Nikon J1 lenses

<p>I bought my wife a used J1 a few months ago. It came with the original 10-30 and works great. I just saw a newer version of the lens on a J4 at Target and noticed a big difference in design. The one I have can use filters but it looks like the newer version can't. I saw at Nikons website that it has power zoom which they state is for smoother zooming for video. I was just curious if it was also better optically or just cost more due to the power zoom. I have not done much with video, so I don't think I would upgrade for power zoom. Do video shooters not use filters for work as much as still shooters do? I was wondering about that due to the one lens not having the filter ring. thanks for any responses.</p>

<p>I haven't seen any objective test reviews of the 10-30 PD zoom. It appears to have been intended for folks who will only do casual video using the built in microphones, but would prefer smoother zooming without handling noise. Nikon probably assumes users who are serious about video will buy the 10-100 PD zoom, and some Nikon 1 system packages include the 10-100 PD zoom.</p>

<p>The original style manual zoom 10-30 VR works pretty well for casual video. When I want better control I put the camera on a tripod.</p>

<p>There are plenty of third party accessories for shooting video with mirrorless models and dSLRs. There are simple friction fit and rubber doodads with extension arms to make follow focus and smooth zooms easier. Some video accessories mount on brackets that fit into the tripod socket. Cokin used to make adapters for P&S film cameras - the brackets attached to the bottom of the camera via the tripod socket, so Cokin's sheet filters could be used.</p>

<p>I'm a DIYer so if I had the 10-30 PD zoom I'd stick some adhesive velcro to the front of the lens barrel - the redesigned lens leaves plenty of space on the front. With those adhesive velcro fasteners you can rig up lightweight plastic Cokin filter brackets, filters and hoods. I use similar tricks for a homebrewed windscreen on the built-in mics on my V1 - adhesive velcro, and bits of cotton fluff or other wind shield materials that don't muffle the audio.</p>

<p>AFAIK, the optical formula didnt change,</p>

<p>You aren't going to gain anything optically by jumping from kit lens to kit lens. I'd recommend if you're itching for a new lens, then to get something that would complement your current glass kit.</p>