I'm trying to build a decent set of old manual lenses for video and also still photography purposes. I'll be using it on my Canon t3i/600D, but keeping them for future cameras I may rent/buy.
We all know the benefits of old manual lenses for video. Older lenses, particulalry the ones mad for manual focusing, have great and smooth focus throws because they were made for manual focusing, often times is smooth and a nice long throw as opposed to new autofocus lenses that have shorter focus throws and tiny rings that are hard to turn (Canon EF 50mm II f1.
I did a search and didn't find much on good budget manual lenses for DSLR shooting (or other camera systems with interchangeable lenses). I am hoping we can all pool our knowledge together and hopefully share recommendations.
Some interesting ones that I've found, correct me if I'm wrong about any of them. I'm sure there are plenty of other brands that can be adapted Canon DSLR's too!
50mm lenses: 'cause everyone needs a decent 50mm!
Pentax Asahi Takamur 50mm lenses. I think there are 4 different versions of the f1.4 version, all get great reviews. However, the f1.7 gets good reviews too and is slightly cheaper.
Pros:
Cheap ($50 - $100)
Fast (f1.4)
Sharp/Great performance (google for reviews)
Cons:
Focus ring goes the opposite way (pretty much a dealbreaker for me)
Radioactive Thorium Coating (probably not a concern, studies indicate no issues. Depends on how paranoid you are)
Nikon/Nikkor 50mm lenses.
Three different versions, from oldest to newest Non AI (AKA Pre AI), AI and AIS
Pros:
Cheap (depends on the version/speed 1.2 can get a bit pricey)
Fast (f1.2 - f2)
Cons:
Focus the wrong way
Can be hard to find sometimes
Carl Zeiss T Planar 50mm.
The f1.7 is around $200 and gets great reviews
The f1.4 is around $350 - $500
Pros:
Focus the right way
Zeiss reputation/resale value
Cons:
None that I can think of really.
35mm lenses 35mm focal length:
Pentax Asahi 35mm f2. think there are 2 versions of the f2 variety.
Pros:
Cheap
Fast
Cons:
Focus ring goes the opposite way
Radioactive Thorium Coating (probably not a concern, studies indicate no issues. Depends on how paranoid you are)
Thats pretty much what I've found from my limited research. I'd love to hear some other recommendations too. All focal lengths and zooms welcome, I'd actually love to get a cheap but good telephoto manual zoom to adapt to my t3i/600D preferably in the 50/70mm - 200/300mm range, if anyone knows of any?
Remember: Cheap, fast, good quality, bang for your buck!
We all know the benefits of old manual lenses for video. Older lenses, particulalry the ones mad for manual focusing, have great and smooth focus throws because they were made for manual focusing, often times is smooth and a nice long throw as opposed to new autofocus lenses that have shorter focus throws and tiny rings that are hard to turn (Canon EF 50mm II f1.
I did a search and didn't find much on good budget manual lenses for DSLR shooting (or other camera systems with interchangeable lenses). I am hoping we can all pool our knowledge together and hopefully share recommendations.
Some interesting ones that I've found, correct me if I'm wrong about any of them. I'm sure there are plenty of other brands that can be adapted Canon DSLR's too!
50mm lenses: 'cause everyone needs a decent 50mm!
Pentax Asahi Takamur 50mm lenses. I think there are 4 different versions of the f1.4 version, all get great reviews. However, the f1.7 gets good reviews too and is slightly cheaper.
Pros:
Cheap ($50 - $100)
Fast (f1.4)
Sharp/Great performance (google for reviews)
Cons:
Focus ring goes the opposite way (pretty much a dealbreaker for me)
Radioactive Thorium Coating (probably not a concern, studies indicate no issues. Depends on how paranoid you are)
Nikon/Nikkor 50mm lenses.
Three different versions, from oldest to newest Non AI (AKA Pre AI), AI and AIS
Pros:
Cheap (depends on the version/speed 1.2 can get a bit pricey)
Fast (f1.2 - f2)
Cons:
Focus the wrong way
Can be hard to find sometimes
Carl Zeiss T Planar 50mm.
The f1.7 is around $200 and gets great reviews
The f1.4 is around $350 - $500
Pros:
Focus the right way
Zeiss reputation/resale value
Cons:
None that I can think of really.
35mm lenses 35mm focal length:
Pentax Asahi 35mm f2. think there are 2 versions of the f2 variety.
Pros:
Cheap
Fast
Cons:
Focus ring goes the opposite way
Radioactive Thorium Coating (probably not a concern, studies indicate no issues. Depends on how paranoid you are)
Thats pretty much what I've found from my limited research. I'd love to hear some other recommendations too. All focal lengths and zooms welcome, I'd actually love to get a cheap but good telephoto manual zoom to adapt to my t3i/600D preferably in the 50/70mm - 200/300mm range, if anyone knows of any?
Remember: Cheap, fast, good quality, bang for your buck!
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