Episode 013: Primes Lenses For DSLR Video

March 1, 2011

in Canon,Lenses,Nikon,Photography,Podcast Episodes

What are the best prime lenses for shooting DSLR video? In this episode I share what I have found works well for me.

In a future episode I will share some footage showing the difference between these lenses.

Canon 50mm F1.4

B&H | Amazon | Rent this lens

Sigma 30mm F1.4

B&H | Amazon | Rent this lens

Used Nikkor Lenses

Find used Nikkor prime lenses at Keh.com or Ebay.

Find out which Nikkor Lenses will work with Nikon DSLRs: http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/slr-lens.html
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QuickTime File: DSLR Video Shooter Episode #013.

Related content:

  1. Episode 009: Nikon to Canon Lens Adaptor
  2. Episode 43: Nikkor Lens Guide – Adapting Nikon to Canon and Other Camera Mounts
  3. Episode 019: Investing in Future Proof Lenses.
  4. Affordable FD Lenses For HDSLR Use
  5. Episode 018: Get a Grip On Your HDSLR

Tagged as: Adapter, Canon, Lenses, Nikkor, Sigma

  • http://twitter.com/KevinValbonesi Kevin Valbonesi

    I am a huge fan of Nikon manual glass. The cool colors and reasonable sharpness are so worth the price. I wish Nikon would at least match Canon in the video department.

  • Ryan P

    Awesome Vid, I just picked up the Sigma 30mm. I’ve got the Tokina 11-16 and the 50mm 1.8, so this will be a perfect in between lens

  • SALisRad

    Do the Nikkor lenses work well when taking stills on a Canon too? Or only recommended for shooting vids?

  • Levi Vanderkwaak

    the reason they arent practical is because if they are a really fast lense, like 1.8 1.4 its difficult to achieve perfect focus that is critical in photography. so results in frustration rather than good images, some people are verry talented at shooting photography with manual lenses i would advise against it.

  • http://twitter.com/placdarms placdarms

    I don’t prefer Nikon lens because their focus ring works in opposite way so it’s really hard to switch yourself from using canon and other brand lenses to Nikon which works opposite way. Instead i went the m42 mount road which are also good quality, cheep and focus ring works in correct way.

    One more i really recommend is Rokinon 85mm 1.4 really high quality, manual lens, goes for 270$ you don’t get autofocus, but since in video mode that don’t work anyway it’s like getting L series quality without useless functions (autofocus) and for great price.

  • Wkvanwyk

    This was a fantastic waste of 10 min in my life! … please don’t fail to mention next time that the sigma 30mm only starts to sharpen after f2 and up, which render it useless at f1.4 …

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    On the contrary. I find it quick sharp. There are better ways out there to waste 10 minutes ;)

  • Ray

    I was thinking of buy this lens for video for my 60D (Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM Wide Angle) Do you think it is a good buy.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    I am sure it would work well with the camera. Do you have any other lenses? If not I would suggest taking a look at the 28mm F2.8 USM. It would give you a little more DOF options (longer lens) and wouldn’t be as wide, making it a more flexible lens.

  • Ray

    I Have the 50 mm 1.4 and the lens that came with the camera 17-85. I would like to have a lens that is good for indoor usage under low light that I can capture more of the image than the 50mm and spend less time focusing when moving.

  • Mattfarkash

    can anyone tell me their take on AI vs. AI-S Nikon Nikkor Lenses?? Pros and cons? I would greatly appreciate it.

    Awesome video btw Caleb! Thanks!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    For shooting with Canon DSLRs there isn’t that much difference. One thing I have learned is that some older Non-AI lenses as better than newer ones. This depends on each lens of course.

    If you’re in a fix money wise, Non-AI lenses are great. Good quality and cheap. If you have the means I would suggest trying to get AI lenses (work better with modern Nikon DSLRs supposedly).

    Also be sure to see if the lenses you are thinking about getting are reviewed here:
    http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/nikkor.htm
    I always check, Ken is the man!

  • Mattfarkash

    Thanks!

  • TJenkinson

    Sorry, what was the focal length of the manual nikkors, i couldn’t really understand it. My fault not yours!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    35mm and a 50mm. I guess I got carried away with crop factors :)

  • Chenson

    Will the adapter for the nikon to canon work with a t3i?

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yes.

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    Yes.

  • Caleb MacDonald

    Hi Caleb,

    Great site. Just a question regarding Non AI/AI/AIS – you mention something regarding metering in your video as a difference. Do you have any more details on that? I’m assuming the AI/AIS has metering options – does this have any impact when using an adapter with a Canon?

    Thanks!

  • http://dslrvideoshooter.com calebpike

    You know what, I would have to get back to you on that. From what I can recall (not at the studio at the moment) The AI, AIS worked. But certain lenses didn’t play nice in stills mode. But all of mine worked fine in video live view. Really strange I know. I see if I can get back to you with a more solid answer.