Question about the Olympus 14-35mm f2.0

Seamus McFlannel

Seamus McFlannel

Well-known member
I've been looking at the Olympus 14-35mm f2.0 as a possible complement to my Nikon lenses
as I have nothing that wide. The question is: How does it work with the AF100 if it has no aperature ring?

I can't seem to find any info on this anywhere, and the people I'm buying from at Abel are hosting an event today.

Thanks.
 
You need the 4/3 to Micro 4/3 adapter. It will allow you to use the wheel on camera to adjust aperture.
 
*Logan beat me to the punch

The camera electronically controls the iris with the aperture dial/wheel on the camera. Apparently you get what fstop you at on the LCD screen like a dedicated fixed lens would do. You'll of course need the Lumix/Panny 4/3 to M4/3 adapter.
 
Yes, i can confirm f/stop shows in evf/lcd of AF100 and the lens will autofocus when you push the focus button on the camera. Lens weighs 2 lbs, just under the 1kg suggested max. unsupported lens weight. Jan said I could get away without rod support but I can still rig my Zacuto baseplate for added support.
Here is a photo of my lens on the AF100 at DC's GVExpo Wed.
 

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Chris,
What do you think of that lens? I've been reading up on it and it looks like it is a nice piece, both mechanically and optically.
 
Just got the lens recently specifically to use on the AF100. As you know it is f/2 all the way thru from 14-35. This was same lens Phil Bloom used a lot on his recent Japan film- I recall that some of the shots in the car of the driver especially. Optically the lens is a superb performer even wide open. This lens and the 35-100 f/2 are top of the Oly line. It is large and heavy at 2lbs, but built like a tank. It must be used with the Panasonic adapter for 4/3 lenses so you can read your stop in the evf/lcd and autofocus (not continouos!)..
The lens breathes very littlle, but of course being a still zoom lens it won't hold perfect focus whilst zooming. You might get away zooming from tight to wide especially stopped down a little, but if focused at wide you will lose focus when zoomed in tight. I have not yet checked if lens is perfectly centered whilst zooming.
It will work terrific as a variable prime lens and focuses down to 14". I think the 35-200 min. focus is only 4.5'.
Focus/zoom rings have a nice thick, well-packed feel. I may be able to manually creep in/out with this lens a bit if it'll hold focus. I've only been able to check this lens on my GH1 still camera but I think it will be a terrific performer on the AF100 until something better comes along.

chris
I
 
Panasonic DMW-MA1 Mount Adapter to Mount Four Thirds Lens on Micro Four Thirds Camera can be found at the usual places - Abel, B&H, etc for $105.
VariZoom VZPFI Focus/Iris Controller should be able to remotely , manually focus and change iris but I have not personally tested this yet. It would be great if you could read your focus distance in the EVF/LCD of the AF100. Abel sells an AF100 bundle that includes this controller along with both of the Oly F2 zooms so it must be compatable.

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chris
 
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I've been looking at this lens too as my first "kit lens" for my AF100 that I've reserved. You said it would work well as a variable prime? I don't want to spend the cash for a set of zeiss primes if I could get away with this for a bit before investing in a set of primes.

I'm just concerned with getting a good shallow depth of field without having to spend $4k on a set of 3 zeiss still primes right off the bat.
 
You could easily use the 14-35 as a variable prime; it is a fast f2 through out it's range and it is optically outstanding as a google search of reviews will reveal. Footage shot at different focal lengths will all match as well, of course.
So , yes, you could "get away" with this lens. Shallow depth of field is not the sole sanctuary of the Zeiss primes, but Zeiss glass will have a different signature look from the Oly glass (bokeh, warmth, etc.) but I haven't had the opportunity to compare the lenses. Also the Oly zoom is a still lens adapted for cine/video use - distance markings are closer together than the primes making focusing more critical and since focusing is internal, there is no way to make witness marks unless using a dedicated follow focus rig.
FWIW, Phillip Bloom owns the same lens and has ordered the 35-100 as well.
Look at it this way, instead of being restricted to just 3 focal lenghts, you will have your choice of 21 lenses that will all match : )
 
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