p.1 #1 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
In the current forum thread on the Sigma i series lenses, there is an interesting discussion of the difference between lenses that are competent and practical, but bland and boring (the Sony 35mm GM gets mentioned) versus lenses that are more interesting, artistic, aspriational, more likely to produce some of your favorite images (perhaps the Sony 50mm f1.2 GM is an examples).
Which lenses would you nominate as among the most visually interesting, most aspirational, and most artistic lenses for Sony. Not the so-called "best," but in a very select group. The list should actually be pretty long. Which is your favorite?
Any lens that can be made to work on a standard Sony body (sorry, no kolari mods) is eligible--manual, autofocus, native, or with an adapter.
My own first nominees would be the Sigma i series 45/2.8, the Voigtlander 50/1.2, and the Canon 50mm f1.2L via an adapter. My favorite is either the Sigma or the Canon--I enjoy using them the most.
p.1 #2 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
My current favorite is the Thypoch Simera 28/1.4. It's an outstanding lens. Beautiful like a little jewel. Right next to it is the Voigtlander 50/1.0 Nokton. Both lenses make me want to create beautiful images. The Sony 50/1.2GM is also one that never fails to satisfy in the aspirational and artistic. It's hard to take a bad image with that one.
p.1 #5 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
The Sony 50/1.2 is a special lens imho as soft bokeh is not really that easy to find and especially at F1.2. Typically such lenses need to be stopped down to have soft bokeh and such perfect image quality but the Sony does it at F1.2. So this is my #1 pick.
For lenses that always seem to satisfy, I'd have to pick the Leica Summilix-R 80/1.4. It doesn't have the smooth bokeh of the GM above, but I'm rarely let down by this lens.
I'm coming a little late to the party, given I've owned the lens for 25 years and am only starting to appreciate it now, but I think the original Canon EF 70-200/2.8 IS seems to have beautiful bokeh and is a great lens for people. I certainly prefer its bokeh to that of the Sony 70-200/2.8GM2, although I prefer the Sony's weight by far. The Canon EF 70-200/2.8 IS doesn't play nicely on Sony bodies, and it weighs too much, otherwise I'd use it in preference to the Sony.
p.1 #6 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
JohnJ wrote:
The Sony 50/1.2 is a special lens imho as soft bokeh is not really that easy to find and especially at F1.2. Typically such lenses need to be stopped down to have soft bokeh and such perfect image quality but the Sony does it at F1.2. So this is my #1 pick.
I also like the 1.2 GM, but the bokeh of the Nokton 1.2 50 is definitely softer and more beautiful (the bokeh of the GM is sometimes a bit shaky). The Nokton images appear more pictorial in comparison, less technical, if I may say so myself.
p.1 #7 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
If you want these type of lenses, generally just drop smooth bokeh, medium to high contrast and good sharpness across the frame and you start to have more “artistic” lenses. Add in SA or fun flare, maybe some coma and you start to get something.
Ironically, I shot my Sigma 35i yesterday for the first time in a long time— along with a Mino 58/1.2. As I opened my files in LR, I remembered why I so rarely shoot it—just boring. I liked the Mino files quite a lot.
I would put the currently produced lenses like the CV 50/1.2 of 50/1.0 or GM 50/1.2 as just having lots of bokeh, but not really being characterful.
I often uses a 35 Lux Pre-ASPH, 80 Lux, 50 Noct, 73 Sonnetar, CV 35/2 Ultron (if I want modern/small), old Minolta's lately, a Canon FD 80-200/f4, etc. I am looking to repurchase a Pentax 31 Limited and Contarex 85/2 at some point. I've owned and shot so many more.
p.1 #8 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
My favorite "artistic" Sony E mount lens is the Voigtlander 40mm f1.2. This lens is practically 2 lenses in one. Wide open, it's a very dreamy look, step down to about f4, and it's quite sharp.
If you go down the the of adapted lenses, I really enjoy some of the Zeiss ZF2 F mount lenses, especially the 35mm f2. The Nikon 58mm F1.4 G has always stuck out to me as a special lens, especially if you need AF. But so far, I have yet to pick one up, as I have enjoyed using MF for "artistic" lenses.
p.1 #9 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
It's probably true that many lenses can - given the right light and composition - deliver what most would agree are artistic images. Certainly, it's why many view the images threads at FM.
