+1 for G90. If you can live with focusing on the adapter, it is world-class glass for the price of a Leica sunshade. OK, just kidding. Maybe two sunshades. Plus, the same adapter will let you use the G45, just as good and just as cheap, and G 28, just...you get the idea...
Zeiss Sonnar 85/2.8 C/Y - shorter than Contax G 90 with manual focusing ring and equally good IQ.Unlike G90 Sonnar it is also usable with Canon/other DSLRs.Add C/Y Distagon 28/2.8 and Planar 50/1.7 and you're done.
I just picked up a very pristine 90mm f2.8 Elmarit-M here in Bangkok, was surprised to see a couple on the shelf at good prices. Snatched one of the better ones.
I have the G90 at home and I have used one for a few years but I am no fan of the adapter for G. On my GXR M mount the Leica 90 will probably be sweet. Will find out next week when I get home again. Did not dare bring the GXR M for climbing...
I was surprised to see the M mount in stock (a few of them actually) here as well as meeting the Cosina rep who was just getting 25 copies of the 15/4.5 Heliar in, I will be snatching one as prices are better than expected.
The two that spring to mind in that range are the Zuiko 100/2 and the Nikkor 105/2.5 Ai(S), both very similar IQ, though the Zuiko is rarer and about 5-6x the cost of the Nikkor.
The Nikon 105/2.5 is excellent, but the Canon 100/2 FDn is, if possible, even better. Nice compact size (about the same as the 105/2.5), great handling, and the FD-NEX adapter is fairly slim.
I haven't come across any information on the 100/2 FDn apart from spec, Any more info about it or links?
Also, off thread, is it an easy or difficult conversion to EF mount?
timballic wrote:
I haven't come across any information on the 100/2 FDn apart from spec, Any more info about it or links?
Also, off thread, is it an easy or difficult conversion to EF mount?
I don't have any links handy, but it's generally very favorably reviewed. It's just a fantastic compact mid-tele, with no personality flaws that I can find. Good wide open, good stopped down, eight aperture blades, compact body (much smaller than the Olympus 10/2), 52mm filter threads, etc. Nothing to complain about.
Can't say about adapting to EF -- I'm a Nikon guy, outside of the world of NEX. Given the short registration distance, you might find it simpler to just go with a Nikon 105/2.5, which is great, too.
I would be willing to try a Canon 100 FD or LTM if I could find one on my way. For some reason I have a high threshold for buying used overseas.
Too bad all 100 mm f/2.8 are made as macro lenses. Although f/2.8 is a bit slow for low light, the size and weight of a non-macro would be appealing. The CV 90/3.5 is on my radar too, but not as a fast lens.
Canon also did a 100/2.8 FDn, which is also well liked, lighter weight, and less expensive. Also, don't forget the Nikon 105/2.5 AI/AIS, as well as the very inexpensive 100/2.8 Series E (not quite as admired as the 105, but still a very decent lens, and very lightweight).
The Nikon 105 f/2.5 is not particularly light for its aperture, but the FD 100 2.8 is. Knowing what forum I ask in, still I had hoped for a lens it is possible to go out and buy.
To get something usable in a reasonable timeframe, maybe I should back on the focal length and try a Pentax 77mm f/1.8 at only 270g + adapter.
