GH2 I have finally seen the light and now I have questions.
- Thread starter refocusedmedia
- Start date
refocusedmedia
Veteran
Thanks. Unfortunately there are conflicting reports on the Rokinon/Samyang Cine focus direction when googling. I guess I'll have to see if a local store has them or not.
DPStewart
Veteran
But of course that wont matter at all if you get the whole set! (Which I think is a great idea.)
refocusedmedia
Veteran
So you would recommend a Rokinon Cine 16 & 35 combo over the Sigma 18-35?
Sorry refocusedmedia. Cluelessness reigns in that empty space of mine up there sometimes
Didn't realize you were getting these new lenses in Canon mount to go on the speedbooster. I have an OM to m43 speedbooster that is incredible, but I tend to gravitate toward the native glass for it's weight and simplicity with the type of work I do.
Cheers,
Pete
ozmorphasis
Well-known member
I own the sigma, and yes, it rotates the canon way even with a nikon mount.
I also own the rokinon 85mm, and it rotates the nikon way with the nikon mount.
I also own the rokinon 85mm, and it rotates the nikon way with the nikon mount.
The 18-35 Sigma with a SpeedBooster is killer, though. The quality of the lens is very good - you can argue about primes, but I bet you, few if any would be able to tell if f.ex. some footage was shot with a 28mm prime, or the Sigma zoom set to 28mm. Which means that with the speedbooster on a GH4 you have effectively a fantastic range - here's Barry Green's explanation of the numbers:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...oster)&p=1986436058&viewfull=1#post1986436058
So in full frame 35mm equivalent range, for the GH4 and SpeedBooster, you're getting 26mm - 50mm which is just a fantastically useful range, though in 4K, it's still a decent, though not quite as fantastic range of 30mm - 57mm. And then, you also get the option of using the 18-35 with just an ordinary adapter (not a speedbooster), for yet another range of 27mm - 52mm which is a really good range too. And then of course, the lens is super fast natively at f/1.8 through the whole range, and even faster with the speedbooster at f/1.2. I mean, this is just a fantastic lens. The only downside is the size, but that's a small price to pay, depending on circumstances. Now try to match those ranges and speed with primes - good luck! Money alone is a huge difference - the Sigma + SB is about $1,250 - try to get a useful range of primes of equal speed, spanning really from 26mm all the way to 57mm - or to make it easier, say, just the following - but note, I mean the FF 35mm equivalent FOV - a 25mm, a 28mm (my favorite), a 30mm, a 35mm, 50mm - that's a ton of money right there, plus note, since we are talking 35mm equivalent FOV, you are asking for very wide lenses, like a 14mm. Then factor in the issue of the hassle of swapping out the lenses - would you rather deal with the one 18-35 zoom, or a collection of primes? And speaking of image, you are likely to get more variation in the look of that bunch of primes than that one zoom (I'm ignoring the fact that a zoom also allows you to, you know, zoom while shooting, which you can't really do with a prime). I get the appeal of primes, but in this day and age, the zooms have gotten so good, that I really don't see much reason to avoid them in favor of primes for video.
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...oster)&p=1986436058&viewfull=1#post1986436058
So in full frame 35mm equivalent range, for the GH4 and SpeedBooster, you're getting 26mm - 50mm which is just a fantastically useful range, though in 4K, it's still a decent, though not quite as fantastic range of 30mm - 57mm. And then, you also get the option of using the 18-35 with just an ordinary adapter (not a speedbooster), for yet another range of 27mm - 52mm which is a really good range too. And then of course, the lens is super fast natively at f/1.8 through the whole range, and even faster with the speedbooster at f/1.2. I mean, this is just a fantastic lens. The only downside is the size, but that's a small price to pay, depending on circumstances. Now try to match those ranges and speed with primes - good luck! Money alone is a huge difference - the Sigma + SB is about $1,250 - try to get a useful range of primes of equal speed, spanning really from 26mm all the way to 57mm - or to make it easier, say, just the following - but note, I mean the FF 35mm equivalent FOV - a 25mm, a 28mm (my favorite), a 30mm, a 35mm, 50mm - that's a ton of money right there, plus note, since we are talking 35mm equivalent FOV, you are asking for very wide lenses, like a 14mm. Then factor in the issue of the hassle of swapping out the lenses - would you rather deal with the one 18-35 zoom, or a collection of primes? And speaking of image, you are likely to get more variation in the look of that bunch of primes than that one zoom (I'm ignoring the fact that a zoom also allows you to, you know, zoom while shooting, which you can't really do with a prime). I get the appeal of primes, but in this day and age, the zooms have gotten so good, that I really don't see much reason to avoid them in favor of primes for video.
