Lenses for video with T2i

overlord20 · Jun 8, 2012

Hey everyone.

I received a Canon T2i because I really want to get into video. Currently I am using the kit lens as I was a novice. Now I am looking at some better wide angle lenses. I was thinking the Tokina 11-16/2.8. I plan to shoot photos at like conventions (Penny Arcade Expo) while shooting action sports for another website I run. I have shot a few videos and taken a ton of pictures in all type of videography and photography.

So I was thinking Wide Angle that is good in low light and around $600. I was also thinking of picking up the "Nifty Fifty" as I found one at a local shop for around ~$90.

Opinions on what I should get? I tend to shoot outdoors like snowboarding and mountain biking videos a little more as conventions don't roll around every weekend for gaming.

Thanks for any help.

James Cafferty · Jun 9, 2012

Check out caterpillar's Post on the new Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM lens.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1031&thread=41738612

... The motor is said to be designed for quick & steady autofocus for video. That fast AF is due to the hybrid cmos sensor of the 650d . You have to have that sensor to get this fast AF in video or liveview with the 40mm STM lens.

For those who buy the new T4i for both stills & video performance - the lens looks very promising.
The STM is priced at $199 at bhphoto (pre-order). End of June shipping????

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Canon+40mm+f%2F2.8+STM&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma

--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.

overlord20 · Jun 9, 2012

Don't really see how that helps since I have a T2i (550D) and don't plan on upgrading since I got my camera only about 6 months ago.

Y0GI · Jun 9, 2012

overlord20 said:
Hey everyone.

I received a Canon T2i because I really want to get into video. Currently I am using the kit lens as I was a novice. Now I am looking at some better wide angle lenses. I was thinking the Tokina 11-16/2.8. I plan to shoot photos at like conventions (Penny Arcade Expo) while shooting action sports for another website I run. I have shot a few videos and taken a ton of pictures in all type of videography and photography.

So I was thinking Wide Angle that is good in low light and around $600. I was also thinking of picking up the "Nifty Fifty" as I found one at a local shop for around ~$90.

Opinions on what I should get? I tend to shoot outdoors like snowboarding and mountain biking videos a little more as conventions don't roll around every weekend for gaming.

Thanks for any help.

The Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 has a good reputation but a rather limited range. Here is a review which compares all of the UWAs: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Sigma-8-16mm-f-4.5-5.6-DC-HSM-Lens-Review.aspx

And here is another opinion. See "Roger's Take" at the bottom: http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon/lenses/wide-angle/canon-ef-s-10-22mm-f3.5-4.5
--
Yogi

When you get down to the nuts and bolts of photography, the results depend on the 'nut' behind the camera!

See the 'Gear List' in my 'Profile' for my current equipment.

Check out WilbaW's beginner FAQs at - http://snipurl.com/RebelFAQ

DVT80111 · Jun 9, 2012

This camera don't focus in video, so it is best to buy any old zoom (or prime) such Nikkor, Takumar, Zeiss C/Y, Pentax SMC for video. These manual lens give you more control than any AF lens. Lens mount adapter is pretty cheap on eBay.

My favorite video lens is a Nikkor 35/F2.

You can download Magic Lantern freeware to give you other video features such as Audio volume control, Focus Peaking, HDR video, etc.

Note: the video quality of T2i is not HD. So any brand name lens is good enough for video. Don't need to spend too much.

overlord20 · Jun 9, 2012

What do you mean the video is not HD? 1920x1080 resolution is HD. The quality is comparable and better next to many "FULL HD" cameras. So I don't see what you mean there.

art1sta · Jun 9, 2012

Try these they are pretty much essential for movies and quite cheap.

Magic lantern (optional but nice to have)

A cheap LCD viewfinder something like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viewfinder-V-FINDER-Canon-markII-Cameras/dp/B004W4DS5E/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1339275036&sr=8-17 im not recommending it because I dont own this one.

An canon 50mm 1.8

The kit zoom lens or a slightly better one if possible

An couple of extra batteries or a cheap canon battery grip (plenty around)

A sturdy tripod and one that has good steady rotation.

Final cut pro if your Mac and if your PC adobe premier/after effects

A couple of color correction filter and some effects (most of the nice looks are edited with quality software)

Good sites for effects: Motion VFX, Crumplepop, digital heaven, FCPeffects, Red Giant, Coremelt, etc then keep on watching vimeo

Go out and test everything just keep on filming until you get it right

And If your into movies I would not buy expensive canon lens untill this new hybrid thing plays out.

DVT80111 · Jun 9, 2012

yes it is 1080p but the video quality does not look as near as what you see in TV show. The edges are still somewhat jagged.

James Cafferty · Jun 9, 2012

overlord20 said:
Don't really see how that helps since I have a T2i (550D) and don't plan on upgrading since I got my camera only about 6 months ago.

Sorry! I left out the sentence suggesting the Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens. About a week ago someone had posted a message (on dpreview) saying that it worked well on their T2i.)

I mentioned the new 40mm lens so you would NOT be mis-lead into thinking that buying it would be a quick & easy solution for you .
--
All the best,
Jim

Photographers take pictures; the camera is only a tool.

overlord20 · Jun 9, 2012

That depends on how good you are at filming and post processing. I have seen many shorts shot on a t2i that look better then professional cameras.

overlord20 · Jun 9, 2012

art1sta said:
Try these they are pretty much essential for movies and quite cheap.

Magic lantern (optional but nice to have)

A cheap LCD viewfinder something like this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Viewfinder-V-FINDER-Canon-markII-Cameras/dp/B004W4DS5E/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1339275036&sr=8-17 im not recommending it because I dont own this one.

An canon 50mm 1.8

The kit zoom lens or a slightly better one if possible

An couple of extra batteries or a cheap canon battery grip (plenty around)

A sturdy tripod and one that has good steady rotation.

Final cut pro if your Mac and if your PC adobe premier/after effects

A couple of color correction filter and some effects (most of the nice looks are edited with quality software)

Good sites for effects: Motion VFX, Crumplepop, digital heaven, FCPeffects, Red Giant, Coremelt, etc then keep on watching vimeo

Go out and test everything just keep on filming until you get it right

And If your into movies I would not buy expensive canon lens untill this new hybrid thing plays out.

I do have a cheap LCDVF that has made shooting so much easier and I plan to get the 50mm 1.8 within the next few weeks. I use Premiere/After Effects. I am not really into making "movie" type videos. Mainly snowboarding, mountain biking, and then interviews. But I did want to start a short series so I went ahead and got the video copilot action essentials. I do need to get a decent pan tripod, and I have magic lantern. I have the Rhode mic as well as a zoom recorder my friend gave me.

I do take a lot of photos to and was just curious on the lenses. I think I might rent a couple for a few days and shoot video/photos and then buy whatever I like best.

art1sta · Jun 10, 2012

Your well setup then! I though you were starting off, sorry!

Even if you dont want or dont like the film look other people will be expecting film look from you so you will end up using Filters and effects.

overlord20 · Jun 10, 2012

art1sta said:
Your well setup then! I though you were starting off, sorry!

Even if you dont want or dont like the film look other people will be expecting film look from you so you will end up using Filters and effects.

Hey its all good. I bought all the stuff I was sure I would use right off. I have been editing videos for about 2 years (mainly machinima type stuff). Started getting into filming and went ahead and got some of the cheaper stuff I knew I would need. Looking at lenses is a much pricier harder purchase to live with if it isn't right. Just not sure if my 18-55 is going cut it when it comes to PAX and conventions this year. I guess that is why we have borrowlenses right?

Thanks for all the input guys, much appreciated.

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Lenses for video with T2i

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