There seems to be some interest in the drawing style of this lens. I have been using the Sony 135 STF for a year now with the Canon 1DS3.
Live view helps immeasurably with focus. I also used the STF with the 1D4 and high ISO is a boon for this lens.
I find the 135mm focal length incredibly awkward. I had the 135L and never used it because of this even though it was wickedly sharp. I don't "see" in this focal length unless I force myself. And with the STF I have forced myself because of the unique drawing style which has attracted me to the lens.
I find that Zeiss lenses have very aggressively shaped bokeh, in comparison, the STF has a very "feminine" bokeh, all curves, no jagged edges. It is perfectly smooth while retaining the shape of the out of focus subject. Front bokeh is rendered in the same attractive manner as the back bokeh.
The sharpness of the lens is faultless wide open, as it resolves at a top tier level and renders a high contrast, saturated image at near and far distances.
Flare and veiling are problematic when shooting directly into a light source. The converted EOS mount is tight and can be difficult to mount/unmount. I had the conversion done at SK Grimes and the customer service was spectacular and knowledgeable. I highly recommend flocking the finished conversion.
There are two sets of apertures. One is controlled manually and the other is controlled electronically.
The manual control allows you to manipulate the aperture from t4.5 to 6.7. For My purposes I always shoot wide open. I don't have any images of the lens on hand but it has no change other than the mount.
Leon Noel wrote:
Thanks for enlightening us Pookipichu, I got questions:
After conversion, are you able to change aperture? If yes, is it electronically or manually?
Some images of the lens itself would be nice if you don't mind. Thanks.
The conversion took about 2.5 weeks and cost $430. Not an inconsiderable amount of money when the cost of the lens is factored in. Definitely a specialty lens but until Sony develops live view, the STF is much more usable on the 1DS3. The lens really benefits from live view because the depth of field is thin and the t4.5 is not particularly bright for the viewfinder.
It provides a look that is absolutely signature (round, soft, glowy bokeh) and uniquely suited for flowers and women.
I called SR Grimes today and it's a 6-8 week lead time to get this conversion done. Seems excessive to me. The price quote was from $400 to $450. I know these are small shops but that time frame should be only 3 to 4 weeks. This is only my opinion.
I just received a Tamron 70-150/2.8 SF. The pics on a 5DII have a very nice look with the SF at 1. Maybe something to consider as a less expensive alternative.
I just received a Tamron 70-150/2.8 SF. The pics on a 5DII have a very nice look with the SF at 1. Maybe something to consider as a less expensive alternative.
hmm. i always thought the STF had a pretty thick DOF considering it's f/2.8 DOF and the STF effect causes focus area to be ambiguous. the a900 VF makes it easier to achieve correct focus, but yah, t/4.5 becomes an issue in even medium light.
Also here is a crop from the portrait. The STF is incredbily sharp, any "softness" is user error, focusing a manual focus lens with t4.5 on a moving subject is not easy.
Thanks for taking the time to post the images. I have a Minolta 135mm STF on the way, but yours looks like the Sony. Do you happen to know if there is any difference between the versions? The Sony looks very nice indeed, I am wondering if I should just convert a sony and sell the minolta. Do you have any recommendations?
From my research, the minolta and sony versions are identical optically so I don't think it makes a difference which one you have. I opted for the Sony because it was simpler to get a new lens..
Andrew Gough wrote:
Hi Pookipichu,
Thanks for taking the time to post the images. I have a Minolta 135mm STF on the way, but yours looks like the Sony. Do you happen to know if there is any difference between the versions? The Sony looks very nice indeed, I am wondering if I should just convert a sony and sell the minolta. Do you have any recommendations?
