Second opinion: switching a ZF 35mm out for Nikon 17-35mm?
- Thread starter chroma
- Start date
No support needed for the 17-35mm Nikkor; it is within spec. The companion 28-70mm Nikkor is JUST outside of spec, with adapter.
Here's a nice breathing test of the 28-70mm from a RedUser.net member:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8XJ5Zsw22NI
I've heard the 17-35mm is just as good, or better.
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Shooter
Veteran
I do feel the need to use a lens support with my 17-35. Its not the weight issue particularly or whether in mount spec or not.
No matter what mount you use...it is still a single point of contact with the camera.
Using a lens support ( ie Redrock) spreads the weight and points of contact of the entire camera and lens which is important when the operator or the AC always has hands on the lens and camera. The tiniest of image shift at the sensor has a big effect when displayed up.
I use the support whenever possible as basic good practice.
We just had discussed the lens support for the Nikkor 28-70mm and 80-200mm lenses in another thread. Both need it. The Nikkor 17-35mm is shorter and a bit lighter, so it can hold on its own, but as Shooter noted, lens support is a very good idea. It makes the lens more stable against slight flex, especially with follow focus gearing. Focus breathing on the 17-35mm and 28-70mm is minimal. I totally hate it on the Nikkor AF 80-200mm f/2.8D though... to the point of wishing to replace this lens.
Hmmm. I wonder how the 80-200mm AF-S performs w.r.t. breathing (it was the next generation after your AF, and matches the 17-35 and 28-70 AF-S lenses; strangely, it was discontinued, but the older AF version is still available new).
I just bought a mint used AF-S version, but it hasn't been delivered yet.
I've heard the AF had an "image shift" issue while focusing - which may be what you're experiencing. I hope the AF-S doesn't have it.
When I take delivery of my AF-S later in the month (after it's been cine-modded), I'll do a breathing test and post the results.
OT: Steve, I have been looking for the same AF-S version, and pricing runs wild and approaches the 70-200mm VR. What cine mods are you doing and where? Information I found does confirm no focus shift, as you noted, but I could not find solid references on breathing. At telephoto, the AF lens breathing becomes nasty, but may not be a big deal depending on shooting style/application. Would love to read your testing report!
I'm getting my AF-S 80-200mm f/2.8 modded by Duclos in L.A. for de-clicked aperture, geared focus ring, and 80mm front (along with my 17-35mm and 28-70mm zooms) . I am waiting to hear if they can add hard stops as well.
I know what you mean about pricing; it's a rare, discontinued lens - and pricing seems to run typically from $1,000 to $1,800 - depending upon quality (and the grey version seems to command more - but I'm buying this lens for its performance, not because I'm a Nikon collector or anything). I got a "Demo" (as-new) quality sample from Adorama for $1,500 (including an extended 2-year warranty and Hova filter) - so I think that's a decent price considering the condition and extras.
Note that some people think the AF-S outperforms the VRI and VRII 70-200mm lens that followed - but everyone seems to agree it's a top notch lens.
I'd like to put all three of the AF-S zooms on a tripod in front of a brick wall (with a variety of focus subjects distanced in front) and see how each lens performs w.r.t. breathing and holding focus during zooms. If anyone has any suggestions on the best way to perform these tests, let me know.
This is a decent deal, congrats! Do they have another one by chance?
This medium telephoto Nikkor family has been great. Each subsequent lens adds to quality and features (and price) of its predecessor. They are very highly regarded by still pros in that everyone seems to have it around their neck. I heard that the only parfocal of the family is the VRI, but it is slightly softer in the corners, which becomes irrelevant on sensors with a crop. The 80-200mm AF has focus hard stops, is shorter, weighs less, and costs only half used.
Spoiler alert. The only nearly parfocal of the trio is the 17-35mm. The 28-70mm has some focal ranges where it holds focus. I am really interested in learning about the focus breathing on the 80-200mm AF-S though.
About 80 degrees, clockwise, focus soft stops at limits.
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Remember that because of a relatively large outer diameter of the focus ring, 80 degrees translate to around 2 inches of travel. If equipped with cine gears, the travel can be longer. A better follow focus is the one with reduced gearing ratio, which is almost always true for still lenses.