goo0h
Well-known
Worth it? Well, that seems like something you have to answer for yourself. Everyone is going to have a different opinion.
Someone in this thread mentioned the Zeiss 50/f2. Yeah, I've had thoughts of that too, but in the end decided to get two CV lenses instead.
I have both the 50/f2 and the 40/f1.4 and like them both. In a way the 50/f2 surprised me. I was concerned that a) it wasn't as fast as I generally prefer "just in case" I need the speed, and b) it is a bit soft wide open. However, I love the OOF look to the 50/f2. IMHO it is much nicer than the 40/f1.4. The 40/f1.4 doesn't look so harsh when stopped down, but I still like the OOF look of the 50/f2 better. It seems very smooth to me.
I don't shoot much color, so how the 50/f2 renders color isn't that much of an issue for me. I have seen some of the color results and must admit there does seem to be a warmness to those pictures, but since I don't do color much, not that big of a concern. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to trying it out myself.
Someone in this thread mentioned the Zeiss 50/f2. Yeah, I've had thoughts of that too, but in the end decided to get two CV lenses instead.
I have both the 50/f2 and the 40/f1.4 and like them both. In a way the 50/f2 surprised me. I was concerned that a) it wasn't as fast as I generally prefer "just in case" I need the speed, and b) it is a bit soft wide open. However, I love the OOF look to the 50/f2. IMHO it is much nicer than the 40/f1.4. The 40/f1.4 doesn't look so harsh when stopped down, but I still like the OOF look of the 50/f2 better. It seems very smooth to me.
I don't shoot much color, so how the 50/f2 renders color isn't that much of an issue for me. I have seen some of the color results and must admit there does seem to be a warmness to those pictures, but since I don't do color much, not that big of a concern. Maybe one of these days I'll get around to trying it out myself.
mr_phillip
Well-known
I really like the 50mm Heliar. My experiences of it are similiar to gooOh's: wonderful bokeh, slightly soft at f2 but sharpens up quickly from f2.8 on. Seems to peek around f5.6-f8 which I guess is what you'd expect for a lens like this. It has a slightly vintage quality to b&w images which I find hard to define but absolutely adore. The build, size and handling are also major plusses for me too.
rolleistef
Well-known
It might not be the same quality but if you're looking for a good old-fashion looking lens, you might be considering buying a Jupiter 8, or a LTM Sonnar...
raid
Dad Photographer
A J-8 may cost less than 1/10 of what the Heliar goes for.
Raid
Raid