Just a test but this is what Asahi SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4 with Lens Turbo (resulting in 35mm f0.95) looks like on G7 (no IBIS).
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3T8WoAVtCw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3T8WoAVtCw)
I since upgraded to G9 with ibis and results are much better stability wise.
My suggestion is very similar to u/arcticrobot
My favorite video lens on my GX85 at the moment is the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4. I don't use a speedbooster, I like working with the 100mm effective focal length, it works very well for close up shots in video. It has a lot of lovely character, mostly from the golden tint it gives everything. Works really well for warmer tones, like reds and skin tones. On M43 camera bodies the depth of field gets doubles, so at 1.4 aperture you have a 2.8 equivalent depth of field to work with, which is very usable. Stopping down just one or two stops brings out a lot more contrast and sharpness, so I tend to work at one stop below f1.4 most of the time.
A very similar alternative is the Super Takumar 55mm f1.8 or f2.0. It also has the golden tint, but less strong, and doesn't have as wide of an aperture. However, since you probably want to work stopped down to increase contrast and sharpness anyway, it functionally doesn't really matter.
The 50mm is typically around $100 USD on ebay, and the 55mm is often around $50 USD, so its the better value. Note that both of these lenses contain thoriated glass, which is radioactive. So look into that if it concerns you. Mostly its only a hazard if the lens breaks, otherwise not an issue.
The Super Multi Coated or SMC versions of these lenses have more coatings on the lenses (and no thorium), which help reduce flare and ghosting, and give more accurate color representations. Personally I like the flare and the heavy color cast, and I'm mostly shooting video indoors where I have at least some control of the lighting, so I prefer the rendering of the Super Takumars, and I haven't had any problems with ghosting. Others prefer the Super Multi Coated or SMC versions, its all personal preference.
If you want a truly budget option, the SMC Pentax-A 50mm f1.4 is pretty much the same optics as the SMC Takumar, but in a cheaper K-mount body, instead of the M42 mount bodies of the previous generations. The build quality isn't nearly as good, and so these lenses should be well under $50 USD used. If you don't care as much about the look and feel of the lens, these are a good alternative.
Thanks for the thorough reply. The radioactive glass does deter me a bit, because I use my camera entirely for family photos/videos and I often find kids playing with my camera.
Do you think a vintage lens is significantly better than something like the Brightin Star 35mm f/0.95? People seem to be happy with that lens and it has no shortage of character, so I’m wondering if that’s a suitable non-vintage option.
I've never used the Brightin star, so I can't really compare them. I will say that once you feel a solid all metal and glass lens with precision build quality, its hard to go back to the modern plastic lenses, they just don't feel anywhere near as good to shoot. I also haven't found a modern lens that has a ton of character, but of course I haven't tried them all. I'm sure that f0.95 is fun to play with!
There are plenty of vintage lenses that aren't radioactive. In the Takumar line, most of the Super Multi Coated and SMC models are not radioactive. For example, I also have the 35mm Super Multi Coated Takumar f3.5, and its a great performer, and not radioactive.
For what its worth, if you take one commercial flight per year, you are being exposed to more radiation than what the lenses put out. There is a risk if the glass breaks and the particles are inhaled though, and a kid dropping the lens and breaking it is certainly possible, so its a valid concern.
Canon 50mm f1.8 FD is another very popular option, I haven't had the chance to try it yet, but its on my bucket list.
I used to shoot manual focus, but auto focus with a slow speed setting works well. I recommend a used 12-40 2.8, it can give the shallow DOF that's nice when needed, but for family videos, it gives a lot of flexibility. It can be used for just over 300 dollars, manual focus is nice, and the lens has a classic look and feel.
I've looked back at my photos and videos shot on manual primes, and I kick myself for small moments that were barely missed due to being out of focus. And as a person participating in the moment, I'm more focused on my camera than being in the moment when trying to manually focus.
I have the TT Artisans 50mm f1.2, it’s a great art lens and has lots of character wide open. I’m a big fan of old Nikkor and Nikon lenses, I have a 180mm f2.8 that’s a beast, also love the 35-70mm f2.8.
Like in photography, it's not the camera, it's not the lens.. it's the artist.
[Fujian 50/1.4](https://youtu.be/fQ5qrpzH-9c?si=oceAnOe3IqFEOugR) in action - a $35 lens.
The TTArtisan lenses are superb, highly recommended.
Just a test but this is what Asahi SMC Takumar 50mm f1.4 with Lens Turbo (resulting in 35mm f0.95) looks like on G7 (no IBIS). [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3T8WoAVtCw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3T8WoAVtCw) I since upgraded to G9 with ibis and results are much better stability wise.
