AFOTD: Detroit, Drone, and Tilt-Shift

This is interesting to me on a number of levels.

fstoppers.com/architecture/tilt-shift-ti...t-look-amazing-82398

Man, I still remember the first tilt-shift video I saw yeas ago called "The sand box" or "The sand pit" Shot in New York. I was instantly hooked!

Speaking of, I asked in another thread but I think it got lost in a mound of questions. The Girlfriend and I'd like to get a tilt-shift lens, But I can't see investing $1,900-$2,200 in one Nikkor lens for a "Semi-pro photographers" gear bag. I'm sure the lenses them selves are worth every penny. I'm just pretty sure WE wouldn't get $2,000 worth of use, work or enjoyment out of them. Not yet anyway.

So I've been looking around and found a lens made by a company called Rokinon or Samyang. Apparently they're made by the same company, same specs etc, Just sold under two different names. Now these lenses retail for around $600 I believe, and the worst I've heard so far is the adjustment knobs are kind of tiny and hard to work with. That said I can easily turn out some new ones in the machine shop or 3D printer if that's all that's needed.

Now don't get me wrong, I do not expect the quality, functionality or longevity of a Nikkor lens. But it seems as an intro to tilt-shift photography this lens may well win in the "bang for buck" category. Also if I get it and we take good care of it, and decide we want to move up, Hopefully I can sell it and recoup a decent portion of my investment towards one of the Nikkor units.

So, Anybody have any experience with the Rokinon/Samyang unit? Opinions, warnings etc?

TIA!
VAN

Looks like a fun project with a drone, good first to watch video

Since 

 wants to hijack my thread....
Yes, Rokinon and Samyang have the same manufacturer. No, you probably won't be able to recoup much of your original outlay.

I'd suggest renting a tilt-shift and make serious use of it to see if it's something you will really use. Send it back, start a list of project, rent again. And see what you really think.

or buy the Rokinon and don't look back.

I never consider resale value when buying a tool. It's an expense, not an investment.

Sorry, Didn't mean to jack your thread. Jut though it semi on topic since we were talking tilt-shift. The rental idea could be the way to go though. Thanks for the idea!

I wonder if anybody rents the Samyang/Rokinon units. Could be nice to do a side by side to see if the Nikkor is worth the extra $.

The lenses used weren't tilt shift lenses. The tilt shift effect had to be added by software considering what the footage was shot with. Neat find Hook.

VanHalen5150 wrote: Sorry, Didn't mean to jack your thread. Jut though it semi on topic since we were talking tilt-shift. The rental idea could be the way to go though. Thanks for the idea!

No worries; just teasing you.

Yes, you can rent. Just go to lensrentals.com or borrowlenses.com:

www.lensrentals.com/rent/nikon/lenses/specialty