p.6 #1 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Could be very true. I have the Loxia 50 so I'm hoping this will replace it. I'm also thinking of a change buy this 50 sell the Loxia 50 and my 85 GM and pick up the new 70-200 2.8 . So have my RX2 , 50 1.4, ZM 85 f4 and the 70-200. I usually rent these 70-200 lenses but I could see actually owning it. I'm noodling this one and if the 50 and 85 are very similar I may do it. Will see I'm in no hurry to sell my GM 85 as I love it. Besides I want to test this 50 first but I will sell the Loxia 50 to help finance it. I'm also in the midst of trying to test the 70-200 2.8 for this shoot here in NY before release to the public.
DavidBM wrote:
Guy I'm sure they will be very good at landscape apertures, but it is worth noting that Sony's calculated MTF shows the new 50 as better than the 55 1.8 wide open (agreeing with Roger) but also shows the 55 1.8 significantly better than the new 50 1.4 at f8. So the older lens (or indeed the Loxia) might be an even better choice for landscape.
p.6 #2 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
GMPhotography wrote:
Could be very true. I have the Loxia 50 so I'm hoping this will replace it. I'm also thinking of a change buy this 50 sell the Loxia 50 and my 85 GM and pick up the new 70-200 2.8 . So have my RX2 , 50 1.4, ZM 85 f4 and the 70-200. I usually rent these 70-200 lenses but I could see actually owning it. I'm noodling this one and if the 50 and 85 are very similar I may do it. Will see I'm in no hurry to sell my GM 85 as I love it. Besides I want to test this 50 first but I will sell the Loxia 50 to help finance it. I'm also in the midst of trying to test the 70-200 2.8 for this shoot here in NY before release to the public.
Hmmm be interesting to see, but on the tests we have seen so far, and on Sonys MTF I see the 1.4 as a specialist for portraiture and general wide aperture work. We know that Sonys own mtf had the 551.8 ahead of the new lens at f8 (though well behind wide open) and we know from Fred's tests that the Loxia can edge out the 55 at f8 (though again worse wide open). That makes me think that the new lens would be a great upgrade for the 55; but you might want to complement it with the Loxia for even better f8 work and reduced bulk in the field. But of course the new one will still be very good, and if most of your work for a fifty is at wide apertures.you might not justify the investment in a compact f8 specialist. If I was going to have just one of these fifties - the new 1.4, the fe55 and the Lox, I think it would be the 55 - it's a generalist, outstanding wide open (though not quite as good or fast as the new 59) and outstanding stopped down (even if fractionally behind Lox). Currently I have 55 and Lox, and am tempted to upgrade 55 to the new 50, but am triying to resist....
p.6 #3 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
For landscape at least for me, 50 is kind of a lost focal length . I tend to be 35, 85 and of course the 15 and 21. I'm more apt to have a AF 50mm and I'm not that enamored with the 55mm. The 85 is interesting as the ZM 85 actually beats the GM 85 for landscape, not by much but the corners are slightly better. I also don't mind one lens being big in the field for landscape. If i ran about with the 15,21, RX2, 50 1.4 and the ZM 85 thats not a bad kit at all. I would not mind having a 1.4 wider than 85 too. Im not selling the GM 85 though before I test everything out. I could just add the 50 to the mix and not sell anything. I might just start owning everything and pick and chose as needed. I have great kit now that I built up and all lenses are the best in class. Its going to come down to rendering and look. I know some have issues with the naming of these lenses and its confusing as hell. I don't really care about that . I like this style of lens that Sony is now doing with aperture ring. My issue with the Loxia glass is they did not make the aperture ring stand taller on the lens , its hard to get to sometimes. Anyway looking forward to see what Fred tests out as he will get it before me this time. ill probably get it in early August at least order it.
p.6 #4 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
GMPhotography wrote:
Could be very true. I have the Loxia 50 so I'm hoping this will replace it. I'm also thinking of a change buy this 50 sell the Loxia 50 and my 85 GM and pick up the new 70-200 2.8 . So have my RX2 , 50 1.4, ZM 85 f4 and the 70-200. I usually rent these 70-200 lenses but I could see actually owning it. I'm noodling this one and if the 50 and 85 are very similar I may do it. Will see I'm in no hurry to sell my GM 85 as I love it. Besides I want to test this 50 first but I will sell the Loxia 50 to help finance it. I'm also in the midst of trying to test the 70-200 2.8 for this shoot here in NY before release to the public.
