GH2 What GH2 lens/lenses for filming variety of kids sports and activities?

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whathaveIdone?

New member
Don't laugh at me, I know I'm an idiot. When I bid on my GH2 on e-bay I did not pay attention to what I was doing and I accidentally won the bid...stupid me. (I was just excited to see a GH2 and I had a "duh" moment and made a bid) Oh well, lesson learned. Anyway, the seller had already sold the stock lens that came with the camera and instead included CCTV lenses. http://www.ebay.com/itm/220906783740?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
If you can open this link and see what a stupid thing I did!!

Please help me!!! I need the perfect lens to film my kids sports and activities. What lens do you suggest I should get for indoor basketball, volleyball, swimming, theater and also outside for football and fast pitch softball?
I've been reading for hours on numerous web sites and message boards trying to educate myself on this new DSLR adventure that I have taken. I've previously owned just simple camcorders since the birth of my first child (1995), so I know nothing about lenses. Should I try cheaper faster primes? (look at me I've learned this within these last two weeks with my hours of research.......I would love to keep the cost down, so cheaper sure appeals to me)...or should I buy zooms?
Do you think I could (I sure hope I can) try to sell these CCTV lenses I got with my e-bay purchase? I've already spent too much money, sad me :cry:
Oh what to do?
 
whathaveIdone? said:
Don't laugh at me, I know I'm an idiot. When I bid on my GH2 on e-bay I did not pay attention to what I was doing and I accidentally won the bid...stupid me. (I was just excited to see a GH2 and I had a "duh" moment and made a bid) Oh well, lesson learned. Anyway, the seller had already sold the stock lens that came with the camera and instead included CCTV lenses. http://www.ebay.com/itm/220906783740?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
If you can open this link and see what a stupid thing I did!!

Please help me!!! I need the perfect lens to film my kids sports and activities. What lens do you suggest I should get for indoor basketball, volleyball, swimming, theater and also outside for football and fast pitch softball?
I've been reading for hours on numerous web sites and message boards trying to educate myself on this new DSLR adventure that I have taken. I've previously owned just simple camcorders since the birth of my first child (1995), so I know nothing about lenses. Should I try cheaper faster primes? (look at me I've learned this within these last two weeks with my hours of research.......I would love to keep the cost down, so cheaper sure appeals to me)...or should I buy zooms?
Do you think I could (I sure hope I can) try to sell these CCTV lenses I got with my e-bay purchase? I've already spent too much money, sad me :cry:
Oh what to do?
Click to expand...

I hate to say this, but I don't feel like the GH2 is a good camera for that sort of thing. Even professional camera operators have a hard time using a DSLR for live events, and the ones that do had a steep learning curve and a lot of experience to make it look good. I have a few DSLR bodies that I use for work, but if I'm out catching my kids playing sports I'd rather have a consumer camcorder than a DSLR. Camcorders have ergonomics designed for the task, with a decent fixed lens zoom range and image stabilization. DSLR video can look incredible if shot with a film workflow, however if you intend to shoot with it like a camcorder, I think you will find the results of that old camcorder more watchable. :/

Also, those CCTV lenses aren't worth much, and from the description may not even be compatible with that camera... :( I'm so sorry, maybe you can get that guy to give a partial refund?
 
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For filming a variety of kids sports and activities I use my Panasonic TM700 3MOS camcorder in 1080p60 mode with Leica F1.5 12x zoom. With my GH2 I would use my 10-24mm Tamron, 14-45mm with OIS or M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6.
 
joe1946 said:
For filming a variety of kids sports and activities I use my Panasonic TM700 3MOS camcorder in 1080p60 mode with Leica F1.5 12x zoom. With my GH2 I would use my 10-24mm Tamron, 14-45mm with OIS or M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm f4.0-5.6.
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I would second the TM700 for the job.
 
I 2nd flinty
Buy a used kit lens, 14-42mm or the 14-45 will be perfectly fine for filming your kid's activities (as long as your in decently lit situations)
Filming kids, your probably going to need a bit of a zoom, image stabilization, and simplicity of use... The kit will do that for you.
Its a great camera with super powerful features. But it appears that this may not be the best category of camera to look into unless your willing to invest time, energy, and resources for that higher quality.
HDSLR, are extremely hard to control compared to standard HD camcorders. You can achieve great results, but you'll need additional gear as well as more experience.
On the flip side, you can capture a few seconds of action or moments... as well as being able to do photos in other situations. But for long continuous recordings, you really shouldn't be shooting with an HDSLR camera.

