View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 7785 Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 9:41 pm Post subject: Testing my 135mm lenses, fourteen of them ! |
|
|
Lloydy wrote:
I like 135's, it's a focal length I use a lot, I like the way it can isolate a detail. Which is why I now have fourteen of them.
I set the Benbo tripod up in the shade of a tree in the Churchyard and shot three pictures with each lens, focused on the gravestone in the center. It's a quick and dirty test, the gravestone doesn't move and there are other stones in front and behind. In the distance there are trees and buildings to judge sharpness and bokeh, on the right there are two power cables that are only visible from some lenses when closed down.
Three shots, wide open - whatever that is for the lens, f8, and closed right down. Which is f22 for all the lenses except the Super Paragon - Cimko which is f16. I didn't re take any shots. ( Except when I kicked the tripod ) None have been PP at all, just resized. ISO 500, Sony A6000.
I've looked through the pictures and there is nothing that really disappoints me, but the usual suspects shine as expected - the Rokkors, Canon, Takumars, Olympus and the Pentacon. The Yashica is OK, the Jupiter way better than I expected. The big surprise is the Tokina, especially for such an old lens. The Super Paragon / Cimko was one of the first MF lenses I got, it impressed me back then and although I now have better lenses, it doesn't disappoint me. Which leaves the Soligor, Vivitar and the Helios / Cimko. Are they bad? no, not at all. There are just better lenses. _________________ LENSES & CAMERAS FOR SALE.....
I have loads of stuff that I have to get rid of, if you see me commenting about something I have got and you want one, ask me.
My Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudplugga/
My ipernity -
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013 Posts: 6009 Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 10:07 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Oldhand wrote:
Thank you Lloyd for all your time and effort here.
There are no bad ones are there, just degrees of good.
I rather like the Vivitar Komine results both wide open and at f8 - certainly gels with my experience of that lens.
I have noticed also that I have collected a few 135mm lenses myself over the years
Happy snaps
OH |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Attila
Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Posts: 57849 Location: Hungary
Expire: 2025-11-18
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 10:12 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Attila wrote:
Oldhand wrote: |
Thank you Lloyd for all your time and effort here.
There are no bad ones are there, just degrees of good.
I rather like the Vivitar Komine results both wide open and at f8 - certainly gels with my experience of that lens.
I have noticed also that I have collected a few 135mm lenses myself over the years
Happy snaps
OH |
+1 I have many 135mm lenses too, even noname primes are good enough to use for most of us.
I did found pretty crappy only Formula 5 , maker is unknown. _________________ -------------------------------
Items on sale on Ebay
Sony NEX-7 Carl Zeiss Planar 85mm f1.4, Minolta MD 35mm f1.8, Konica 135mm f2.5, Minolta MD 50mm f1.2, Minolta MD 250mm f5.6, Carl Zeiss Sonnar 180mm f2.8
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
philslizzy
Joined: 07 Aug 2012 Posts: 4748 Location: Cheshire, England
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 10:18 pm Post subject: |
|
|
philslizzy wrote:
There's not much to choose from between these lenses.
I'm trying to reduce my collection of 135's Apart from an old Nikkor f3.5 I really only need one good one for my Minoltas and Pentaxes an M42 is perfect and I have several of those: Jupiter 11, Jupiter 37A, CZJ Sonnar, and another which I can't remember plus my Rokkor 3.5 not as many as Dave but it feels like it. _________________ Hero in the 'messin-with-cameras-for-the-hell-of-it department'. Official. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
woodrim
Joined: 14 Jan 2010 Posts: 4060 Location: Charleston
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 11:50 pm Post subject: |
|
|
woodrim wrote:
Do you have any idea why some exposed better than others wide open? _________________ Regards,
Woodrim |
|
Back to top |
|
|
1kgcoffee
Joined: 16 May 2014 Posts: 52
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 11:51 pm Post subject: |
|
|
1kgcoffee wrote:
I was testing the rokkor yesterday (qd version.) There is some CA wide open but it is probably my favourite of the 135s so far with a combination of sharpness and contrast and colour. Surprisingly better than the hexanon 135. Feels good in the hands too.
