retrofocus wrote:
Correct - this is what I meant but didn't clearly state in my post. The # of aperture blades makes a difference when closing down obviously.
In additional to the number of aperture blades, I find myself getting a bit better focus accuracy on v2 as it has longer focus rotation of 180 degrees vs the V3 of 90 degree.
For aesthetic reasons and my shooting purpose, I also prefer the v2 which has the long focus throw of classic lenses. The current fashion of short throw really ruins my interest in modern offerings. In addition to hindering precise focus, short throw compresses the DOF scale to uselessness. To enjoy high-tech optical performance, I now use AF on a different mount. Hello, Viltrox!
My first 50mm f/1.4 lux pre-asph was a V2 chrome, and while I really loved the images it produced, I couldn't help being curious about the V3...specifically the lighter 275g black anodized version with its 0.65m MFD, shorter focus throw, built-in hood and E46 filter thread. After picking one up to try, I ended up selling my V2 and haven't looked back since. Same output, much lighter with very practical features. Aesthetically, I agree that the v2 is a good-looking lens.
