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Advice for a Prime (max 200€ budget)
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PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 6:27 pm    Post subject: Advice for a Prime (max 200€ budget) Reply with quote
Hi, after selling some unused lens I'd like to acquire a "long lasting" prime (one I'll not resell fast, to use)

It must be

- Between 150 and 220€ (real ebay/auction prices, not theoretical value)
- Really usable both on NEX and M4/3 (just got a Panasonic G6 and i'm loookin for a lens capable of good resolving on smaller sensor)
- as small as possible (is a BIG plus, as I feel really confortable with the G6 grip but the nex is easily unbalanced by heavy lenses)
- as light as possible and well built
- FAST but i'm planning to use it al least at F2-2.8....so superfast lenses are a BIG PLUS but it must be TACK SHARP at F2-2.8, i prefer extreme sharpness
- lookin for a 40-45-50-55mm mainly (usable on nex and good for portraits on M4/3) but something in the 70-90 range is OK too (as i totally miss that range having sold longer primes)

Actually seeing around different images and opinions I've shortlisted Nikkor 50 1.4/Zeiss Planar 1.4-1.7(never used a Zeiss and opinions differ a lot)/ Contax G 45 and 90 (even if someone said the focusing ring isnt really smooth on the 45 adapted and this starts from F2 + is maybe the $$ of the lot), on the longer end Zeiss Tevidon 70 or the Fujian 70 (but there may be problems on mounting c mounts on the M4/3 without mods so I excluded other c mount lenses).

Excessing the budget things like Voigtlanders 40mm or even more exotic.....small, light, fast but are they really worth the double/triple price?

Any advice on that limited budget:?: Question


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 6:37 pm    Post subject: Re: Advice for a Prime (max 200€ budget) Reply with quote
DahakaNishoba wrote:
I've shortlisted Nikkor 50 1.4/Zeiss Planar 1.4-1.7


If you don't have a 50 prime yet, get a 50. I'd highly recommend a Zeiss Planar. The Contax Zeiss 50/1.4 should be right within the top end of your budget. Every photographer ought to have at least one fast 50 in their kit; they are extremely versatile, small, and inexpensive. Good for portraits, street photography, and landscapes, good for indoors and outdoors, fit in your pocket easily, light enough to never regret carrying around.

If you already have a good fast 50 of another sort (Takumar, Helios, Zuiko, etc.) I'd skip buying a second 50 and buy something of another focal length, since most 50's all perform very similarly, and almost all are tack sharp at f/2.8. 85 and 135 are other focal lengths where you should be able to find plenty of top-notch performers within your budget; you might want to have a look there.


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 6:51 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
I have/had
Nikon 50 1.8 AF, the Helios 44, a couple of micro-nikkors 55, an OM 50 1.8 and a Petri 1.8 in the proprietary mount i still have to adapt...
I like them all for different reasons but they are a lot and i rarely use them, plus lens+adapter is often heavy and not really comfortable on the NEX

I'm used to the 35mm on the nex (so like a 50 effective) but i'm looking for an ultimate fast 50 for using it on both cameras (lots of folks don't like the resolving of some 50s on the 4/3 sensor so it must be good on both)

i'd just like to reduce number of lenses buying something of really good quality that will last and get used....


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 6:55 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
DahakaNishoba wrote:
i'd just like to reduce number of lenses buying something of really good quality that will last and get used....


Yeah, if you're planning to get rid of all your other 50's to get something with fantastic build quality, then I'd totally recommend the Contax Zeiss 50/1.4 to you, the build quality is impeccable and it has a no-play buttery-smooth focus ring. But don't expect something new and wild in terms of optics -- your Nikon 50/1.8 (and probably OM 50/1.8 too) are optically about equally fantastic, and although the Zeiss has different (and great) character, it's not going to be in a different league than your Nikon AF lens in terms of optics. Build-quality wise though it definitely is way ahead, and its focus ring feel makes it much more a pleasure to operate for manual focus, if that's what you're looking for.


