GH2 I have finally seen the light and now I have questions.

refocusedmedia said:
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
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Any other opinions on this?
 
Full opinion, FWIW...

Shooting mostly docs, I was eager to get the 18-35 to free me from primes. Also useful for one-man-band corporate stuff, where it's easier to toss three lenses in a bag (11-16, 18-35, 50-150) than a whole gaggle of primes.

I don't do many/any huge, marked focus pulls, so the 90 degree focus throw hasn't bothered me... if anything, it's slightly easier to work with when following improvised action than the ~270 degrees of my Leica R primes. It also has soft focus stops which you can feel. While useful with the screw-on FF ring I've attached (you can adjust where the gear screw point winds up on your lens), I'm aware it puts some folks off.

I've been using it for over a year with AF100, GH2 and now GH4 with Metabones adapters (Speedbooster and non-boosted, without the support foot). None of the lens mounts or adapters has loosened or given any sign of fatigue.

Biggest con of the lens is its size and weight, support of any sort is essential... but, if you're already used to working with a kit that size, it may not be a huge issue.

It hasn't replaced everything. Within that range, I still use:
- Lumix 12-35: when I want auto functions, range, travelling, or am working quick and don't need the extra stop or two
- PanaLeica 25: fast, small, light prime with auto functions, part of a flight kit
- Voigtlander 17.5: It's freaking f0.95. Used it as a sole lens on a doc project for creative reasons, will eventually be getting the whole CV lineup because they make me super happy
- Leica R 28/2.8 and 35/1.4 (with Nikon bayonet conversion, boosted and unboosted): They have a different look that I like, when I have time to use them.

All of the above are easier to travel with than the 18-35, except the Leica Summilux-R 35 which is equally huge. HOWEVER, it's easier to travel with the 18-35 and two adapters than with a full set of 12, 17.5, 25/28, and 35mm primes.
 
I'm beginning to think that I should get the Sigma first. I plan on getting the Rokinon Cine 85mm T1.5 no matter what. So with these two lenses I'll have a good understanding of both lens types. If I end up preferring the Rokinon Cine style, I can always sell the Sigma (it's still in high demand) and purchase more Rokinon Cine primes. If I don't, well then I'm good to go. :)
 
In the brief time I had the Sigma 18-35mm & attached to an Metabone's EF SpeedBooster, I noticed it vignette when used for 4:3 & 3:2 stills.
 
Bern Caughey said:
In the brief time I had the Sigma 18-35mm & attached to an Metabone's EF SpeedBooster, I noticed it vignette when used for 4:3 & 3:2 stills.
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Ahh, interesting. Never even considered the photo aspect. I'll probably pick up the Panasonic 14-45 with metal mount for a photography walkaround lens.
 
refocusedmedia said:
I plan on getting the Rokinon Cine 85mm T1.5 no matter what.
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Well, I had that very lens for about a month, got it in Nikon F mount. Basically it was kind of...OK. I got it from the used dept at B&H at a fairly attractive price, I was trying to avoid spending close to $900 on the Olympus 75mm f1.8 which was what I really wanted.

Definition from the Rokinon was OK, contrast and image tonal value...Same, pretty much OK but nothing like what I'd become used to with the m4/3 "native" lenses I had. In addition it was pretty heavy, I'd converted from Canon to m4/3 to cut down the weight I was lugging around.

So I sold it, lucked out and found an "open box special" on a Oly 75mm f1.8 for only $720 and what a spectacular performing lens. Excellent definition (even wide open), great contrast and color tonal values. Works great both for motion picture and for still work.

Yes, I do have to contend with "focus by wire". But I adapted to that with my Canon EF glass a long time ago.

Just my experience...Yours may vary...
 
refocusedmedia said:
Whoa.. brand new GH4 for $1219 from a legit seller. But they're from Canada, so is this "grey market"? If I get this, am I covered under the 1-year manufacturer warranty? http://www.ebay.com/itm/171581533320
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I've heard of folks having to send the camera back to the autorized service center in Canada. As one who had to have the "audio buzz" issue fixed under warranty at the McAllen Service Center in Texas, I recommend buying from someone like B&H or Adorama. Plus I would never chance buying a new GH4 or other fairly high priced camera off ebay even if it purported to be from a "legit" dealer.

Whoa is right.
 
I found an open-box return with full warranty for both the GH4 and the Sigma 18-35 Canon. Total combined price = $1989

So, that's impossible to pass up. Looks like I'm committing.
 
Well, I pulled the trigger on the GH4 but for some reason I'm hesitating on the lens. I don't know why, but I think it has to do with the weight and size of the Sigma combined with being on an adapter. I do a lot of handheld work on a monopod or shoulder rig, and for some reason I feel like this lens would be straining the mount. I used my 60D with Canon 17-55 all the time with the same gear though, and that lens is similar in weight, but the 60D is a bulkier camera as well. I never once worried about the Canon mount, but I seem to be worrying about the GH4 mount with the Sigma and speedbooster combo. Wish someone I knew had the setup so I could see it in person. Am I worrying for no reason?

Has anyone used the Olympus 25 1.8 and 45 1.8 lenses for film/video work? They are light and fast, but I can't seem to find any info on their focus throw (I have universal gears, but still). I ask because they're both for sale on local CL for $600 combined asking price. I could get the Rokinon Cine 12mm T2.2 for MFT for $379 to get the wide end covered. That leaves about $600 in my lens budget. I've been thinking about the cheaper RJ Lens Turbo with tripod collar ($145 on Amazon right now) and the Canon 24-105L f/4 lens (local CL deal for $500 right now). It would become a 17-75 f/2.8 before crop factors, and while I know I wouldn't be able to adjust the iris, I could use a vari ND. The DOF equivalence of f/5.6 seems like a pretty comfortable area to be working with, all things considered.

