Hi folks. First of all, let me say I love this lens. Very pleased with the sharpness wide open, the bokeh, and the color rendition. Maybe it's not as contrasty as an 85L, but it's also nearly an order of magnitude cheaper.
I'd like to hear about other people's experience using it. Likes and dislikes. In my experience the crucial weakness of this lens is flare control. It flares. A lot. I have a theory that this could be controlled far better with a longer hood. I've had good results holding my hand out to extend the hood it comes with.
Has anyone experimented with other hoods for this lens? Regardless, I want to see your shots using it. Here's a few of mine from Halloween.
I also wish it focused closer. I like it, but don't see a large difference between it and my Canon 1.8(which I have a very sharp copy of) so, I'm considering selling it and maybe try the 14mm. I do like the feel of it and the mechanical quality. Wish it was chipped to tell the camera the focal length and f-stop. I haven't noticed flare problems, but don't shoot into the light too often.
JohnBrose wrote:
I also wish it focused closer. I like it, but don't see a large difference between it and my Canon 1.8(which I have a very sharp copy of) so, I'm considering selling it and maybe try the 14mm. I do like the feel of it and the mechanical quality. Wish it was chipped to tell the camera the focal length and f-stop. I haven't noticed flare problems, but don't shoot into the light too often.
I have both. If you get the 14, be sure to get an AF chip to glue in it as focusing is a bitch due to the large DOF. That or you must focus wide open in live view magnified to have any chance at nailing focus.
Dislikes about the lens:
1. Long MFD
2. Lens cap and hood(I replaced my hood with a knockoff Nikon HN-20 screw-in hood)
It does give some veiling flare wide open when shot against bright light, but I actually like that. The "rainbow ring flare" only appears when not using the hood.
Other than that it's perfect, my favorite lens. Also, it's killingly sharp at f/2.8.
