Student developing lens kit--suggestions?

B

brianroma

Member
Hello everyone!

I have been reading up on lens choices for the AF-100 on this forum, nofilmschool.com, and dslrvideoshooter.com. I am also taking photography and cinematography classes this semester. I am new to the idea of using multiple lenses in a shoot, based on desired look, etc. I currently own the Voigtlander 25mm and (based on discussions in class) I am thinking about buying 3 more lenses: a wide, a telephoto, and a portrait telephoto lens (slightly longer than normal FOV). Based on reading and watching through content on nofilmschool.com, I am leaning towards Nikkor AIS lenses. I was considering the following (not necessarily from B&H):

Wide:
Nikon NIKKOR 20mm f/2.8 AIS Manual Focus Lens


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/36905-GREY/Nikon_1415_Super_Wide_Angle_20mm.html

Telephoto:

Nikon NIKKOR 50mm f/1.2 AIS Manual Focus Lens



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/36976-GREY/Nikon_1435_NIKKOR_Normal_50mm_f_1_2.html

Portrait (human Close-up):

Nikon Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 AIS Manual Focus Lens



http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/36949-GREY/Nikon_1429_Wide_Angle_35mm_f_1_4.html


Am I in the right ball park with the focal lengths? Any other thoughts?

Thanks to everyone for putting so much information on this site!!


Brian
 
Hi Brian. Nikon glass is solid and you'll be able to adapt it to a number of uses in the future, so it's never a bad choice. IMO your focal length choices look workable but you may want to try and find something a bit wider than 20mm. I find that with the AF's crop factor in play, 20mm just isn't wide enough in some cases. I use the Panasonic 14-42 basically as a 14mm prime. It's not top notch, but it's a solid piece of glass that delivers bang for buck when using it for this purpose. Also, some will tell you to seek out an 85mm for those really pretty close ups, but personally I get by just fine with my 55mm glass. Your mileage may vary. :)

Just as an aside, you may want to check out some of the used lens sites such as KEH.com. I've gotten a couple of great pieces of glass from there and they've been in really good shape (just don't grab a "bargain" grade lens). Also, it looks like you've got a decent sized budget based on your lens choices, but if you're looking for a deal don't discount old still photo glass - whether it be Nikon or some other brand. I find that old Minolta glass works quite well, for instance, and as you can see in my sig I use it quite heavily in my main kit. Hope that helps! Happy shooting!
 
You can't go wrong with Nikkors, though as a student, I would save my money on the 50/1.2 and get the 50/1.4 (to be honest, I have both a 50/2 and a 50/1.4, and I use my 50/2 more then my 50/1.4 as it has a much nicer image quality, and cost next to nothing) and use the money saved to get another lens or on other equipment. If you have the extra money, the 1.2 is a great lens to own, but starting out, there are better places to put that money, IMO (You could buy another lens with what you save....).

Also, I kinda like the focus mechanisms of the n'AI and AI lenses over the AIS lenses, they have a little longer focus throw that is a little nicer for cine-use, IMO). I would also check used, as you can find alot of great nikkors used from KEH or on craigslist, and as Nikon has been making lenses for decades, you can usually find good quality nikons at a reasonable price used.

Also, I find 20mm to be wide enough for alot of things, but when I need wider I use the Tokina 11-16. The Panasonic 14-42 really is not the best match to the nikkors and leaves alot to be desired, while the Tokina is a great match to nikon lenses, and is really one of the best ultra-wides around.
 
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+1 for the Tokina. Fantastic lens and I've loved it every time I've used it. If it's in the budget, go for it! :)
 
I'd say if you already have the Voigtlander then the 20mm won't get much use. For primes, you could get by very well with the Voigtlander, a 50mm and an 85mm. You should also think about a zoom for those times (and there are plenty) when you just don't have the opportunity switch out lenses / change camera positions. The Tokina's a good bet for a wide, but also look out for 2nd hand 24-70 lengths (I have a Sigma DX format f/2.8 which gets a lot of use)
 
I forgot you have the 25/.95, with that in mind, you could probably get by nicely with getting something like the Tokina 11-16mm and then a 50mm/1.8 (I would save the money on the 50mm and spend it on the tokina). I would shoot on those for a while, see what you need, and go from there.
 
Brian,

For many users this is not an issue, but be aware that Nikon's focus rings rotate in the opposite direction of your Voigtlander, & cine glass. I have a case of Nikkors I never use for this very reason.

A follow focus with reversible gearing can solve some of this issue.

Best,
B
 
Bern Caughey said:
Brian,

For many users this is not an issue, but be aware that Nikon's focus rings rotate in the opposite direction of your Voigtlander, & cine glass. I have a case of Nikkors I never use for this very reason.

A follow focus with reversible gearing can solve some of this issue.

Best,
B
Click to expand...

That makes me crazy. It doesn't bother some people but it sure bothers me as well.
 
Seeing as you own a non nikon I wold stick with non nikon (agreeing with all above)

A 20 isnt wide on a 4/3 , 12 or 14 is

Wide primes cost - so the 11-16 is a great option

and I agree a 50 1.8 will do you - Id check Contax or Canon FD

D
 
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