50's that are sharp @ wider apertures?

[Marihino]

I shoot gigs with an Olympus OM-1 and a Zuiko 50mm f/1.4 (I have two of these, an early single coated version and a late MC with also supposedly improved optical design, don't really see much difference between the two). At f/2 they easily outresolve the fast/pushed films I use for those occasions. Any softness in the pictures comes from film resolution and longish shutter speeds. I often handhold at 1/15 or 1/8s. And while there are ways not to cause blur by shaking, there won't be much frozen movement on stage.
What I'm saying is, most probably any leading manufacturer's fast 50mm with good reputation will be good enough and better than other factors. Do you focus manually? That can be difficult sometimes at a gig situation. I chose the OM-1 for that, a good rangefinder would be nice too.

these are all 50mm shots, from wide open to f/2.8

 

[raid]

I shoot a variety of different brands, but I don't have a 50mm that is sharp at apertures wider then F4. My need is a sharp F2.8 or wider lens for gigs I do shooting music performers using 3200 iso film, generally at 1200 to1600 ISO. I do shoot digital alongside as well but 1000 ISO is about the limit and I'm not buying another D body. Is there anyone here with experience who can recommend a brand/model? My platforms are Nikon (AI and AF), Canon FD, Pentax K, Minolta AF, and Leica M (3). I don't use flash for this stuff. Thanks

There is the option of fast 50mm lenses for your M, and obviously also for the Canon FD, Pentax K and Minolta AF. I can comment on the FD based on 30 years of experience with this system. I used to use the 55/1.2 SSC, and it is a great lens, but it is not sharp wide open. It gets sharp at 2.8-4.0. I replaced this lens with the 50/1.2l Which is quite sharp at large aperture settings. It is also small. This may be a good choice.

In Pentax, their 50/1.4 is a known alltime classic. It is a sharp lens, and it is less costly than a Canon FD 50/1.2L, and it is as good.

As for M mount/LTM lenses, there are many sharp lenses, but they can cost a lot. The CV lenses may be the best bargain here. I prefer 50/2 lenses as my "fast lenses". They are very sharp at large apertures, and some lenses are not that costly. I prefer the rigid Summicron for its high resolution and excellent built. Of course, the Canon 50/1.4 is a great bargain for its quality and sharpness.

I do not own AF lenses.

 

[raid]

As for Canon FD I would say a 50/1:4. Considered a legend in the FD family of lenses.

This lens is certainly one of the "best buys" for fast and sharp 50mm lenses.
The desired cost range was not specified by the OP.

 

[waynec]

This lens is certainly one of the "best buys" for fast and sharp 50mm lenses.
The desired cost range was not specified by the OP.

The results of previous testing of a Canon F1.4 SSC resulted in the following order based only on center sharpness. I have no idea at this time as to falloff. I suppose I can find something on the net tho.
F4 -4.1/2 tied; F5.6-5.61/2, F8, F2.8&1/2. F8.5 was less sharp then F2.81/2. There was to my eye discernible differences in the 1/2 stop.

As far as budget is concerned who among us wants to spend more if 2 lenses are equal with one cheaper? Status isn't my thing, so cheaper is better!