The very concept of artistic lenses (and mention of them here) is a victory of sorts, because it shows there is an awareness of the sterility of many modern lenses - something is 'lacking'. If the major manufacturers were doing their job, the need would not arise.
But the blame is not shouldered by them alone, because they are often simply responding to user feedback on what the bulk of photographers want. And the sentiments of reviewers.
My choices have to be both artistic and practical (keeper rate), and those few crossover lenses are hard to find even in a crowded market. All said and done, it's best that each finds his own 'muse lenses' as part of the journey.
[muse: a person — especially a woman — who is a source of artistic inspiration. In Greek mythology, the Muses were nine goddesses who symbolized the arts and sciences. Today, a muse is a person who serves as an artist's inspiration.]
p.1 #10 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
Like many here I find the Voigtlander 40mm f1.2, Voigtlander 50mm f1.2 and Sony 50f1.2GM work best for me. Something with a nice background blur but not too compressed.
p.1 #11 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
It is less what the lens captures but it is more the subject matter, camera setting (aperture, shutter speed, ISO), lighting quality/conditions and post processing play more an important role. Probably, the last factor is the most important out of the first few. Just my honest opinion, and I fully realize that not everyone agrees with my opinion.
p.1 #12 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
I think it would be most illuminating for people to post a couple images they feel artistic with the lenses being discussed.
I think the thread is probably talking past each other because people don’t agree on what “aspirational” and “artistic” are. A visual definition and explanation would be helpful for reference. Not that is one is right or wrong, but to understand what the other person means.
@AGeoJO I do think that’s generally true, but some lens do draw exceptionally differently…making some images essentially impossible, or requiring lots of time and post processing gymnastics as some approximation. And your answer bypasses the thread question
Here is a photo from a 35 Lux pre-asph that is going to look radically different (and far more generic IMO) with a GM 35 or Sigma 35/1.2
p.1 #13 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I think it would be most illuminating for people to post a couple images they feel artistic with the lenses being discussed.
I think the thread is probably talking past each other because people don’t agree on what “aspirational” and “artistic” are. A visual definition and explanation would be helpful for reference. Not that is one is right or wrong, but to understand what the other person means.
@AGeoJO@ I do think that’s generally true, but some lens do draw exceptionally differently…making some images essentially impossible, or requiring lots of time and post processing gymnastics as some approximation. And your answer bypasses the thread question
Here is a photo from a 35 Lux pre-asph that is going to look radically different (and far more generic IMO) with a GM 35 or Sigma 35/1.2...Show more →
I think what I most mean is a handling of light and edges that facilitates an emotional rendering of a scene; that makes the image seem to come from a special place that has almost an altered, more intense version of reality. But I'm not sure that actually says much.
I agree with @philip_pj@ that we might each have our own muses, as we probably would all agree.
And I agree with your suggestion about posting pictures that show our version of what we mean. Also, it is nice to see images from everyone that answer at least some of what we hoped for when we released the shutter.
Here are three from three of my favorite lenses. The first is from the Sigma i Series 45mm f2.8 and the second is from the Batis 40mm f2.0. The third, I am fairly sure, is from the Canon 50mm 1.2. I just pulled these from my uploads here since it would take me forever to find the original files.
p.1 #14 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I think it would be most illuminating for people to post a couple images they feel artistic with the lenses being discussed.
I think the thread is probably talking past each other because people don’t agree on what “aspirational” and “artistic” are. A visual definition and explanation would be helpful for reference. Not that is one is right or wrong, but to understand what the other person means.
@AGeoJO@ I do think that’s generally true, but some lens do draw exceptionally differently…making some images essentially impossible, or requiring lots of time and post processing gymnastics as some approximation. And your answer bypasses the thread question
Here is a photo from a 35 Lux pre-asph that is going to look radically different (and far more generic IMO) with a GM 35 or Sigma 35/1.2...Show more →
That's a wonderful and antistic image! The subject matter plays a significant role there. It could have been taken using any good lens in the same FL and the image would still be a favorite image of the photographer. Yes, lenses do draw differently, I agree, but under the same conditions, the final rendition would not be dramatically different after editing if the image had been taken using a different lens, let's say a GM 35. Again, that's my honest opinion. Your mileage may vary, however.
p.1 #15 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
Good thread.