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Czj Pancolar 50mm f1.8, contax zeiss 50mm, pen-f zuiko 38/1.8 or 40/1.4, Canon FD 50/1.4, konica Hexanon 50mm f1.4, Olympus OM 50mm f1.8 made in Japan,
Flektogon 35mm f2.4
If you want small go with the Pen-f lenses. They are small, the adapter is small, have some nice pop and have very low mfd.


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 7:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Sonnar 1.5/50


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 9:20 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
asterinex wrote:

Czj Pancolar 50mm f1.8, contax zeiss 50mm,

pen-f zuiko 38/1.8 or 40/1.4, the first one is interesting, the second looks to be double the price

Canon FD 50/1.4, konica Hexanon 50mm f1.4, not really into the canon FD, will search for the konica

Olympus OM 50mm f1.8 made in Japan, I have it

Flektogon 35mm f2.4 too wide/slow

If you want small go with the Pen-f lenses. They are small, the adapter is small, have some nice pop and have very low mfd.


Quote:

Sonnar 1.5/50

€€€€€€ Rolling Eyes [/b]


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 9:40 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
You're right, i missed the part about price in your post, Sorry.
A jupiter 3 should fit your budget, though.
Also i really like the schneider xenon 1.9/50.


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Go for the Planar 50/1.4. It's exceptional and at f/2.8 is fully stunning. Lots more micro contrast than other 50mm lenses, meaning you get more pop (if you are into that sort of thing).


PostPosted: Fri Sep 06, 2013 11:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
Tack sharp at f2 - f2.8 is a big ask for a lens under 50mm in your price range.
I think you will find the best value in the various 50-58mm lenses range, and you might have to live with the size issue.
There are many good suggestions already but I'll add the Takumar 50mm f1.4 - either the 7 or 8 element lenses. but the 8 element probably has the edge and should fit your budget
OH


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 12:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
ManualFocus-G wrote:
Go for the Planar 50/1.4. It's exceptional and at f/2.8 is fully stunning. Lots more micro contrast than other 50mm lenses, meaning you get more pop (if you are into that sort of thing).


IMHO I think "pop" has more to do with DOF rolloff than microcontrast. See what I mean in this comparison between the Zeiss MP 50/2 and P 50/1.4; when both are set to f/2 they have the same mathematical DOF but very different DOF rolloff which is what gives the former more "pop" effect:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1002032


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 1:47 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Ok shortlist updated:


Zeiss Planar 50 1.4 Question 1.7 Question
Ai/pre Ai nikkor 50 1.4

Takumar 1.4 50

OM Zuiko 50 1.4 ?? (seems to be really cheap around ebay)

+ Contax Zeiss 45/2 and Jupiter 50 1.5 for small size (M39 is really more compact even on nex)


i'd really like to hear experiences on M4/3 as I still think i'm gonna use it for portraits on smaller sensor more than with the nex

anyway I really like the focusing/build quality feel of the takumar and old nikkors, but also the OM 50 1.8 I got for 0.50€ (truly cheap) is a perfect one and the feeling on it is amazing...... never tried a zeiss tho....


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 2:01 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
DahakaNishoba wrote:
Ok shortlist updated:

OM Zuiko 50 1.4 ?? (seems to be really cheap around ebay)



Don't know the others as I'm still relatively new to MF lenses, but this is a great lens and very compact. It was my first "legacy" lens, and it's pretty great (but I'm shooting on a APS-C sensor). Also, after doing a bit of research, I learned that the coatings are apparently far superior on the newer ones, so if you go that route, try to get one with a serial number above 1.1 million (they'll go for a bit more, but I think mine was still only a little over $100 with caps and hood, shipping included)


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 6:12 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Choose a mount which have many good lenses in different focal length. This way you only need to buy 1 adapter.
M42 Mount is great starter. Here are alot cheap quality lenses.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 8:48 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
wuxiekeji wrote:
ManualFocus-G wrote:
Go for the Planar 50/1.4. It's exceptional and at f/2.8 is fully stunning. Lots more micro contrast than other 50mm lenses, meaning you get more pop (if you are into that sort of thing).


