just in theory - trading 1.2 for 1.5?

noci

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hey folks,

been thinking a while about posting an ad to RFF on wanting to trade my (near mint) 50 1.2 for a good 50 1.5 sonnar clone, as I really think that the 1.2 is in its performance sort of inbetween other lenses I have and doesn't give me any pronounced features that'd make it worth keeping.
so the obvious question is, would that be a good trade or are those lenses too far apart in terms of pricing? I obviously can't ask for a Zeiss in return, can I? 😀

thanks,

Max
 
I think the 1.2 sells for just a bit more than the 1.5 Canon. You might be better off selling the 1.2 outright and looking for the 1.5 after, particularly if your lens is really mint. 🙂
 
Would you prefer a modern Zeiss over a classic Canon Sonnar?
I have a Canon 50/1,5 with filters available. I had a 1,2 before. Not sure if I would want to do a straight trade if a trade at all though.
 
I wouldn't!
But thats me.
I'm not sure what you mean about Canon 50/1.2 performance. In my experience it's a great lens - IF it is a well adjusted one with a good glass. You say that yours is "near mint" - if thats the case - you should have a very well performing lens. All you will get by trading is a smaller size lens, but will lose 1.2, which in my opinion is a HUGE loss. But than again, your needs may be different. Many people don't need/use fast lenses wide open. So, your call really, but I would stay with 50/1.2 - thats is if it performs the way it should.
 
the Canon 50/f1.5 fits better on any Barnack type than the large 50/f 1.2 optic.
it looks cooler too.
 
The Nikkor seems sharper fully open and close focused.
shots done on colour film look to have better colour saturation at large apertures than the Canon Sonnar type.
 
I have the Canon 50/1.2 and the Canon 50/1.5. They are about the same in value these days, roughly ~$300 each. I like and keep both. The Nikkor 5cm F1.4 is sharper than either used wide-open, but the Bokeh is a bit more harsh. The Canon 50/1.5 renders a beautiful portrait wide-open, and is very sharp by F4.

Canon 50/1.5 at F2:

1491182844_dff69b0853_o.jpg
 
hmm, I already have the Nikkor 1.4, as well as a Summarit 50 1.5 ... 🙂
those are the two lenses I meant by the 1.2 somewhat falling inbetween, which at this point isn't really backed up by more than superficial evidence, though.

... but your comments make me think again... perhaps I should test out the 1.2 way more.. and yes, been using it wide open, but only shot two rolls with it so far (if at all..).
thanks for all your comments so far!

best wishes,

Max
 
oh and lapto, about the availability of things.. why don't you pm me... but after all that was said here it seems like I'm keeping the 1.2 for now.
 
I recommend that you get a J-3 with vintage 1960+.This will become your favorite 50mm/1.5 lens. Keep the 50/1.2 lens.
 
well, as long as it has the Canon 3d-effect along with the Canon Glow (tm), what can possibly go wrong? 😉

ok folks, you convinced me.. keeping the 1.2 & should look to buy the Sonnar independently instead of trading.
 
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