Hi,
I am needing a 85mm f2 or better lens for my A7 Before I save for a new Batis I am looking for sharpest option on "legacy" market. Would like to hear what you got and how do you like it.
My budget would be around $250.
Best...
I have heard good things about the Canon FD 85mm f1.8, but for your range I'd probably opt for the Samyang 85mm f1.4, it can close a full stop to f2 and is much sharper there than wide open
For that price, I also recommend the Samyang 85/1.4. It's a SLR lens but you should be very happy with it.
The good news is that you don't even need an adapter. There is an e-mount version of this lens:
goranilic wrote:
Unfortunately, Minolta 85 f1.4 is around $450, and Samyang seems a bit heavy.
Thank you so far.
The M limited is +3,000....I would suggest the Samyang also. I do have the A mount 85 f2.8 which is quite good and is cheap, light and has a SAM motor for AF.
goranilic wrote:
Unfortunately, Minolta 85 f1.4 is around $450, and Samyang seems a bit heavy.
Thank you so far.
Mogul was talking about the Minolta Limited, which I've seen go for $3-4k.
You might be able to find a Minolta MD 85/2 around your budget, and it has a good reputation for sharpness (I've never used it). Ditto the Nikon AIS 85/2.
Of those I've used, Oly OM has a very small 85/2 that's center sharp, but the bokeh isn't great and flare can be a real problem. Their much more expensive 90/2 Macro is a better lens in every way. The Canon FD 85/1.8's sharp enough wide open but there may be too much lateral CA for your liking. If you're willing to lose a stop, you can probably find a C/Y Zeiss Sonnar 85/2.8 around your budget. It's very good wide open.
The Samyang/ Rok I owned was not the sharpest lens stopped down - say F4 to F8 - but was pretty great wide open and at F2. I think the lens is really optimized for wide open vs ultimate sharpness stopped down.
In you budget, I have been very impressed by the old Nikkor H 85/1.8. If you are willing to go for an F2.8 lens, then the Zeiss C/Y 85/2.8 Sonnar (or the very similar Contax G 90) are hard to beat - and the CY is a very light weight, compact lens.
Your budget of $250 is going to make it tough. You need to go either with a Canon 85/1.8, old Minolta MD 85/2 (huge stretch), the Nikon H, or the Samyang. Its just a bit low in budget. The best option may be the Sony 85/2.8, but it doesn't meet your desire for f/2 or faster. But it is a great lens.
I'd also go with the Canon FD 85mm ƒ1.8. If you keep your eyes open you can get the earlier (non-SSC) version for around $100. Or as Fred suggested, go with the SSC version for around $200. Add a cheap FD-to-E adapter and you're good to go.
BTW: Talking about Samyang. I was never able to get a good copy of their 14/2.8 but decided to play in the lottery last week and I won!
I got the E-mount version and it's perfectly centered. I better not drop this one. I will mainly use it for astro to complement the Loxia 21/2.8.
BTW: Talking about Samyang. I was never able to get a good copy of their 14/2.8 but decided to play in the lottery last week and I won!
I got the E-mount version and it's perfectly centered. I better not drop this one. I will mainly use it for astro to complement the Loxia 21/2.8.
You should do a write up on the 14. I'm thinking about picking one up to try some Astro also.
You can definitely get a Contax G 90 and adapter for $250. I picked mine up a few months ago for ~$190 and an adapter for $30. Sure it's only f/2.8 and the adapter doesn't have the best manual focus, but it's tiny, light, sharp and extremely contrasty.
I have a Minolta MD 85mm f/2 I might be will into part with for $250... Nice lens, balances well on the A7. Compared to the Minolta 85mm f/1.7, it's said to be sharper but with weaker bokeh. A classic trade-off.
I ended up getting a Pentax 77mm f /1.8 Limited, which replaces the MD 85mm f/2 for me.
My next pick would be a Contax G 90mm f/2.8. Lovely, super sharp lens.
Oddball choice, but in your price range...a pre-VC Tamron 90/2.8 macro. Yeah, 1 stop slower than you desire, but extremely sharp, with very pleasing Bokeh. Available in multiple mounts, although mine is Nikon, primarily used on my D800.
I will mainly use it for astro to complement the Loxia 21/2.8.