DPStewart
Veteran
>>> "So you would recommend a Rokinon Cine 16 & 35 combo over the Sigma 18-35?"
Are we talking about the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8? Because that is not a Full-Frame lens. It's a DX (APS-C) lens and those will not work with a speedbooster because you will get HEAVY vignetting. They work straight onto a M4/3 camera with the correct mount but then it becomes roughly a 36mm-70mm (roughly).
Like this:
http://thurtlepower.com/dorsetweddi...5mm-dc-hsm-mini-review-and-first-impressions/
Are we talking about the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8? Because that is not a Full-Frame lens. It's a DX (APS-C) lens and those will not work with a speedbooster because you will get HEAVY vignetting. They work straight onto a M4/3 camera with the correct mount but then it becomes roughly a 36mm-70mm (roughly).
Like this:
http://thurtlepower.com/dorsetweddi...5mm-dc-hsm-mini-review-and-first-impressions/
refocusedmedia
Veteran
Man, I am really struggling with the decision between Rokinon Cine 16 & 35 combo and the Sigma 18-35. I'm pretty sure I'll get a Rokinon 85 (cine or photo) regardless. Even a pros/cons list is coming out about even. This is torturous, lol.
The main pros/cons for the Sigma 18-35 are:
+ I'm already used to shooting with a quality zoom with a similar FOV
+ Slightly faster, every bit helps with the smaller sensor
+ Additional focal lengths between 18mm & 35mm
+ Sharp wide open
+ Smooth zoom ring if a zoom shot is needed
- Heavy (in fact this lens + GH4 is heavier than my 60D + 17-55 2.8)
- Short, photography lens type focus throw
- No manual aperture if ever needed
- Not parfocal
The main pros/cons for the Rokinon Cine 16 & 35 combo are:
+ Slightly softer image is perceived as more cinematic
+ Cine style focus throw with hard stops
+ Manual aperture, can be used with cheaper adapters if needed
+ Shorter and less heavy, less strain on adapter & mounts
+ Helps me get used to cine lenses, prepare for hopeful future usage
+ Slightly wider focal length, every bit helps with the smaller sensor
- Only the two focal lengths (common for any prime combo)
- Have two swap for FOV change (common for any prime combo)
- Slightly slower aperture at the wide end
The main pros/cons for the Sigma 18-35 are:
+ I'm already used to shooting with a quality zoom with a similar FOV
+ Slightly faster, every bit helps with the smaller sensor
+ Additional focal lengths between 18mm & 35mm
+ Sharp wide open
+ Smooth zoom ring if a zoom shot is needed
- Heavy (in fact this lens + GH4 is heavier than my 60D + 17-55 2.8)
- Short, photography lens type focus throw
- No manual aperture if ever needed
- Not parfocal
The main pros/cons for the Rokinon Cine 16 & 35 combo are:
+ Slightly softer image is perceived as more cinematic
+ Cine style focus throw with hard stops
+ Manual aperture, can be used with cheaper adapters if needed
+ Shorter and less heavy, less strain on adapter & mounts
+ Helps me get used to cine lenses, prepare for hopeful future usage
+ Slightly wider focal length, every bit helps with the smaller sensor
- Only the two focal lengths (common for any prime combo)
- Have two swap for FOV change (common for any prime combo)
- Slightly slower aperture at the wide end
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refocusedmedia
Veteran
As OldCorpse mentioned, that is not the case. Those images are from a 5Dmk2. With the M43 2x crop, there is no vignetting even with the focal reduction, and even at 18mm.
