I just discovered this "Alternative" forum (in the midst of the Nikon 14-24 on Canon debate.) Not fair, you guys, turning me on to a whole world of "new" lenses. I have already ordered an adpater and who know where this will end. Long time Canon user (first SLR, 50/1.2, 135/3.5 when I was in VietNam.) Really love Canon in anything longer than about 100 but now......

The best thing about alternative lenses is that you really can pick your price point and still end up with some good glass. Some of it is ridiculously expensive and some of it is amazingly affordable. All of it is more fun and rewarding than just sticking a Canon zoom on and pulling the trigger.

Lots of cheap alternatives to modern Canon AF lenses that have as good or better image quality. Plus manual-focus and lens-barrel aperture control is just so satisfying, since that's how I learned to shoot 3 decades ago.

Lots of cheap alternatives to modern Canon AF lenses that have as good or better image quality. Plus manual-focus and lens-barrel aperture control is just so satisfying, since that's how I learned to shoot 3 decades ago.

htbyron wrote:
Lots of cheap alternatives to modern Canon AF lenses that have as good or better image quality. Plus manual-focus and lens-barrel aperture control is just so satisfying, since that's how I learned to shoot 3 decades ago.

Just got myself a couple of Takumars and a Flektogon (on it's way still), an adapter with focus confirm, and ordered a Katz Eye screen the same day i tried the 50 1.4 Takumar: i'm just 34, but i also learned with manual everything stone age cameras (an Icarex i still have ). Even on a Dslr, i enjoy this so much more.
All thanks to the great people here.
BTW, all this i got for as much as an EF 35 f2, and it is sooo much fun.
Image quality can be great, as for example the Takumar blows away the well respected EF 50 1.8II, for 1/3 the price. And it feels so nice to focus these lenses.
They even look good on the camera.
Have fun!

htbyron wrote:
Lots of cheap alternatives to modern Canon AF lenses that have as good or better image quality. Plus manual-focus and lens-barrel aperture control is just so satisfying, since that's how I learned to shoot 3 decades ago.

Just got myself a couple of Takumars and a Flektogon (on it's way still), an adapter with focus confirm, and ordered a Katz Eye screen the same day i tried the 50 1.4 Takumar: i'm just 34, but i also learned with manual everything stone age cameras (an Icarex i still have ). Even on a Dslr, i enjoy this so much more.
All thanks to the great people here.
BTW, all this i got for as much as an EF 35 f2, and it is sooo much fun.
Image quality can be great, as for example the Takumar blows away the well respected EF 50 1.8II, for 1/3 the price. And it feels so nice to focus these lenses.
They even look good on the camera.
Have fun!

test

test

Here is the product of the alt lens disease:

C/Y CZ 28/2.8, 85/1.4
Nikon Ai-S 20/3.5
Oly OM 18/3.5, 50/1.4, 28/3.5
Takumar SMC 55/1.8
Leitz Leica 35/2

All within 2007. Got some great shots with these lenses. The only lens I have not gotten any mileage is the Leica 35/2 which I received last week.

Here is the product of the alt lens disease:

C/Y CZ 28/2.8, 85/1.4
Nikon Ai-S 20/3.5
Oly OM 18/3.5, 50/1.4, 28/3.5
Takumar SMC 55/1.8
Leitz Leica 35/2

All within 2007. Got some great shots with these lenses. The only lens I have not gotten any mileage is the Leica 35/2 which I received last week.

Yeah, but just tell us when you have got a lot of them. I changed only about 10 lenses in the last two years, all "alternative" and am preparing for the third alternative lineup. But it is great to see what lenses from different manufacturers can do, how each has it's own personality and choose the ones that work for you. And you don't have to jump to the "very best", but you will find decent or good lenses in each price range, a lot less than the Canon counterparts ( esp. if you like to shoot primes ).

Yeah, but just tell us when you have got a lot of them. I changed only about 10 lenses in the last two years, all "alternative" and am preparing for the third alternative lineup. But it is great to see what lenses from different manufacturers can do, how each has it's own personality and choose the ones that work for you. And you don't have to jump to the "very best", but you will find decent or good lenses in each price range, a lot less than the Canon counterparts ( esp. if you like to shoot primes ).

...and one manufacturer's look might please you at 135mm, but several may please you at 50mm and yet another at 21mm. It is a great time to be a photographer.

...and one manufacturer's look might please you at 135mm, but several may please you at 50mm and yet another at 21mm. It is a great time to be a photographer.