Alternatives to Olympus 75mm 1.8

[Autoluminescent]

Hello,

Since buying a GF3 on a whim about a year ago when my local camera shop was desperately trying to get rid of them, my 40D has barely left the house. The only things I really missed were the viewfinder (which I now have), and having a 135mm equivalent lens in my kit. I shoot a lot of portraits and although I adore the Olympus 45mm f1.8, I really miss the longer reach of the 85mm f1.8 on the Canon.

Although the Olympus 75mm f1.8 is the closest in the M4/3 system, the price (around £700) is a bit steep for a student. Maybe I'll get one when I have a proper job, but at the moment it's not happening!

Does anyone have any suggestions for adapted lenses at around this focal length? I don't have a particular budget in mind, I'd love for something less than £200 but would consider up to £400 for something perfect. I don't mind a slightly slower lens, especially if it means a more compact option. Absolute sharpness isn't something that really bothers me either, especially for portraits.

Also, whilst on the topic, does anyone else feel that the M4/3 system is a bit weak around this focal length? The wider end is very well catered for by both firms, but up here there's the 75mm and the Sigma 60mm and Olympus 60mm macro and that's it as far as I know.

Hope this post is ok, thank you 🙂

 

[Rodchenko]

On a budget, I might go for a legacy lens and a converter.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Jupiter 9 (85mm f/2 Sonnar clone) are pretty cheap in M42 or Contax mount. Very nice for portraiture.

 

[xyz3450]

Hello. How about the Olympus OM zuiko 85mm f2.0. It is an excellent lens and was well regarded. It weighs about 260 grams so is small and light and portable. I have seen copies go for 250 to 300 dollars, but one should do a little research on the version and quality. I recently acquired one for my OM camera, and was surprised how well balanced and easy it was to use the MF on my om5 micro 43 too. Good luck with your choice - martin

 

[mh2000]

Everyone who shoots one loves the budget Sigma 60. I will probably be adding one to my bag soon. Most older 85's aren't going to be cheaper.

I always wanted the Voigtlander 70 2.5 Color Heliar, but missed the close out priced ones. Check out used prices. Beautiful lens!

 

[Godfrey]

The M.Zuiko 75/1.8 is worth waiting for. Save your money ... while there are a ton of good 85-90mm lenses around, there are few in the 70-75mm range. The Color Heliar 75/2.5 is good, the Leica M 75mm lenses are excellent but way more expensive, etc.

If you are willing to go a little longer, there are a lot of good 85-90mm lenses on the market. I've compared the M.Z 75 against the Nikkor-H 85mm f/1.8, Leica Summicron-R 90/2, and M-Rokkor 90/4 ... They're all good, but the 75/1.8 is as good as it gets.

G

 

[Autoluminescent]

Thanks for your responses!

If my previous experience is anything to go by, the Jupiter 9 would likely be a bit heavy for my taste. Also, I feel SLR lenses (like it and the OM 85mm) might be a bit large once adapted, but having not had either lens myself I may be wrong.

I had thought about the Sigma 60mm, but failing a 135mm equivalent I'd rather be going longer than shorter. I hear good things about it and I'm sure I'd love shooting it but fear it may not properly fill the gap. The Heliar actually looks like a potentially good option - eBay has a couple, one under £300. I'll have a search and see what photos taken on it look like. Thanks!

The 90mm Rokkor looks good for the money - I am not sure if it might be a bit long, I suppose I'd have to try the focal length out. Thanks for the advice, the long term plan is to get the Olympus, but I figured that if I could get a decent used lens to use for portraits in the mean time (it may be a few years..) I could hopefully sell it at the other end without a huge loss once I have the funds.

 

[Jason C]

On a budget, I might go for a legacy lens and a converter.

A Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 in EF mount, plus a EOS to MFT adapter: under $300 (usd) new. But yes, you will need to focus...


Jason

 

[biomed]

I can't say enough good things about the Sigma 60. I had CV 75/2.5 (LTM version). I also used the CV 50/1.5 on uu4/3 bodies. Both the 75 and 50 are fine lenses but the Sigma 60 is a lot of bang for the money.