Low light footage FS100 & Nikon lens

[Derran Rootring]

Was testing out the Nikon 18-200mm lens on the Sony FS100 at the fun fair (carinival) kermis in Alkmaar at night. I'm very impressed with the footage that this camera can produce in low light.

You can see it here if you like: Sony NEX-FS100 Low Light - Fun Fair / Kermis Alkmaar - YouTube

[Cees van Kempen]

Derran, it's not only the camera that performed impressive. I liked the footage as well.

What adapter did you use for the Nikon lens?

[Derran Rootring]

Thanks Cees!
I'm using the Novoflex adapter. Works great, good solid mount.

[Cees van Kempen]

Derran, I read somewhere that with this adapter you can have problems with focussing at infinity, eventhough the specs say you can. Did you notice this shortcoming?

[Doug Jensen]

I also have the Novoflex adapter and it works flawlessly. I highly recommend it if you want to use Nikon lenses.

[Gabe Strong]

Does this adapter allow you to control the iris through the camera body?
Or do you just have to make sure you buy a Nikkon lens with a manual iris ring?

[Derran Rootring]

You can't control the iris of the Nikon lens through the camera. However, on the Novoflex you will find a blue ring that can control the iris of the Nikon lens. It's almost like using an ENG style lens. Everything is manual. So you won't have VR either. The only thing I noticed, is that it takes more effort to turn the blue ring then I expected. But it's still fantastic to use, really solid. I also highly recommend it.

[Gabe Strong]

Darren,

Thanks a bunch! That sounds just fine to me, I just want a way to
control the iris manually....and I don't want to do silly workarounds
like 'setting your iris to what you want it on a still cam, take the
lens off, and mount it on your FS100'. No thank you!

So will any Nikkon lens allow you to control iris with this blue ring
on the Novoflex? Sorry, I just don't know still lenses very well, and
don't know if Nikkon has lenses that wouldn't work with the Novoflex.

By the way, nice stuff with your FS 100! I've watched a bunch of
your videos on the FS 100 Vimeo channel! Good work!

[Cees van Kempen]

Gabe,

I don't know about the very, very old nikkor's, but in general all nikon lenses should work. I use Nikons on my EX3 with an adapter and use new G lenses (without manual aparture ring) as well as some very old primes I have. Some are over 20 or 30 years old, but still do a perfect job. Must be the same with the FS100 and the Novoflex adapter.

[Doug Jensen]

Cees is correct, the Novoflex has a built-in ring that will allow you to control the iris with any Nikon lens that I am aware of. However, if you have a Nikon lens that DOES have an iris ring of it's own, then you have the option of using that ring instead of the Novoflex if you prefer.

[Gabe Strong]

Thanks you guys! That is awesome news to me. By the way, once
the checks come in from my last bunch of client work, I'm going
to order your FS 100 DVD Doug, it looks good!

[Derran Rootring]

Thanks Gabe.
For the video above I used the Nikon 18-200mm VR DX (G) lens. Are you planning on buying some Nikon glass for the camera in the near future? Perhaps you can find some older Nikon prime lenses for it. Since there is no electronic connection between the lens and the camera anyway, you don't necessarily need a new Nikon lens. Might save you some money!

[Gabe Strong]

Darren,

I want to buy a couple lenses, I have been looking around at various
options. I kind of wanted to see what the new Sony A to E adapter
(LA-E2) offered. I had heard all kinds of rumors about it offering
'additional video type' functions to Sony A mount lenses. I see
it gives you autofocus, but not sure about anything else.
But Nikon has some good lenses, and if I can control iris
with the Novoflex, I might just go that way.
I'd like a couple fast zooms and at least one superfast prime.
But I just wanted to make sure I could actually control the iris,
cause those workarounds with Canon glass won't work for my clients
and my style of shooting.

Is that Nikon 18-200 better than the Sony kit lens? Any other Nikon
lenses you use and/or recommend?

[Cees van Kempen]

My set would be (and is):
Tokina 11-16/2.8
Nikkor 17-55/2.8
Nikkor 80-200/2.8

For long tele I use:
Nikkor 300/4.0
Nikkor 400/3.5
TC 14B converter

And finally for macro:
Sigma 105/2.8 macro

I think the first three lenses make a perfect all round combination for the FS100

[Derran Rootring]

I understand your point about avoiding the workarounds. The Sony LA-E2 is a very nice option as well. Sony (with Minolta) has a nice range of lenses to choose from. My decision to go for the Nikon adapter was because I already own lenses for my Nikon DSLR. I also have a Tokina 12 - 24mm which is great to put on the FS100. But I think it would be a wise decision to also look at the LA-E2. It's nice having a few auto lens functions ready to be used when necessary.

I did a quick comparison test with the Nikon 18-200 and the Sony 18-200 and I couldn't spot any big differences in image quality (will make a short comparison video soon). I like the sharpness of the Nikon lens and it has true stops and markings for focus. But otherwise they are remarkable similar. When completely zoomed in the Nikon is a bit 'faster' then the Sony. But the Sony has the ability for auto focus and iris. So both have their pro's and con's when used on the FS100. For run 'n gun I will have the Sony lens and for everything else the Nikon and Tokina. The Sony 16mm pancake lens with wide converter will still be used on the Steadicam.

Thanks for your list of lenses Cees. Will definitely have a look at them!