[img width="1024" height="768"]http://i.imgur.com/s8plsY7.jpg[/img]
[img width="1024" height="768"]http://i.imgur.com/uvvegog.jpg[/img]
[img width="1024" height="768"]http://i.imgur.com/VCIXZ6E.jpg[/img]
[img width="1024" height="768"]http://i.imgur.com/dq3Zd5b.jpg[/img]
Last edited by 1kgcoffee on Wed Jul 30, 2014 11:58 pm; edited 3 times in total |
|
Back to top |
|
|
CBokeh
Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 147 Location: Southern California
|
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2014 11:57 pm Post subject: |
|
|
CBokeh wrote:
woodrim wrote: |
Do you have any idea why some exposed better than others wide open? |
I wondered the same thing. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 7785 Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:20 am Post subject: |
|
|
Lloydy wrote:
woodrim wrote: |
Do you have any idea why some exposed better than others wide open? |
I think that was nothing more than the sun going behind clouds, it was very windy with light cloud and constant light and shade. I tried to expose using the histogram but taking so many pictures it was easy to misjudge it. I think the exposures could have been more consistent with a bit more care on my part, but there's nothing that a bit of PP wouldn't fix in real world pictures _________________ LENSES & CAMERAS FOR SALE.....
I have loads of stuff that I have to get rid of, if you see me commenting about something I have got and you want one, ask me.
My Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudplugga/
My ipernity -
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
pdccameras
Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 826 Location: Putnam, CT
Expire: 2014-08-11
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 12:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
pdccameras wrote:
Great test, LLoyd!. I have always been partial to the SMC Takumars, but in this test - I think the Jupiter 11 is my favorite. I certainly think it has the best wide-open performance. The Tak may have an edge in the color department - but that is easy to adjust in post.
Best, and many thanks!
Paul _________________ Canon 5D Mii, Canon 40D, Canon 350D IR, Sony A7 Mii, Sony Alpha-6000, a ton of lenses: AF & MF and too many cameras to count, all formats: 110 - 4x5. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
CBokeh
Joined: 15 Oct 2009 Posts: 147 Location: Southern California
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 4:41 am Post subject: |
|
|
CBokeh wrote:
Lloydy wrote: |
woodrim wrote: |
Do you have any idea why some exposed better than others wide open? |
I think that was nothing more than the sun going behind clouds, it was very windy with light cloud and constant light and shade. I tried to expose using the histogram but taking so many pictures it was easy to misjudge it. I think the exposures could have been more consistent with a bit more care on my part, but there's nothing that a bit of PP wouldn't fix in real world pictures |
Ah! That makes sense. My clue should have been ISO 500! You did a nice job, even with the shifting light. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
TrueLoveOne
Joined: 30 Sep 2012 Posts: 1840 Location: Netherlands
Expire: 2013-12-24
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 6:33 am Post subject: |
|
|
TrueLoveOne wrote:
Great job! No real losers nor winners here, like said before! I think all lens enthusiasts have collected loads of 135s, i have never counted mine..... _________________ My Flickr photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chantalrene/
Sony A7, Canon 5D mkII, Minolta 7D + RD3000 and some more.....
Minolta and Konica collector.... slowly selling all the other stuff! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
memetph
Joined: 01 Dec 2013 Posts: 942 Location: Poland
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 5:53 pm Post subject: |
|
|
memetph wrote:
CBokeh wrote: |
woodrim wrote: |
Do you have any idea why some exposed better than others wide open? |
I wondered the same thing. |
Some of my mflenses tend to underexposure as you stop them down. The camera sees more light than there is . I guess this is due to internal reflections between the sensor and the back of the diaphragm iris. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
carliniphoto
Joined: 27 May 2013 Posts: 52 Location: Bremen, Germany
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 10:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
carliniphoto wrote:
Nice collection.. No Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135?? _________________ Lenses for sale: http://www.ebay.com/sch/nbabec3/m.html
Website- http://ginocarlini.com
Digital Cameras -
Sigma Sd Quattro
Fuji Xpro1
Fuji Xpro2
Film Cameras -
Bronica GS-1 6x7
Manual Lenses - Bronica PG 50mm f/4, Bronica 65mm f/4, Bronica PG 150mm f/4,
Zeiss Jena Flektogon 25mm f/4, Zeiss Jena Flektogon 35mm f/2.8,
Zeiss Jena Flektogon 50mm f/4, Zeiss Jena Pancolor 50mm f/2,
Zeiss Jena Sonnar 135mm f/4, Zeiss Jena Sonnar 180mm f/2.8,
Schneider-Kreuznach Tele-Xenar 135mm f/3.5,
Meyer Optik Telemegor 250mm f/5.5, |
|
Back to top |
|
|
invisible
Joined: 06 Jun 2013 Posts: 343
|
Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2014 11:56 pm Post subject: |
|
|
invisible wrote:
All of them look basically equally sharp from here, which comes as a bit of a surprise. Also interesting – at least to me – is how well most of them perform at f/22. The bokeh is where each one of them shows their character. I'm drawn towards the two presets, the non-preset Takumar and the Vivitar.
