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Archive 2016 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

JohnJ
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p.3 #1 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

jcolwell wrote:
Yes, I owned the earlier version of the C 85/1.9. It's a very nice lens, with good sharpness, but the bokeh was not so nice for specular highlights. I didn't mention this lens because the adapter for using it on an A7-series camera is 45mm long, which almost doubles the size of this lens.

Also, I think the Mamiya 1.9/80N is a special purpose lens in some ways. I hate it wide open for anything inanimate, hard objects with bright reflections etc, but I love it for people where it's aberrations work for the image and not against it. This lens has some purple fringing, LoCA and harsh bokeh (behind the subject), and slightly soft colours, almost pastel, although it is quite sharp wide open. I like this lens more and more for people and have tended to use it instead of a Leica R 1.4/80 which has much softer bokeh, is sharper and has more saturated colours. The Mamiya 1.9/80N is fine for inanimate objects when stopped down when it is very sharp, but lots of lenses are sharp stopped down.

Sharpness is overrated.

Mar 26, 2016 at 04:44 AM

jcolwell
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p.3 #2 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

JohnJ wrote:
...Sharpness is overrated.

Agreed. Although, I prefer lenses with both good sharpness and good behaviour for other aspects of image character. You can always reduce sharpness when it's not warranted, but you can't go the other way.

Mar 26, 2016 at 06:47 AM

RustyBug
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p.3 #3 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

+1 @ good behavior

I'd rather really good sharpness with really good behavior rather than uber-great sharpness with so-so behavior issues (i.e. nervous bokeh, CA, etc..

+1 @ John ... i.e. matching lens characteristics to subject matter (which can include shooting distances),

Using a "portrait" lens for landscapes or MFD work can be less than stellar, yet it sings at portrait distances. In that regard, sharp / well behaved @ what distance can come into play as well.

Edited on Mar 26, 2016 at 09:56 AM · View previous versions

Mar 26, 2016 at 09:47 AM

GMPhotography
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p.3 #4 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

It's a shame this comes down to a money issue as the Batis 85 is just about perfect and hits all the check marks except price.

Mar 26, 2016 at 09:50 AM

nehemiahphoto
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p.3 #5 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Gorgeous photos Derek.

What is the maximum weight and price and slowest aperture?

Mar 26, 2016 at 02:24 PM

wuko
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p.3 #6 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

So, I am looking for one, too. I think I will try contax 85/1.4 or rokinon 85 for my filming.

Mar 26, 2016 at 06:31 PM

jcolwell
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p.3 #7 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

wuko wrote:
So, I am looking for one, too. I think I will try contax 85/1.4 or rokinon 85 for my filming.

I prefer the CZ 85/1.4 CY over the Rokinon (Samyang) 85/1.4, although the Rokinon handles OOF specular highlights better.

I wanted to simply reference an old thread that compares the bokeh of these lenses, for relatively close subjects (about 2 metres), but the images are "not found" in the old FM threads, and so I'll repost the images here...

Lenses: Mamiya 645 C 80/1.9, Contax Carl Zeiss 85/1.4, Rokinon 85/1.4, and Leica Summicron-R 90/2

The first image shows the entire test scene. The second and third images compare wide-open performance in OOF areas, for the two areas identified by red squares in the first image. The fourth image shows these lenses at f/8, on the base of the small Kanzeon statue just right and in front of the flower vase.

In general, the Rokinon bokeh is the most diffuse, and the Mamiya 645 is the most funky. The M645 80/1.9 was definitely sharp for in-focus areas, but not so sweet in OOF areas, which is where I most want sweetness, with a wide-open fast lens.

Since the time of these tests, I bought the Canon 85/1.2L II and sold all of those others. For focal lengths from 75mm to 90mm, I currently have the CV 75/2.5, M645 C 80/2.8 N, M645 C 80/4 N Macro, EF 85/1.2 L II, SMC Pentax 85/2.2 Soft, and Leica Elmarit R 90/2.8. Plus, some Canon L-series zoom lenses. In recent "scenic" tests (not including the f/1.2 and soft) at f/8 and near-infinity focus, the M645 C 80/2.8 N was best (based on wall-to-wall sharpness), and the M645 C 80/4 N Macro was worst (go figure). The CV and EF 70-200/2.8L IS II were a close second. At 100mm, the CZ 100/3.5 leads - just sayin.