I've also considered a used Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 so I could use it for photography. There's a local CL deal for $750 asking. I've pretty much ruled out the Panasonic 12-35 f/2.8 though as the IS looks strange, the image adjusts while zooming, the focus throw is really short, and the price is really high.

I don't know man, this is torturous for some reason. It was much easier to make a lens purchase when I didn't know anything and there were less options available to me. But I can't stop second guessing myself here.
 
refocusedmedia said:
Well, I pulled the trigger on the GH4 but for some reason I'm hesitating on the lens.
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I shoot handheld all the time have the Sigma 18-35 Nikon F and the Speed Booster and it works great. You will get used to the combined weight, the lens being heavier then the camera itself, but no problems with the mount.

GH4-Monfroto-MVH500AH.jpg
 
refocusedmedia said:
Has anyone used the Olympus 25 1.8 and 45 1.8 lenses for film/video work? They are light and fast, but I can't seem to find any info on their focus throw (I have universal gears, but still).
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I have the Oly 45mm f1.8 (great lens BTW) and the PL 25mm f1.4. Comparisons between the PL and Oly 25mm show the two are very comparable, differences are slight. Both Oly lenses have excellent performance reputation, both are optically outstanding and both very sharp even wide open. Both are, however, focus by wire. I have my GH3's, GH4, and GX7 all set for "back button" autofocus so one press of that button does one autofocus operation then switches to manual. I have MF+ASSIST set to ON and take over with the focus ring. Makes focus easy for me to "nail" without hanging a bunch of "stuff" on the camera. I don't have to use rails and can keep a shoulder mount very simple (I use the SpiderBrace which is very lightweight).

The price of $600 for the pair is fairly good.

refocusedmedia said:
I've been thinking about the cheaper RJ Lens Turbo with tripod collar ($145 on Amazon right now) and the Canon 24-105L f/4 lens (local CL deal for $500 right now). It would become a 17-75 f/2.8 before crop factors, and while I know I wouldn't be able to adjust the iris, I could use a vari ND. The DOF equivalence of f/5.6 seems like a pretty comfortable area to be working with, all things considered.
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My choice would be Nikon mount over Canon EF mount. Even with a vari ND you would be stuck with the Canon lens wide open and ONE SINGLE depth of field effect look. With Nikon F mount lenses you have an iris control you can set without any "monkeyshines" and the focusing ring on most Nikkor lenses for the Nikon F seriesw is pretty smooth.

refocusedmedia said:
I've also considered a used Olympus 12-40 f/2.8 so I could use it for photography.
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Any lens you can use for video, you can also use for photography and vice versa. My choice was for all "native" m4/3 lenses. I have the Lumix 14mm, Lumix 20mm, PL 25mm, Oly 45mm, and Oly 75mm for primes and the Oly 9-18mm, Lumix 14-45 (metal barrel), Oly 40-150mm, and Lumix 45-200mm zooms. I didn't buy them all at once, took about 2 1/2 years to accumulate one by one. Several were purchased used on mu-45.com, a couple on "open box" specials.

refocusedmedia said:
I don't know man, this is torturous for some reason. It was much easier to make a lens purchase when I didn't know anything and there were less options available to me. But I can't stop second guessing myself here.
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Pick the focal lengths you need to start. Working with them may tell you more about what you need and if they don't work the way you need them to, put them up for sale. You should be able to get most of your money back. But don't keep "second guessing" yourself without actually trying something.

One of the big advantages of the m4/3 system is lighter weight and often much more compact optics, I'd try that out first. The Oly 25mm f1.8 is quite compact, the Oly 45mm f1.8 is almost TINY. But both are tremendous optics.
 
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I'm a little hesitant to recommend native lenses if you're used to working with a follow focus. I use native lenses but I rely on pre-set AF and occasionally trying my luck with the AF (have needed to do re-takes when the AF spazzes out during a change). MF with native lenses as many have pointed out, can be tricky, since the damn response is not linear. Wish there'd be an option to turn off this "feature". If computer mice can have their acceleration disabled, why not this?
 
Ya, forgot all about the fly-by-wire MF. Thanks for the reminder. I notice the Oly Pro 12-40 2.8 does not use that focus system and has hard stops. I can get one for about $700-$750 and can also be used for photography. That might be a good deal. It's also over a pound lighter. That would leave about $900 to spend on other lenses (maybe the Rokinon Cine 24mm T1.5 and 85mm T1.5 in MFT mount).
 
VMT said:
I shoot handheld all the time have the Sigma 18-35 Nikon F and the Speed Booster and it works great. You will get used to the combined weight, the lens being heavier then the camera itself, but no problems with the mount.

View attachment 97899
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I can't tell there, but do you use the tripod collar and mount the SB or is the camera mounted normally? Do you use a rail lens support? How comfortable are you walking around and holding it like a normal DSLR and lens without any attached gear?
 
refocusedmedia said:
Ya, forgot all about the fly-by-wire MF. Thanks for the reminder. I notice the Oly Pro 12-40 2.8 does not use that focus system and has hard stops. I can get one for about $700-$750 and can also be used for photography. That might be a good deal. It's also over a pound lighter. That would leave about $900 to spend on other lenses (maybe the Rokinon Cine 24mm T1.5 and 85mm T1.5 in MFT mount).
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All the Olympus lenses that use the clutch mechanism are still focus-by-wire; it just that when you pull the focus ring down to MF it switches to a linear, pre-set range that directly corresponds to the focus ring's position. Again, there needs to be a similar option for all m43 lenses so we can use them without the acceleration. It's even useful for stills (I really hate the acceleration)!
 
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