GH2 Medium Zoom for Documentary

A

abadseed2

Member
Hi,

Similar topics abound, but I have not been able to find an adequate answer to my query.

I will be shooting a couple of scenes where people will be talking around table. My preferred way of handling this would be to stand back 3-4meters and film with a zoom that on its widest end can fit the whole table, but can also get close ups on the tele end. The scene will be an interior so I am hesitant to use my 14-140.

I am considering:

Zuiko 35-100mm f2.0 (Pricey, but I would rent)

Nikon 24-120mm f4.0 (perfect range, if it was only a stop faster)

Tamron 28-105 f2.8 (This would be perfect, but I hear that it is rather soft wide open - is it sharp enough for video?)

Tamron 35-105 f2.8 (even older then the one above)

Which would you go for? Does anybody have any other ideas?

I am really hoping for some constructive feedback.

Many thanks in advance.

Aleks
 
It's too bad the Panasonic 35-100mm f/2.8 zoom is not out yet ( should be announced by mid-September ), as this would likely be a great fit for your needs.
 
Buy 2 cameras. You probably don’t even need a GH2 for this unless your final output has to be 24p. Then get the 12mm F2.0 or even the 14mm F2.5 and the 45mm F1.8. Point one camera directly at one person in a tight shot. Point the wide angle camera at all of the participants who are facing it(No back of the heads).

Just let the wide angle one record while you operate the tight one. As each person speaks pan from speaker to speaker. Then just splice the video from both cameras together so that you get multiple angles.

Use the audio from the camera that is stationary or record the audio externally.

This will cost you a whole lot less and will look better than trying to do it with one camera and a zoom lens.

No matter what you do you won’t get smooth zooms during filming. It is much better to do it in post or just not zoom during filming at all.
 
If you are shooting solo, then a zoom might be the best option. As long as you shoot plenty of b-roll for coverage.
One potential problem I can see with that list of zooms, is working distance. If you can only get a metre or so back from the table, you might struggle on the wide end. If you know the room will allow you more distance, then no problem.
 
Thanks for the feedback. Two camera setup is a possibility (I have a GH1 as well).

However I would still like to get a good zoom in this range. Does anybody have experience with the above lenses? Or anything similar?

Thanks
Aleks
 
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