| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
 Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 1:50 am Post subject: Three 135/2.8's Tamron, Vivitar Rokinon - Which to keep? |
 |
|
Oldhand wrote:
I know - another one of these threads. Stop reading now or die the death of a thousand aperture blades! 
Over the years I have accumulated lenses from garage sales, markets and benefactors.
I have ended up with three 135/2.8's and I am going to keep only one.
So - yep, here it comes - I did a little practical image taking and thought it would be an easy matter to pick one.
You know how it is difficult to make a bad 135mm lens - well ..........
These are all close. Here are the lenses and my modest tests. I'll post in two parts to break up the images.
The lenses:
Tamron 136/2.8 Adaptall 2 BBAR MC
Vivitar - Komine - 135/2.8
Rokinon 135/2.8 MC
All lenses made in Japan.
All about the same size - Rokinon is the longest, Vivitar the shortest, Tamron the prettiest.
Minimum focusing distance is about the same, but Vivitar can get a smidge closer.
Now the money shots - @f2.8:
Tamron:
Vivitar:
Rokinon:
Crops@2.8
Tamron
Vivitar
Rokinon:
Apologies for cropping different parts of the image, but had to find the portion that was sharpest - wasn't always in the same place.
Next post will have sample shots at other apertures
OH
Last edited by Oldhand on Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:32 pm; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 1:58 am Post subject: Part 2 - those other apertures |
|
|
Oldhand wrote:
Ok here we go
@ f4
Tamron:
@ f4
Vivitar:
@ f4
Rokinon:
and finally @f8
Tamron:
and finally @f8
Vivitar:
and finally @f8
Rokinon:
That will do. I don't -in practice - use other apertures higher than this very much.
So, what to keep?
I have a notion which one but would be interested in any comments you would like to make.
Cheers
OH |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bernhardas
Joined: 01 Jan 2013
Posts: 1432
Expire: 2017-05-23
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 2:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
bernhardas wrote:
Edited
Last edited by bernhardas on Mon May 09, 2016 6:04 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mo
Joined: 27 Aug 2009
Posts: 8979
Location: Australia
Expire: 2016-07-30
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 8:34 am Post subject: |
|
|
mo wrote:
My intial reaction is a vote for the vivitar because of color and sharpness.
_________________
Moira, Moderator 
Fuji XE-1,Pentax K-01,Panasonic G1,Panasonic G5,Pentax MX
Ricoh Singlex TLS,KR-5,KR-5Super,XR-10
Lenses
Auto Rikenon's 55/1.4, 1.8, 2.8... 50/1.7 Takumar 2/58 Preset Takumar 2.8/105 Auto Takumar 2.2/55, 3.5/35 Super Takumar 1.8/55...Macro Takumar F4/50... CZJ Biotar ALU M42 2/58 CZJ Tessar ALU M42 2.8/50
CZJ DDR Flektogon Zebra M42 2.8/35 CZJ Pancolar M42 2/50 CZJ Pancolar Exakta 2/50
Auto Mamiya/Sekor 1.8/55 ...Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2.8/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 200/3.5 Tamron SP500/8 Tamron SP350/5.6 Tamron SP90/2.5
Primoplan 1.9/58 Primagon 4.5/35 Telemegor 5.5/150 Angenieux 3.5/28 Angenieux 3,5/135 Y 2
Canon FL 58/1.2,Canon FL85/1.8,Canon FL 100/3.5,Canon SSC 2.8/100 ,Konica AR 100/2.8, Nikkor P 105/2.5
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Layer-cake
Joined: 18 Mar 2013
Posts: 560
Location: Cape Town
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 8:49 am Post subject: |
|
|
Layer-cake wrote:
I would have to agree with the vivitar, like the colours. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bernhardas
Joined: 01 Jan 2013
Posts: 1432
Expire: 2017-05-23
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 1:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
bernhardas wrote:
Edited
Last edited by bernhardas on Mon May 09, 2016 6:02 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 9:17 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Oldhand wrote:
Thanks for the comments Moira and Bernhardas,
The only adjustments to the images were exposure tweaks where needed - no other PP.
The Vivitar has a definite yellow cast - or more kindly, it is warmer - easily removed in PP or used to advantage in portraits.
