Looking for lens recommendation: fast 50mm with close focus

WT21 · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Posts: 17

I have a Pentax 50mm 1.4 Super Tak. Nice and cheap. Good way to start. I also tried a 28mm and 200mm Super Tak. Sold the last two, and found the 50mm to be the FL I like best.

I take a lot of flower shots and I what I ignorantly call "quasi macro"

I almost never shoot 1:1, but often 1:2 to 1:4. In that range.

So, what I'm looking for is something around 50mm, that stops open pretty far, is sharp(ish) when open, but that also has a reasonably close focus.

I looked at the Nokton 50mm 1.5, but it's more a portrait lens. I don't want to do macro, because most of them start at 2.8, which for DOF purposes I find limiting. My Super Tak is a nice lens, but not the sharpest, and really very hazy at 1.4.

I'm just trying to short-cut the research process. Does anyone know of close-focusing lenses in the 50mm range, that are reasonable wide open at something less than 2.0? I'd prefer an m43 mount, but will try others.

bogolisk · Expire: 2011-11-18

Sorry that I can't help you! but at f/2.0 at 1:2 magnification, you'd have a very very thin DOF.

I'd suggest you buy something cheap at around f2.8 or f3.5 with 1:2 magnification and see if you really need wider aperture at such a close distance.

CarbonR · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 5:59 pm Post subject:

You wont find a manual macro lens faster than f/2.8 I think (at reasonnable prices, if it exists). You may buy the Tamron 60/2 (AF lens for APS-C cams), or get a CZ Pancolar 50/1.8, it allows to focus at 0,33m and remains quite fast Wink

WT21 · Joined: 25 Jan 2010 Posts: 17

Thanks! I check out the CZ Pancolar 50/1.8!