Which 50mm lens for my R2A

[alexandru_voicu]

Hi everyone,

I have a Bessa R2A needing a 50mm lens. At this time, I have to choose between a Heliar 50/2, a Zeiss Planar 50/2 and a Nokton 50/1.5. I must admit I'm tempted by the Heliar, but I kept reading it's quite soft wide open. My question is, how soft? How soft, let's say, compared to a good example of a Jupiter 8? I know the Zeiss Planar is probably the best option, but it's a little bit over my budget. I would greatly appreciate your opinions.

Best regards,
Alex

 

[sparrow6224]

I'd get -- for the money -- a >$200 Canon 50mm f1.8 and an LTM adapter. Outstanding inexpensive lens. On your list the only one I know is the 50/1.5 Nokton which is really quite good -- even wide open. The first two pics in this group were taken with that lens: the two called "At the Reading". it was at 1.5.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/commodiusvicus/sets/72157626494443248/

 

[kshapero]

I have the Heliar, I have not experienced it as soft. It is one fine lens.

 

[Gary E]

I have the Heliar, I have not experienced it as soft. It is one fine lens.

I too use the Heliar and also do not find it soft. Maybe you're referring to the contrast?

 

[Dominum]

Won't go wrong with zeiss

 

[alexandru_voicu]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your comments. Today I decided to buy a Zeiss Planar, I went to the shop only to discover that the only Planar they got was what appeared to be a returned item (given the fingerprints and other marks on the glass), so I had to skip it. Now I have to choose between the Nokton 50/1.5 and the Heliar 50/2 (limited edition). I think the Nokton has the best bang for the buck, but I would like to avoid a bulky lens. Now I'm torned between the two.

You mentioned that the Heliar is not soft wide open, but it is not contrasty. Is this something that happens only wide open or regardless of the aperture?

Thank you,
Alex

 

[Vincent.G]

The Nokton 50f1.5 is a great lens. If you can find a used copy in good condition, go for it.

 

[kshapero]

How about the Nokton 50/1.1? Would it focus short range on the 2A?

 

[xavier]

Have you considered the Nokton 40/1.4?

 

[35mmdelux]

Heliar is a more compact lens. The others mentioned are big.

 

[Bingley]

I'd get -- for the money -- a >$200 Canon 50mm f1.8 and an LTM adapter. Outstanding inexpensive lens. On your list the only one I know is the 50/1.5 Nokton which is really quite good -- even wide open. The first two pics in this group were taken with that lens: the two called "At the Reading". it was at 1.5.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/commodiusvicus/sets/72157626494443248/

+1. The Canon 50/1.8 is a planar design, btw, very good, and quite compact particularly compared to the CV 50/1.5. The latter is a lovely lens, but your R2A won't be very pocketable w/ it.

 

[Vics]

Are all the Summicrons too much for your budget? I love the collapsible. I never collapse it when it's on the camera, just when it goes in the bag.

 

[PMCC]

Unless you're in love with its signature wide-open, the collapsible 'cron is no better than the Canon 1.8, which is cheaper by half.

 

[raid]

Heliar 50/2 at 2.0: It is not soft wide open.

 

[raid]

 

[raid]

Heliar 50/2 at 2.8

 

[paulfish4570]

if you don't need the speed, 50/2.5 color skopar ...