Interesting that you are thinking of selling the 85GM for the 50/1.4 and 70-200. That's exactly where I wanted to be with the Canon, but I couldn't make the 50L work with its focus-shift issues and ended up with the 85L in its stead.
For me a quality 50 is far more useful than an 85, if Sony had released a 50/1.2 GM with similar rendering as the 85GM I wouldn't of hesitated in selling the 85. I'm just not in the market for a faster version of the FE 1.8/55, mine is too clinical, too harsh in the OOF highlights, but it is by far my go-to Sony lens! ~Chris
PS. Really hoping the new 50/1.4 has that 85GM magic wide-open, if it does, I may take a look at it.....
p.6 #5 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
chrisgibbs wrote:
Interesting that you are thinking of selling the 85GM for the 50/1.4 and 70-200. That's exactly where I wanted to be with the Canon, but I couldn't make the 50L work with its focus-shift issues and ended up with the 85L in its stead.
For me a quality 50 is far more useful than an 85, if Sony had released a 50/1.2 GM with similar rendering as the 85GM I wouldn't of hesitated in selling the 85. I'm just not in the market for a faster version of the FE 1.8/55, mine is too clinical, too harsh in the OOF highlights, but it is by far my go-to Sony lens! ~Chris
PS. Really hoping the new 50/1.4 has that 85GM magic wide-open, if it does, I may take a look at it..... ...Show more →
Well I could very well keep the 85. Im not so hip on selling it and may not. Have to see how this all shapes out
Jul 19, 2016 at 07:58 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.6 #6 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
GMPhotography wrote:
Could be very true. I have the Loxia 50 so I'm hoping this will replace it. I'm also thinking of a change buy this 50 sell the Loxia 50 and my 85 GM and pick up the new 70-200 2.8 . So have my RX2 , 50 1.4, ZM 85 f4 and the 70-200. I usually rent these 70-200 lenses but I could see actually owning it. I'm noodling this one and if the 50 and 85 are very similar I may do it. Will see I'm in no hurry to sell my GM 85 as I love it. Besides I want to test this 50 first but I will sell the Loxia 50 to help finance it. I'm also in the midst of trying to test the 70-200 2.8 for this shoot here in NY before release to the public.
Guy, keep your Loxia 50. I think you will regret selling it. My advice in your case would be:
1) Get this FE 50 f/1.4 which you clearly want and will complement your GM 85 quite well. That together with the RX1rII will make a very nice fast autofocus kit. 35/50/85
2) I think you will want to have a small manual focus kit, for when you want to travel light. I think you still have the CV 15, I know you have the Loxia 21, the Loxia 50, and the ZM 85. I think eventually a Loxia 28 and perhaps a Loxia 15 would complete this kit nicely if they make them. For now you could get the C/Y 28 f/2.8 as a place holder until they make the Loxia 28. I do expect they will make this lens by the end of 2017. I am less optimistic they will make the Loxia 15 that many people want, but you can always keep your CV 15. This would give you a wonderful kit of CV 15, Loxia 21, Zeiss C/Y 28 f/2.8, Loxia 50, and ZM 85 f/4.
3) Keep your GM 24-70 and continue to rent the 70-200 f/2.8. I think in the long run you are going to want either a 200 for 135 fast AF lens. I think they will come soon and I think you would prefer one or both of these lenses to the zoom. I expect at least one of these will come by the end of 2017 as well.
p.6 #7 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Lee Saxon wrote:
I'm always surprised to hear this; people wanting light lenses for landscape while using a 200/2 or something for portraits. I'm the opposite. I will set up a big honkin' tripod to shoot a landscape but I want to be mobile shooting people. Is the problem that if the gear is too heavy you can't get to the landscape site? I can see that.
