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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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 Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:35 pm Post subject: Super fast 50mm f1.4 lens test! |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
I performed a very quick test last night, of some very quick lenses!
From left to right:
Lens 1: Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50/1.4 C/Y
Lens 2: Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with light fungus M42
Lens 3: Yashica Auto Yashinon DX 50/1.4 M42
Lens 4: Super Reflecta 55/1.4 M42 (near enough to 50mm IMO)
Shots were taken under horrible energy saving lighting, so each photo had the same PP applied to give a slightly more neutral look. All were taken at ISO 100 with 1/13 second shutter speed except the Takumar which was taken at 1/10 due to the yellowing. The yellowing is a bit of a pain, so I was forced to PP further (see below).
All photos were taken on my Canon EOS 30D mounted on a tripod in the same position. I tried to focus on the same spot everytime (Pentax marque) but it is very, very difficult working with such a tiny depth of field...you will notice in some cases I have focused on the 'P' and others the 'X' 
Whole image
Lens 1: Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50/1.4 C/Y
Lens 2: Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with light fungus M42
Yellowed:
Unyellowed:
Lens 3: Yashica Auto Yashinon DX 50/1.4 M42
Lens 4: Super Reflecta 55/1.4 M42
100% crop
Lens 1: Carl Zeiss Planar T* 50/1.4 C/Y
Lens 2: Asahi Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with light fungus M42
Lens 3: Yashica Auto Yashinon DX 50/1.4 M42
Lens 4: Super Reflecta 55/1.4 M42
The verdict
For me, the Zeiss is best followed by the Super Reflecta, the S-M-C Takumar and the Yashinon. However, I'm sure a non-yellowed, clean Takumar would probably come in second with better contrast.
Actual real verdict
Come on! Any one of these lenses will do just fine in the environment they are designed for...low light shooting! If you see a cheap one, grab it!!! I used the Super Reflecta at a gig recently and was very pleased with the results - http://forum.mflenses.com/shooting-a-gig-with-the-super-reflecta-55-1-4-t22084.html
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Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 6:37 pm Post subject: |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
Ooops wrong forum, could someone move to the main forum please?
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Graham - Moderator
Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
See my Flickr photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/manualfocus-g |
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LucisPictor
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 17633
Location: Oberhessen, Germany / Maidstone ('95-'96)
Expire: 2013-12-03
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 7:09 pm Post subject: |
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LucisPictor wrote:
Nice comparison, thanks!
I agree to your verdict. The Zeiss is way better than the others.
I am suprised by both the good result of the Super Reflecta and the bad one of the Yashinon.
Actually I think the 3D effect that the Super Reflecta renders is pretty amazing.
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patrickh
Joined: 23 Aug 2007
Posts: 8551
Location: Oregon
Expire: 2011-11-18
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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patrickh wrote:
Thanks shrek. I recently acquired the Planar and have to agree (I also have the Pentax, Nikkor, Sears (Tomioka) and Mamiya).
patrickh
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M42: Vivitar 28/2.5, Tamron 28/2.5, Formula5 28/2.8, Mamiya 28/2.8, Pentacon 29/2.8, Flektogon 35/2.4, Flektogon 35/2.8, Takumar 35/3.5, Curtagon 35/4, Takumar 50/1.4, Volna-6 50/2.8 macro, Mamiya 50/1.4, CZJ Pancolar 50/1,8, Oreston 50/1.8, Takumar 50/2, Industar 50/3.5, Sears 55/1.4, Helios 58/2, Jupiter 85/2, Helios 85/1.5, Takumar 105/2.8, Steinheil macro 105/4.5, Tamron 135/2.5, Jupiter 135/4, CZ 135/4, Steinheil Culminar 135/4,5, Jupiter 135/3.5, Takumar 135/3.5, Tair 135/2.8, Pentacon 135/2.8, CZ 135/2.8, Taika 135/3.5, Takumar 150/4, Jupiter 200/4, Takumar 200/4
Exakta: Topcon 100/2.8(M42), 35/2.8, 58/1.8, 135/2.8, 135/2.8 (M42), Kyoei Acall 135/3.5
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RF: Industar 53/2.8, Jupiter 8 50/2
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no-X
Joined: 19 Jul 2008
Posts: 2495
Location: Budejky, Czech Republic
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| Posted: Fri Nov 13, 2009 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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no-X wrote:
Nice test. Reflecta and yashinon show significantly more axial CA, than zeiss and takumar 
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cooltouch
Joined: 15 Jan 2009
Posts: 9096
Location: Houston, Texas
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| Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:08 am Post subject: |
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cooltouch wrote:
From a practical point of view, they are all interchangeable. The sharpness and contrast may differ slightly, but not by any significant degree. In the full frame images, I thought I saw a bit of green fringing, which was confirmed by the 100% views.
