2/50 Heliar Classic vrs C Sonnar T* 1.5/50 ZM?

[goo0h]

I know. I know. Apples and oranges. I also realize that F1.5 != F2. Still, with all the focus shift issues I've been reading about in the Zeiss forum, I have to wonder if perhaps the 2/50 Heliar might potentially be a nice alternative? I don't have the 1.5/50 ZM as a comparison, but I do have the 2/50 Heliar and I must say so far I'm really liking this lens. It seems one of the attractions of the 1.5/50 ZM is the bokeh effect. Well, I'm certainly no expert on this bokeh business, but seems to me the 2/50 Heliar has a mighty nice effect as well.

I suppose an extra stop at times would be helpful, but considering what a goof I can be about focusing (had same problem with SLR's so I think it's just inherent with me), I think I'm personally safer with just shooting faster film than trying to squeeze out a shot at 1.5 or wider.

I suppose the CV 1.5/50 might be a closer comparison, but certainly not in size. The 2/50, like the 1.5/50 ZM, is very compact, even when extended. I'm also wondering if the bokeh on the CV 1.5/50 might be a bit harsher than that on the 2/50, but I don't have the former so can't compare.

 

[Mazurka]

I think you already provided answers to all your questions. 😀

 

[Avotius]

you dont need a zeiss 50 1.5, im sure in your own mind you know that. As for focus shift, my reading up on it suggests a lot of fast lenses suffer from this problem, just zeiss went about it in a different less favorfull way of dealing with it. If you are shooting low light or small dof then you need the faster lens, if not, dont worry about it, its all vanity otherwise.

 

[kshapero]

I own both. i find the focus shift to very minimal on both. the Heliar definetely has a "flavor" when it comes to bokeh, but the sonnar is a unique lens. It is IMHO mush sharper after, say 5.6.

 

[goo0h]

Damn you! Errr... I mean... Thank you for the response. 😀

Ugh. I need nipples... expensive nipples....

 

[biomed]

but the sonnar is a unique lens. It is IMHO mush sharper after, say 5.6.

mush sharper? Hey, I make typos too, but I couldn't pass this one by.🙂 🙂

 

[kshapero]

nice one. I guess I was feeling mushy today.

 

[goo0h]

I own both. i find the focus shift to very minimal on both. the Heliar definetely has a "flavor" when it comes to bokeh, but the sonnar is a unique lens. It is IMHO mush sharper after, say 5.6.

So, what are the rules to avoid problems with the focus shift with the 50/1.5 ZM? If you have it wide open, not to focus at the minimum distance? Is that right? When is it relatively safe to shoot wide open? At objects over 6 feet away or some such?

 

[kshapero]

I think focus shift is sort of part of the game with fast lenses. I'd say keep a distance of 6 feet or more to avoid it or shoot at f4 or more.