Lenses for 5D

Vettcross

Vettcross

Member
I have had my 5D for about 3 months and have used it on many projects. I love it. Upon recomendation of those that have used the 5D longer than myself, I have aquired a collection of older fast Nikon prime lenses. (Manual focus). They produce an awesome image in any application I have used them in.

My question- is the Nikon glass better than a comparable newer model Canon prime lens with auto focus?
 
Vettcross said:
I have had my 5D for about 3 months and have used it on many projects. I love it. Upon recomendation of those that have used the 5D longer than myself, I have aquired a collection of older fast Nikon prime lenses. (Manual focus). They produce an awesome image in any application I have used them in.

My question- is the Nikon glass better than a comparable newer model Canon prime lens with auto focus?
Click to expand...

It's a very subjective thing. The canon glass will have more utility in the fact that it has auto focus, and possibly superior coatings for less flaring and clarity. Having said that, older glass has certain aesthetics that modern glass cannot easily replicate. I think whats most important is whats right for you. If you only need manual focus then maybe stick with the nikon glass.

Personally, if all I shot was video then I'd buy more older nikon glass, than a few newer primes. Seems like a more sensible investment.
 
Vettcross said:
I have had my 5D for about 3 months and have used it on many projects. I love it. Upon recomendation of those that have used the 5D longer than myself, I have aquired a collection of older fast Nikon prime lenses. (Manual focus). They produce an awesome image in any application I have used them in.

My question- is the Nikon glass better than a comparable newer model Canon prime lens with auto focus?
Click to expand...


Are canon lenses better than canon lenses
 
I've been using a set of old nikon primes for the past 18 months and I've been very happy with the results. I haven't used any canon primes but I did test a 16-35mm L lens and I wasn't overly excited by the results. The L lens was very sharp and contrasty but a bit too clean and boring for my taste, the nikons have more character. I'm upgrading to leica glass so my nikon prime set is up for grabs. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...635371&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_990
The leica glass has even more character than the nikons which can be good and bad, they flare a lot more than the nikons so a mattebox is essential. A set of nikon ai/ai-s primes can't be beaten for the money. Pentax M42 mount takumar lenses are great too.
 
I really prefer the canon lenses. The most important factor for me is the diaf.
The DOF gives a fantastic look to the final video. On my site you can see DSL versus Betacam Digital with prime lenses and also RED cam with prime lenses.
Both versions edited in final cut and colorgraded in Color.
The digital betacam with prime lenses link : http://www.cnipnewmedia.be/Bedrijfsfilm/concertgebouw-brugge.html
Red with prime lenses : http://www.cnipnewmedia.be/Bedrijfsfilm/dsm2010regi.html
Canon 5d : http://www.cnipnewmedia.be/Bedrijfsfilm/bedrijfsfilm_aliplast

Of course every videofile is converted to h264.
 
I'd only consider modern glass for stills, where I need autofocus

whenever I'm fine without it, vintage glass is an amazingly better deal (same or better quality, a quarter of the price or less)

my current lens set consists of two vintage leitz lenses and two vintage carl zeiss jena lenses (not that I have the money for much more than that...)
 
squig said:
I've been using a set of old nikon primes for the past 18 months and I've been very happy with the results. I haven't used any canon primes but I did test a 16-35mm L lens and I wasn't overly excited by the results. The L lens was very sharp and contrasty but a bit too clean and boring for my taste, the nikons have more character. I'm upgrading to leica glass so my nikon prime set is up for grabs. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI...635371&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_500wt_990
The leica glass has even more character than the nikons which can be good and bad, they flare a lot more than the nikons so a mattebox is essential. A set of nikon ai/ai-s primes can't be beaten for the money. Pentax M42 mount takumar lenses are great too.
Click to expand...

Im interested in Nikon primes, any specific models to look for?
 
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