Nikon V Olympus interview lens at DVinfo.net

Chris Duczynski · February 25th, 2013, 12:50 AM

Any preferences for Nikon portrait lens V Olympus portrait lens for shooting interviews??
Which do you like ??
I'm using a DX 18-70 F3.5/4.5 Nikkor on one body and a Olympus 45 mm F1.8 on the other and differences are subtle. Just wish the Nikkor was faster.

Guy Smith · February 25th, 2013, 03:22 PM

I use an old pre-Ai Nikkor 105mm f2.5 I thought that 105mm would have been too long given the GH2's crop factor, but it's worked very well for single person interviews. I chose the older lens over the newer version because the older yellow/brown coating rendered a warmer image on the GH2, whereas the newer coatings yielded a slight purple/green cast. I've also used the lens on our Nikon D7000 (the lens flange was modified to work with newer bodies) and the images look very nice. Cost was $95 at a retail store specializing in used equipment.

Kevin McRoberts · February 25th, 2013, 04:30 PM

Can't say which is better for everything... because everything has uses for some things in the right situation.

I wouldn't even go so far as to say it should always be a portrait lens.... I have a mess of lenses and nearly all of them have been used on an interview at least once... even my 7-14 zoom.

Chris Duczynski · February 25th, 2013, 07:10 PM

I like the range around 45mm because I feel it's the closest to a non distorted pespective - so I call that a portrait lens. The nikon has a certain "softness" about it rather than the hard edged Olyympus, but thats purely a subjective view. For interviews it looks very cinematic and balanced.
I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on other Nikon/Nikkor V Olympus lenses of similar focal length

Jeff Harper · February 27th, 2013, 10:33 AM

Chris, I think generally speaking that the Olympus/Panasonic lenses are sharper than many other lenses. This sharpness can be either good or not so good. Lenses are unique and do have their own characteristics.

In my personal experience, I have found the Olympus 12-60mm lens to be a touch softer and lovelier than the primes, depending on the lighting and subject matter.

Based on your line of questioning, I somehow suspect you would like the 12-60, I still miss that lens after selling it.

I shot an outdoor sequence of a bride and groom with the 12-60mm, and when I show it to prospective clients they are always knocked out by the images, as I am.

It would make for an amazing interview lens, provided lighting was sufficient. And besides, you really can't beat a zoom for simplifying life.

I agree, your Nikor would be much too slow for me. I sold the 12-60mm because I found it too slow for much indoor video work.

February 25th, 2013, 12:50 AM	#1
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	Nikon V Olympus interview lens Any preferences for Nikon portrait lens V Olympus portrait lens for shooting interviews?? Which do you like ?? I'm using a DX 18-70 F3.5/4.5 Nikkor on one body and a Olympus 45 mm F1.8 on the other and differences are subtle. Just wish the Nikkor was faster.

February 25th, 2013, 03:22 PM	#2
Guy Smith Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 48	Re: Nikon V Olympus interview lens I use an old pre-Ai Nikkor 105mm f2.5 I thought that 105mm would have been too long given the GH2's crop factor, but it's worked very well for single person interviews. I chose the older lens over the newer version because the older yellow/brown coating rendered a warmer image on the GH2, whereas the newer coatings yielded a slight purple/green cast. I've also used the lens on our Nikon D7000 (the lens flange was modified to work with newer bodies) and the images look very nice. Cost was $95 at a retail store specializing in used equipment.

February 25th, 2013, 04:30 PM	#3
Kevin McRoberts Major Player Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Charlottesville, VA Posts: 700	Re: Nikon V Olympus interview lens Can't say which is better for everything... because everything has uses for some things in the right situation. I wouldn't even go so far as to say it should always be a portrait lens.... I have a mess of lenses and nearly all of them have been used on an interview at least once... even my 7-14 zoom. __________________ Freelance pudgy bearded lighting camera operator www.mcbob.tv

February 25th, 2013, 07:10 PM	#4
Chris Duczynski Major Player Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: sydney Posts: 304	Re: Nikon V Olympus interview lens I like the range around 45mm because I feel it's the closest to a non distorted pespective - so I call that a portrait lens. The nikon has a certain "softness" about it rather than the hard edged Olyympus, but thats purely a subjective view. For interviews it looks very cinematic and balanced. I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts on other Nikon/Nikkor V Olympus lenses of similar focal length

February 27th, 2013, 10:33 AM	#5
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Nikon V Olympus interview lens Chris, I think generally speaking that the Olympus/Panasonic lenses are sharper than many other lenses. This sharpness can be either good or not so good. Lenses are unique and do have their own characteristics. In my personal experience, I have found the Olympus 12-60mm lens to be a touch softer and lovelier than the primes, depending on the lighting and subject matter. Based on your line of questioning, I somehow suspect you would like the 12-60, I still miss that lens after selling it. I shot an outdoor sequence of a bride and groom with the 12-60mm, and when I show it to prospective clients they are always knocked out by the images, as I am. It would make for an amazing interview lens, provided lighting was sufficient. And besides, you really can't beat a zoom for simplifying life. I agree, your Nikor would be much too slow for me. I sold the 12-60mm because I found it too slow for much indoor video work. Last edited by Jeff Harper; February 27th, 2013 at 11:30 AM.