Nikon glass on Canon 5d MII video

[Frreddi]

Hi Folks,

I'm wondering if anyone out there has had experience using Nikon lenses on the Canon 5D MII to shoot video? I believe there are adaptors out there but wondering what limitations they might have in this circumstance?

I've heard the autofocus capabilities of the lens is inhibited?? Not sure if this is correct?

Anyone?

Any other experiences with this configuration? And any recommendations on what type / brand of adaptors?

I'm using a Nikon D3 at the moment and waiting for ever for the damn D4 to come out (and wondering what kind of video specs it might have and how it will compare to the till now superior Canon video capabilities).

If I can shoot with my Nikon lenses, then maybe I might consider getting a Canon body to shoot video?

[gstark]

I'm wondering if anyone out there has had experience using Nikon lenses on the Canon 5D MII to shoot video? I believe there are adaptors out there but wondering what limitations they might have in this circumstance?

Lots of limitations, but in terms of practical shooting of video, not too many of them are significant.

There will be no auto-anything, for starters: the electronics systems are not compatible, but for video, should that be an issue?

Focus manually, set exposure manually, what else is there to do but shoot?

Given that these adaptors are basically just a mechanical spacer that lets the lens fit the body while setting the correct focal distance to the image plane, just grab one from eBay and don't worry too much about it.

I'm using a Nikon D3 at the moment and waiting for ever for the damn D4 to come out

Don't.

It's not been announced. If you want video capabilities in a Nikon body, just grab a D7000. Great body, inexpensive, and it should tide you over until when and if the next series of bodies will be announced. That might be next week, or it might not be for another 12 months. Does it matter? I really don't think so.

[Murray Foote]

According to Thom Hogan, there is likely to be a D700 replacement and a D4 announced on August 24th, with the D4 not actually available until next year.

Unless you don't need it until next year, what Gary says makes sense.

[Frreddi]

Yes I've read these rumours too - if correct, I may end up going with the new D700, depending on the video specs, keep my D3 body as well and think about a D4 a couple more years down the track... the D7000 doesn't quite hit the mark for me, despite it's good wrap.

[aim54x]

There is certainly merit to using Nikon glass...and a lot of other glass in fact..on a 5D Mk II for video. You will have to use an adaptor and will have to manual focus. But the MF comes with pretty much any DSLR video regardless of the lens.

[surenj]

There is certainly merit to using Nikon glass

Hi Cameron, can you expand on this? What does Nikon glass offer that Canon glass wouldn't on a Canon5D video?

[aim54x]

There is certainly merit to using Nikon glass

Hi Cameron, can you expand on this? What does Nikon glass offer that Canon glass wouldn't on a Canon5D video?

Manual focus rings that have feel (refering to AI/AIS and pre AI lenses) and a physical aperture ring (some people prefer this) AND Novoflex makes an adaptor that gives you a step-less aperture which video guys love. There are also lenses that have different bohkeh effects that may be desirable.

Nothing wrong with Canon glass, but EF glass does not handle as well for manual focus, and the lack of aperture control whilst shooting (where that Novoflex adaptor comes in) means you lose another creative control that you could otherwise have use if you were so inclined.

[surenj]

Thanks Cameron. That's useful info.

[aim54x]

Thanks Cameron. That's useful info.

Just my 2c.....

[gstark]

Thanks Cameron. That's useful info.

Just my 2c.....

Is that before or after the credit downgrading?

[aim54x]

Thanks Cameron. That's useful info.

Just my 2c.....

Is that before or after the credit downgrading?

Good question....*runs off to talk to financial advisor*

[Frreddi]

There is certainly merit to using Nikon glass

Hi Cameron, can you expand on this? What does Nikon glass offer that Canon glass wouldn't on a Canon5D video?

Manual focus rings that have feel (refering to AI/AIS and pre AI lenses) and a physical aperture ring (some people prefer this) AND Novoflex makes an adaptor that gives you a step-less aperture which video guys love. There are also lenses that have different bohkeh effects that may be desirable.

Nothing wrong with Canon glass, but EF glass does not handle as well for manual focus, and the lack of aperture control whilst shooting (where that Novoflex adaptor comes in) means you lose another creative control that you could otherwise have use if you were so inclined.

Thanks Cameron - so do you mean that newer Nikon glass (or older Nikon lenses with the Novoflex adaptor) is able to open up or close down 'smoothly' and without 'stepping' during shooting video whilst Canon lenses can't?

And in what way does Canon glass not "handle as well for manual focus" compared to Nikon?

Sorry to sound nieve, but interested in the comparisons. All my Nikon lenses are relatively new - AF-s - what opinion do you have on how they would perform on a Canon 5DMII?

[ATJ]

... the D7000 doesn't quite hit the mark for me, despite it's good wrap.

In what respect? What features or functions is it missing?

[Frreddi]

... the D7000 doesn't quite hit the mark for me, despite it's good wrap.

In what respect? What features or functions is it missing?

Well, my understanding is that the D7000 is DX format, whereas I prefer to use the FX format so I can use along side my D3. I know people with two cameras often use different formats, but my personal preference would be to use the same format so when I put on a 50mm, I know it will be 50mm (old school, I know).

Otherwise, I can wait a little longer, so I'm interested to see what might come of the D800 in the next month or two, particularly with any upgraded video components, which is really what I'm after.

Otherwise, the D7000 has got a good wrap - I haven't used one personally but would be interested in how it would compare with the Canon5D MkII - and how any D800 would compare as well - if it ever comes out If the D4 comes out sooner, I'd take a look at that too, but I'm not counting my chickens just quite yet...

[aim54x]

Thanks Cameron - so do you mean that newer Nikon glass (or older Nikon lenses with the Novoflex adaptor) is able to open up or close down 'smoothly' and without 'stepping' during shooting video whilst Canon lenses can't?

And in what way does Canon glass not "handle as well for manual focus" compared to Nikon?

Sorry to sound nieve, but interested in the comparisons. All my Nikon lenses are relatively new - AF-s - what opinion do you have on how they would perform on a Canon 5DMII?

The Nikon lenses (new and old) have a tab that allows you to manipulate the aperture (have a look!), the Novoflex adaptor has a tab that engages this aperture control tab, giving you stepless control of your aperture (ie there are no clicks).

As for your lenses, I find that AI/AIS lenses have the nicest MF feel, with a nice smooth motion and just enough drag to reassure you that your focus is precise. I find that AF lenses (even pro grade) tend not to have the same manual focus feel, with the macro's being the best choices.