Lumix G 14-140mm or maybe fixed prime lens for doc interviews?

[stevedocmaker]

I'm starting to see where I am confusing different technical aspects. I'm much more used to thinking in creative terms ("I want it to look like this") than technical ("I need this to make it look like that"). So all in all, I'd still want to be getting a 100mm or 135mm (longer would be overkill, no?) for my interview framing, eh?

IMHO, those focal lengths may be too long for interviews on this camera. I guess it depends on how you shoot. I find 50mm to be the best focal length for interviews, but you can even get away with 20mm in tight spots. And don't discount the value of the 14-140mm for documentary work, the only negative to me with this lens is the high aperture. Some people on this board cringe at the thought of auto-focus and auto-iris, but there are times when these things make the difference between getting the shot and missing it. And OIS can also save the day.

Also, a little known secret... several manual k-mount Pentax lenses are every bit as good as Canon or Nikon, and much less expensive on eBay (I have a 50mm 1.4 that's superb). Also, there is an inexpensive M43 adapter for these lenses that also has aperture control, for hundreds less than a similar Nikon - M43 adapter.

 

[tacotim]

Also, a little known secret... several manual k-mount Pentax lenses are every bit as good as Canon or Nikon, and much less expensive on eBay (I have a 50mm 1.4 that's superb). Also, there is an inexpensive M43 adapter for these lenses that also has aperture control, for hundreds less than a similar Nikon - M43 adapter.

I'll second that, and one of my go to lenses for interviews is the k mount 35-105 f3.5 It's a great range for tripod/ sit down interviews.

 

[Yoak]

I have used both my 50mm and 100mm Canon FD for interviews. The f1.4 50mm is great. Shot a great looking interview with available light in a hotel room at night, that is a first.
I have also used my Oly 14-35mm f2 when I want a bit "wider" intrview shot, but still throw out the focus in the back

 

[mikebarber]

I have used both my 50mm and 100mm Canon FD for interviews. The f1.4 50mm is great.

How do you find the 100mm on the AF100? stevedocmaker suggested that length being too long for interviews on this cam. Personally, I prefer tight, shallow shots (within artistic reason, of course) for interviews, but I do like being able to vary the framing with some medium or medium wides...

I just ordered a used Canon FD 70-210mm f4 off ebay (for super cheap, too!) to add to my modest FD collection (50mm and 28mm). I'm also considering an FD 100mm f/2.8 and maybe even an FD 135mm f/3.5.