nehemiahphoto
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| p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · legendary 85 shoot out! Minolta 85 1.4 Limited, Contax N 85, Canon FD 85L, Leica R 80 | |
I have been on a quest for my favorite portrait lens, specifically the 85 FL. I thought I’d do some comparison shots, and that some here might like it. The light is crappy here today, and is forecasted for 7 straight days of clouds, so sorry about the drab light. The lenses are:
Leica 80 R
Canon FD 85 1.2,
Contax N 85
Minolta 85 limited
Here is the first batch of photos. If I am not doing this right, just let me know. I am not a tester. I am trying to shoot as similarly as possible--the framing is slightly different on some because 1) despite the FL designation, all the 85's aren't actually 85 and 2) the Canon FD adapter (incidentally the longest of the 85s—more like a 90mm I think) can’t mount directly to my a7 because the adapter is in the way. Mounted to the adapter, the difference is less than 4 inches. All shots are tripod shots with a 2 second shutter delay. I tried to shoot photos based on important optical properties, but I’d be happy to shoot others if people want them. As these are portrait lenses, my results are specifically testing WO performance at mid to near distances. All photos are imported into LR6 with default everything, unedited, except WB (which is the same on all photos). The primary categories I am interested in are:
1) Bokeh
2) bokeh transition
3) color response
4) vingettting
5) sharpness (central and wo)
6) fringing (wo)
7) softness/contrast (esp. WO)
I'll do some more shots tomorrow, and then I’ll post a little summary and some real word samples with the lenses that I feel exhibit the real character of each lens. And some logistical thoughts are:
Contax N 85 -- The biggest and most finicky to use because of the needed electronic adapter, similar to using a-mount lenses on the A7 series, but more finicky. Having said that, despite being an AF lens, the N85 has the best focus throw and wide tactile ring for MF of the group—I love it, perfectly dampened. AF is possible with the lens, and pretty quick on the A7RII with the fringer adapter. It’s the only lens that doesn’t extend when focusing. It’s also can’t be serviced anymore, and it has electronic parts, so that a consideration. The contrast on this lens plays nicely on the a7, so MF WO is possible, but maybe just a hair less accurate than the 85L and Mino Limited. The price is about $1000-1,4000, without adapter. The lens exudes quality.
The R80 – the focusing ring is small which I don't like, making the MF experience harder. Also, the contrast WO isn’t great for the a7 focusing peaking accuracy, so you’re going to have to use magnify more than likely, and don't count on hitting focus with WO with moving stuff (dogs, kids, etc.). It’s about $1,800-2,200 for a good copy now it seems. It’s the smallest of the group, the best built, only extends slightly when focusing and has a built in hood. Those are all good things! It's has the most duality of any of the group—the lens has a personality WO, then another one once at 2.8 and smaller apertures. All these lenses exhibit some duality as none are ultra corrected, but the R80 most of all.
3) Canon FD 85 1.2 – It’s the cheapest and fastest of the field here, with the perfect amount of contrast to accurately manual focus WO. It’s built well, and the MF rings is large and tactile with great focus throw. It's also relatively small despite the larger aperture, and a good performer. The 85L FD runs between $675-900 for a good copy. This lens gets out of your way when shooting, which can’t be underestimated.
Note: Mine has been chipped and mount changed to EF, but the optics are untouched. I have owned 3 copies of this lens—this and another were good copies. One was a dud.
4) Minolta 85 1.4 Limited – Expect to pay 3k at a minimum, and more like 3.5-4.5. Very limited number made (700). It’s sharper than the original Mino 85 1.4 with different bokeh and better fringing control. It's also is heavier by about (200g) and has a larger front element, and AF’s more slowly. The focusing ring slopes slightly downward, is on the small side, and is right by the extending barrel, so it’s easy to loose it when trying to manually focus, which makes it not a great experience. The contrast is great for MF though, so WO focus in manageable quickly. The build quality is good, but below the rest of the group. AF and full exif possible as this is an A-mount lens.
I’d just like to thank the FM community for everything—it's been instruction, entertaining, challenging and enlightening (and it’s free!!!!!). It's in invaluable place for me and my photography. I’d like to specifically thank Hiep for lending me his Fringer adapter. And again, if I am not doing these tests right, or if you guys would like to see something else, just let me know. I’ll only be keeping one of these lenses, so now is the time.
Nehemiah
front elements
The biggest and smallest of the group
R80, N 85, Mino Limited
rear elements
full extension on all lenses
Edited on Dec 21, 2015 at 02:29 PM · View previous versions
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