Phillip, wonderful shots with the FE28/2. I am really interested in this lens and you demonstrate a superb short focus bokeh. I am really interested in it how the wideopen bokeh looks at mid distance. Just to randomly mention something, say a wideopen front focused car shot? :-)
wfrank wrote:
Phillip, wonderful shots with the FE28/2. I am really interested in this lens and you demonstrate a superb short focus bokeh. I am really interested in it how the wideopen bokeh looks at mid distance. Just to randomly mention something, say a wideopen front focused car shot? :-)
I will try my best ;-).
So far I like the lens a lot. Just now I also bought a C/Y 2.8/28 for very little money (188 together with a Contax RTs and 1.4/50 Planar, I hope it will actually arrive here but I am optimistic) so if everything works out I can compare it against my Minolta MC 2/28, a Minolta MD 2.8/28 and the Distagon.
So far I like the lens a lot. Just now I also bought a C/Y 2.8/28 for very little money (188 together with a Contax RTs and 1.4/50 Planar, I hope it will actually arrive here but I am optimistic) so if everything works out I can compare it against my Minolta MC 2/28, a Minolta MD 2.8/28 and the Distagon.
Perfect! :-) CY28/2.8 is - as you know - a gem. Dont personally care too much about most Rokkors but e.g you and Seb use them with style and skill so that will be a bonus.
So far I like the lens a lot. Just now I also bought a C/Y 2.8/28 for very little money (188 together with a Contax RTs and 1.4/50 Planar, I hope it will actually arrive here but I am optimistic) so if everything works out I can compare it against my Minolta MC 2/28, a Minolta MD 2.8/28 and the Distagon.
That is a ridiculously good deal. The 50 is also excellent and does not suffer from the severe focus shift of the ZE/ZF versions. I kick myself for selling mine about once a month.
I think that the overall rendering/bokeh quality of the 28/2 FE looks pretty good (at least when remembering that its a $450 lens and that its f2.0 plus is pretty small and light)
I don't love its drawing style or find it as creamy as the 35 Sonnar on the RX1 but..... The exact same thing was quite true with my 35/2.8 FE as well. I ended up selling the 35/2.8 because I so preferred the RX1's Sonnar in fact.
I think this new 28/2 will be a big hit for Sony. The size and price point hit a real sweet spot for a wide range of consumers who simply don't want/can't afford $1000+ glass. Looks really sharp in the center, corners seem to improve pretty well by f8, and you can even add the UWA conversion lens for it.
Pair it with a 55/1.8 FE and you've got a pretty nice 2 lens kit (or maybe add the 0.7x UWA to boot depending how wide you like to go as a 21/2.8 is pretty sweet sounding). Depends if one enjoys the classic focal lengths of 28 and 55mm, but I know I do.
I'm going to place an order for one now, and I have to really thank Phillip for taking the time to post all these samples. I really wanted to wait to preorder until I could see some images from photographers I know,trust and admire here on FM to get a real feel for the lens.
I think this is going to be a lens a lot of guys here buy, don't love as much as other lenses in their collections, but then find themselves shooting with it a ton
The FE 28/2's stopped down performance looks pretty good Phillip and the rendering seems to be on the pleasant side for this focal length. I'll be keeping an eye out for the review and further samples!
Some shots from a tour of Cockatoo Island the other day with the OM24/2.8, 50LA and 105DC, great place to see some interesting textures.
