Transitioning to a GH4 and need advice on these THREE ranges of lenses

D

digifruitella

Active member
So First thing's first... I'm new to the Micro Four Thirds camera system and would like advice on its lenses in these 3 focal lengths. I am not a noob when it comes to video work - which is primarily what I'll be using the camera and the lenses for , but I am a noob in the 4/3ds system as far as what lenses are a good investment and so I'd really love some feedback from either owners of good glass or to comment on the lenses I've listed further down in this thread.


In a way... money is not a concern for me as I am ready to actually invest into lenses for long term use. Where I need help is with what exactly to invest in that is a quality lens and I hope to get some expertise from someone who either owns what they want to recommend or knows quite a bit about the lens to recommend it.

What I'm looking to get is this.

1. A wide angle - a prime or a zoom for establishing space. Looking for something with fast aperture and good for low-light.
2. long lens - something that's good for the "meat" of the work I'll be doing, good for filming people so sharpness is key
3. macro - this will be for "creative" work, extreme closeups etc. Something that can get me up close as in these examples below...

http://postimg.org/image/4j9qauyvx/
http://postimg.org/image/w898l1up7/
http://postimg.org/image/dxx4b2d9n/
http://postimg.org/image/wawb5jxd1/
http://postimg.org/image/q6z553vrd/
http://postimg.org/image/epow5qedd/
http://postimg.org/image/u4k45d37z/




So far, for GH4 I've come across two lenses that have impressed me and maybe before I make a final decision I'd like to hear some thoughts on them or whether there is a better alternative in quality or price. They are wide angle lenses.

1. Lumix 7-14mm f4.0 - although I'd rather own a faster wide angle prime - but this is where I'd need some advice on what to get for the GH4.
Which brings me to...

2. Voigtlander Nokton 25mm f/0.95 -This video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4e6HLfv-PI- has impressed me quite a bit with what's possible for video with the lens. On a GH4 it's equivalent to 50mm which I'm happy with for a wide angle, and it's a prime. So far I've looked at a couple of reviews and more videos and it seems like I will get the lens - but to ask you guys - is there anything on the market for a 4/3 camera that's equivalent or better than this lens?


As for long lenses and macro... I have no idea obviously about whats great for 4/3rd camera. But I did come across this list here http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/the-first-micro-four-third-lenses-you-should-buy/ Does anybody own any of these or can speak on any of the lenses listed in that review. My curiosity - mainly since I'm only entering the 4/3 camera market is if the above review a truly good introduction of lenses. I'm in the process of looking at each one in great detail by doing my own research but part of this research also includes this thread I've now begun, to ask any expert shooters or owners of any good lenses for video on a GH-series or 4/3 cameras.


Thank you for any help.

 
Last edited:
If it were me, I'd skip the native M4/3 lenses and get a set of used manual lenses along with a SpeedBooster.

I'd also change your font color from black to white.
 
I, too, am new to the GH4, and I love it. I have both the lenses you've listed, plus more. The 7-14mm is a fun lens, but not something you'll probably use much, to be honest, as the look is so stylized and distorted.
The Voigtlander is my go-to lens. I love it for interviews and b-roll, although sometimes the focus is too shallow so I close down to 1.4 or 2.
My kit also includes a Nikon 17-35, and the Lumix 14-140. The 14-140 isn't fast, but it's versatile for outdoor b-roll.
I also have a Nikon 50 and 85 which I don't use that much, but they're fast and sharp.
If I had to keep 3 of my lenses, it'd be the Nikon 17-35, Voigtlander 25, and the Lumix 14-140. That covers most of what I would ever need.

Hope this helps a bit.
Andrew
 
David W. Jones said:
If it were me, I'd skip the native M4/3 lenses and get a set of used manual lenses along with a SpeedBooster.

I'd also change your font color from black to white.
Click to expand...

I'm just curious as to why do you say skip the native ones? What are the reasons for that and by "used manual" lenses - the Nokton is manual which I've listed and I don't mind that. But what are your recommendations then for the "used manual" ones and could you go in a bit of more detail as to why you're advising this.

