Lenses for Video? DSLR

[Geltax]

Hi Guys,

Im a student doing cinematography, and am investing on a 5D Mk2 because of its full frame awesomeness (also cheaper now that mkIII is out). my main purpose with the camera will be for narrative film, but there are a lot of great primes out there that canon has to offer. Are there any good reasonably priced canon lenses to recommend for filming?

I heard the 50 1.4 was a good choice but read that it was too soft wide open, also, since video requires manual focusing, is it a good idea to get the old manual FD lenses (50 1.4 FD) since they're so cheap and have full manual aperture etc and get an adaptor? Anyhow, video is of a lower resolution than pictures so i presume the sharpness of an old manual lens compared to modern glass won't be that much of a factor. Plus as a starter lens for video, is 50mm too tight or would a 35 suit better? am on a budget of $900 for a decent prime to keep with me, usually I rent lenses if the video requires of it, any suggestions?

Oh, and if manual lenses turn out to be a good idea, any recommendations for that as well? Thanks!

 

[eleveninth]

old nikkor non ai lenses.

 

[Geltax]

thanks! but is there any compromise of using old lenses? If they're as good for video then it would seem to make more sense to spend on a variety of old glass primes and get an adaptor, rather than invest in an ef 50 1.4 which in itself is way much more expensive... then again, all the reviews come from photographers who scrutinize sharpness, and therefore buy L series. is it as important for video?

 

[eleveninth]

[video=vimeo;38098309]https://vimeo.com/38098309[/video]

 

[senman]

Hi, The nikon 35mm 1.4 ais is by everyday goto lens. its a beautiful sharp lens.

 

[SCULDER]

did u guys really use 1.4 for the video? Isn't it hard to pull the focus? :what:

 

[Rashkae]

did u guys really use 1.4 for the video? Isn't it hard to pull the focus? :what:

I use autofocus.

 

[rain5533]

I used with the D7000 and 35mm DX f1.8G for auto focus and play with external stereo mic.

So far so good

 

[SCULDER]

I use autofocus.

how u change the focus of 2 objects in 1 scene without moving the cam?
is it possible with Sony?