Landscape photography is so saturated now. Every location is packed with shooters from beginners to advanced. So many youngsters taking selfies with the landscape in the background. I get so distracted worrying they don't fall down the cliffs...
If you want to be unique, you have to hike and hike far...I would love to bring my EF 200/1.8 to the field but now at 43, I prefer having a high IQ zoom like the CY 100-300 instead.
Also, not all ultra fast primes are great at infinity. For example, the EF 200/1.8, FE 35/1.4 are optimized for closer distances. So, when a lens is great a close distances and infinity, it's special.
p.6 #8 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
DavidBM wrote:
Hmmm be interesting to see, but on the tests we have seen so far, and on Sonys MTF I see the 1.4 as a specialist for portraiture and general wide aperture work. We know that Sonys own mtf had the 551.8 ahead of the new lens at f8 (though well behind wide open) and we know from Fred's tests that the Loxia can edge out the 55 at f8 (though again worse wide open). That makes me think that the new lens would be a great upgrade for the 55; but you might want to complement it with the Loxia for even better f8 work and reduced bulk in the field. But of course the new one will still be very good, and if most of your work for a fifty is at wide apertures.you might not justify the investment in a compact f8 specialist. If I was going to have just one of these fifties - the new 1.4, the fe55 and the Lox, I think it would be the 55 - it's a generalist, outstanding wide open (though not quite as good or fast as the new 59) and outstanding stopped down (even if fractionally behind Lox). Currently I have 55 and Lox, and am tempted to upgrade 55 to the new 50, but am triying to resist.......Show more →
I share the same thoughts. I have my doubts the new FE 50/1.4 ZA will be better across the frame at f/8 when compared to the Loxia 50/2 at infinity distance. That's the first thing I will test. For me, the 50/1.4 could replace the 55/1.8 but it all depends on rendering. It won't be easy task as the 55mm is capable of very smooth focus transition at f/1.8 and it's hard to find a fault on it, except for the not so clean bokeh disks.
p.6 #9 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Fred Miranda wrote:
Landscape photography is so saturated now. Every location is packed with shooters from beginners to advanced. So many youngsters taking selfies with the landscape in the background. I get so distracted worrying they don't fall down the cliffs...
If you want to be unique, you have to hike and hike far...I would love to bring my EF 200/1.8 to the field but now at 43, I prefer having a high IQ zoom like the CY 100-300 instead.
Also, not all ultra fast primes are great at infinity. For example, the EF 200/1.8, FE 35/1.4 are optimized for closer distances. So, when a lens is great a close distances and infinity, it's special....Show more →
Fred, you are going to look like a mule hauling up that Hassy into the High Sierra
p.6 #10 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Fred Miranda wrote:
Landscape photography is so saturated now. Every location is packed with shooters from beginners to advanced. So many youngsters taking selfies with the landscape in the background. I get so distracted worrying they don't fall down the cliffs...
If you want to be unique, you have to hike and hike far...I would love to bring my EF 200/1.8 to the field but now at 43, I prefer having a high IQ zoom like the CY 100-300 instead.
Also, not all ultra fast primes are great at infinity. For example, the EF 200/1.8, FE 35/1.4 are optimized for closer distances. So, when a lens is great a close distances and infinity, it's special....Show more →
So true Fred. I went to DV in March and it was packed with teenagers/20 somethings taking selfies and making videos of themselves. They didn't even spend 5 minutes just enjoying the view.
Of course, I don't help anything since I have about a million places on my bucket list.
p.6 #11 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Yea I'm trying to do more adding than subtracting. I'm at a point having more is better. I'm also really hating selling anything
Steve Spencer wrote:
Guy, keep your Loxia 50. I think you will regret selling it. My advice in your case would be:
1) Get this FE 50 f/1.4 which you clearly want and will complement your GM 85 quite well. That together with the RX1rII will make a very nice fast autofocus kit. 35/50/85
2) I think you will want to have a small manual focus kit, for when you want to travel light. I think you still have the CV 15, I know you have the Loxia 21, the Loxia 50, and the ZM 85. I think eventually a Loxia 28 and perhaps a Loxia 15 would complete this kit nicely if they make them. For now you could get the C/Y 28 f/2.8 as a place holder until they make the Loxia 28. I do expect they will make this lens by the end of 2017. I am less optimistic they will make the Loxia 15 that many people want, but you can always keep your CV 15. This would give you a wonderful kit of CV 15, Loxia 21, Zeiss C/Y 28 f/2.8, Loxia 50, and ZM 85 f/4.
