Vintage lens recommendation for shooting video.

[DJM1981]

Hi everyone.

So im looking for a vintage lens that I can use to record my dj sets in my bedroom. I have a d5100. I know that the d5100 lacks compared to canon in the video department, so id like to use something that I can manually adjust on the lens rather than the camera. Do any of have any recommendations. In an ideal world I dont need anything with a massive zoom or anything preferable id like some kind of a wide angle. Also do nikon make a 52mm wide angle converter just for curiosity. Might save me some money in the long run. But I think I could achieve better results with a vintage lens. I suspect that the glass back in the day is far superior to whats available in today's lenses. But then again I could be totally wrong in thinking that I suppose old and newer have both advantages and disadvantages.

 

[Clovishound]

Do you have any lenses currently?

As to the vintage lenses being better than today's, IMO, they are better in only one category. That is durability. Current lenses are in general, sharper and have less optical issues than vintage. The 18-55 kit lens that commonly comes with the crop frame Nikon DSLRs is actually a pretty good performer despite the amount of plastic used in it's construction. They are also dirt cheap used, if you don't already have one.

If you need something wider than 18mm, there are several options in newer lenses that won't break the bank.

 

[BF Hammer]

Exactly what are you thinking you need to control on the lens? I believe just focus and zoom is going to be available. If you buy a full manual lens, then you will be forced into using manual mode and dialing the aperture on lens. Shutter still has to be controlled by the shutter wheel.

You can try a manual focus 14mm f/2.8 prime lens. That will get you a small amount wider than a typical 18mm wide-end zoom. They are made by several 3rd party manufacturers (Chinese) and get used often for nighttime milky way photos. The full-frame equivalent focal length would be 21mm compared to 27mm of the usual 18mm DX lens. Or look for a vintage version, but what some call "character" I often call "optical flaws

Look for something like this, but maybe a used one. The prices sure have gone up the past 3 years.
Rokinon 14mm f/2.8 lens
(verified at KEH: $152 for same item used, and can be returned for refund if not working for you)