Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S D in actual operation

[Nick Junkersfeld]

I'm looking for some opinions on this lens from folks who've used it for any length of time. I've researched the lens plenty and they're are obviously tons of impressions on the optics out there, but I'd love to hear what cinematographers think of it in use, particularly in doc-style shooting situations in regards to the focus throw and zoom-smoothness. Does it have extremely short focus throw, even with a follow focus attached? Is the zoom ring nice and weighty for smooth, organic focal-length adjustments? Thanks in advance!

 

[Peter Lyons Collister ASC]

Nick, This is the older version of the current 24-70mm 2.8. I have had this lens for man many years and use it all the time on both my Weapon and my Nikon D3. It has not been totally mapped by Red since most people have the newer lens but the Red Nikon mount does a great job on the aperture and the focus works for me.

The quality and mechanics of the lens is very good since it was designed along with the 17-35mm and the original 80-200mm (which has been replaced by the 70-200mm)
I don't zoom within a shot since it doesn't hold focus (parafocal)

Just my 2 cents

 

[David Battistella]

I own this lens. It is a great all rounder. I have it geared but like all stills lenses the focus throw is not that long because they are optimized for quick autofocus on stills cameras. Things will be a bit better with a follow focus.

It is not parfocal so when you switch focal lengths you will need to readjust focus.

The professional nikon lenses are just that, professional, heavy, good build quality and solid. The glass is clean, reproduces color faithfully and the flare is nice because they use good coatings.

David

 

[Brandon Shafto]

Focus throw is short, but easy to deal once you get used to it. Also, as David mentions it's pro.
It's a tank of a lens but with the Nikkor pro series you get moderate weather sealing, excellent glass coating, great color and so forth. I especially like how this lens handles flare and highlights, organic and sharp. Just really a lovely lens to use.

 

[Bob Gundu]

The original Tokina Angenieux 28-70 is a nice lens too. I shot this with it while in India a couple years ago. Since I don't like using a FF when in run and gun mode, a shorter focus throw is OK.

https://vimeo.com/167981218

 

[Nick Junkersfeld]

The original Tokina Angenieux 28-70 is a nice lens too. I shot this with it while in India a couple years ago. Since I don't like using a FF when in run and gun mode, a shorter focus throw is OK.

https://vimeo.com/167981218

Thanks everyone for responding with their insight!

Nice work Bob, I actually own a clean example of that lens as well. I'm quite fond of it in certain situations, but I find it's simply too soft wide open. It's a shame because the build quality and functionality of it are probably my favorite of any normal-length stills zoom I've used. It's obviously a pretty old design so it's to be expected I guess. Everything I've seen of the 28-70 Nikon on S35 indicates it's very usable wide open by comparison. Cheers