Purchasing lenses - thoughts on my *tentative* selection?

Sniper1154

Sniper1154

Well-known member
I rarely take photographs; however that's not to say I never do. That being said, 95% of my camera's (T2i) use is from videography. I currently have the nifty fifty and a few older M42 lenses that are OK but due for an upgrade. I'm considering this lineup:
  • Tokina 11-16
  • Rokinon 35mm
  • Rokinon 85mm
The manual focus doesn't necessarily bother me; however I am wondering if the 85mm would be overkill for filmmaking purposes? I had also considered the Rokinon 14mm in lieu of the Tokina but reviews seemed to be mixed on its performance whereas the Tokina is almost universally praised.

Also, is sticking with the nifty fifty a solid choice? I'd played with "upgrading" to the 1.4, but I think I'll just get a D/Gear and rubberband for the focus ring and use that instead of getting a whole new lens.

Is there anything that these four lenses wouldn't be able to do as far as filmmaking goes? Just trying to nip everything in the bud while I can.

Thanks guys!
 
My current lens line up right now are the three you are considering so I think I'm the perfect guy to answer this question. I start out with the 50mm f 1.8. I hate the focus ring, and it is too close most of the time. Then I get the Rokinon 35mm and the focus ring is so smooth, and the build quality just feels great in your hand. So I sold the 50mm f 1.8 and never look back. Then I thought to myself, maybe I need something closer so I bought the Rokinon 85mm. Almost all the time I use the Rokinon 35mm, but for events work like wedding I think I'm going to use the 85mm more. I have a glidecam and I try to put the Rokinon 35mm on it, but I cannot control it so I need something wider. After researching around the forums and looking at some test. I found that the Rokinon 14mm have too much of a distortion. So I went with the Tokina. The Tokina was perfect for my Glidecam. What I didn't realize though, is how much I would use the Tokina. It save my butt more than once when I need a super wide shot. I never replace my 50mm because well, I could just move my feet between 35mm and 85mm.
 
that 4-lens set is a very solid option - the weak point would be the 50mm f/1.8, with its very ugly bokeh, but maybe you can live with that, and wait for an upgrade (either the 50mm f/1.4, a nikon manual lens, or an eventual samyang 50mm, which I guess must be around the corner) - in any case... regarding 85mm focal length on aps-c: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthrea...n-85mm-1-8-overkill-for-a-60D-video-and-photo - and regarding samyang 14mm and its distortion, and how it's just different (and not necessarily worse) than that of the tokina: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?281994-I-need-a-cheap-wide-angle-lens-Recommendations - also, if you're entertaining more options: http://www.similaar.com/foto/equipment/us_lensc.html
 
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Thanks guys. I know the Nifty Fifty is going to get replaced soon; however I figured I could live with it for a few months before I plunge into either getting the 50mm 1.4 or perhaps Sigma's 50mm option. Anyone have any preference of one vs. the other? I know on Amazon at least the Sigma is ~150 bucks more than the Canon
 
Do you mind if I ask what m42 lenses you had?

Old lenses have a lot of variances between individual lenses, but are still a steal for the price, especially 50 1.4s

It might be worth considering. I've done it and am very satisfied with the results for well under $130

The rokinons and tokina are all great choices.

I love the 85mm focal length and use it on my t2i all the time.

I think you'll appreciate the closer focal length and image it gives.
 
I wouldn't consider the sigma 50mm as an upgrade path from the nifty fifty: it's sharper in the center but softer in the corners http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...LensComp=473&CameraComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0 and the biggest problem is that it doesn't solve my biggest issue with the nifty fifty: I hate its bokeh - and the one from the sigma is not spectacular either (it has an onion ring problem) - would you be open to testing your luck with a vintage lens? the rollei planar 50mm f/1.8 is very cheap and a surprising performer http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsa.html http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/bokehtests.html the problem with vintage is this http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsc.html
 
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