� jcolwell 2016

Lens comparison scene, entire image

� jcolwell 2016

Wide open, 100% crops on glass reflections near and behind centre

� jcolwell 2016

Wide open, 100% crops at back-left

� jcolwell 2016

At f/8, 100% crops on base of small Kanzeon statue, between vase and lemon

Mar 26, 2016 at 09:12 PM

starlights
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p.3 #8 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

The CZ 85mm 2.8 & any of the top 3 90mm 2.5 (Tokina/Tamron/Vivitar S1) Macros are also cutting edge sharp if you are willing to accept f2.5 or f2.8. All should be within your budget. Just a thought to expand your selection universe...

If you want really small, yet very sharp, then try the rollei qbm 85mm 2.8 - its the size of canon fd 50mm 1.4

However, if your usage is biased towards filming, then you should try to look for lenses that have a long focus throw.

Mar 26, 2016 at 09:33 PM

Artscar2
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p.3 #9 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Adding my vote for the manual focus Nikon 85 1.8. I much prefer it over the f2.0
Not sure why it does not get more respect than it does.
I use the k version.

Mar 27, 2016 at 01:49 AM

Tariq Gibran
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p.3 #10 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Artscar2 wrote:
Adding my vote for the manual focus Nikon 85 1.8. I much prefer it over the f2.0
Not sure why it does not get more respect than it does.
I use the k version.

Probably a matter of size/ weight compared to the smaller options. Optically, the 1.8 is better than the smaller/ lighter F2 Nikkor options from my experience. Even back when I shot film with an F2, I remember being surprised at the sharpness difference between the 1.8 and F2.

Mar 27, 2016 at 08:20 AM

arduluth
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p.3 #11 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

robgo2 wrote:
I recently compared a Pentax FA 77 Limited and a C/Y 85/2.8 on my A7II, and the Contax won on all the important scores--sharpness, detail, micro contrast. The Pentax was good, but just not as good. The C/Y is almost the same lens as the Contax G 90, but I prefer it for its built-in MF ring. A true classic, highly recommended.

Rob

I don't have the C/Y 85mm f/2.8, but I do have the Contax G 90mm f/2.8. I love the G 90mm, but wanted something faster for concerts and other low light situations where f/2.8 means using ISOs past 12800, which happens a lot to me.

In general, I take the Pentax 77mm for low light, or if I'm photographing people. The G 90mm comes if I'm packing light (one Ulata Contax G adapter, G 45mm, G 90mm, and Sony FE 28mm) or if the main goal is landscape.

This works well for me.

I've never done much of a comparison between the Pentax 77mm and G 90mm, but my informal experience jibes with yours. The Contax G 90mm is edge to edge sharp more or less at f/2.8 when focused right. Never need to go past f/4 other than for increasing DoF. It can be a little too sharp for people, even. Beautiful lens other than the PF wide open.

The Pentax 77mm on the other hand is good wide open, but not across the frame. IIRC, needs f/5.6 for good corners (?). It's less sharp at f/1.8, but retains the high contrast look and not full of SA.

Recently switched to a Ulata Contax G adapter. I like it more than the Fotasy/Fotodiox. Looks like the Metabones, but you can change lenses without unmounting the adapter. The mechanism works well enough that I no longer need to dedicate an adapter to a lens, like I did with the Fotasy/Fotodiox adapters. I seem to be one of those rare people who don't really mind focusing adapted Contax G lenses - I'm used to it it's not a big deal. If anything, I like having the feedback of feeling the gears turn - allows me to focus very precisely. Heresy, I know. :P

Mar 27, 2016 at 01:52 PM

lonleyppl
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p.3 #12 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

arduluth wrote:
Recently switched to a Ulata Contax G adapter. I like it more than the Fotasy/Fotodiox. Looks like the Metabones, but you can change lenses without unmounting the adapter. The mechanism works well enough that I no longer need to dedicate an adapter to a lens, like I did with the Fotasy/Fotodiox adapters. I seem to be one of those rare people who don't really mind focusing adapted Contax G lenses - I'm used to it it's not a big deal. If anything, I like having the feedback of feeling the gears turn - allows me to focus very precisely. Heresy,...Show more →

I'm with you. I think I'm a bit slower focusing with a the Contax G lenses, but it's more accurate. Thanks for the tip on the Ulata adapter though! I'd been looking for one in that style, but the Metabones is a bit expensive for an experiment. I just ordered a G45, so I should probably pick up a second adapter to go with it.

