Which zoom to use when using FD primes?

M

muntus

Active member
Like many of you, I've been buying vintage glass for the micro 43 goodness. Now that my fast FD prime set is complete, I was wondering what a good zoom might be to compliment the FDs look. I want a fast(2.8 constant aperture) zoom that will come close to matching the look of the Canon FD.

I've heard that some zooms, like the Tokina 11-16 don't match up that well.

Thanks!
 
You should be able to find some FD zooms in that aperture range but they will cost quite a bit more. I know you can find some good deals on some of the longer FD "L" lenses on ebay. Also, what range did you want your zoom to fill? If you need a real wide lens that matches with FD primes, I'd just get a wide FD prime. Super wide zooms are relatively new and I'm not even sure if there are any zooms in the 11-16 range at 2.8 in FD (or any other legacy mount for that matter).
 
Canon never made a fast fd zoom with f2.8 thru it's range. The closest is the FD 35-70/2.8-3.5.

Modern f2.8 zooms tend to have a more clinical look whereas older FD lenses tend to still be sharp, but the contrast is different.

There's very little choice in vintage constant aperture f2.8 zooms, especially ones that are affordable - the better ones are even more expensive than modern zooms.

I believe you should be able find some by Tamron, Tokina, Nikon and Leica.

If you have a GH2, then a c-mount or 16mm zoom might be a good choice.
 
Thanks for the replies. It does seem that Canon did not make an FD zoom that fast with a constant aperture. I don't have a gh2 yet, but will probably get one soon. I'll have to see if I can find some c-mounts that have a close enough look to the FDs. Thanks!
 
You should pick up the Canon FD 35-105 f/3.5 zoom, that lens is extremely good even though it's not an f/2.8, 3.5 is not that bad.
 
I don't get the point in having an FD zoom if you have a full set of fast FD primes.

You buy a set of FD primes for organised narrative film-making, not for run n' gun or documentary work, surely.

For that kind of thing, an autofocus zoom with a good range is the most useful, such as a Lumix 14-45 or 14-140.

A 35-70mm FD at f2.8-3.5 will offer you so little in terms of practicality over a 50mm f1.4, that it seems pointless and cumbersome to me, not to mention slow and generally inferior image wise.
 
Well I don't think everyone uses their cams for just films. I use it as a camera and for video since it's all I have. I went on a event shoot (guest photographer) the other day and I mainly used my 50 1.8 (really need to try the 1.4 though) and for the most part it was great. The only downfall was I had no way of getting closer to the subjects since I would be in everyone's way. In this case a decently fast zoom would have went a long way. I guess a longer prime would have been nice too but the time to switch them out I could lose time that I couldn't afford to spare. (It was dusk btw)

xenogears said:
Tokina 80-200 f2.8 for Canon FD, look for it on Ebay.
Click to expand...
Didn't see any.
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Will keep an eye out though thanks!
 
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Yeah, I still don't get it. The OP would be better off with a Lumix autofocus lens for documentary work, and no zooms at all for narrative work.
 
I almost always prefer to use primes, but depending on the narrative, I like to be able to use a zoom in as opposed to a push in. It's for comedic reasons. :happy:
 
I would suggest Tokina AT-X 60 - 120 mm f2.8 for start.. Old, sharp lens.. it is one-touch design, so it is prepared for fast action..
 
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