A new Summicron 50mm 1.2 vs my Canon 50mm 1.8

[OurManInTangier]

May be able to get a decent Summicron in place of my Canon 1.8 but I know very little about them. Its the current black version with the retractable hood.

Should I? How much should I expect to pay?

Any opinions greatly aprreciated!

 

[Roger Hicks]

1:2 not 1.2

Cheers,

R.

 

[awilder]

The current M version is black with retractable hood. The Summicron will be sharper at f/2 and f/2.8 but after that, they are very close. The Summicron M focuses down to 0.7 meters instead of 1 meter like the Canon or Summicron LTM.

 

[venchka]

I would choose a Canon 50/1.4 and a lot of change leftover for film & gas to take my lens on the road. Or just use the 50/1.8 and have even more money for film & gas.

 

[rogue_designer]

I've never seen images or data that compelled me to look to replace the Canon 50 1.8 with a Summicron.

 

[Hacker]

There is also the Canon 50mm f/1.2.

 

[OurManInTangier]

1:2 not 1.2

Cheers,

R.

Yep, my mistake. Can you tell I've got no 'posh' glass yet!

 

[ferider]

.7m min. focus might be a big advantage depending on your needs.

They go anywhere between US 500-1200, depending on condition, seller, etc.

I picked the M-Hex 50/2 instead because I wanted to be sure about flare,
and it's typically (still) cheaper.

Roland.

 

[chikne]

I would choose a Canon 50/1.4 and a lot of change leftover for film & gas to take my lens on the road. Or just use the 50/1.8 and have even more money for film & gas.

I might sound a bit thick but you wouldn't mind to explain what you mean by gas would you? 🙂

 

[venchka]

Fuel. Petrol. Go Juice.

 

[OurManInTangier]

Gear Acquistion Syndrome.....I believe.

Sometimes the 1m focusing is a bit of a pain but its not really going to make that much difference to me.

Does anyone know of a decent resource that can show the differences between different lenses?

EDIT: ....or petrol, some people here call the need to buy things GAS

 

[crawdiddy]

I believe venchka was referring to petrol. Whereas OMIT meant the dreaded, but all too common gear-acq-syndrome....

 

[ferider]

Does anyone know of a decent resource that can show the differences between different lenses?

You can browse http://www.flickr.com/groups/m-mount

Includes example photos taken with the two lenses that you mention
plus many more.

Best,

Roland.

 

[OurManInTangier]

You can browse http://www.flickr.com/groups/m-mount

Includes example photos taken with the two lenses that you mention
plus many more.

Best,

Roland.

Thanks Roland, I'll go and take a look.

 

[ferider]

Thanks Roland, I'll go and take a look.

And please join the group. Would be great to get more 50/1.8 photos.

Best,

Roland.

 

[chikne]

That 1.2 seems to take nice pictures!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Yep, my mistake. Can you tell I've got no 'posh' glass yet!

Apologies for reminding you of the obvious but it can sometimes be hard to tell what people have heard on the Internet.

I had the current 5cm Summicron for a few months. Technically stunning, but I prefer faster 5cm bottles. Personally I'd go for a Noctilux or (MUCH cheaper) a 1,5 Sonnar.

Actually I'd go for a 3,5cm (Summicron or Summilux) instead.

What sort of improvements are you looking for over the Canon? 'Cause you'll see 'em all. Contrast, resolution, evenness of illumination, you name it. Question to ask yourself: will this make you a better photographer? I'm not as good a photographer as any of my 5cm lenses, though I have to say that unless I'm after a unique signature, my 1936 Elmar and my (now-departed) Jupiter come well behind the alternatives available to me: Noctilux, Canon f/1.2, Nokton f/1.5, Sonnar f/1.5 (both current), 50/2 DR Summicron, 50/2.5 Color Skopar.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Gid]

Nobody ever got shot for buying a 50 'cron. However, I sold mine and kept my Hexanon 50 because it suits me better. I did some ad hoc, non scientific tests with the 'cron 50 (current), Hexanon 50, Nokton 50 and a tri-elmar at 50. The tri-elmar was not in the same league as the dedicated 50s, but there really wasn't much between the other three. In terms of value for money, the Hexanon or the CV win hands down. The Hexanon wins in terms of size, but the Nokton has that extra bit of speed. There are probably many other 50s that are worth a look and as many opinions. Having checked your gallery, it doesn't look like you are lacking in the lens department, but the siren call of Leica ................ 🙁

 

[Rafael]

You could also consider the Zeiss Planar ZM. This is a spectacular lens. Like the Summicron, the Planar has a min. focusing distance of .7m. The Planar is, however, a fair bit cheaper.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Fuel. Petrol. Go Juice.

Sometimes gas is just gas 😉 Didn't expect to be misinterpreted, huh, Venchka?

And they say capital letters are quaint. And spelling. And grammar. I should stop.