I am leaning towards the Rokinon myself, but there is so little between them that my eyes can pick up.
Excuse lack of sharpness in some cases as it was probably my eyes when focusing and nailing point of focus.......... |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Drack
Joined: 27 Feb 2011
Posts: 735
Location: Lithuania
|
| Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2014 11:36 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Drack wrote:
Vivitar for me. Why? Color and sharpness.
_________________
I have many great Russian cameras and lenses for sale on my ebay account, please check it out: http://www.ebay.com/sch/piksius/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25&_trksid=p3686
Forum members are olbigaded to a discount 
DSLR: Pentax K-x + 18-55 kit + f4 35-75mm
Mirrorless : Samsung NX-20 + 18-55 kit
M42 lense: Helios 44-2 , Helios 44-3, Helios 44m , Tair 3 Phs , Mir-1B , Jupiter-37a, Industar 50-2, Industar 61 L/Z, Tlear-N .
Currently using:
Minolta X-700 + MD f1.7/50mm + Rokkor-X f2.8/28mm + MD f3.5 35-70mm MACRO
Zorki-4K + J-8 f2/50mm + J-12 f2.8/35mm
EXA 1A + CZJ Tessar f2.8/50mm |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Sam Steely
Joined: 09 Dec 2013
Posts: 44
Location: Berlin, Germany
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:21 am Post subject: |
|
|
Sam Steely wrote:
I would also go with the Vivitar. Nicer colors, better sharpness.
_________________
Best whishes
Sam |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mo
Joined: 27 Aug 2009
Posts: 8979
Location: Australia
Expire: 2016-07-30
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:10 am Post subject: |
|
|
mo wrote:
Make it easy keep two and remove one...  Which lens handles better in the hand when taking a photo?
_________________
Moira, Moderator
Fuji XE-1,Pentax K-01,Panasonic G1,Panasonic G5,Pentax MX
Ricoh Singlex TLS,KR-5,KR-5Super,XR-10
Lenses
Auto Rikenon's 55/1.4, 1.8, 2.8... 50/1.7 Takumar 2/58 Preset Takumar 2.8/105 Auto Takumar 2.2/55, 3.5/35 Super Takumar 1.8/55...Macro Takumar F4/50... CZJ Biotar ALU M42 2/58 CZJ Tessar ALU M42 2.8/50
CZJ DDR Flektogon Zebra M42 2.8/35 CZJ Pancolar M42 2/50 CZJ Pancolar Exakta 2/50
Auto Mamiya/Sekor 1.8/55 ...Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2.8/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 200/3.5 Tamron SP500/8 Tamron SP350/5.6 Tamron SP90/2.5
Primoplan 1.9/58 Primagon 4.5/35 Telemegor 5.5/150 Angenieux 3.5/28 Angenieux 3,5/135 Y 2
Canon FL 58/1.2,Canon FL85/1.8,Canon FL 100/3.5,Canon SSC 2.8/100 ,Konica AR 100/2.8, Nikkor P 105/2.5
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
Oldhand wrote:
| mo wrote: |
| Make it easy keep two and remove one... Which lens handles better in the hand when taking a photo? |
Good thought Moira.
Thanks
OH |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
elliott
Joined: 16 May 2011
Posts: 170
|
| Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2014 5:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
elliott wrote:
Based on the pictures I like the Vivitar, but if you're using a Nikon body then the Rokinon is probably more convenient to use and still looks to be very good.
Every time I see shots from that Komine 135 I am tempted to go buy one immediately. I just got a nice Sears 135 though, so I'll be able to hold off for now. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
Oldhand wrote:
OK, decision has been made.
I am keeping the Vivitar (Komine) and probably the Rokinon as well - as it will likely sell for peanuts.
I have sold the Tamron to a happy clicker.
In the meantime here is another result from the Vivitar that is pleasing.
OH
Last edited by Oldhand on Fri Mar 14, 2014 9:31 am; edited 1 time in total |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cyrano
Joined: 15 Feb 2013
Posts: 857
Location: UK
Expire: 2016-12-30
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 7:57 am Post subject: |
|
|
cyrano wrote:
I agree, the Vivitar shows the best colour to my eyes. The Tamron does 'look' nice though but you want the image to do that.
