So what kind of prime set can you get for a $1000? (or less)

[Evin Grant]

I was thinking about all you indie guys out there (myself included) and decided to go window shopping and see what I could find.
Here you go...

(All prices used from KEH, or E-bay completed @ bargain-EX condition)

Nikon standard speed manual prime set
18mm f3.5 $349
24mm f2.8 $165
35mm f2.0 $149
50mm f1.8 $62
85mm f2.0 $149
135mm f2.8 $119
Total $993

Canon FD Standard speed Prime set (FDs are cheaper but harder to find)
17mm f4.0 $165
24mm f2.8 $105
35mm f2.0 $150
50mm f1.8 $37
85mm f1.8 $65
135mm f2.5 $72
Total $594

Nikon Speed prime set
20mm f2.8 $237
28mm f2.0 $167
50mm f1.4 $76
85mm f1.4 $429
Total $909

Canon Super Speed prime set
24mm f1.4L $479 (very hard to find!)
50mm f1.2 $173
85mm f1.2L $415
Total $1067

[Sanjin Jukic]

Thanks Evin. A nice info.

[Paul Hazlett]

Very nice!! thanks for the research.

If I thought I could get away with using stills (I know,old fight) I would.
I am still in the PL vs. nikon/canon mount debate in my head.

[Evin Grant]

Very nice!! thanks for the research.

I am still in the PL vs. nikon/canon mount debate in my head.

Why is it a "Vs." debate. Start with Nikon/FD and when you make enough on rentals or when they are available get the Red primes.

[Michael Schrengohst]

I shoot timelapses with my Nikon D200 and use the older
lenses so I can stop them down manually....
I like to shoot at about 5.6 or 8 with a Pola
and the resulting QuickTime movies are sharper
than anything I ever shot on 35MM or HDCAM.
I plan to start with the Nikkors and if I need to,
I can always rent Cine Glass.

[Jim Arthurs]

For over 20 years I've shot with a 35mm motion picture camera using Nikon glass... for my particular day-to-day shooting needs, I don't see the reason to switch now.

Besides, my glass budget would be blown on the single new RED zoom for PL mount... and that 18-50mm is all the focal range I'd be able to afford in PL for some time. Compared to my 8mm to 200 range I cover in Nikon without spending an extra dime...