Recommendation for a "cheap" second 50mm?

[krötenblender]

Hello

I'm going to get a Nokton 1.1 and although of course I know, one should only use the Noctilux on the M9... 🙄, it is currently out of reach for me. But the Nokton is too big and heavy for, to have it all the time with me. On the street, I shoot with f8 or even more closed anyway, so I do not need the 1.1 there.

My question now is, what other "cheap" 50mm can you recommend? I have no problem, if it starts at f2.8 or even f3.5, if it is M39 or M. I already have another russian collapsable 50mm, which I got for about 20€ and it is mostly good enough for the street, but it's mechanics (aperture ring and focus) are not very smooth, so I like something else.

Thanks in advance for serious recommendations.

 

[Brian Legge]

I think the standard answer around here for a 50mm lens that is a 'step up from FSU' is the Canon 50mm 1.8. I have one, great lens, deserves all the praise it gets particularly when found for around $150.

 

[zauhar]

I have the canon 1.4, and think it is a great lens.

Randy

 

[photo4ls]

+1 on the Canon 50 f1.8
Nelson

 

[furcafe]

+2

Or for something more old-fashioned, any of the Leitz Elmars or Japanese copies thereof.

+1 on the Canon 50 f1.8
Nelson

 

[ampguy]

I'd go with the 15 blade Elmar 50/2.8 which I think come in LTM or M mount.

 

[jsrockit]

What is your price range?

 

[krötenblender]

What is your price range?

I don't really know... I think, about 150€. (Preferably less for the intended purpose)

The Canon f1.8 sound interesting, but currently there seems to be only one on *bay for $500... No way. 😱

 

[jsrockit]

Voigtlander 50mm f/2.5

 

[Roger Hicks]

Voigtlander 50mm f/2.5

Seconded.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Kent]

I really can recommend the Leitz Summitar 2/50 and if it needs to be really cheap (=affordable) you should look for a Jupiter-8 2/50.

 

[krötenblender]

Voigtlander 50mm f/2.5

I already had my eye on that one, but I'm afraid, it will be over the limit used. I would love to have it, though.

I also looked at the Jupiter, but I don't think, I like it.

 

[Brian Legge]

There is a Canon 50mm 2.8 in the classifieds here right now btw.

 

[250swb]

Depends what you mean by cheap, cheap to buy or cheap as in rubbish. For what it does the 50mm Elmar M (thats the latest version) is as cheap as you will get for a great lens, and most definitely something different to the hulking CV f1.1!

Steve

 

[setyotomo]

+1 on Summitar. Bought it for USD 200 shipped, beautiful lens

 

[hausen]

+1 on the Canon 50/1.4, great option for me after ZM50/1.5 Sonnar


Auckland Harbour Bridge by BigHausen, on Flickr

 

[bastian a.]

Voigtlander 50mm f/2.5

This would be a good choice.

Or Canon 1.8/50 LTM or Canon 2.8/50 LTM.

 

[uhoh7]

I don't really know... I think, about 150€. (Preferably less for the intended purpose)

The Canon f1.8 sound interesting, but currently there seems to be only one on *bay for $500... No way. 😱

going rate for nice Canon 50/1.8 is around 130-150 USD or less 😉

you will see outrageous BINs for every lens, just about.

The Canon 50/1.4 is about 300USD or less.

all that said, why not spend a tiny bit more for something serious, like minolta or leica 40/2.

These are tiny lenses and incredibly sharp. About 4-500 USD.

They are also very easy to sell if you need to.

 

[Pikapig]

Both are gorgeous lens....
My experience with canon 1.8 is "WOW"
for that amount of money...i think i picked up a precious...

then i jump into a 50 1.4 to see wats de difference...

These are all shots wide open....its amazing sharpness and the tones and contrast on black and white is nice...

 

[umcelinho]

the canon ltm 50/1.8 (chrome version) is a delicious lens. it's the 50mm i take out when i want a 50mm. the dr cron and 1.5 nokton should bully it badly when i'm not looking...