So, if we evaluate based on chromatic aberrations, the Contax T* is the clear winner. The SMC Tak is second, then the Yashinon, and finally the Super Reflecta.
Sharpness wise, I see it differently. It is slight, but clear if one is examining the minutest details. I'm examining the bit of paint loss in the "E". The Contax T* is just ever so slightly sharper than the SMC Tak, and then the Yashinon and Super Reflecta are essentially the same.
Given the recent increased popularity of the M42 SMC Taks, is it even possible to find one that's significantly cheaper than the Contax T*? I'm amazed at some of the prices I've seen for them recently.
Actually, I kinda would have liked to see a 50/1.4 Nikkor AI compared too. I sure like mine.
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Excalibur
Joined: 19 Jul 2009
Posts: 5017
Location: UK
Expire: 2014-04-21
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| Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:29 am Post subject: |
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Excalibur wrote:
While the weather is rotten for fair weather shooters like me, the next best thing is comparing lenses....all interesting.
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ManualFocus-G
Joined: 29 Dec 2008
Posts: 6622
Location: United Kingdom
Expire: 2014-11-24
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| Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 9:19 am Post subject: |
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ManualFocus-G wrote:
| Excalibur wrote: |
| While the weather is rotten for fair weather shooters like me, the next best thing is comparing lenses....all interesting. |
Yup, the weather is terrible today!!!
I'll be keeping the Planar for my EOS and the Yashinon for my Sonys - although it's the weakest performer, coupled with the Super Steady Shot on the Sony bodies, I should be able to get some sharp shots in dark conditions. I'll keep the Super Reflecta as well as it's a lovely looking lens, but I suspect the other two will get the most use as the 55/1.4 won't work as well with SSS and the adapter pre-programmed to 50mm.
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Shooter of choice: Fujifilm X-T20 with M42, PB and C/Y lenses
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estudleon
Joined: 15 May 2008
Posts: 3754
Location: Argentina
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| Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:55 am Post subject: |
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estudleon wrote:
| cooltouch wrote: |
So, if we evaluate based on chromatic aberrations, the Contax T* is the clear winner. The SMC Tak is second, then the Yashinon, and finally the Super Reflecta.
Sharpness wise, I see it differently. It is slight, but clear if one is examining the minutest details. I'm examining the bit of paint loss in the "E". The Contax T* is just ever so slightly sharper than the SMC Tak, and then the Yashinon and Super Reflecta are essentially the same.
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I see in the same way.
Rino.
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scsambrook
Joined: 29 Mar 2009
Posts: 2167
Location: Glasgow Scotland
Expire: 2011-11-18
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| Posted: Sat Nov 14, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject: |
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scsambrook wrote:
Always good to see comparisons. But I'm not sure the assessment of which one is "best" in this case is really appropriate .When I look closely I see the focus point with the Yashica and Super Reflecta lenses is pretty much on the aperture ring, but with the Planar it's pretty much right on the "Pentax" logo. And there's so little depth of field that with the first two that part of the image is already running out of focus. I'm not commenting on the Pentax trial lens because it probably has "issues" of its own that interfere with the results. If we use the aperture ring as the basis for comparison we get a completely "back to front" result 
I find precise focusing at close range a real problem, so this isn't meant as any sort of criticism of Shrek who has done a far, far better job than I could manage
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Stephen
Equipment: Pentax DSLR for casual shooting, Lumix G1 and Fuji XE-1 for playing with old lenses, and Leica M8 because I still like the optical rangefinder system. |
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