Qranc Offline Buy and Sell: On
|
Pavel wrote:
I have shot with both the 1.8, the 1.4 and the canon 1.2. Diminishing returns.
By a "look at me" lens Rene .... I mean conspicuous when you are walking around not "showing off" but rather not wanting to stand out to where the equipment draws attention.
sometimes its ok ... sometimes it's really nice to not look like someone with expensive gear. And the 1.4 draws attention.
Despite the "legend" status people simply tend to love to think if its expensive that it is great and if they have spent a fortune on it "sublime". 
The 1.4 is not so hot wide open in my experience and I have to really look hard at the difference between 1.4 and 1.8 in bokeh. Funny, the 1.2 vs the canon 1.8 shows a huge difference but much of it I put down to how that lens simply paints because it has that look even at f 2.0 and the 1.8 does not. But focusing the 1.2? Hit and miss.
(of course if I were not so mello and diplomatic in my old age - I'd say all canon focus is "hit and miss" .... but some don't care for the friendly ribbing ... perhaps because they suffered through the syndrome themselves?)
Anyhow, to put this into perspective I would love for them to both be updated. And the 1.4 improved at bit. But if it is only one or the other .... there is nothing wrong with a tini lens, one stop slower, which would likely cost $500-700 versus a much much higher price-tag.
A great lens made even better but for many more people rather than a gem, with bragging rights and a bit more - for a lot more. No I'm cool with either ... I just don't get why some think the sky fell - if its not the ultimate. Heck ... if Nikon goes that way ... they would be nuts to stay in Canons shadow and do only a 1.4. Go all the way then, don't you think?
In any case, either way if this rumor is true .... our little worlds just got better. :-)
I may have misunderstood your point because I certainly agree with you about diminishing returns. Having used the Canon 85 1.2 more than my 1.4 I feel it has a certain something that I can't put my finger on. I am not above admitting it may be it's reputation that clouds judgement but damn that focus.
I think any of the 85 models in the hands of skilled craftsmen are suitable and the printed differences of a great image defy the differences in price.
At any rate, I agree with all of your above. I am not immune to being impractical in my lens choices. I often point out people should buy what they want, they are more likely to actually go out and use it than something simply practical. It is true at least in my case.
Rene
Edited on Jan 08, 2008 at 06:24 AM
|