Thank you very much for taking the time to do this and sharing. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
vroger
Joined: 23 Jul 2014 Posts: 623 Location: MN
Expire: 2016-10-21
|
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 3:59 pm Post subject: |
|
|
vroger wrote:
For us nobs. Do you mind updating the thread to have each Len's full information? so we can go look up information on each. etc.
In some cases there are more than one model / build also.
Thanks _________________ Roger Lund
Canon EOS-M, Fuji X-E2, Helois 44-0 Vintage, Helois 44-4, Canon FD 50mm 1.8, Jupiter 8 50mm F2, Jupiter 3 50mm F1.5, Canon Serenar 50mm 1.9, Canon 50mm 1.8 LTM, Canon Serenar 85mm F2, Leica 50mm f2 summar, E.Ludwig 50mm F2.9, Rekagon will.wetzlar 50mm 2.8,, a.schacht ulm travenar 135mm F3.5, CZJ 29mm 2.8 Hoya 28mm 2.8, CZ Tessar 50mm 2.8, MIR 37mm. 2.8, Porst Color Reflex MC 50mm 1.7, Vivitar 28mm 2.8 mc cf
http://photography.rogerlund.net
For sale: Canon EOS-M and MF Adapters. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 7785 Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
|
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2014 8:05 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Lloydy wrote:
vroger wrote: |
For us nobs. Do you mind updating the thread to have each Len's full information? so we can go look up information on each. etc.
In some cases there are more than one model / build also.
Thanks |
I shall edit the original post to include as much information on each lens , it'll be the best information I have and other people might well have more details. I'll also take a picture of each lens and add those as well.
It won't be tonight, but watch this space. _________________ LENSES & CAMERAS FOR SALE.....
I have loads of stuff that I have to get rid of, if you see me commenting about something I have got and you want one, ask me.
My Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudplugga/
My ipernity -
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
vroger
Joined: 23 Jul 2014 Posts: 623 Location: MN
Expire: 2016-10-21
|
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 2:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
vroger wrote:
Lloydy wrote: |
vroger wrote: |
For us nobs. Do you mind updating the thread to have each Len's full information? so we can go look up information on each. etc.
In some cases there are more than one model / build also.
Thanks |
I shall edit the original post to include as much information on each lens , it'll be the best information I have and other people might well have more details. I'll also take a picture of each lens and add those as well.
It won't be tonight, but watch this space. |
Thank you ! _________________ Roger Lund
Canon EOS-M, Fuji X-E2, Helois 44-0 Vintage, Helois 44-4, Canon FD 50mm 1.8, Jupiter 8 50mm F2, Jupiter 3 50mm F1.5, Canon Serenar 50mm 1.9, Canon 50mm 1.8 LTM, Canon Serenar 85mm F2, Leica 50mm f2 summar, E.Ludwig 50mm F2.9, Rekagon will.wetzlar 50mm 2.8,, a.schacht ulm travenar 135mm F3.5, CZJ 29mm 2.8 Hoya 28mm 2.8, CZ Tessar 50mm 2.8, MIR 37mm. 2.8, Porst Color Reflex MC 50mm 1.7, Vivitar 28mm 2.8 mc cf
http://photography.rogerlund.net
For sale: Canon EOS-M and MF Adapters. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
texsport
Joined: 12 Feb 2013 Posts: 53
|
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 12:15 pm Post subject: |
|
|
texsport wrote:
Very enlightening exercise - thank you!
For isolating detail, I'd suggest my favorite 135mm - Nikon 135/2 DC.
Texsport |
|
Back to top |
|
|
killwilly
Joined: 16 May 2011 Posts: 111 Location: United Kingdom
|
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 12:22 pm Post subject: |
|
|
killwilly wrote:
Great test and it was nice to see the Helios 135 on the list, this is one of my favourite lenses.
This is not a great subject, but does show what the Helios can do.
