Canon 85mm/1.9

[raid]

I have taken a roll of film a few days ago with the Canon 85mm/1.9 lens, wide open mostly. I used Portra 160 film in the Bessa T. I noted from inspecting the 24 exposure film that sometimes there was softness or maybe unsharpness because I did not refocus even though I was shooting at f 1.9. When I properly focused, the images were sharp and clear. I often read from users of this lens about this lens that it is "so and so" and not great, and then the Nikkor 85mm is mentioned as the superior alternative. I don't doubt it that the Nikkor lens is great [I wish I had it] but I think that the Canon lens is also good. The lens is very heavy and looks beautiful on a classic camera with its shiny metal finish. Mine came with its lens hood and cover.

Here are three examples taken few days ago in our front yard:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=615137

 

[raid]

I added this thread to what is posted in the Canon-Nikon Shootout thread (by Joe) so that I get some feedback. Still nothing.

 

[raid]

Maybe if I add another "comment", it will be inspiring to some to join in?

 

[FrankS]

Lovely daughters and lovely wife.

I have the Canon 85 f2 lens. Did that come before or after?

 

[raid]

Thanks Frank.
I took the photos two days ago.
Maybe you are referring to the Canon 85mm/2 lens.
My Canon lens is most likely older than the Canon 85mm/2 lens.
Is your lens also shiny metal finished?

Regards,
Raid

 

[OldNick]

Raid,
I like the first photo best, because of the lovely subject and melted background. My only experience with an 85mm is with a pair of Steinheil Culminars. I find it to be a nice focal length for close-ups, but have never had an occasion to use them for portraits.

Jim N.

 

[raid]

Jim:

Thanks. I am used to nature photography, and I rarely shoot wide open,and now I am inspired to try a few rolls at wide open apertures to get the out of focus background. With the Florida sun,we don't need big apertures to get enough light in. What do you use the 85mm lens for, Jim?

Regards,
Raid

 

[xayraa33]

in the Canon 85mm lenses the oldest one is the f2 , then the f1.9, and the latest and the most modern one is the f1.8
the very latest 1.9s came in an all black finish & they were lighter in weight than the chrome ones.

 

[OldNick]

I have used the 85s for closeups of flowers and for one of my favorite subjects, odd photos around the local airport. I initially traded for one in Exacta mount and used it on an Exa SLR. I later bought one in LTM off *bay and used it on my Leica IIIf. See the links below.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/Musings/GreatLakes
http://gallery.leica-users.org/Musings/Tulips01
http://gallery.leica-users.org/Musings/YellowTulips01a

 

[raid]

I have used the 85s for closeups of flowers and for one of my favorite subjects, odd photos around the local airport. I initially traded for one in Exacta mount and used it on an Exa SLR. I later bought one in LTM off *bay and used it on my Leica IIIf. See the links below.

http://gallery.leica-users.org/Musings/GreatLakes
http://gallery.leica-users.org/Musings/Tulips01
http://gallery.leica-users.org/Musings/YellowTulips01a

I like second photo the most (tulips). I guess,I stand corrected on the age of the lens. It seems that the 85mm/1.9 was the second model before the 85mm/2. Mine must be among the older type ones due to its metal finish.

 

[raid]

in the Canon 85mm lenses the oldest one is the f2 , then the f1.9, and the latest and the most modern one is the f1.8
the very latest 1.9s came in an all black finish & they were lighter in weight than the chrome ones.

Yes, you are correct here.I forgot about the 1.8 version.
I wonder if anyone has a comparison test for the different Canon 85mm models.