3) Keep your GM 24-70 and continue to rent the 70-200 f/2.8. I think in the long run you are going to want either a 200 for 135 fast AF lens. I think they will come soon and I think you would prefer one or both of these lenses to the zoom. I expect at least one of these will come by the end of 2017 as well....Show more →
p.6 #13 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
virtualrain wrote:
In my case, I'm starting to try and assess if this is a worthy upgrade for my FE 55. The pros and cons are both important. I'm just trying to be realistic... not overly negative, nor overly enthusiastic. Sometimes it's a challenge to be realistic here, as by its nature, this is a forum full of enthusiasts.
I think potential users are just being realistic, and demanding considering the price. Many already have or considered the 55/1.8 which is only 1/2 stop slower, likely performs at least as good in midfield wide open and across the frame stopped down, and can be had for less than 1/2 price of the new 50/1.4 (GetitDigital has them for $699 w/3yr USA warranty). There needs to be very good reason for most users to spend $1500 for a 50mm lens for FF.
p.6 #14 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
I guess some of the questions in my post were answered by DPR (thanks for the post Dr Tone). I'm not surprised.The 55/1.8 is a much better value if you need AF.
p.6 #15 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Well well, the 55mm F1.8 definitely seems sharper on the borders and edges at all apertures with fewer abberations. Check the upper left at F8 and F1.7/F1.8. Could just be this copy. Central sharpness at F1.7/F1.8 goes to the 50.
p.6 #16 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
GMPhotography wrote:
I'll test it against my GM 85 when I get it
I am really interested in this. A side-by-side rendering and bokeh shootout! I happen to love my Batis 85. But I don't own a 50mm lens and would be interested if it lets me do some things I cannot do with other lenses--namely the 85 1.8.
To Roger Cicala,
I am really interested in how this news lens is constructed. Can't wait for your tear-down to see if it reveals any surprises like the 55 1.8 did when you tore it apart and revealed a little more glue than perhaps we wanted to see.
Seems like a good unbiased assessment. Although the superior center sharpness doesn't materialize, it's possible that copy variances are a factor. It also seems to indicate the mid-field dip is real at least at some working distances. I haven't noticed any CA issues with my FE 55 - not sure if that's because of what I shoot, C1 auto correcting it, or what.
Looking forward to more comparisons but I don't think there's any arguing that the FE 55 is still a real gem given its size.
p.6 #18 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
Just looking at the 100% crops here made me conclude the lens was likely less sharper than the 55/1.8. The clarity and edge accutance didn't impress me.
p.6 #19 · LensRentals: Planar T* FE 50/1.4 ZA is absolutely superb!
virtualrain wrote:
Seems like a good unbiased assessment. Although the superior center sharpness doesn't materialize, it's possible that copy variances are a factor. It also seems to indicate the mid-field dip is real at least at some working distances. I haven't noticed any CA issues with my FE 55 - not sure if that's because of what I shoot, C1 auto correcting it, or what.
Looking forward to more comparisons but I don't think there's any arguing that the FE 55 is still a real gem given its size.
The second page on the DPR test for Bokeh is very encouraging. What I see in my FE 1.8/55 that I don't like is edgy/harsh OOF rendering, the new 50 looks to be worlds better on the DPR test. ~Chris
The bokeh disks look much cleaner with minimum onion ring patterns on the 50/1.4 even with all the aspherical elements. Another hint that the new glass-molding tech is part of this lens.
Coma is very well controlled even wide open. Great sign of great spherical aberration correction. Great test!
I get so distracted worrying they don't fall down the cliffs...
