky) autofocus on a GH4, when used with a suitable 4/3-to-M4/3 adapter.
 
What kind of footage do you shoot? An Xcam Sabre can to help produce smooth moving footage, but it's not ideal for shooting for long periods of time unless you have an arm brace or vest to support it. You'll also have to contend with balancing (each time you change lenses), wind, and a steep learning curve that requires a lot of practice before your footage looks smooth rather than like you're shooting on a boat swaying in the ocean.

As alternatives, you may want to look into a monopod like Benro's S4 video monopod or a minimal handheld rig like the Zacuto Marauder.

I also like to keep things as minimal and compact as possible, so I use a Zacuto Target Shooter for the most part (replaced by the Marauder, but you can still purchase the individual components) and drop it on Benro's monopod for shots that will run longer than 3-5 minutes (interviews). I use a fair amount of vintage glass, so I prefer not to depend on lenses with image stabilization. This setup lets me shoot with a wide variety of lenses without too much issue.
 
Thanks Sol, this helps a lot - I think I'm leaning towards an analogue solution like this, I want to keep the option for older lenses open
 
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