Mar 27, 2016 at 04:16 PM

TheEmrys
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p.3 #13 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Let me know how that goes. I have been interested in the G45.

Mar 27, 2016 at 04:48 PM

arduluth
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p.3 #14 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

lonleyppl wrote:
I'm with you. I think I'm a bit slower focusing with a the Contax G lenses, but it's more accurate. Thanks for the tip on the Ulata adapter though! I'd been looking for one in that style, but the Metabones is a bit expensive for an experiment. I just ordered a G45, so I should probably pick up a second adapter to go with it.

In my case, the Metabones wasn't really an option. When I used a NEX, the G 28, 45,and 90 were my main lenses, I'd totally have been willing to spring for the more expensive Metabones. But the funky mount release of the Metabones made it a non-starter. I'd be willing to put up with that in a $20 adapter, since I could dedicate one to each lens, but not interested in buying three Metabones.

The one downside to the Ulata adapter is also a feature - the big focus ring. On my A7, it doesn't leave much room between the grip and the focus ring barrel. I don't mind it normally, but wearing gloves it bugs me. Not a huge deal, and the much improved feeling of the focus ring is worth it. Wish Ulata would have ribbed/engraved the entire focus ring, though - the unribbed areas are very smooth.

I've been knocking around ergonomic improvements for the Contax G adapters. Wish I knew what it'd take to get small pieces machined. Always wanted to add a focus tab and to rubberize the ring of the cheap Fotodiox/Fotasy adapters. The sharp edges on the cheap adapters scraped off some skin after days in a row of mostly using G lenses. :P

For me, the G lenses are worth it without any question. I use my G45 more than all my other lenses combined. If I could only keep one lens that'd be it.

Mar 27, 2016 at 08:30 PM

robgo2
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p.3 #15 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

arduluth wrote:
In my case, the Metabones wasn't really an option. When I used a NEX, the G 28, 45,and 90 were my main lenses, I'd totally have been willing to spring for the more expensive Metabones. But the funky mount release of the Metabones made it a non-starter. I'd be willing to put up with that in a $20 adapter, since I could dedicate one to each lens, but not interested in buying three Metabones.

The one downside to the Ulata adapter is also a feature - the big focus ring. On my A7, it doesn't leave much room between the...Show more →

The Contax G 45 is indeed a gem.

Rob

Mar 27, 2016 at 11:27 PM

junglialoh
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p.3 #16 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Taken with Nikon Z5 in May 8, 2022 at Milliken Park
Impressive sharpness

Minolta MD 85mm F2 in Nikon Z5

May 17, 2022 at 01:11 PM

QuietOC
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p.3 #17 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

I found the MD 85/2 about as sharp as the Sony 2.8/85 SAM and Tamron SP 90/2.5. None of these was as sharp as a Canon EF 85mm F1.8 USM. The SAM lens seems very similar to the Contax G and C/Y Sonnars mentioned above.

My favorite 85mm is the Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 USD from 2017. It may not be the sharpest 85mm.

The Canon EF 85/1.8 and 100/2 are good deals and work well adapted. I bought the former brand-new locally for the price Sony charges for the cheap F2.8 SAM. The Tamron SP has much less axial CA and even smoother out of focus but USD is much slower than Canon's USM.

Edited on May 18, 2022 at 07:14 AM · View previous versions

May 17, 2022 at 02:08 PM

junglialoh
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p.3 #18 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Tamron SP 85mm F1.8 (sharpness par with Sigma 85mm F1.4 Art, slightly weak in Chromatic aberration)
Taken in Blue Ridge Parkway in April 1, 2022 at Scott Creek Overlook.
Modern top notch is better sharpness than vintage best, but vintage lens color is more favorable to our eyes and gives more character. It is par also with Otus in sharpness (neck to neck) but color saturation and contrast is marginally behind of Otus..

Tamron SP 85mm f1.8 with Nikon D750

May 17, 2022 at 02:34 PM

MAubrey
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p.3 #19 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

GMPhotography wrote:
Contax 90mm G maybe a good choice . Not sure on costs though

Or its sister lens The Contax 85mm f/2.8 C/Y.

May 17, 2022 at 02:43 PM

one_abouve_all
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p.3 #20 · Sharpest 85mm legacy lens

Get the Canon 85mm F1.8 for around $100-200,
of course, you have to add an adapter (sigma) for $100-150.

Devotions by Vlade Past, on Flickr

May 17, 2022 at 04:49 PM

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