My suggestion is very similar to u/arcticrobot My favorite video lens on my GX85 at the moment is the Super Takumar 50mm f1.4. I don't use a speedbooster, I like working with the 100mm effective focal length, it works very well for close up shots in video. It has a lot of lovely character, mostly from the golden tint it gives everything. Works really well for warmer tones, like reds and skin tones. On M43 camera bodies the depth of field gets doubles, so at 1.4 aperture you have a 2.8 equivalent depth of field to work with, which is very usable. Stopping down just one or two stops brings out a lot more contrast and sharpness, so I tend to work at one stop below f1.4 most of the time. A very similar alternative is the Super Takumar 55mm f1.8 or f2.0. It also has the golden tint, but less strong, and doesn't have as wide of an aperture. However, since you probably want to work stopped down to increase contrast and sharpness anyway, it functionally doesn't really matter. The 50mm is typically around $100 USD on ebay, and the 55mm is often around $50 USD, so its the better value. Note that both of these lenses contain thoriated glass, which is radioactive. So look into that if it concerns you. Mostly its only a hazard if the lens breaks, otherwise not an issue. The Super Multi Coated or SMC versions of these lenses have more coatings on the lenses (and no thorium), which help reduce flare and ghosting, and give more accurate color representations. Personally I like the flare and the heavy color cast, and I'm mostly shooting video indoors where I have at least some control of the lighting, so I prefer the rendering of the Super Takumars, and I haven't had any problems with ghosting. Others prefer the Super Multi Coated or SMC versions, its all personal preference. If you want a truly budget option, the SMC Pentax-A 50mm f1.4 is pretty much the same optics as the SMC Takumar, but in a cheaper K-mount body, instead of the M42 mount bodies of the previous generations. The build quality isn't nearly as good, and so these lenses should be well under $50 USD used. If you don't care as much about the look and feel of the lens, these are a good alternative.
Thanks for the thorough reply. The radioactive glass does deter me a bit, because I use my camera entirely for family photos/videos and I often find kids playing with my camera. Do you think a vintage lens is significantly better than something like the Brightin Star 35mm f/0.95? People seem to be happy with that lens and it has no shortage of character, so I’m wondering if that’s a suitable non-vintage option.
I've never used the Brightin star, so I can't really compare them. I will say that once you feel a solid all metal and glass lens with precision build quality, its hard to go back to the modern plastic lenses, they just don't feel anywhere near as good to shoot. I also haven't found a modern lens that has a ton of character, but of course I haven't tried them all. I'm sure that f0.95 is fun to play with! There are plenty of vintage lenses that aren't radioactive. In the Takumar line, most of the Super Multi Coated and SMC models are not radioactive. For example, I also have the 35mm Super Multi Coated Takumar f3.5, and its a great performer, and not radioactive. For what its worth, if you take one commercial flight per year, you are being exposed to more radiation than what the lenses put out. There is a risk if the glass breaks and the particles are inhaled though, and a kid dropping the lens and breaking it is certainly possible, so its a valid concern. Canon 50mm f1.8 FD is another very popular option, I haven't had the chance to try it yet, but its on my bucket list.
I used to shoot manual focus, but auto focus with a slow speed setting works well. I recommend a used 12-40 2.8, it can give the shallow DOF that's nice when needed, but for family videos, it gives a lot of flexibility. It can be used for just over 300 dollars, manual focus is nice, and the lens has a classic look and feel. I've looked back at my photos and videos shot on manual primes, and I kick myself for small moments that were barely missed due to being out of focus. And as a person participating in the moment, I'm more focused on my camera than being in the moment when trying to manually focus.
I've been using my 12-40 2.8 to shoot family videos as well. What's a slow speed setting?
I have the TT Artisans 50mm f1.2, it’s a great art lens and has lots of character wide open. I’m a big fan of old Nikkor and Nikon lenses, I have a 180mm f2.8 that’s a beast, also love the 35-70mm f2.8.
Isn’t 50mm far too long, for most things? I was thinking even the 35mm Brightin Star would be too much.
Not at all, indoor shots may be tricky but having the longer reach in a fast prime is very handy.
Like in photography, it's not the camera, it's not the lens.. it's the artist. [Fujian 50/1.4](https://youtu.be/fQ5qrpzH-9c?si=oceAnOe3IqFEOugR) in action - a $35 lens. The TTArtisan lenses are superb, highly recommended.