If your going to use other types of lenses, ones that require an adaptor (Like cheaper prime lenses). You will need to MANUALLY adjust the settings on your camera, and doing that on the fly, handheld will be exceptionally challenging.
 
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I use my GH2 for kids/family stuff all the time. Buy a large SD card (32-64), a few extra batteries, and some sort of stabilization (tripod, monopod, etc), and you're golden. I don't agree with the whole "camcorder ergonomics" line of reasoning - IMO:
- camcorder form promotes single-hand shooting, which is invariably terrible; DSLR's invite you to at least use two hands
- DSLR's do video better than camcorders do stills; most parents would rather carry only one type of camera or the other

The only exception is if you're intent on doing slow, smooth zooms as you shoot... in which case you're indeed best off getting a dedicated camcorder.

Forget primes as you're starting out. Your best lenses will be those with OIS - rated in terms of flexibility:
Lumix 14-140 (BEST lens for this application)
Lumix X 14-42 or 45-175 power zoom
Lumix 14-42 or 14-45
Lumix 100-300

These are all somewhat slow, but very useable for these situations indoors at higher ISO. Something like the 100-300 won't capture a whole stage or field of play, but you'll get in to see your kids' expressions.
 
Your best bet looks to be getting rid of the CCTV lenses and trying to pick up a second hand kit zoom. As has already been said, trying to film this kind of thing with manual lenses is going to be a challenge, even if you have some filming experience.
 
AdrianF said:
Your best bet looks to be getting rid of the CCTV lenses and trying to pick up a second hand kit zoom. As has already been said, trying to film this kind of thing with manual lenses is going to be a challenge, even if you have some filming experience.
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The thing is, that kit zoom lens (14-140, not to be confused with the 14-45) costs almost the same as a dedicated ready-to-shoot camcorder! And consumer camcorders like that TM700 mentioned earlier in the thread has much better low-light capability (lens goes down to F/1.5 I think), as opposed to this zoom starting at F/4.0 on the fastest option. 4.0 is less light than just about any consumer video or still camera that I know of. Since the GH2 is a photo body and the kit lens does not have constant aperture, zooming while shooting movies also displays a noticeable light adjustment each time (which is very annoying honestly), another thing consumer camcorders don't do.
You also get the servo zoom, and a package that is designed to fit around your hand with stabilization and every button in reach.

Basically, a consumer camcorder is a better option for home movies in *EVERY WAY* that I can think of, and is cheaper. The benefit to shooting movies with the GH2 is the sensor size, which is excellent for capturing carefully planned out shallow depth of field shots. The kind of shot where a good cinematographer can force the viewer's attention to a particular part of the screen based on the focus. But home and family movies aren't shot like that, and aren't even trying for the same aesthetic. You generally want EVERYTHING IN FOCUS when shooting family things. So, if anything, the larger sensor size is more of a hindrance than a benefit. Much like many folks complain of the sensor size on the 5D being too big and difficult to hit critical focus with.

mcbob said:
I use my GH2 for kids/family stuff all the time. Buy a large SD card (32-64), a few extra batteries, and some sort of stabilization (tripod, monopod, etc), and you're golden. I don't agree with the whole "camcorder ergonomics" line of reasoning - IMO:
- camcorder form promotes single-hand shooting, which is invariably terrible; DSLR's invite you to at least use two hands
- DSLR's do video better than camcorders do stills; most parents would rather carry only one type of camera or the other

The only exception is if you're intent on doing slow, smooth zooms as you shoot... in which case you're indeed best off getting a dedicated camcorder.

Forget primes as you're starting out. Your best lenses will be those with OIS - rated in terms of flexibility:
Lumix 14-140 (BEST lens for this application)
Lumix X 14-42 or 45-175 power zoom
Lumix 14-42 or 14-45
Lumix 100-300

These are all somewhat slow, but very useable for these situations indoors at higher ISO. Something like the 100-300 won't capture a whole stage or field of play, but you'll get in to see your kids' expressions.
Click to expand...

