short throw tele

[noimmunity]

Not a new sport for old cathode tube sets, but a question about lenses...

One of my main photographic subjects are live bands. I'd like to find a tele lens for use on the RD-1. I've been using an 85/2 Nikkor, which I find very likable, except that the very long throw of the lens is not well-suited to moving quickly between subjects at different distances on stage. 😕
My budget for this isn't very high.
Good color saturation is more important than high contrast, though sharpness is a definite plus. Seems candidates are the CV 90/3.5, the Hexanon 90/2.8, the M-Rokkor 90/4, Canon 100/3.5 ... I have a hard time deciding based on comments/photos I can find on the web, and as usual can't find any samples to try out for myself... Thanks for your opinions.

 

[back alley]

the cv 75 is nice also.
the hex 90 is a beautiful lens to handle, maybe the best of this lot.
the canon is downright tiny, maybe too small for big hands?
the rokkor 90 is great also, sharp and small & easy to handle as well.

all will take a fine photo.

 

[vrgard]

I agree with Joe. And based on your criteria the Hex 90 is the perfect match. Nice, reasonably short focus throw. Not high contrast. Incredible build quality. Very sharp and almost flare-proof. Not overly expensive. And still reasonably fast at f2.8.

-Randy

 

[noimmunity]

Thanks, Joe and Randy. Alas, I had the CV 75 and often regret selling it. I have had some very memorable photos with it. I may get it again some day... But for the current task I want something a little longer.

I've seen photos of the Canon 100/3.5 It doesn't look that small. How small is small? I have kind of large hands...


The Hex...yes, I want it no question, but really at the outer reaches of my budget. Should I? What price should I expect to pay (gulp!)

The Rokkor...is f/4 fast enough? Most of the time yes, occasionally no.

There was a thread here about a year or so ago with posted photos comparing these lenses and some lively debate. Useful, but I still found it very hard to tell reliably which I would prefer. I think at this point I will base my decision more on handling than anything, but also would like really good color.

 

[peterm1]

The 1980 /1990 era tele elmarit 90mm f2.8 is pretty good in this respect. Its a fine lens besides. But it may be a bit pricey unless you can pick up a beater. While the Canon 100mm f3.5 is a very good lens the extra speed of the Leica glass may be worth it given your main purpose.

 

[noimmunity]

Hex 90 Excellent Choice!!!

Hex 90 Excellent Choice!!!

I agree with Joe. And based on your criteria the Hex 90 is the perfect match. Nice, reasonably short focus throw. Not high contrast. Incredible build quality. Very sharp and almost flare-proof. Not overly expensive. And still reasonably fast at f2.8.

-Randy

Just got the Hex 90 in the mail today. Wow! Handles really smoothly, short throw, and delivers sharp images across the aperture range. I'll be trying it out for a few performances on saturday... can't wait.

Just like Joe and Randy said, this is just the sort of lens I was looking for!!!

Any way for me to buy yous two a couple of your favorite beverages ?

What a great place this is! Long live RFF and people like Joe and Randy !!!