IMHO I think "pop" has more to do with DOF rolloff than microcontrast. See what I mean in this comparison between the Zeiss MP 50/2 and P 50/1.4; when both are set to f/2 they have the same mathematical DOF but very different DOF rolloff which is what gives the former more "pop" effect:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1002032


That's an interesting comparison of Zeiss lenses, but I'm comparing the 50/1.4 Planar to non-Zeiss lenses. IMO the Zeiss has more pop, one way or the other. Out of interest, that comparison is looking at the newer 'N' AF version of the Planar, do you know if that has the same optical formula as the C/Y Planar 50/1.4 (which is the lens I'm recommending)?

Thanks Smile


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 11:55 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
CHINON/REVUENON/AGFA 1.4/50mm in PK mount is a bargain lens for what it offers.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
You mentioned that you used to have a couple of 55 macros -- Micro Nikkors? If you do not have any macro lens right now, I'd recommend that, in addition to acquiring a fast normal that you budget for a good macro also.

As for fast normals, if I were you I wouldn't reject Canon FD unless you have a really good reason that you can articulate. My sharpest 50/1.4 is a Canon FD 50/1.4 SSC (I have three others of various makes). People who've used both the breechlock mount (like mine) and the New FD mount claim that the new model is just as sharp, plus it's lighter and cheaper. So there's that.

I'd second the Nikon 50/1.4 -- AIs is best. Also Pentax-M 50/1.4 and SMC Tak 50/1.4 (which is a nice compact lens). There are also some good M39 examples made by Canon, but it might be tough finding one for under 200 euros.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 6:10 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
cooltouch wrote:
You mentioned that you used to have a couple of 55 macros -- Micro Nikkors? If you do not have any macro lens right now, I'd recommend that, in addition to acquiring a fast normal that you budget for a good macro also.

As for fast normals, if I were you I wouldn't reject Canon FD unless you have a really good reason that you can articulate. My sharpest 50/1.4 is a Canon FD 50/1.4 SSC (I have three others of various makes). People who've used both the breechlock mount (like mine) and the New FD mount claim that the new model is just as sharp, plus it's lighter and cheaper. So there's that.

I'd second the Nikon 50/1.4 -- AIs is best. Also Pentax-M 50/1.4 and SMC Tak 50/1.4 (which is a nice compact lens). There are also some good M39 examples made by Canon, but it might be tough finding one for under 200 euros.


I used my father's 55mm 3.5 ai micro and bought another 55 pre-ai p.c. i keep for myself.....my actual lenses are in the signature under my posts

maybe the best I have now is the nikon AF 1.8.....but the feeling against manual ones is horrible....

Maybe I can opt for Zuiko 1.4 + Planar 1.7 at a lower price of a single 1.4 planar =|


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 6:49 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you want a fast and small lens - Jupiter-3 is your choice. However there is some gamble in the quality - you never know if your copy will be "the one".

I`d also go for the MD f1,7 or 1,4. I use the 1,7 and it`s the best 50mm lens i have used so far and super cheap. As for the 1,4 - read some comments on the forum and you`ll see.


PostPosted: Sat Sep 07, 2013 8:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
DahakaNishoba wrote:
asterinex wrote:

Czj Pancolar 50mm f1.8, contax zeiss 50mm,

pen-f zuiko 38/1.8 or 40/1.4, the first one is interesting, the second looks to be double the price

Canon FD 50/1.4, konica Hexanon 50mm f1.4, not really into the canon FD, will search for the konica

Olympus OM 50mm f1.8 made in Japan, I have it

Flektogon 35mm f2.4 too wide/slow

If you want small go with the Pen-f lenses. They are small, the adapter is small, have some nice pop and have very low mfd.


[/quote]
There aren't many SLR lenses that will beat the OM 50/1.8 that you have, but there are many that have different feel.
I second the pen F 38/1.8, it's sharp wide open.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 8:30 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Many of the 50mm lenses do have pro and cons. But most of them are very good lenses.

Since you want to use it on a NEX and µ4/3, you can choose from a wider supply.

So don't forget the excellent Minolta and Konica lenses.


PostPosted: Sun Sep 08, 2013 9:02 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
If you want really small and use from f2 don't jump at 200 € if you don't really need .I'd try the Konica AR 40/1.8 and/or the Minolta MD 45/2 . Both very good. And they are in the 40 mm focal length you asked initially. And small.
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