RE: blando3

7-14mm one, that was definitely one of my concerns... the distortion of an image. It would work for stylized work I'd do but then I'm thinking how worthy the investment of this lens would be if that type of work is sparse for me. Maybe a cheaper option of an ultra wide exists, or use it as a rental...

which brings me to the Voigtlander - I do hear some great praise for the lens, including yours now. On a 4/3 it becomes a 50mm which is perfect for a wide angle. What I'd like to hear though from you since you're an owner - how's the sharpness of it? and are there any other interesting nuances of this glass you'd like to comment on?

Lumix 14-140 - that range seems like a good investment into a zoom that's great for fast, spontaneous work that's ever changing. You say it isn't fast, though how sharp is it on your GH4?

Have you ever used a Macro before?
 
My experience with different lenses isn't that broad, so I can't compare the Voigtlander to too many others, but I think it's sharp. Clients love the look. What kind of work do you do? I do corporate shoots mostly, all for the web. I think it's a great lens. But maybe others here have some better suggestions. I've also seen the Lumix 20mm "pancake lens" in action and thought it looked really nice too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=lumix+20mm&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

If budget is an issue, you will save almost $600 by getting the Lumix 20mm instead of the Voigtlander. Try to find a place that sells them and try them out in person.
 
blando3 said:
My experience with different lenses isn't that broad, so I can't compare the Voigtlander to too many others, but I think it's sharp. Clients love the look. What kind of work do you do? I do corporate shoots mostly, all for the web. I think it's a great lens. But maybe others here have some better suggestions. I've also seen the Lumix 20mm "pancake lens" in action and thought it looked really nice too.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=lumix+20mm&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

If budget is an issue, you will save almost $600 by getting the Lumix 20mm instead of the Voigtlander. Try to find a place that sells them and try them out in person.
Click to expand...

I work at a small production company however the GH4 and the respective lenses I'll need are for my own solo, freelance work. Right now it's mostly music videos. I did one for a guy who asked me to do a music video for him and ever since I've had constant requests so I'm deciding that it's going to be worth it upgrading to something like this to do the subsequent creative work. Money is kind of a non-issue when investing into lenses because I see it as a worthy investment. The only thing I want to make sure is that I drop these 1K or so on lenses that I'll be happy with and this is why I'm in need of some help. But the Nokton so far is really impressing me. Either the 24mm or a 17.5mm for a wide prime.

This was the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1R4W_v3n7sI - shot on Canon T2i, a 50mm, some kit lens wide shots and one take with a Sigma 30.
 
digifruitella said:
I'm just curious as to why do you say skip the native ones? What are the reasons for that and by "used manual" lenses - the Nokton is manual which I've listed and I don't mind that. But what are your recommendations then for the "used manual" ones and could you go in a bit of more detail as to why you're advising this.
Click to expand...

Native M4/3 lenses are fine if you are only ever going to use M4/3 cameras for the rest of your career. But if you were to purchase a camera with a larger sensor in the future you would then also have to purchase new lenses as well. I'm just a wee bit on the frugal side, so the idea of spending money on new lenses every time I change cameras doesn't go over very well with my business plan. I would rather buy one set of lenses which would work with any of my future camera purchases. My first choice would be a set of full frame fully manual lenses, which would cover any sensor size up to full frame. As I said earlier, I'm a little frugal, so rather than spending full coin on new lenses, I purchased high quality used lenses. There are a number of ways to go... Nikon, Zeiss Contax, Leica, and others. By using a SpeedBooster with these lenses, you are effectively bringing your M4/3 into S35 territory which opens up more possibilities.
 
I would tend to agree with David with two exceptions.

First is on the wide end. The crop in 4k mode on the GH4 requires a modern piece of glass that is wide and relatively fast. 10mm - 12mm is required at this end to get a wide perspective. It is not ultra wide on this cam even in 1080 mode.

Secondly, if you are doing run and gun documentary work a fast fixed prime on a stabilizer is invaluable. Super light weight, fast enough to keep shallow depth of field and focus can be reset with a simple half press of the shutter.

