GH5 Recommanded long range zoom lens(s) for GH5

M

monks19

Active member
Hi. I'm looking for recommanded long range lens(s) for the GH5 for shooting events like weddings or stage shows. I used a Navitar 18-180mm f2.5, but it's seriously limited in low light (especially if you have the Iris wide open, it lose sharpness at higher that f4) and also I don't know if there are way to make it parfocal otherwise.

So, in other words, I'm back to square 1. I'm looking for zoom lenses that are either already parfocal or that can be adjusted efficiently as such, and not be too overpriced (this for an alternative to the Lumix/Leica lenses until I can afford any of them as soon as my GH5 is paid). I'm also open to any suggestions/recommandations if ther's a way to re-adjust successfully the Navitar lens I have.

Any ideas ? Suggestions ?

Thanks to answer
 
Well, i know this isn't ideal to hear, but good lenses cost $$ and especially for a fast quality zoom, those are the priciest of all.

Also, lenses with SUCH a wide range from wide to telephoto tend to require a lot more compromises. 18-180 is pretty extreme.

There is the Panasonic 14-140 which is really reasonably priced, even cheaper used, and will have Dual IS. Personally it's a bit lower quality than I would want to shoot pro work with, and it's a bit slow...

The Lumix 12-35, 35-100 are good. The Leica 12-60 f/2.8-4, and upcoming Leica 50-200 f/2.8-4 will be great and all have Dual IS.

I know there are a few good pro series zooms from Olympus as well but they will be pricey as well, and a bit larger in size/weight. No Dual IS because Olympus.

I think others here may be able to chime in on adapting some modern and/or older vintage zoom lenses from Sigma, Tokina, Canon, etc.

But you're asking for a lot for a little. $1000-$1500 isn't much to pay for a quality zoom lens in this category, and yet you're wanting something for much cheaper, faster than the f/2.5 you quoted, and parafocal? And that doesn't lose sharpness or have other optical problems as such? It sounds like you need the finest wine... but that comes at a price!

If you don't HAVE to have a zoom lens, prime lenses will get you further for cheaper.
 
Well I have a Zoom lens for now, the 18-180mm. I just can't figure out how to shoot with it without losing sharpness (especially if I have to play with the apperture manually wile filming). Also, the reason I took this lens was because it was fully manual and unclicked apperture. Are you experienced with this lens ? If so can you share some tips on how to use it properly and avoid loosing sharpness during filming ? Unless it requires some specifid adjustment(s) ?

Until I can afford the Leica 8-18mm f2.8, the Lumix 12-35 mm f2.8 and the Lumix 35-100 mm f2.8 (which I don't know if any of those have constant apperture), this one will have to so. I shoot those events with multiple cameras. it's not like I'm totaly stuck with junk.
 
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This is a vintage lens that looks good, and my understanding is its a rare find in that it covers the whole M43 sensor. Well done on your part for finding such a good deal.

However, I know nothing of it beyond this, and I doubt many others will. I do not know why you are losing sharpness, except that it is an extremely common lens characteristic to lose sharpness when wide open, and when a lens is sharp even while wide, it's lauded (and you pay a high price for such). Generally you can assuming that closing the lens 1 stop, occasionally 2, will clear this up.

If it is SUPPOSE to be sharp wide open, then it's a problem with the lens itself... but there's nothing you can do about that except find a replacement of the same lens.

A speedboosted Canon 70-200 would be very good for your use case, giving you a constant f/2 from ~50-140 for $2500. Ouch, I know.

Sorry I can't be of more help! I hope you can make the Navitar work well, or that someone else can give other ideas.
 
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