GH2 Tamron 17-50mm: Nikon or Canon mount? And any other tips?

G

Gerson

Active member
I need a fast, cheap zoom lens for live event video work, and what I've gleaned from these forums and elsewhere is that the non-VC version of the Tamron 17-50mm constant f/2.8 is a great choice. I already own the Kipon EOS adapter, so I'd be inclined to get the Canon version of this lens. However, I saw a few comments about the Nikon version being better, and it seems cheaper. So:

1) What are the pros and cons of the Canon and Nikon versions of this lens when used with the GH2?

2) If the Nikon version is better, what adapter do you recommend?

3) Can you confirm that VC will NOT work with the GH2 (unless I buy an expensive electronically-connected adapter)?

4) For basic live event shooting under funky low-light situations, is this lens a good choice?

Thanks!
Ben
 
The lens does not interface with the camera. That means IS/VC, autofocus, and electronic iris control will not function. As far as the cameras is concerned, there is no lens attached at all (you actually will have to set it to "shoot without lens" to even work).

The Canon and Nikon versions are identical, as far as image quality I think- the difference being the mount and interface with the camera. However, the Nikon version is preferred to the Canon one because of the electronic iris control.

You see, these modern mounts are designed to control the aperture digitally, which the Panasonic can't do over the adapter. The Canon mount sends an electronic signal to the lens to change the aperture with its own motor, whereas the Nikon mount has a the motor in the body, which pushes a physical lever to open/close the iris in the lens.
The advantage to the Nikon and its physical lever is that the right adapter can give you manual control of that lever, allowing you to open and close the iris via the adapter's ring.

The Canon, basically, would be stuck wide open or at least whatever aperture it was taken off the Canon body with last.
Personally, since I own both Canon and Panasonic bodies, I prefer the Canon version of the Tamron Non-VC (since it can also be used with autofocus as a great photography lens on my Canon bodies). I can also set the aperture on the Canon body before putting it on the m/43rds adapter. But that means I can't change it during the shot. I wouldn't mind owning a second one in Nikon mount to get around this problem, but I can't justify owning 2 identical versions of the same lens.

If you don't have access to a Canon body, I'd say ditch the EOS adapter and stick to manual lenses or modern Nikons.
 
Thanks for the advice! I didn't realize that the Nikon lenses' iris can be controlled mechanically.

However, my Canon adapter (the Kipon one) does have its own 14-blade aperture built-in that you control from a ring right on the adapter. I've used it successfully with another lens before, though it starts to vignette if you stop down too much. So I will be able to control the aperture if I buy a Canon version of this lens.

I suppose the question is, will I get better image quality and results using the Nikon adapter to control the Nikon lens' own aperture vs. using the Kipon adapter's own aperture on the Canon lens?

And finally, what exact Nikon adapter would you recommend?
 
Gerson said:
Thanks for the advice! I didn't realize that the Nikon lenses' iris can be controlled mechanically.

However, my Canon adapter (the Kipon one) does have its own 14-blade aperture built-in that you control from a ring right on the adapter. I've used it successfully with another lens before, though it starts to vignette if you stop down too much. So I will be able to control the aperture if I buy a Canon version of this lens.

I suppose the question is, will I get better image quality and results using the Nikon adapter to control the Nikon lens' own aperture vs. using the Kipon adapter's own aperture on the Canon lens?

And finally, what exact Nikon adapter would you recommend?
Click to expand...

Yes, you can technically control the aperture with external blades in the adapter like that, but it does not perform as well as controlling the actual iris of the lens. For starters, as you've noticed, it can start to vignette at a certain point (depending on the focal length of the lens, this point can vary). I've also heard it can create bizarre flaring and contrast problems by reflecting light back into the lens at certain angles. But, in some instances, it is the ONLY way to get certain lenses to work on other bodies. Especially if you are someone who has already invested in L-series glass or something like that. Otherwise, the general advice is to not shot with EOS mount lenses if you can help it.
The Kipon one might be better than some of the other adapters out there, but I try to avoid adapters with their own iris whenever possible.

As far as which Nikon adapter to get, that's a matter of opinion. I think they are all more-or-less good, with the exception of no-name-brands from ebay that may have quality control problems (lenses not locking properly, etc). I personally like Fotodiox adapters because their adapters for Canon came highly recommended and always worked pretty well for me. When I started using the GH2, I didn't see any reason to pay more for other brands, and their price allows me to have multiple adapters waiting on lenses ready to go. They have a pretty decent following around here. Other folks will tell you only to buy the more expensive ones. ::shrug:: Some folks get burned buying cheap made-in-china adapters that don't fit snugly, allowing the lens to have too much movement/play for comfort, but not all cheap adapters are this bad.

My advice is is usually to experiment with the cheaper ones from companies with a brand name behind them (someone who would actually care enough to keep their name reputable), but stay away from ebay sellers with no name and too-generic looking of a product. Then if you are not happy with the build quality, opt for the more expensive models.
If you don't mind the price of the expensive adapters from the get-go, then by all means just go for that. I'm a fan of high quality glass and high quality cameras, but the adapters are supposed to be relatively "dumb" rings that shouldn't require much precision or high prices IMO.
 
Thanks! I'm going to look on eBay...though even the Amazon prices for the lens ($500) and Fotodiox adapter ($40) aren't too bad.
 
If you are going ebay, I've been eyeing this guy lately:
http://stores.ebay.com/jiakgong-DIGITAL/Lens-Mount-Adapters-/_i.html?_nkw=m4%2F3&submit=Search&_fsub=286780016&_sid=152322206

His mount adapters have an optional tripod adapter that attaches to the bottom of the ring, taking the extra weight off of the camera's mount.
Some of these vintage lenses can get pretty heavy- I recently bought an adapter and tripod connector for a Canon FD zoom that is pretty hefty.
Should be here soon, looking forward to trying it.

The tamron itself is on the larger side (constant aperture lenses tend to be), but no where near as heavy as some of these vintage metal lenses. Something to think about, though.
Also, I would imagine that having the tripod attached to the adapter instead of the camera body might stabilize zoom/focus adjustment while on a tripod.
 
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