For me, the types of lenses being discussed means technically imperfect lenses whose images produce a reaction, feeling or emotion. I suppose that could be true of any lens, but some are quirkier than others and lend themselves better to experimentation or less rigid applications.
The first example is the Helios 40-2 lens, which is adapted to my Sony.
The next is from a Ricoh GR2, which I think is an excellent camera for loosening up one's usual approach.
I know it's not Sony, but it's such an excellent tool for creating moods in images.
It lends itself very well to almost any editing style, so it's on my list.
For Sony mount, I like the Batis 40 and the Mitakon 50/0.95 as "artistic" lenses.
p.1 #16 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
ATPphoto wrote:
Good thread.
For me, the types of lenses being discussed means technically imperfect lenses whose images produce a reaction, feeling or emotion. I suppose that could be true of any lens, but some are quirkier than others and lend themselves better to experimentation or less rigid applications.
The first example is the Helios 40-2 lens, which is adapted to my Sony.
The next is from a Ricoh GR2, which I think is an excellent camera for loosening up one's usual approach.
I know it's not Sony, but it's such an excellent tool for creating moods in images.
It lends itself very well to almost any editing style, so it's on my list.
For Sony mount, I like the Batis 40 and the Mitakon 50/0.95 as "artistic" lenses....Show more →
Very nice! I Love them all, especially the last one.
p.1 #18 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
nehemiahphoto wrote:
I think it would be most illuminating for people to post a couple images they feel artistic with the lenses being discussed.
I think the thread is probably talking past each other because people don’t agree on what “aspirational” and “artistic” are. A visual definition and explanation would be helpful for reference. Not that is one is right or wrong, but to understand what the other person means.
@AGeoJO@ I do think that’s generally true, but some lens do draw exceptionally differently…making some images essentially impossible, or requiring lots of time and post processing gymnastics as some approximation. And your answer bypasses the thread question
Here is a photo from a 35 Lux pre-asph that is going to look radically different (and far more generic IMO) with a GM 35 or Sigma 35/1.2...Show more →
I think this is a great example of a moody / climatic shot, which gives off unique vibes (which I think is vital in these kind of shots).
I have a question though, the amount of halation surprised me, is this bare lens or some diffusion filter / post-processing (Luminar is good at this kind of stuff in my experience) ?
p.1 #20 · What are the most aspirational, most "artistic" lenses for Sony?
Nifty Fifty wrote:
What is actually the most aspirational, most "artistic" painting technique? ;-)
Sly point. Perhaps a term other than "artistic" should have been chosen. And yes, there are wonderful photographs that are generally thought of as significant art that were made with very straightforward lenses, as I think @AGeoJO@ would agree. Many, many, many examples come to mind or could be found, but Cartier-Bresson's photographs are obvious examples that are widely known. Sebastio Salgado often used ordinary Canon zooms for most of the last two-thirds of his career.
But HCB did have lenses that he favored very strongly for one reason or another, his muse-lenses if you will, as do most photographers.
Sally Mann, for example, has been very selective in her choice of lenses and her lenses yield a special rendering, so her photographs are another example of the specialness of some lenses.
As to the comparison with painting, lenses are so fundamental to the process of making a photograph that I think they deserve special attention in the process. Any of them can be used to make good photographs or art, but they are the partial equivalent of technique and perhaps school or genre in painting.
Do you have a suggestion for a term or phrase for what some of us are trying to get to about lenses that would serve better than artistic?
Maybe we should just ask, "which lenses most facilitate the kind of photos that you like to make and why?".
To partially answer my own question, I like lenses that suggest that one is in a special, more intense visual space, that handle light and edge roll-offs very smoothly, and that don't do any obvious distortions or deformations of the image (so that things still look real and as seen). For me, these qualities often enhance the emotional impact of a well-composed photograph of a well-chosen moment.