_________________ Alan. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lloydy
Joined: 02 Sep 2009 Posts: 7785 Location: Ironbridge. UK.
Expire: 2022-01-01
|
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 1:32 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Lloydy wrote:
texsport wrote: |
Very enlightening exercise - thank you!
For isolating detail, I'd suggest my favorite 135mm - Nikon 135/2 DC.
Texsport |
I have no Nikon at all, I have nothing against Nikon, but I need yet another mount system like a hole in the head ! _________________ LENSES & CAMERAS FOR SALE.....
I have loads of stuff that I have to get rid of, if you see me commenting about something I have got and you want one, ask me.
My Flickr https://www.flickr.com/photos/mudplugga/
My ipernity -
http://www.ipernity.com/home/294337 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Langstrum
Joined: 16 Feb 2014 Posts: 351
|
Posted: Sat Aug 02, 2014 2:27 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Langstrum wrote:
pdccameras wrote: |
Great test, LLoyd!. I have always been partial to the SMC Takumars, but in this test - I think the Jupiter 11 is my favorite. I certainly think it has the best wide-open performance. The Tak may have an edge in the color department - but that is easy to adjust in post.
Best, and many thanks!
Paul |
+1
They're mainly different in the quality of wide open shots, otherwise it's not much different by stopping down. I looked through all the tests first and stopped by the one that impressed me the most, in term of sharpness and bokeh, that's Jupiter
I found mixed reviews on the Helios 135 but from here I can tell it's not bad at all. _________________
Camera: Sony A7 mark III, A6300
AF Lenses:
Canon EF 50/1.8; EF 200/2.8 L, EF 200/1.8 L, EF 300/4 L Sony E mount SEL 50/1.8 OSS, SEL 16/2.8 Fuji X mount XF 35/1.4 R
MF Lenses: Peleng MC 8/3.5, 17/2.8 Samyang 14/T3.1, 35/T1.5, TS 24/3.5 ED, 85/T1.5, Polar 85/1.4 Auto Revuenon 28/2.8; MC 50/1.4 Vega11U 50/2.8 Carl Zeiss Tessar 50/2.8 (exakta mount) Auto Chinon 50/1.9 Zenitar ME1 50/1.7 Sears Auto Sears 55/1.4; Sears 135/2.8 Auto Yashinon DX 50/1.4; Tomioka 50/1.2 SMC Pentax 50/1.7; 50/1.4 Canon FD 50/1.4 S.S.C; 55/1.2 S.S.C; FD 50/1.2 L; FD 85/1.2 L; 85/1.2 S.S.C Aspherical; FD 80-200/4 L 300/2.8 S.S.C Fluorite FD 300/2.8 L FD 200/1.8 LCosina-S 50/1.2 Helios Helios 44 Chrome f/22, 44-2, 44-3, 44M-4, 44M-7 (58/2), Helios-40 85/1.5 Jupiter Jupiter-9 85/2; Jupiter-37A 135/3.5; Jupiter-21M 200/4 Nikon Ai 105/2.5 Tairs-3S 300/4.5
Voigtlander 15/4.5 Aspherical; Ultron 35/1.7
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Igor
Joined: 13 Jan 2014 Posts: 520 Location: United States and Ukraine, Europe
|
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 10:46 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Igor wrote:
great comparison, thanks much for sharing ! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
kenetik
Joined: 02 Mar 2014 Posts: 524
|
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2014 11:42 pm Post subject: |
|
|
kenetik wrote:
Great test Lloydy. I too have many 135s. They all do pretty well, it's like 50s, there aren't many bad ones. In your test I was drawn to the Jupiter as well.
Some nice ones I've tried that you don't have included: Zeiss Contax Sonnar 135/2.8, Konica Hexanon 135 3.2 and Vivitar 135 2.3. I picked up one of the 35mm Mamiya 135s recently for a few bucks and the samples I have seen look really nice. The only adapter out there for Nex/A7 is 40 bucks though, so I will probably just sell the lens. _________________ ________________________________________________________
I buy lots of lenses and sometimes I even use them... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
OPAL
Joined: 11 Dec 2012 Posts: 354
|
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:14 am Post subject: |
|
|
OPAL wrote:
Most of the 135er are copied SONNAR type lenses. The optical qualities are subject of the mechanical and assembling care! Otherwise, the 135mm telephoto lenses are more or less, all not bad! |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|