F3: Good Run N Gun zoom lens - nikon mount

Richard Allen Crook

Richard Allen Crook

Well-known member
I have a nice collection of Leica R primes I use all the time, modded for nikon. I have the Nikon 17-35mm 2.8 which is nice for run n gun but of course its limiting to 35mm and I find I still am constantly switching lenses. I need a decent Nikon mount zoom lens, manual aperture, preferably f2.8, that I can just leave on the cam for run n guns. I don't want to go crazy on a 10 grand lens or something, I need something relatively cheap because I don't see it being used as a primary lens.

Any suggestions?

edit: or a lens that can be modded for use on PL or nikon.
 
Richard, are your lieca's emirat, or summicron or mixed? How would you say they compare to Nikon high speed glass?
 
+1 on the Tokina. The original models that you can often find on eBay were an Angenieux-designed lens and they are quite sharp. Mine is actually a 2.6/2.8 . Very nice for run and gun. My other favorite 35mm still lens is the Sigma 50-150. I actually have it on my F3 at the moment. Not a run and gun lens, but figured I would mention it anyway.

Ned
 
+2 on the original Tokina 28 - 70 F 2.6/2.8, Mine is usually left on the F3 in the case and will swap to other lenses when required.
cheers
Morton
 
i don't find my 24-70 all that great as a run-n-gun. 24 just isn't wide enough.
 
Is this lens parfocal? Hmm... probably an irrelevant question if it is not constant aperture.
 
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If 24-70 isn't wide enough there is the Nikon 14-24. Somewhat pricey at about $2K new but t is f/2.8 constant. I also own and like the Tokina 11-16.

Ned
 
i have the 11-16 and the 24-70, but the best range i've used running around with the f3 (aside from the big sony zoom) was the Red 17-50. i found i could pretty much keep that lens on for most of the day, seemed both wide enough and long enough for most verité. but it's heavy and expensive, so i've thought about the nikon 17-55 dx. kinda pricey for a dx, but a lot less than the red, and much lighter.
 
nsoltz said:
I love my Red 18-50 but it is a bit heavy for handheld.
Click to expand...

18-50 heavy for handheld? :smile:

oh goodness.

Richard, I'd go for the Red 18-50 ($3K), or the Sigma 18-50 in Nikon mount that is the same lens not rehoused. Dirt cheep.

Or the Nikon 17-55 Chong mentions above. Longer than 55 handheld is dicey anyway.
 
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I don't know about the Red, but the Sigma is not constant aperture. It ramps from f2.8-4.6. Cheap, but horrible in that regard.

My favorite is the Nikon 17-35. If I go wider than 35mm all movements are accentuated and I end up spending too much time in post trying to stabilize the picture.

The Nikon is 10oz heavier, but that's not much more than half a pound. Plus, the Nikon 17-35mm has an aperture ring. The Nikon 18-50 and the Sigma 18-50 don't. Sometimes its helpful to know exactly what aperture you're at.

Like all lenses there are the occasional bad ones, but the Nikon 17-35mm is one of Nikon's best lenses. Extremely low distortion at all lengths and it doesn't extend so its matte box friendly.
 
I just got a Nikon 135mm f2 and I am excited to pick it up from the post office! That has absolutely nothing to do with this thread but I had to have it known!
 
A good RnG zoom for S35 - you seek the holy grail!

Ive been (on my FS100) through many options, personally I find 55 too short so I dont like the 17-55

Ive tried the 18-80 nikkor g - 4.5 or so is fast enough with these light sensitive cameras, but the thing is mechanically gross

Ive decided, it really cant be done; so have cut my kit to two lenses..

18mm prime and 35-70 zoom, nikkor manuals; both lovely and the 35-70 dirt cheap

ill swap the 35-70 for a 28-80 manual in time

Of course sony do do a dedicacted RnG lens 18-200, and actually that might be worth thinking about if you must shoot one lens

I would not get too hung up on speed (Tstop)..

S
 
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