F3: Zoom lens for F3 with price around 1000€

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Erik Wittbusch

Well-known member
Hi,

I know there are already some threads about zoom options for the F-Series.
I haven't really found the information I need...

What I want:

- zoom option for run'n gun handheld work
- focal range should be 24-70 or better
- lightweight lens with max aperture f2,8 or f4 at least
- focus throw should be as long as possible
- image stabilization would be a nice add
- clickless aperture would be nice but is not needed

I think of Canon EF mount lenses with IS and the optitek adapter, which won't be a cheap option.
Or the Prolock with Nikon lenses.
Will the Leica R lenses be a good choice too? Maybe the 28-90/2,8-4 could be a winner?


I haven't bought the F3 yet, but plan to do so the next month. I can't afford proper PL lenses now.

I have the following still camera lenses with Canon EF mount:
- Tokina 17/2,8
- Tokina 28-70/2,8 ATX Pro ( I don't think that I will keep it - I plan to have one beginning from 24mm and with IS)
- Canon 80-200/2,8L (will be a keeper if my main lens will have the same mount)

I will add the Samyang Cine lenses as a package, when the 50mm is available (24 - 35 - 50 - 85mm).

THX,

Erik
 
I would stay away from EF but that is just me. More bits, more to power, more to go wrong. Perhaps consider an old Canon FD 35-105mm 3.5 for $100. No need for electronic iris control concerns either :happy:

One thing you might really enjoy is using an ENG B4 2/3" lens on your F3 which you can use with a small (but not cheap) optical adapter by MTF. Power up your old J16 lens and now you've got a fully powered and motor controlled zoom. See a video about it in this thread

Lastly don't fear using zoom lenses that might not be constant - with the F3 and a feature called TLCS it's actually possible to have the F3 do automatic gain control to compensate for that 1-2 stop difference even during a LIVE zoom. I wrote about the TLCS in some detail here in this thread
 
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If you already have Canon mounted lenses the Canon ProLock-i is a no brainer- if I may say so myself.
You can start from just the mount, add the OptiTron later, then wireless, Nikon mount, motors for PL lenses. When you're done you'll have a comprehensive lens control kit for all major brands- drive by wire, data feed, IS,VR, etc for stills and for true cine PL lenses motors for focus and iris. All wireless if needed.
I think that's what I would call "The Ultimate Lens Control Kit" -ULCK :)
 
I know you already have some Canon glass but I'll make the same recommendation that I do at least once a month here. Optitek Nikon adapter w/ a Nikon 17-55 2.8. It equals roughly 25-80 in full frame still terms, is very sharp wide open and is nearly parfocal. The focus throw is not as big as I'd like but what AF still lenses are?
 
I also recommend the Tokina f2.8 28-70mm nikon mount lens ($250 approx) which I used on a web-series on the F3 and did a few live slow and snap zooms with. It was great and didn't extend in length when zoomed.
 
Have both Nikon 17-55/2.8 and Tokina 28-70/2.6-2.8... Both great lenses! Prefer 17-55 because of the wide end. When I need more "reach" I go for Tokina 50-150/2.8, a real "hidden jem" sadly discontinued few years ago... I might be selling my 28-70, but a more than $250 as this is the first version (2.6/2.8) and it is priced more on a used market...
 
Yes. The extra bits of the Canon solution is something to consider. But it is the only solution for IS zoomlenses on a budget.
And I already have the Tokina 28-70/1,6-2,8 ATX Pro Canon version and the Canon 80-200/2,8L (the beautiful black version).
I would only add some stabilized 17-55 or 24-105 lens and I'm done with zoom lenses for documentary work.
Optitek and lens would be around 2000€ for me. I would loose the ability of adjustable iris during the shots, as the electronic
control is of course not stepless (as I think).

Nikon mount would be a nice alternative but besides the cheaper Prolock I must add at least 2 lenses which might be the
Nikon 17-55/2,8 and some 70-200/2,8. I would loose the ability of IS but have stepless Iris instead...

The ENG B4 Adapter is another alternative and the only one to have a "real" servozoom with huge range on the F3. As I don't have any
B4 lenses, I would have to add that too. Not much knowledge which one could be nice and what that means with cost for me.

As I might earn some extra money with still photography, the Canon option seams to be the best so far, at least for me...


Thanks for all your help and don't stop!
 
nsoltz said:
Do you mean Sigma 50-150? I have that in a Nikon mount and it is truly amazing.

Ned
Click to expand...

No, it is actually Tokina 50-135/2.8 ATX from the same line up like famous 11-16/2.8. I don't know why this lens is discontinued as it is a amazing performer on digital stills or HD Video...
 
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