DPStewart
Veteran
OK. I really hope that's accurate, because I've seen so many discussions of SpeedBoosters that say that are "made for Full-Frame lenses" and that DX lenses (Specificaly DX Lenses which are made for Nikon's APS-C sensor cameras) should not be used because when the SpeedBooster lens shrinks the incoming image it is not sufficiently large enough anymore to cover the sensor without vignetting.
I would hate to mislead anyone, so I've dug a bit deeper: I stand HALFWAY corrected!
I have the LENS TURBO speed boosters and in their own literature it says "NOT recommended for DX lenses" .
I see the Metabones says FX and DX lenses are both usable.
I also relied on a few Test Videos that people had posted that showed significant vignetting on the Lens Turbo with APS-C lenses - that coupled with their literature led me to believe it was inherent to the design of a Speed Booster as the Metabones is fundamentally the same optical device - just superior.
THIS BEING THE CASE - I must amend - The Sigma may be, in some ways, practically superior to 2 primes. But if your use is nearly entirely video then your reasoning for the Primes is very solid and realistic.
(Credit where credit is due - that Sigma is a rare lens! That focal range with an f/1.8 at that price point is almost unheard of anywhere else.)
As my wife always tells me: "Well...there ya go."
Not to downgrade anyone's opinion, just expressing my own: for me, I would only get the Metabones SB, not any Chinese or other imitations. I know many say the others are the same or better quality, or even if the MB SB is better the price difference is not worth it - but with the MB you are getting assured quality, and no blue spots and other issues such as vignetting. Yes, you'll pay $200-$300 more for the MB, but at the end of the day, what would I rather have on a shoot, when your gear is worth 10s of thousands of $, and the shoot itself is worth even more - saving $300 seems not optimal - but that's just me.
Also, I believe the situation is even more complicated wrt. vignetting. I've seen reports that there are some Nikon lenses where the SB just does not work optimally, and there may be vignetting (on a m4/3). So it's not 100%, maybe more like 90% time solution.
Also, I believe the situation is even more complicated wrt. vignetting. I've seen reports that there are some Nikon lenses where the SB just does not work optimally, and there may be vignetting (on a m4/3). So it's not 100%, maybe more like 90% time solution.
for whatever it's worth...
1. If you decide on the Nikon version and use either Metabones adapter, you'll have manual aperture (in fact, that's all you'll have)
2. On a properly collimated adapter, this lens is indeed parfocal. This is easy to do on the Metabones Speedbooster (a set screw enables adjustment) and not that hard on other straight non-optical adapters (adding shims made of blackwrap).
refocusedmedia
Veteran
I wouldn't get the knock off focal reducers for the simple fact that they have no tripod support. Anyone using them with heavy lenses is just asking for problems, imo.
DPStewart
Veteran
Absolutely!
I only use mine on relatively small lenses.
i think there is no doubt the Metabones stuff is superior - but I had a couple of shoots coming up and for me it was "lens turbo" or nothing.
That's why I posted the still image a page or so back - so you could have confidence in the concept - if even the knock-off is perfectly good, then the Metabones is a no-brainier.
Whichever lenses you go with...you're setup is going to SLAY!
refocusedmedia
Veteran
Link?
DPStewart
Veteran
Link:
http://www.amazon.com/RJ-Booster-rotatable-fitting-colloar/dp/B00LVS7PFS
Although this is for the R.J. brand. I'm using the Zhongyi Mitakon.
The R.J. has been reviewed more poorly when tested head-to-head with the Zhongyi Mitakon and the Metabones.
Either way - not really an issue because if you've budgeted for the Metabones already then there's no looking back.
http://www.amazon.com/RJ-Booster-rotatable-fitting-colloar/dp/B00LVS7PFS
Although this is for the R.J. brand. I'm using the Zhongyi Mitakon.
The R.J. has been reviewed more poorly when tested head-to-head with the Zhongyi Mitakon and the Metabones.
Either way - not really an issue because if you've budgeted for the Metabones already then there's no looking back.
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