Nikkor AF 28-105 f3.5-4.5

• Manual aperture ring: Yes
• Direct-coupled focus ring: No
• Proper focus ring rotation: Nikon direction only
• Non-rotating outer barrel: No
• Non-extending outer barrel: No
• Constant field of view: ??
• Constant f-stop aperture: No
• Rotational zoom ring: Yes

Just got this lens last night for a longer range without the oustanding price. Paid $150 and put a NIKON to EOS adapter so I can switch between my 7D and GH2 with adapter. I kept it at 4.5 and still give me enough shallow dof. There is a Macro mode between 50-105mm range, I was able to get detailed focus within 6-7" distance. This will be a good daytime lens with a vari-ND.

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4

• Manual aperture ring: ?
• Direct-coupled focus ring: ?
• Proper focus ring rotation: ?
• Non-rotating outer barrel: ?
• Non-extending outer barrel: ?
• Constant field of view: ?

Can someone help me with this one, been looking around but can't find an answer.

@arson519 I've used the Sigma 20mm, 24mm, and 28mm in Nikon mount, and the Sigma 30mm in Four Thirds mount. The first three lenses are not available in the Four Thirds mount, but they come with a manual aperture ring on the Nikon mount, which is what I recommend. The Nikon version of the Sigma 30mm lacks a manual aperture ring, but it is available in an auto-focus Four Thirds version.

@kronstadt Purpose of this topic was to discuss video-friendly lenses. In other words attributes that make lenses a great choice for video, and not for stills. @LPowell has stated some fairly key criteria for video-friendly lenses, things like non-rotating/extending barrel on focus, direct couples focus, aperture ring, constant aperture, etc....

Sigma 8-16 couldn't be any further away from being 'video-friendly' if you tried. However, it'll work, of course...it's just not friendly.

@arson519 - Pretty sure you picked up the Micro 4/3 19mm & 30mm rather than 4/3.

Could you please help me? I like the old mechanical lenses, the metallic bodies and the smooth focus ring. I would like a zoom lens for handheld use with a follow focus. I like very much my minolta 35-70mm, but the body extends at different mm. So no use for FF. I also like my Vivitar Series 1 28-105mm, but it is an one touch focus and zoom, so not ideal. I have the Lumix 14-45mm but the focus ring is a disaster. I have some Canon FD primes, but I can't change lenses all the time in the middle of an event. I have also tried the Olympus 12-60mm f/2.8-4, it seems the ideal lens for the job, but too expensive (it belongs to my brother). So my question, is there a lens with usuable length, constant aperture, for use with follow focus, old and used enough so to be cheap (don't care about autofocus)? I usually cover social events like, weddings & narrative stuff.

Konica Hexanon AR 35-100mm f2.8

Manual aperture ring: Yes

Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes

Proper focus ring rotation: Yes

Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes

Non-extending outer barrel: Yes

Constant field of view: ?

(also) Parafocal: No

I have the Konica AR 40mm f1.8 which I love, so I am wondering about this zoom. Does anyone have one? The only unknown (often not paid heed to with these photo lenses) is if it breathes when focusing or not. It is not parafocal, but I would just use a zoom as a "multi-prime" anyway. Thinking it might play nice with my Kowa anamorphic as it is an old lens with simpler optics (none of that aspherical mumbo-jumbo or nano-coating wizardry).

I have a question about Sigma 30mm f/1.4 D EX DC HSM:

I know this lens works great with Kipon EOS to m4/3 adapter, but if the lens is with Nikon mount, then how to get manual focus and manual aperture with GH2?

Anyone using Sigma 30mm f1.4 for Nikon with GH2?

@dreinz: I’m surprised nobody ever answered that here (unless I overlooked it) and I hope I’m not too late if you wanted to make a buying decision:

Canon FD 50mm f/1.4

• Manual aperture ring: Yes
• Direct-coupled focus ring: Yes
• Proper focus ring rotation: No
• Non-rotating outer barrel: Yes
• Non-extending outer barrel: No
• Constant field of view: Yes

Thought I would see a bit more said here on the Canon FD 35-105mm f3.5 constant aperture.

I can think of another zoom suitable for the M43 at a longer length even quite similar to this?

I'll be using it for videoing conferences so need something a bit long that is flexible (where I cannot dictate where the tripod will go), so trying to avoid having 3 primes instead. Don't think it has to go as high as 105mm.

A bit concerned about how f3.5 will be indoors in conference hall but hoping it will be sufficient.

May use for casual photography too.

Any views on this lens and on alternatives?

@Qadri I use this lens a lot with both my GH2 and my BMPCC, especially with my Speed Booster. With some careful calibration, the 35-105 is parforcal (it takes about 30 minutes to an hour to calibrate it properly if it's not set right). With the regular speed booster it has the light transmission qualities of an f2.5 lens and an FOV range of 24mm equivalent to 75mm equivalent. Pretty awesome for interviews.

@JuMo also interested in reading how to calibrate the FD 35-105mm for parfocal please.