need some help deciding on DSLR zoom for video

F

FilmDude

Well-known member
Ok so I know there are a billion and one of these questions out there, and I've read a lot but none are tailored to what I'm looking for specifically...

I am looking for something not easy to find, but a good compromise:

Nikon lens mount
Manual focus with hard stop at infinity
Doesnt change shape when zooming (or does change shape but lens hood covers the change so theres no real effect if the mattebox is around the hood)
At least 28mm on the wide end
At least F2.8 constant through-out
Sharp at F2.8
Around $400 Used

Ok I know im asking for a bit much - but I know this kinda glass is out there, its just a matter of looking for a while:

What I found that closely matched all of this is the Tokina 28-70 F2.8 PRO mark 1 version. Its based off of Aguneuxs same lens (F2.6-F2.8)

Problem is, its soft wide open, at 2.8... Which makes it useless for me because I do not want to stop down to 4, its too much light loss for iso800 (what I'll shoot at)
I also like the dof at 2.8 as well and at 4 I just dont like it as much.

Is there any other lens thats like the Tokina but sharp wide open?


I found a few in the price ranges im looking for that are very sharp, but they extend A LOT when you zoom and dont have a hard stop at infinity....

Am I asking for too much at such a price, or are there lenses out there that are older ( I dont need AF or anything fancy, just good glass) that I could find?
Basically I want something thats replacing my RED 18-50mm T3

Any thoughts would really be appreciated!
 
The Nikon 17-35mm AF-S F2.8 is one of the finest lenses Nikon has ever made. It has a manual iris ring. It doesn't extend (matte box friendly), constant aperture. They are about $2,000 new, but you can occasionally find them for $600 or so. The Nikon 17-55mm is also good but doesn't have an iris ring. Again, you'll occasionally see them for $600, but new are $1,300. AF-S lenses don't have hard stops.

(There is a 17-35mm on ebay from Australia right now for $400, but it sounds like it was dropped so beware.)
 
Red 18-50 is a nice lens. You're not going to find it for $400. Mine is decent (for what it is). Focus is a bit stiff, but it could use service. But for a PL zoom which you can find used around $3200, it is certainly credible.

Ned Soltz
 
Nikon 17-55 or try a Tamron 17-50 non VC for budget. I have't tries the Tamon non VC but its supposed to be sharp and parfocal which the Nikon is not.
 
Prendi said:
What's up with the RED 18-50?
Click to expand...

Just sold it

Lenilenapi said:
Nikon 17-55 or try a Tamron 17-50 non VC for budget. I have't tries the Tamon non VC but its supposed to be sharp and parfocal which the Nikon is not.
Click to expand...

I checked out the 17-50 online just before and was really pleased with its sharpness wide open. The only thing I REALLY dont like is the extending of the lens soooo much when changing zoom size. Other than that, I really like its glass.

Having an aperture ring is not a concern for me as for the mount I'll be using has a control for G lenses.

My only other options are to buy primes instead - which seems to be the better quality for the money. Though I would much rather have a 2.8 zoom
 
I cant recommend enough the Nikon 17-55 2.8, it only extends about 3/4" of a inch, I use it in my mattebox all the time, just set the box distance with the lens extended and you'll be fine. The lens doesnt have a traditional hard stop but a "soft" one when you reach just past infinity, you can definitely feel it. At 2.8 it is still plenty sharp. I got mine used for about $800, it might be more then you want to spend but after owning it I would now of paid full retail. I believe it's that good. FYI -I use the the Optitek adapter and love it.
 
Fotojorno said:
I cant recommend enough the Nikon 17-55 2.8, it only extends about 3/4" of a inch, I use it in my mattebox all the time, just set the box distance with the lens extended and you'll be fine. The lens doesnt have a traditional hard stop but a "soft" one when you reach just past infinity, you can definitely feel it. At 2.8 it is still plenty sharp. I got mine used for about $800, it might be more then you want to spend but after owning it I would now of paid full retail. I believe it's that good. FYI -I use the the Optitek adapter and love it.
Click to expand...

Yeah I believe I've decided to go with primes instead. For my budget I can get a usable range of 3 nikon primes (24, 35, 50) that is in my range and its faster glass anyway.

anatusa said:
here are a few solutions , but its out of your budgets:

http://www.pchood.com/zoom film lens
http://www.pchood.com/电影镜头?product_id=125
http://www.pchood.com/电影镜头?product_id=124
Click to expand...

I love that they keep adding lenses on there, I'm a fan of these guys and eventually going to order their Zeiss primes when time comes and I have more cash.
 
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