canon 85mm f/2

[sanmich]

I have a Elmarit-M f/2.8
Frome time to time I think that I should get a faster 90mm, especially since at this FL, low speeds are an issue.

So the 85mm f/2 canon seems to be one cheap option to enter the f/2 realm.

BUT

Is it good?

Are there noticeable differences between the serenar, the f/1.9, the f/2 and the black/chrome versions (other than weight..)

How does it compare to, say, the nikkor or the summicron (-s) ?

Thanks

 

[raid]

I have the Canon 85mm/1.9 and I once compared it with the more costly Canon 85mm/1.8. Both are superb lenses. Both are beautiful. Both are heavy,with the black lens being lighter than the chrome lens.

 

[dexdog]

Canon 85/1.8 is 470 grams. Canon 85/2 is 556 grams. Canon 85/1.9 is either 605 grams or 410 grams, depending on the version of the lens, I or II

Canon camera museum, http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/s/50-85.html

 

[sanmich]

WOW i missed the fact that there is a f/1.8 too..

Are all these versions equal optically?

what would be a good price for a black f/1.9 ?

Thanks

 

[raid]

Michael,
Only the Canon 85/1.8 is black.
The rest is chrome.
The less expensive versions are the 1.9 and 2.0.
The 1.8 can go for $500.

 

[sanmich]

Michael,
Only the Canon 85/1.8 is black.
The rest is chrome.
The less expensive versions are the 1.9 and 2.0.
The 1.8 can go for $500.

There are evidences that at least a small batch of black 1.9's were made:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...sources/RF-Nikkor/Canon_RF/canonRF85mmf19.htm

My understanding is that the all the f/2~f/1.9 were optically similar with the 1.8 being different (you can't argue with one element lens in the optics)

Is this right?

How would all these f/2's compare to a contemporary cron?

 

[raid]

Michael,
You are talking about a rare version that not even the Canon Museum has mentioned.
I can vouch for the 1.9 and the 1.8 as being sharp.
You can only compare lenses from the same years.
A contemporary lens will have advantages over a 30-40 year old lens.

 

[Tom A]

I did some shots with my 85f1.9 last week. Apart from being heavy, it is a good lens. Slightly lower contrast than the modern 85/90's but certainly no slouches when it comes to performance.
The 85f1.5 Canon falls in the same category as the 85f1.5 nikkor and the 85f1.5 Summarex LTM. At the time they were great lenses, but by todays standards they are mediocre (start flame war now!). If you like soft contrast, flare and minimalist DOF they are fun, but I do regard them as optical artifacts more than useful lenses.
The Canon 85f1.9 and f2, as well as the Nikkor 85f2 LTM are far more useful and can hold its own even against modern fast lenses. Wide open performance can be a bit soft, but they are great portrait lenses.
Check on Flickr for images with the various lenses. Just tag "Canon 85mm f1.9" -" Nikkor 85mm f2.0" and there is plenty of samples.

 

[raid]

Canon 85mm/1.5 wide open:

 

[Vincenzo Maielli]

Is a good lens but the difference from f/ 2 to f/ 2.8 is very little: why spent another bucks, if the Elmarit 90/2.8 is one of the best 90 mm?
Ciao.
Vincenzo

 

[sanmich]

Is a good lens but the difference from f/ 2 to f/ 2.8 is very little: why spent another bucks, if the Elmarit 90/2.8 is one of the best 90 mm?
Ciao.
Vincenzo

Vincenzo
I find the 2.8 to 2 step very important.
I use tri-X for 99% of my work.
@400 ASA, most indoor situations with normal lighting can be handled at 1/30 f/2.
well, even at f/2 you get a speed that can be quite a problem for a long lens.
so 2.8 is a serious show killer for me.

 

[sanmich]

Oh NO....It happened again

Oh NO....It happened again

Now, now, gentlemen...

See what you've done::bang::bang:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120284827809

Well thanks all for the help.

I really wanted to avoid the wheight of the chrome lenses, so I guess I payed an extra on this. OTOH, the other option would have been the 1.8 at a much higher price...
And this one is rare .... why not?

I'll give it a shot against my Elmarit.

Thanks

 

[raid]

Now, now, gentlemen...

See what you've done::bang::bang:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120284827809

Well thanks all for the help.

I really wanted to avoid the wheight of the chrome lenses, so I guess I payed an extra on this. OTOH, the other option would have been the 1.8 at a much higher price...
And this one is rare .... why not?

I'll give it a shot against my Elmarit.

Thanks

This is a rare lens [in Black]. Congratulations, Michael.
Let us know how the lens performs.

 

[dexdog]

hey, that lens looks like a beauty. I bought a lens from this seller once, and he was a good guy to deal with. Anyway, enjoy the lens, and post some pictures!

 

[raid]

I may sell a chrome 85mm/1.9 in the coming weeks.

 

[Paul C. Perkins MD]

When I first saw that - I thought it was a 135mm F:3.5. . . Wow!

 

[raid]

Yes, the shape resembles that of a [larger] Canon 135mm/3.5.
It is a beauty.

 

[chris00nj]

I bought a 85/2 off of eBay recently. The description said it had a scratch on the front element, but it was more like a sizable ding. It still takes good photos as seen below

 

[chris00nj]

Okay my photo doesn't want to appear.

Here is the link. It wasnt anything special just a test shot

 

[raid]

Chris,

A possible flare effect may occur of a light beam hits the scratch at a certain angle.