NIKON or other Prime LEns Sets Vs Zooms

[tj williams]

I’m interested in starting a discussion of getting sets of primes together out of still lenses issues such as matching wide iris which are below 2.0 and capable of being controlled by the proposed Birger Engineering Focus/Iris system.
Other issues I haven't seen discussed include:

Color matching among the Nikon/canon lenses in a set of primes

Comparisons of new AF Zooms to AF prime lenses in terms of sharpness, since clearly these focal ranges can easily be covered by two Nikkor Zooms.

NIKON LENS PRIME SET: Purchase

16mm Nikkor 2.8 Autofocus……600*
20mm Nikkor 2.8 Autofocus……410
24mm NIkkor 2.0 Manual………800*
28mm Nikkor 2.8 Autofocus……210
35mm Nikkor 1.4 Manual……....700*
50mm Nikkor 1.4 Autofocus……250*
85mm Nikkor 1.4 autofocus…….925*
105mmNikkor2.0 autofocus…….925

ZEISS SPEED PRIMES rental

18mm Zeiss T1.3………..70
25mm Zeiss T1.3………..70
35mm Zeiss T1.3……….70
50mm Zeiss T1.3………..70
85mm Zeiss T1.3………...70
65mm Zeiss T1.3………...70 (often not included in std. set)

Here is a standard set of Zeiss prime High speed lenses. Rental of set $375+ per day.
Above is a set of similar Nikkor lenses. Estimated new purchase price $3200+

After reading the thread about the Birger engineering company that wants to develop a focus system for Nikon/.Canon primes I started assembly of a list of those auto lenses which may prove most desirable in Nikon.

One big problem I noticed right away was that it is hard to get a set similar to Zeiss where all the lenses are fast below 35mm I couldn’t find a 1.4 Nikon on Ebay or B&H

Also I noticed that several of the lengths I’d use are not available as Auto Focus. For instance there is no 25mm Nikon so I’d have to use a 28 rather than the slightly wider 24mm which is only available in manual. Also I couldn’t find an AF 35mm. So these lenses couldn’t be controlled by the proposed focus system.

This focus system is an exciting development since it will allow Canon Auto lenses to be iris controlled with a remote and also spread the focus/iris of both Canon and Nikon AF lenses over a sizeable remote dial to allow exact focusing irising of these still lenses.

Probably this has some errors.
Corrections are welcome.

[Ralph Oshiro]

So Birger is going to develop a remote focus system that actually uses the AF motor? So, now we would actually require the AF version over the manual-focus version if we're going with the Birger system? Are they developing a wireless "FIZ" device, as opposed to a traditional, manual follow-focus rig?

[Evin Grant]

This is all just exploratory for them, so don't go getting all wrapped up in AF vs. MF quite yet. Both are suitable but the MFs, especially the original AIs are still the best choice for focus draw provided they offer the focal lengths you require.

[Scot Olson]

I believe that the Birger follow focus would only work with AFS lenses, (lenses that have internal focus motors) not all AF lenses.

[tj williams]

Scot, yes that is the understanding I had talking to Birger. This was kinda a sidelight in my initial post. Although it throws doubt on the wisdom of early purchase of lenses.

My main concern stated more clearly is that there are as far as I can tell no Nikon mount either nikkor or zeiss under 35mm which open to 1.4 so a matched set of primes is impossible.

Given the opening of these lenses is either 2.8 or approaching it, I'd sure like to see a test off between the available wider nikon lenses and the zooms in the same range that maintain 2.8

I'm also very interested to know if the collections of zeiss or nikkor lenses owned by several participants on the forum show any very pronounced color / rez differences?

[Martin Drew]

So Birger is going to develop a remote focus system that actually uses the AF motor? So, now we would actually require the AF version over the manual-focus version if we're going with the Birger system? Are they developing a wireless "FIZ" device, as opposed to a traditional, manual follow-focus rig?

If it happens it will be "FI", there will be no "Z" because there is no zoom motor built into these lenses.

[Martin Drew]

I would have an expectation that lenses would show some colour disparity but I wonder how significant colour matching is if you are shooting RAW. I would presume you could compensate for slight differences in RedCine, after some testing you would probably be able to apply a known amount of compensation for any particular lens. I know it isn't ideal but any use of stills lenses is a compromise.

I wonder how realistic it is to pull "in shot" zooms with a stills zoom lens. I have been assuming that stills zooms are probably more practical as variable primes in operation.

M

[Evin Grant]

Short zooms should be fine, longer "dolly" zooms will be more difficult.

[tj williams]

One big problem I noticed right away was that it is hard to get a set similar to Zeiss where all the lenses are fast below 35mm I couldn’t find a 1.4 Nikon/zeiss etc. in Nikon mount on Ebay or B&H they are all about 2.8. There are several zooms across the same range that are 2.8 all the way through the range also.
Is ther any lens test distinction at 4K between these primes and zooms. sharpness issues or other problems.\
I've owned one of these for several years and used on my Nikon with very nice results...



Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8 D F2.8 AF-S ED IF Zoom Lens is one I'm considering as replacing the 2.8 Nikon primes out to 50mm?

[Emanuel A.]

So Birger is going to develop a remote focus system that actually uses the AF motor? So, now we would actually require the AF version over the manual-focus version if we're going with the Birger system? Are they developing a wireless "FIZ" device, as opposed to a traditional, manual follow-focus rig?


I believe that the Birger follow focus would only work with AFS lenses, (lenses that have internal focus motors) not all AF lenses.Good questions. Any feedback?

