Lens decisions...

[marek_]

Hi O2pilot,

I've been busy with stuff so it's taken me longer to sort the canon 50mm and 35mm test shot. Scanned, added sharpening and contrast/brightness (same amount on both).

Here they are, 50s first.

 

[marek_]

Another two 50s.

 

[marek_]

Serenar 35mm2.8 and Zeiss Biogon 35mm2.8.

50s Lens compared to modern day lens.

 

[marek_]

Another two from the 35s.

 

[marek_]

As you can see the Canon 50/1.8 has more contrast compared to the Serenar 50/1.5. This helps to give it the edge on sharpness. The 1.8 looks to resolve more detail too.

Again with the 35mm lenses, the Zeiss has much more contrast compared to the Serenar, and is quite a bit sharper. And is known for these qualities. I think the Biogon pairs up nicely with the Canon 50/1.8. The pictures attached to this post where taken with the Canon 1.8, but when editing them I mistakenly thought the pier was taken with the Biogon. I checked my notes and was left impressed with the little lens, again.

Looking at the pictures taken with these four lenses. I'm more drawn to the lower contrast, gentler renditions of the Serenar lenses. They are more delicate, but I guess each lens will fit a specific purpose and you choose accordingly.

Hope these pictures help.

Mark

 

[02Pilot]

marek, thanks for all your efforts. It is very helpful to see direct comparisons like this. As you may have seen above, I ended up buying a 50/1.5; like you, I tend to prefer more classic rendering, so your examples tend to suggest I'll be happy with the 1.5. Not to say I won't grab a 1.8 at some point, of course, and I still need to get another 35....

 

[marek_]

Just noticed the attached pictures are very small - they sharpen up when double-clicked. When resizing I can never get a good size . Here's another attempt.

 

[agfa100]

When I first started out with Canon RF's I settled on a 4 lens set that worked great for me.
I had the 50 1.4, 35mm 2.0, 100mm f3.5 and then I was lucky and had the 19mm 3.5 that was a great set. I finally switched over to Leica and used all those same lenses on the M cameras until I could replace each one with M glass, except I went with a 90 summicron and sold the 19 when someone made me a offer I could not turn down. I would really try and find a Canon 35mm f2.0 if you can, it's a really good lens.

wbill

 

[marek_]

marek, thanks for all your efforts. It is very helpful to see direct comparisons like this. As you may have seen above, I ended up buying a 50/1.5; like you, I tend to prefer more classic rendering, so your examples tend to suggest I'll be happy with the 1.5. Not to say I won't grab a 1.8 at some point, of course, and I still need to get another 35....

O2Pilot, I missed your post in my rush to get some pictures posted. I think you'll be happy with the 1.5. If nothing else you have a lens with a very different rendition to modern offerings - something special I think. I haven't tried mine out with colour, but it should give some interesting results.

Enjoy the lens.

Mark

 

[Range-rover]

This is a great thread, having just purchased a Canon P, I needed info on the
lenses this is good.

Range

 

[Bingley]

marek, thanks for all your efforts. It is very helpful to see direct comparisons like this. As you may have seen above, I ended up buying a 50/1.5; like you, I tend to prefer more classic rendering, so your examples tend to suggest I'll be happy with the 1.5. Not to say I won't grab a 1.8 at some point, of course, and I still need to get another 35....

I have both the Canon 50/1.5 and the Canon 50/1.8. They are each superb lenses. The differences between them will be most evident when shot wide open or at f2, and there it's just a matter of personal taste as to which look you prefer (I like 'em both, obviously). The 50/1.5 will make a great portrait lens, yet I also use it happily for street photography. The 50/1.8 has become my go-to lens for travel because of its compact size and comparatively light weight. Every time I feel an attack of GAS coming on for a rigid summicron, I look at the photos I've taken w/ the 50/1.8 and the GAS goes away.

 

[02Pilot]

First results from the 50/1.5 have been encouraging; as I expected, I'm pleased with the characteristic Sonnar look at wider apertures. If I were to get a 50/1.8, I'd look for the earlier chrome/brass version, so there wouldn't be any weight advantage, but I don't really mind.