DaveFP wrote:
I have shot the 50L for many years now and have a good bit of experience with the 85L so I know how little will be in focus even when it is accurate.
Just seems that some are quite soft.
Glad to hear it is no worse than others as it is on my short list.
Couple pages up I did a quick comparison to the 50L. At closer distances I'd call it comparable. At medium distances, I think it's a bit better, but don't have the side by side to prove it...
DaveFP wrote: Just seems that some are quite soft.
Makten wrote: I would be much easier if you point out which pictures you mean.
The lens has been reviewed at a couple of places. We have some serious efforts trying to demonstrate how the lens performs in this very thread, even some USAF charts at short distances ;-) . My impression is that we have a sort of consensus: "sharp" enough if you focus correctly, and in many situations better than good enough, and the "sharpest" f/1.2 lens we have seen this far.
It is a little hard to care a lot about a single poster saying anything similar to "quite soft", "very sharp", "sharp" and so on. I claim that as i very seldom (or never) see anyone define sharp and soft.
So, read the reviews and go through this thread and make up your own impression based on everything available.
To me it is sharp enough, no doubt, but unfortunately it also shows a kind of disturbing nervous type of bokeh in many situations. This is mainly towards the edges and corners but sometimes also in the center of the image. The transition zone sucks, simply put. But, it also is one of the best (overall best, to my taste) very fast lenses I've tried.
I liked the EF 50/1.2 a lot. Optically maybe even more than this Nokton. If it hadn't been for the focus shift, ergonomics and the lousy build quality I might have kept it (until I happily sold my Canon gear). It is all subjective and personal.
I used the 50L and 85L for years when I was with Canon. I always found the 50 to be preferable in terms of rendering images. There was something magical about the way subjects popped and the colors it produced. I found both lenses very frustrating at f1.2 with an OVF.
The images on here from the 40/1.2 is the first time I've had the that feeling. Obviously this is very subjective, However, my anticipation levels are high. The only problem is that it's now 3 weeks since I ordered and no sign of anything
At least I can enjoy the images from other members.
antst wrote:
Did somebody try Hoya, Tiffen or Kenko close up lenses?
They all have available +1 and +2 in 58mm.
Kenko - achromatic. Hoya and Tiffen - unsure.
I tried a Hoya; not great for these purposes. The Hoya and Tiffin are not achromatic (At least I don't think Hoya make one. Certainly most of the Hoyas are single element)
Kenko make both. But there isn't a Kenko achromat in production that's weak enough to allow you to focus at, say, a metre with better quality. That's why we have been recommending things like the ELPRO 4.
On 50/1.2 lenses, I tried Sigma AML (+1.6), Canon 500D (+2) and Minolta No.0 (+1) and No1(+2) All Achro .
Don't bother with the Minolta, they are really terrible. Strong "glow" and very unsharp until you stop down to F/4-5.6. Not a lot to choose between the Canon and the Sigma, the Canon only very slightly better. Not got a 40/1.2 to try them on though.
FranchiseJuan wrote:
So I ordered one of these and the wait is killing me. What is there only one trained monkey making this thing? lol
I ordered mine on Feb 27 from camera quest. This past Tuesday I received an email from them saying that the lens is expected to arrive and start shipping in about 2 weeks. I am hoping for that to be late next week. Earlier would be better.
I actually tried to get one while I was in China in Feb, and was told it would be Early April. Knew that going into the pre-order, but still.... Makes it worse that I already paid the full amount, but I did get 15% off by doing that, so I should not be too upset I guess.
I think the wait would be easier if I stop reading this thread... lol
RobertHolloway wrote:
Well Phillip, if you can't get your hands on one, what chance us mere mortals
I don't play the influencer card when I buy stuff. I have paid 100% on every single lens I own. Only to borrow lenses.
