Nikon 35 - 70 mm AIS

[Rob Castiglione]

Anyone using this lens for documentary work? Any experiences?

It seems like a good mid range lens but at the long end will enable me to get some close up portrait shots.

Any negatives?

Thanks

 

[Patrick Jennings]

every review of it says it's super soft compared to modern zooms like the 24-70 that replaced it.

 

[Rob Castiglione]

Hi,

Thanks for that.

However, that is a G series lens with no aperture ring so is not usable by me.

Is there anyone out there who has actually used it who can comment?

Many thanks

 

[jaadgy akanni]

I just got the Nikkor 24-70mm, but I haven't used it on a "real" video camera, only on my D90. It's just an amazingly sharp and beautiful lens. Now, if you're planning to use it on the RED, Doug Underdahl already has a Nikon mount that solves the absence of Iris ring problem. Read about it here:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=17820&highlight=nikon+mount

 

[Patrick Jennings]

the current model 24-70 doesn't have an aperture ring but the slightly older 28-70 does!! you'd have to get it second hand though. i think they used a rehoused one on the bourne ultimatum as well as a 17-35.

 

[jaadgy akanni]

the current model 24-70 doesn't have an aperture ring but the slightly older 28-70 does!! you'd have to get it second hand though. i think they used a rehoused one on the bourne ultimatum as well as a 17-35.

Yeah, the 28-70mm f/2.8 is an excellent performer (not the f/3.5-5.6 or f/3.5-5.6). A used one in excellent condition can be had for $1000-1300.

 

[Tico Llaurador]

I used a 35-70mm f/3.5 Nikon a while back and- if I recall correctly- the lens front rotates as you adjust focus. Perhaps Evin can shed some light over this. He's Mr. Nikon.

 

[Rob Castiglione]

Hi Tico,

Thanks for that. That might be a problem. It would be good to know this before I spent more cash on a half baked solution.

The difficulty I have with the new AF lenses, despite their great resolution and other evident advantages is the very short throw that they have for manual focusing. I have the 17 - 35 mm for example and it has just got a hopelessly short throw. How are people handling this? The older nikons seem to have more distance to travel - that is the kind of solution I am looking for.

PS And with great respect to Doug's great work and accessories, there is just no way I am going to be trying to control aperture on a G lens via that little knob thingy!