Disagree on ALL accounts. Two handed shooting is required for a DSLR because the stabilization and rolling shutter is worse. I recently had to edit some footage for a school, and mixed in some of their consumer camcorder footage into my DSLR footage. They shot totally handheld, walking around, and some of it looked more stable than ANYTHING I've ever shot on my DSLRs, OIS or not. Sure, it looked totally like a home video and not cinematic or dramatic at all, but isn't that the point of a home video camera? The extra work and precision involved to get a beautiful picture on a DSLR is lost on home movies, which really makes a DSLR a bad, bad, horrible choice in comparison.

As far as DSLR doing better video than camcorders do photos... that may be true, but if not used correctly, DSLRs are capable of absolutely terrible, jello-riden, shakey not-watchable footage. Camcorders that do photos take OK snapshots, even if you don't know what you are doing. At the very least, they are consistently better than cell phone cameras, which many folks seem content enough to use in a pinch.

OP- sell the GH2, use the money for something you will love out of the box!
 
u could just ask the seller to cancel your bid. and ebay doesn't allow any seller feedback on buyers anymore anyways.
 
mcbob said:
I use my GH2 for kids/family stuff all the time. Buy a large SD card (32-64), a few extra batteries, and some sort of stabilization (tripod, monopod, etc), and you're golden. I don't agree with the whole "camcorder ergonomics" line of reasoning - IMO:
- camcorder form promotes single-hand shooting, which is invariably terrible; DSLR's invite you to at least use two hands
- DSLR's do video better than camcorders do stills; most parents would rather carry only one type of camera or the other

The only exception is if you're intent on doing slow, smooth zooms as you shoot... in which case you're indeed best off getting a dedicated camcorder.

Forget primes as you're starting out. Your best lenses will be those with OIS - rated in terms of flexibility:
Lumix 14-140 (BEST lens for this application)
Lumix X 14-42 or 45-175 power zoom
Lumix 14-42 or 14-45
Lumix 100-300

These are all somewhat slow, but very useable for these situations indoors at higher ISO. Something like the 100-300 won't capture a whole stage or field of play, but you'll get in to see your kids' expressions.
Click to expand...


Agree on all counts,i also have a FZ150 which certainly can match any camcorder for that type of filming.
 
Thank you everyone for your advice, I am very grateful. When I was first looking into this camera, I was concentrating on how the reviews were touting on its ability to film such awesome high def. It was hard to find (for me anyway) if it was useful for filming what I desire. Now, hopefully some other poor soul can find this thread and learn what I have!!!
I don't mind putting the time into this, I think it is fun...I just didn't want to spend way too much cash. Which, from the get go I was doomed; I did not realize what an investment it is to put lenses on these things....whew!! So, I might yet try those CCTV lenses, I can get a cheap C-mount to M4/3 adapter and then have to enable Ex-Tele mode, etc.......I'm just not sure how the focal range on those lenses will work for me, I don’t think it equates to much.
If they don't work, how do I sell the used CCTV lenses that I know nothing about? Should I trade them if I buy the 14-140 say like at B&H? Or go with e-bay..........or should I go through here?

If I pursue to use this camera, I am not intent on doing slow, smooth zooms so I think I will be ok. With the 14-140 I understand the need for higher ISO, but for outdoor football and fast pitch is there a concern for too much light...will I need filters or whatever?
Again, you all are the best!!
 
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whathaveIdone? said:
Thank you everyone for your advice, I am very grateful. When I was first looking into this camera, I was concentrating on how the reviews were touting on its ability to film such awesome high def. It was hard to find (for me anyway) if it was useful for filming what I desire. Now, hopefully some other poor soul can find this thread and learn what I have!!!
Click to expand...

Just to make sure we're on the same page- the reviews you read, were they from average joe consumer, or more pro-sumer filmmakers who are looking to do this professionally? I'm not trying to talk you out of this, just trying to give you some perspective and make sure you know what you are in for- Many of the users on this forum have worked in cinema, won awards at film festivals, worked with crews on budget and not-so-budget friendly sets, filmed for network broadcast television, etc... people like us leave glowing reviews of this camera, but our needs and uses are not the same as a home video camera, and honestly not all video cameras are well suited for all tasks.

Its like driving an 18 wheeler for your daily commute to the office. Sure, you COULD, but its not as convenient as, say, a compact car. But there are times the 18 wheeler will be absolutely necessary where the compact would be useless. And vice versa.

