Nikon MF Zooms

Egg Born Son

Egg Born Son

Veteran
I've got my primes and have been looking for a couple of zooms to supplement them. I'm looking for a wide-to-medium and a medium-to-tele. Preferably Nikkor to match my existing lenses, constant aperture and not push-pull (I'm using a FF and 35mm lens adapter). Budget between $150-300 a-piece. Been doing a lot of research but the reviews and specs often don't specify push-pull or ring zoom and the pictures can be too small to verify visually. The 28-85mm AF seems to fit the bill to cover my wide-to-medium (correct me if I'm wrong) but it isn't constant aperture. If someone has a better suggestion please let me know. I haven't been able to verify any medium-to-tele to not be push-pull. Any and all suggestions appreciated. If I can't find Nikkor lenses that fit the other requirements any off-brand F-mount suggestions that fit the other requirements would also be appreciated. Thanks guys.
 
not all nikkor mf push pull are variable aperture. I have a nikkor constant aperture medium to tele manual focus in the market place (link) I'm not going to ship to Aus because I'm a lazy-ass but you can read the specs and possibly pick one up over where you are, it really is a top notch lens, full frame, sharp as a tack and constant f3.5 out to 135mm
 
Thanks for responding but in case I wasn't clear I'm not looking for a push-pull zoom. I'm using a follow focus so I need the ring to stay put. I would otherwise get the MF Nikkor 80-200/f4. I'm mainly interested in a zoom of this range and also a constant aperture alternative to the 28-85 AF I'm looking at. I'm looking for old MF Nikkor (or good off-brand F-mount) lenses because I use a 35mm adapter and I don't want to spend $1000 on a lens that I will only be using for the rare occasions when I actually want to zoom (although those variprimes look sweeet!).
 
Is that because the focal point shifts during a zoom? I presume that's why you list yours as variprimes rather than zooms. I had figured that with a second follow focus for the zoom ring and an assistant, I might be able to set the lens for the beginning and end of the zoom move and compensate. I suppose it's the usual story that any solution for my budget is going to be a major compromise no matter what I get. Ah, well. At least I have a new term (variprime) to plug into google to add to my list of dreams! Maybe this is something worth renting on the rare occasion I want to do it.
 
In case anyone else was asking this question I've done some more research and learned that 35mm still camera zoom lenses are no good for video. The focus shifts through the zoom range and it is near impossible to compensate for by operating the focus simultaneously because the drift is logarithmic rather than linear.

Furthermore I have re-examined some of my references for the shot I wanted to do (framing a group of people walking along a sand dune and then zooming out to take in the whole desert) and discovered that it is in fact more often done with a series of staged cuts anyway (and no doubt different lens choices for each shot). Funny how good editing and engaging story can create a different impression in your mind.

The only other zoom move I would want to do is a dolly zoom (Jaws). But if I'm being honest with myself, if I had access to this shot I'd almost certainly overuse it so maybe it's best I can't!
 
If you are looking for a low cost but high quality cine zoom, I highly recommend the Cooke 20-100mm. I bet you could find one for as little as $5K, which is a far cry from your $150-$300 budget, but honestly this is what it costs for a real cine zoom capable of producing these shots.
 
At least I have a new term (variprime) to plug into google to add to my list of dreams! Maybe this is something worth renting on the rare occasion I want to do it.
Click to expand...

"Variprimes" is not an official word but it is just a way I describe the use of a zoom lens on a camera when one does not have the intention or capabilty to use it as a zoom.

ie "variable primes" ...one lens with variable focal lengths.

Renting a true cine zoom lens is always an option (if you have the PL adapter mount)
 
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