Canon 100mm f/3.5 versus Others

[kb244]

I'm looking at possibly getting a telephoto lens for my Canon P. At work the store has a Canon 100mm f/3.5 with case, and a Leica 135mm f/4.5 Hektor, and I know there are some others online. In the past when I asked, some people gave mixed opinion on the Canon 100/3.5. What are your opinions on it. How does it compare to my Canon 50mm f/1.8. Are there other recomendations I should look at (somewhat budget wise, as I got an ad going right now to trade a Jupiter-3 for a telephoto lens).

Hopefully I won't end up doing this :bang:

 

[Kim Coxon]

It depends on the model. The later all black ones are the most favoured but the earlier ones are nice too. It you want fast, the 85's are better but they are much bigger. The 100/3.5 are sound little performers and although nothing special, they do make for a very light weight portable kit.

Kim

 

[John Shriver]

Much better (contrast, sharpness) lens than a Elmar 90/4. A light little jewel, and a favorite focal length of mine.

Official hood is hard to find, but a Leica FIKUS will do just fine.

 

[kb244]

What's the ballpark going price on the Canon chrome 100mm f/3.5, I did not seem to have too much luck searching the ebay completed sales. (Normally I can look them up in a jiffy).

 

[charjohncarter]

I have a f4 Serenar 100mm. I love it, sharp, good contrast, good with color, small, tight and no HAZE. All chrome, and I can use it on both of my thread mounts. I paid $47.00 (USA) for it. Serial No. 440xxx

 

[charjohncarter]

Sorry, I forgot the most important part. http://members.aol.com/dcolucci/c.htm

 

[peterm1]

In fact I hear nothing but good about these lenses. )The early Serenar f 4 of the same focal length is said not t be as good, although I would suggest its probably still pretty good.)

I only know this based on my researching the net - looking for one to buy myself. I have not had one myself but have had other Canon lenses both early and late and can readily believe they are good - most Canons are in my experience. The only thing to look out for is a problem I have found in three different Canon or Serenar lenses of 85mm and up. The focus at infinity is sometimes out - at least on my Leica bodies. Dont ask me why but it is so. Maybe the register distance is slightly different Ia m not sure I have not checked, My camera tech told me it can be adjusted but of course you need to factor this cost in when buying.

Here is a very good overview of a limited range of Canon lenses by Dante Stella. It includes the 100mm f 3.5

http://www.dantestella.com/technical/canoleic.html

 

[awilder]

I owned one for a short time and found it's performance quite decent although not quite as good as a modern 90/2.8 or 90/4. It's biggest advantage is the small size and close focus with a 100mm focal length. Better optical performance can be had with the 100/2 Canon and possibly the 105/2.5 Nikkor P but at a substantial increase in size and weight. Another consideration might be the CV 90/3.5 Apo-Lanthar if you want improved sharpness in a small package.