p.15 #1 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
ecarlino wrote:
Joshua - i'm right there with you - i sold my 55 / 1.8 to buy the Planar but then decided to wait to see if one of two things happens: a Batis 50 or a 28 GM - i could see my kit going in 1 of 2 directions (both starting with Batis 18):
a) 28, 50, 85 - all @ f/1.4
b) Batis 25, Batis 50, 35/1.4, 85/1.4
(a) is fewer lenses (b) provides a smaller sub-kit.
With my luck, neither a Batis 50 nor 28 GM is going to be released in the next several years and i'll have to live with a gap between 35 and 85.
But i was thinking about a 3rd option for a kit:
Batis 18, Batis 25, Zony 50 Planar, 70-200/2.8 GM
The good news is that the 50/1.4 looks like a fantastic lens for those who have a kit that it makes sense for.
Building a kit like this is on the one hand frustrating, like trying to solve a Rubik's cube - i can never get more than 2 or 3 sides complete without busting another side - but on the other hand, it's nice to try different focal lengths and renderings - it keeps the experience and results interesting along the way....Show more →
Not that this would help your situation, but I wonder if Zeiss has a fast 45mm in the works for the Batis line. A 25, 45, 85 would make my Rubik's cube complete
p.15 #2 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
ecarlino wrote:
Joshua - i'm right there with you - i sold my 55 / 1.8 to buy the Planar but then decided to wait to see if one of two things happens: a Batis 50 or a 28 GM - i could see my kit going in 1 of 2 directions (both starting with Batis 18):
a) 28, 50, 85 - all @ f/1.4
b) Batis 25, Batis 50, 35/1.4, 85/1.4
(a) is fewer lenses (b) provides a smaller sub-kit.
With my luck, neither a Batis 50 nor 28 GM is going to be released in the next several years and i'll have to live with a gap between 35 and 85.
But i was thinking about a 3rd option for a kit:
Batis 18, Batis 25, Zony 50 Planar, 70-200/2.8 GM
The good news is that the 50/1.4 looks like a fantastic lens for those who have a kit that it makes sense for.
Building a kit like this is on the one hand frustrating, like trying to solve a Rubik's cube - i can never get more than 2 or 3 sides complete without busting another side - but on the other hand, it's nice to try different focal lengths and renderings - it keeps the experience and results interesting along the way....Show more →
Eric, I like the transition from 35mm to 85mm; to me it provides a nice, not huge but still noticeable transition. To a certain degree, the combo of 28mm and 50/55mm plays well together. I have been busy with other stuff but before too long, I will use those 2 lenses for an indoor session and if I feel brave, I will take the 135mm f/1.8 as well. Those 3 lenses will be my fast lens kit. I had a Sigma 20mm f/1.4 Art that I already sold that would belong in that group. I actually regret selling that great lens since I wanted to use native FE lens as much as I can.
I know how you feel about building a lens lineup to your liking. In a year or two we should have more choices..... We just have to be patient, I guess.
p.15 #5 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
virtualrain wrote:
Not that this would help your situation, but I wonder if Zeiss has a fast 45mm in the works for the Batis line. A 25, 45, 85 would make my Rubik's cube complete
I hope it's 40! A Batis 40/2 would be a dream come true for me. I just love 40mm lenses and a native AF 40 is something I'd snap up in a moment as my main walk around - despite owning more 50s and 35s than is rational.
I guess 45 is more likely though - Zeiss has more form with 45. Though they do make (for 21 grand) a fast 40mm Master Prime!
p.15 #6 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
AGeoJO wrote:
It is actually in stock right now... In other words, it didn't get sold out during the pre-order period. After the initial impulse of getting this lens, I started to think that focal length-wise it is too close to my beloved 35mm f/1.4. The 35mm lens plays nicely with the 85mm GM while the 50mm is too close to the GM. So, it looks like I am skipping this one. I reserve the right to change my mind in the not too distant future though
I am also waiting here to see how the FE 50/1.4 plays. I already have 4 50mm, FE 55, Loxia 50, 50L and M50 Cron IV so there is no rush.... but this can change anytime
p.15 #7 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
charles.K wrote:
I am also waiting here to see how the FE 50/1.4 plays. I already have 4 50mm, FE 55, Loxia 50, 50L and M50 Cron IV so there is no rush.... but this can change anytime
p.15 #10 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
AGeoJO wrote:
It is actually in stock right now... In other words, it didn't get sold out during the pre-order period. After the initial impulse of getting this lens, I started to think that focal length-wise it is too close to my beloved 35mm f/1.4. The 35mm lens plays nicely with the 85mm GM while the 50mm is too close to the GM. So, it looks like I am skipping this one. I reserve the right to change my mind in the not too distant future though
I've got the 35/1.4 55/1.8 and Batis 85, and I'm pretty sure I'll pick up the new 50.
Personally I think I can justify a 35, 50/55 and an 85 based on the logic that a very high % of the pictures I take are in the 35-55 range, and I think there's a noticeable difference between those two focal lengths.
On APS I shot a lot with the Zony 24/1.8 and the Touit 32, and I really liked having both--not just for the focal length difference, but also because of the different rendering style. They both have amazing rendering, but each has a distinctive character, and it was nice to have some variety in that regard.
But in the case of the 35/1.4 and the 55/1.8, I feel that the 55 can't quite compete, so I haven't been using it very much ever since I got the 35/1.4. The new 50, however, seems like it might be on par with the 35 for its magic (albeit with a different character). That's what makes it very appealing for me.
I do think that demand will be relatively low for this lens, given that so many people already own the 55, so I'm hoping that I won't have to wait too long (realize it's in stock at B&H, though I'd rather buy it locally in Canada...).
p.15 #13 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Mine comes Tuesday as well, just in time for our camping trip to SilverLake on Hwy 88 by Kirkwood. I plan on trying landscapes to see how well it fairs. In fact, I'm not even bringing the Loxia 50 with, just so I can get the feel of the new lens. I'll have my trusty Contax 35-70 with, in case I need to do 50 mm lanscapes in the event the FE 1.4 cant cut it
but I really don't have any doubts that it can't hold it's own...
p.15 #15 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Trying to find one today Saturday here in NY but either they are closed till Sunday or no one has it in stock. Love to shoot it here before I head out Monday
p.15 #16 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
GMPhotography wrote:
Trying to find one today Saturday here in NY but either they are closed till Sunday or no one has it in stock. Love to shoot it here before I head out Monday
Hi Guy,
I can't find it on their Website, but they list 2 on their eBay page at Willoughby's:
They should be open today. It would be worth it to call them, but though they have 2 on their eBay page I can not guartantee they have any in the store. It is a large store, but I haven't been there in years. Reputable long time store if you don't know them.
p.15 #18 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
GMPhotography wrote:
Thanks Rich. 42nd street looks good too. They are close to each other see if I get lucky.
I'd be interested in your thoughts compared to the 85GM. I liked the test you did with that funky 35 on those iron horses, that revealed the bokeh/rendering really well. ~Chris
They should be open today. It would be worth it to call them, but though they have 2 on their eBay page I can not guartantee they have any in the store. It is a large store, but I haven't been there in years. Reputable long time store if you don't know them.
Phone: (212) 564-1600, 800-378-1898
I hope this may help and good luck.
Rich
Rich, it looks like that lens is an A-mount lens and not the new FE lens that just became available.