The appeal of this camera, specifically, is its ability to shoot awesome high def in controlled cinematic environments. If you're willing to use it more like a cinematographer than a soccer mom, you can get really great results from this little cam. Your home movies can look like professionally shot documentaries (that's kind of cool, actually). But just remember that the ergonomics and workflow are very different, and not necessarily beneficial to home movies. It is harder to get a good steady video out of this than a body designed for the task.

I don't mind putting the time into this, I think it is fun...I just didn't want to spend way too much cash. Which, from the get go I was doomed; I did not realize what an investment it is to put lenses on these things....whew!! So, I might yet try those CCTV lenses, I can get a cheap C-mount to M4/3 adapter and then have to enable Ex-Tele mode, etc.......I'm just not sure how the focal range on those lenses will work for me, I don’t think it equates to much.
Click to expand...
If they don't work, how do I sell the used CCTV lenses that I know nothing about? Should I trade them if I buy the 14-140 say like at B&H? Or go with e-bay..........or should I go through here?
Click to expand...


Another bit of perspective- The general advice around here is to invest more in glass than a specific camera model.
Camera bodies are actually considered more disposable, as they go obsolete and lose value so quickly. You bought a body, which essentially means you have a sensor to work with. But notice that most people who are raving about this camera have more invested in glass than the cost of the camera.

If I pursue to use this camera, I am not intent on doing slow, smooth zooms so I think I will be ok. With the 14-140 I understand the need for higher ISO, but for outdoor football and fast pitch is there a concern for too much light...will I need filters or whatever?
Again, you all are the best!!
Click to expand...

Outdoor light should be fine at that speed, but understand that zooms might cause weird light changes unless you have constant aperture (which that lens does not). There is not a concern for too much light, just adjust the aperture to let in less, and/or turn up your shutter speed (no point in keeping it around 48 if you are not trying to emulate s35mm cinema cameras, IMO).

 
whathaveIdone? said:
I did not realize what an investment it is to put lenses on these things....whew!! So, I might yet try those CCTV lenses, I can get a cheap C-mount to M4/3 adapter and then have to enable Ex-Tele mode, etc.......I'm just not sure how the focal range on those lenses will work for me, I don’t think it equates to much.
Click to expand...

Yes, glass is the real investment on these cameras, and that is true of almost all DSLRs (even for photography). Having a good camera body is only the price of entry.

However, there ARE cool cheap vintage choices if you don't mind working a bit more manually (like those CCTV lenses). The problem is, nothing is automatic once you do that since the lens can not interface electronically with the camera. You have to manually adjust aperture and focus, and won't have any kind of image stabilization available. That is, if these CCTV lenses are even compatible. Some of them have longer protrusions in the back that can damage the sensor, and may need to be sawed down and/or modified to fit.

I personally prefer shooting more manually, and those who are coming from a background shooting on film or pro cameras feel right at home with it. But they require you to know more about photography, exposure, and proper filming techniques. I would highly recommend you leave the camera on a tripod at all times if shooting with manual lenses. Handheld rolling shutter shake without IS is not pretty.

If they don't work, how do I sell the used CCTV lenses that I know nothing about? Should I trade them if I buy the 14-140 say like at B&H? Or go with e-bay..........or should I go through here?
Click to expand...

You could try selling them, but I think you'll find they don't go for much. Might not even be worth the effort for a few bucks. Maybe find out if they will work, and keep them around to experiment with one day?
 
Since I have filmed my kids for almost 17 years now I have continued to try and keep up with the latest and greatest. My searches have mostly been just average type reviews, and I could not find what the specific use was for this camera until getting into this online community. I am embarrassed that I have taken your time for which I am so grateful to the umpteenth power. Really I am truly, truly thankful for your very knowledged suggestions/comments. I hope I have contributed for others who might be out there looking for this same info and will be able to surf these replies!!
Since I have the camera I may as well give it a shot........I'll shop around for the 14-140, and I've ordered the C-mount adapter ($12) to see what can become of those CCTV lenses.
 
You can learn to shoot well-exposed and in-focus home movies with any camera. It takes more time and effort to produce good results with a camera like the GH2, but you sound like you're willing to learn. On the bright side, practicing in your backyard and erasing the bad shots will cost you a lot less than the 8mm and 16mm film stock I practiced on in the 70s - and when you get it right, the results will be worth it ;-)

Cheers amd good luck,

Bill
 
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