Old Nikkor ZOOM AIS lenses for video?

[JacePhoto]

Hi all,

I am curious about the usefulness of Nikkor old AIS ZOOM lenses for use for video. I saw a couple of creative use of it (especially for interviewing) but couldnt find any other videos/ reviews of it.

I wonder if anyone has any info/ experience to share?

Thanks!

 

[Bamboopictures]

For video, it is important to use constant aperture zooms if you want to actually zoom within a shot. But the aren't many constant AI manual zooms from Nikkor. The more common ones are the 35-70 f2.8 AF (focusing ring too loose in manual mode)and the manual focus 35-70f3.5. (haven't tried) I recommend the Canon FD 35-105 f3.5 instead. (It even has macro!) Back focus is perfect and tack sharp.My only complaint is the barrel rotates when focusing, so can't use a matte box. If you are using NEX or M4/3 body, you can pair it with a speedbooster (metabones) or lens turbo mitakon to get a one stop boost and (almost)eliminate the crop factor. If you want something much faster, wait for the next Sigma constant f1.8. I don't think their current f1.8 wide zoom is very useful.

 

[JacePhoto]

Thanks. I was thinking of trying the 35-105 mm F3.5-4.5.

Any inputs on that?

 

[Bamboopictures]

I've not used that lens before. But I would imagine that the exposure will change as you execute the zoom. With a Nikon 24-120 3.5-5.6 on my VG20, the camera in auto exposure will compensate for fstop increase with a gain boost but still noticeable. No problems after I switch to the Canon FD. Got it for $280 only.

 

[JacePhoto]

Thanks for the feedback and recommendation. Let me do some research. I am on Nikon so...

Looking for something small and compact as usual

 

[JacePhoto]

I got the old 35-105 mm ais F3.5-4.5. Unlike what was feared, when zooming in and out between 35-105, the aperture didn't dim the images. It's quite sharp and good.