[puntociego]

Has anyone tried the Zeiss for Nikon, they are clearer, but manual, any tips?
1.- 100 mm f/2.0 ZEISS
2.- 85 mmf/1.4 ZEISS
3.- 50 mm f1.4 ZEISS
4.- 35 mm f/2.8 ZEISS
5.- 28 mm f/2 ZEISS

pablo.basulto@pixelblue.cl
6.- 25 mm f/2.8 ZEISS

[chuck colburn]

And the new 18 f3.5
Hopefully it's a new design as the old 18 f4 wasn't all that swell.

[Rick Darge]

Although its not the fastest.. this setup has been working FINE for me..

Nikon 17-35 AF-S f/2.8
Nikon 50 AIS f/1.8
Nikon 80-200 AF-D f/2.8

...Covers all of my ground with excellent optical quality..

[chuck colburn]

Richard,

How are you controlling the aperture on the AF-S lens?

[Shane Kelly]

Has anyone tried the Zeiss for Nikon, they are clearer, but manual, any tips?
1.- 100 mm f/2.0 ZEISS
2.- 85 mmf/1.4 ZEISS
3.- 50 mm f1.4 ZEISS
4.- 35 mm f/2.8 ZEISS
5.- 28 mm f/2 ZEISS

pablo.basulto@pixelblue.cl
6.- 25 mm f/2.8 ZEISS

I have the 28, 35 and 50 in zeiss and they are fantastic lenses. The focus ring feels like a cinema lens and has a long focus throw. I took the hard stops out of the iris ring last week and put zacuto gears on them. I also use a nikon 85/1.4 and it matches pretty well but I'll probably sell it and go all zeiss soon. The 18mm looks sweet.
other lenses that I own are: nikon 180/2.8, hartblei swing/tilt 80m/2.8 and a nikon 17-35/2.8 - another great lens.

Shane.

[Nils J. Nesse]

I took the hard stops out of the iris ring last week and put zacuto gears on them.


I tried Zacuto Zipgears on the ZF lenses, but because of the LONG focus throw (near 360 degree), I couldn't get full turn on most of them. (Except the 35?) The locking housing on the Zipgears gets in the way.

[Shane Kelly]

I tried Zacuto Zipgears on the ZF lenses, but because of the LONG focus throw (near 360 degree), I couldn't get full turn on most of them. (Except the 35?) The locking housing on the Zipgears gets in the way.

I'm only having that problem with the 25 at 8" focus and below but I don't do much shooting that close. Possibly the 85 and 100mm are a different story. I would really love for someone to make delrin gears for the zf line that we can just purchase and install ourselves. They really are the best new prime lenses for the red if you decide to go with nikon mount.

[Nils J. Nesse]

I would really love for someone to make delrin gears for the zf line that we can just purchase and install ourselves.

You are correct.

Did I hear talk about Viewfactor clamp-on gears?

[ATF]

Hello,

I have the Zeiss ZF Makro-Planar 100mm F2 and the Zeiss ZF 50mm F1.4 on my RED via the RED Nikon mount. Fantastic lenses. Can't wait to pick up the rest!

I actually picked up a Nikon to Canon EOS adapter and now can use them on my 1DS MKIII.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/197094-REG/Novoflex_EOS_NIK_Lens_Adapter_Nikon_to.html

Very cool.

Best!

ATF

[Nicholaus James]

Would you guys say I would be sitting pretty solid with these Nikons in my kit:

17-35mm f/2.8
28-70mm f/2.8
80-200mm f/2.8

28mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.4
85mm f/1.4

It will be a while before I could step into cine glass, and just want to know from some experts if this is the best bang for my Nikon buck, i.e. good focal lengths and speeds for most narrative filmmaking situations. Thanks.

[Nils J. Nesse]

Would you guys say I would be sitting pretty solid with these Nikons in my kit:

17-35mm f/2.8
28-70mm f/2.8
80-200mm f/2.8

28mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.4
85mm f/1.4


Very solid kit, also consider the 35mm f/1.4.
I hope you are aware, the 28/1.4 goes for crazy prices.

[Brice Ansel]

The 35mm f1.4 is one of my favorite
And good luck to find the 28mm F1.4.
I would love to put my hands on that one and complete my F1.4 Nikon serie.
Brice

[Nicholaus James]

I have all the lenses that I stated.
I don't have the 35mm. Would it be wise to grab that one too?
Should I get it because its another focal length that I'll need or is it just to say I have all the f/1.4s?

I'll grab it, if I'm going to need it. Thanks!

[Nils J. Nesse]

I have all the lenses that I stated.
I don't have the 35mm. Would it be wise to grab that one too?
Should I get it because its another focal length that I'll need or is it just to say I have all the f/1.4s?

I'll grab it, if I'm going to need it. Thanks!

I find 35mm to be a very useful focal length, but this of course depends on you Personal preferences.

[Harrison Diamond]

I recently had the opportunity to shoot the Ai-S 35mm f/1.4 nikkor on my D3 in Norway and it certainly impressed me with its performance. I'd have one myself if my stills style didn't suit itself mainly to AF lenses. It's not awfully expensive and it's quite compact for that sort of lens, at least coming from having played with a 28/1.4 once and owned the Canon 35/1.4L for EF mount.

[Nicholaus James]

How are the 24mm f/2.0 and the 105mm f/1.8 manuals?

[Harrison Diamond]

I haven't used them personally, but I've worked with a few photographers who have whose opinions I respect (one of them is considered the end-all of Nikon lens reviews). The 24mm f/2 is okay, but not good enough for the latest stuff, really. The 105 f1.8 is an excellent lens, with its primary flaw being a bit of internal flare wide open. Other than that it is pretty resistant to normal flare, and is quite sharp and has low levels of chromatic aberrations until around f/11.

[Nicholaus James]

Would the 105mm f/2.0 be better than the f/1.8?