For my wildlife/action sports type work, I carry an Olympus 17mm f/1.8 on a stabilizer (42mm equiv in UHD 4K) and my 100-300 on a tripod. That's it. I'd love to have a fast 10mm or 12mm with image stabilization, but no one has made that lens yet.

I have quite a collection of Zuiko OM primes with the OM speedbooster. While the image quality is really nice, it's not worth the extra 3 lbs required between the lens, speedbooster and added weights on the stabilizer to make my 24mm f/2 become a 17mm f/1.4 when for 1/4 lbs I already have a lovely 17mm f/1.8

Just my $0.02 on the subject.

Cheers,
Pete
 
Pete, thanks for the info. For me though, most of my work would be done through tripods or sliders. So I'm now kind of unsure of which way to go. I'm liking the idea of Metabones and what it does to focal length, but now I'm faced with a situation where regardless if I buy full frame lenses for the future full frame upgrade... I'm still getting a difference of focal length between the two systems. If I'm making a purchase now for the GH4 - I'm basically compensating for that camera, therefore if I want myself a 50mm, I'm getting a full frame 30mm to go with Metabones. And so when the time comes for buying a full frame camera with 4K capabilities and other cool things, I'm still going to have to buy myself a full frame 50mm lens. Is my reasoning correct?

So what to do here, do I continue mentally masturbating about focal lengths, or should I just buy lenses for current sensor size camera and be done with it. Sell off or keep these lenses when I get a full frame and buy myself corresponding focal length primes?

This is my dilemma right now that's preventing me from deciding, help me reason with this.
 
I sent a PM back on this on, but just for reference here, my recommendation is to simply shoot with dummy adaptors and a variable ND wide open with what you have now. No speedbooster, no big lens purchases. Simply sort out what you like and don't like about the GH4. Sort out exactly what you want to shoot with what you have then fill the gaps.

If it's narratives or corporate work, full frame lenses may be the way to go. If you have to carry it all to 10,000' in the mountains, native lenses on a GH4 will show you in sweat right quick that full frame is a nightmare.

So again, my advise is to shoot first decide later :)

Cheers,
Pete


digifruitella said:
Pete, thanks for the info. For me though, most of my work would be done through tripods or sliders. So I'm now kind of unsure of which way to go. I'm liking the idea of Metabones and what it does to focal length, but now I'm faced with a situation where regardless if I buy full frame lenses for the future full frame upgrade... I'm still getting a difference of focal length between the two systems. If I'm making a purchase now for the GH4 - I'm basically compensating for that camera, therefore if I want myself a 50mm, I'm getting a full frame 30mm to go with Metabones. And so when the time comes for buying a full frame camera with 4K capabilities and other cool things, I'm still going to have to buy myself a full frame 50mm lens. Is my reasoning correct?

So what to do here, do I continue mentally masturbating about focal lengths, or should I just buy lenses for current sensor size camera and be done with it. Sell off or keep these lenses when I get a full frame and buy myself corresponding focal length primes?

This is my dilemma right now that's preventing me from deciding, help me reason with this.
Click to expand...
 
Thanks a lot guys, Dave and Pete - you've helped me grasp this a bit better. I think I'm going with the Speedbooster and for starters just buy myself a wide angle prime first. Such as a Sigma 30mm which would give me what I want with Speedbooster, then go from there. I already own a Canon 50mm which has done great things for me, but I'm looking to upgrade to higher quality glass. Though Sigma isn't that expensive so most likely it'll be my first purchase. Can any of you link me to maybe a good article, or a list that does a good job explaining what are some good brand names to invest in. I know of Zeiss mostly, but I'd love to do more reading on others in greater detail. Going straight to Google after I post this to look myself, but still - maybe someone knows of a good article. Thank you.
 
A good reference app to have on your smartphone is pCAM. It is chock full of utilities to help with matching focal length between cameras, depth of field calculations, field of view, and much much more.

Kind of funny, I have heard more than one shooter moan, saying $30 is way too much to spend on an app, and then see posts from the same person looking for yet a different lens, "the one I just bought is not as wide as I thought it would be, what should I buy?" When all that info if contained in this little app.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top