_________________
A whole bunch of stuff. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
mo
Joined: 27 Aug 2009
Posts: 8979
Location: Australia
Expire: 2016-07-30
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 9:22 am Post subject: |
|
|
mo wrote:
Once again the colors are good, and good on you for selling at least one lens.
_________________
Moira, Moderator
Fuji XE-1,Pentax K-01,Panasonic G1,Panasonic G5,Pentax MX
Ricoh Singlex TLS,KR-5,KR-5Super,XR-10
Lenses
Auto Rikenon's 55/1.4, 1.8, 2.8... 50/1.7 Takumar 2/58 Preset Takumar 2.8/105 Auto Takumar 2.2/55, 3.5/35 Super Takumar 1.8/55...Macro Takumar F4/50... CZJ Biotar ALU M42 2/58 CZJ Tessar ALU M42 2.8/50
CZJ DDR Flektogon Zebra M42 2.8/35 CZJ Pancolar M42 2/50 CZJ Pancolar Exakta 2/50
Auto Mamiya/Sekor 1.8/55 ...Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 2.8/50 Auto Mamiya/Sekor 200/3.5 Tamron SP500/8 Tamron SP350/5.6 Tamron SP90/2.5
Primoplan 1.9/58 Primagon 4.5/35 Telemegor 5.5/150 Angenieux 3.5/28 Angenieux 3,5/135 Y 2
Canon FL 58/1.2,Canon FL85/1.8,Canon FL 100/3.5,Canon SSC 2.8/100 ,Konica AR 100/2.8, Nikkor P 105/2.5
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
drjs
Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Posts: 484
Location: USA
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 10:59 am Post subject: |
|
|
drjs wrote:
Vivitar for me as well. In addition to newer sharpness and color, I really like the solid build and feel in hand.
_________________
Follow me on 500px |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tromboads
Joined: 29 May 2012
Posts: 1655
Location: Melbourne AU
Expire: 2015-10-01
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
tromboads wrote:
yeah but what do colour and sharpness have to do with story, or image for that matter 
Exactly. not much.  |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
cyrano
Joined: 15 Feb 2013
Posts: 857
Location: UK
Expire: 2016-12-30
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 11:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
cyrano wrote:
| tromboads wrote: |
yeah but what do colour and sharpness have to do with story, or image for that matter
Exactly. not much. |
They make for a sharp colourful image? Illustrating the story to better effect?
_________________
A whole bunch of stuff. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
drjs
Joined: 25 Feb 2013
Posts: 484
Location: USA
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 12:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
drjs wrote:
| tromboads wrote: |
yeah but what do colour and sharpness have to do with story, or image for that matter
Exactly. not much. |
Everyone knows when taken the picture is taken in 36 megapixel, on a 500 dollar tripod, with mirror lockup, post processed for 2 hours in lightroom, then downsize to a postage size image and upload to a website, the color and sharpness is all that counts.
_________________
Follow me on 500px |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
tromboads
Joined: 29 May 2012
Posts: 1655
Location: Melbourne AU
Expire: 2015-10-01
|
| Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2014 12:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
tromboads wrote:
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
jbrooksII
Joined: 31 Jan 2014
Posts: 33
Location: Philippines
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
jbrooksII wrote:
| bernhardas wrote: |
i would keep the rokinon, it seems to require that you dial in -1/3 exposure but that is easily done.
i found the 2.8 pics difficult to compare so i have largely based my opinion on the 4 and 8 pics. |
I agree with bernhardas. Rokinon seems much sharper and crisp than the other two lenses. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Oldhand
Joined: 01 Apr 2013
Posts: 5999
Location: Mid North Coast NSW - Australia
|
| Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:36 am Post subject: |
|
|
Oldhand wrote:
| jbrooksII wrote: |
| bernhardas wrote: |
i would keep the rokinon, it seems to require that you dial in -1/3 exposure but that is easily done.
i found the 2.8 pics difficult to compare so i have largely based my opinion on the 4 and 8 pics. |
I agree with bernhardas. Rokinon seems much sharper and crisp than the other two lenses. |
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
As I have said above, I have sold the Tamron and am keeping the Vivitar and the Rokinon.
Cheers to all
OH |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Search
Memberlist
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
