I`ve been considering something like a 5Dmk1 for lighter walk a bouts and have done some testing of my 1dsmk2 against the 5D I used when they first came out.
My findings are (images required at 50Mb for stock work) that the my 1dsmk2 and 3 really can`t be beaten in general.
So I ask if something like the Contax 45MM 2.8 (being and looking very light) could be worth getting. I`ve got to say that if it is just an OK lens then it might not be good enough, I`m actually looking for something that can really produce the goods.(maybe like the 35-70 contax.)
My experience is that the Tessar 45 will foul the mirror of a 5D. Also, I think the Oly 40 is a better lens. Tessars are very numerous, but still quite expensive. Go for the Oly if you can find one at a reasonable price. It is a bit wider, a bit brighter, a bit better wide open, and has nice contrast and bokeh. It is only very slightly bigger and heavier, not enough to notice. The Tessar is great but not fantastically sharp wide open. The Nikkor version of the Tessar is a trifle sharper wide open, seems to show slightly more distortion, but otherwise it's more or less equivalent. The Oly is THE pancake lens, IMO. It can 'really produce the goods' once you stop it down a bit. Here it is on a 1Ds3 stopped down a couple of stops, I would guess: http://cyberphotographer.com/1ds3/sophglance_low.jpg
a crop: http://cyberphotographer.com/1ds3/sophglance_crop.jpg
Here's a full rez of the Tessar on a 5D at f2.8. Please only click this if you're really interested as it's a 2.5MB file and you'll kill my server: http://cyberphotographer.com/5D/Zeiss45_f2.8_80th_iso800.jpg
Both lenses have a strong sense of being there, even when not sharp. I would call it a natural-looking contrast profile.
I guess there's a reason why the 45 f2.8 Tessar goes for $250 and the OM 40 f2.0 sells for $550+... I never get tired of looking at those images Braniac posts...
Thanks Pascal. I must take some more one day! ;-) I am itching to try the Oly on a 5D2. I use it on my 1Ds3 a lot, but that can hardly be said to be a lightweight combo.
Split the cost difference, get a new Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SLII in F mount (The K mount would need surgery). It's small, sharp, fastish and costs less new than the Oly does used. You also get a close-up filter to get to 1:4 magnification.
mawz wrote:
Split the cost difference, get a new Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SLII in F mount (The K mount would need surgery). It's small, sharp, fastish and costs less new than the Oly does used. You also get a close-up filter to get to 1:4 magnification.
I want it for my 1dsmk2 and 3, is that F mount nikon fit? I have a Nikon -Eos adapter so no problems.
I have the Tessar 45P and yes it hit the mirror on the 5D but works fine on my 1DsMk3. The IQ is only fair. Lots of purple fringing. I prefer the Nikon 50 mm f1.8P for a small normal. I do have the Ultron and it works wonderfully on my Nikon bodies. I really should try that on my 1DsMk3 and see how that combo works.
mawz wrote:
Split the cost difference, get a new Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SLII in F mount (The K mount would need surgery). It's small, sharp, fastish and costs less new than the Oly does used. You also get a close-up filter to get to 1:4 magnification.
brainiac wrote:
Has anyone done any comparisons between the Ultron 40 and the Oly?
I don't think so. I'd expect the Aspherical-equipped Ultron to be the better performer though (the Oly 40 is generally considered to be similar in performance to their 50/1.8. The Ultron approaches the ZF 35 in performance even wide open). My experience with the Ultron is that it's quite sharp wide open and just keeps getting better down to f4.
But without a direct head-to-head we'll not be sure of that.
The Pentax 40/2.8 PK isn't that bad. Won't hit the 5D mirror, and all it takes to mount it is cutting the rear aperture lever and the plastic tab next to it. I had good luck shooting wide open indoor against heavy back lighting without any noticeable CA and with no flare.
Be sure to let us know how you get on with it. I might have to get one myself.
Richard
I`ll let you know what it`s like once I get hold of it.
Just some examinations at the moment, internal digestive problems. You get to 64 and after shovelling tons of food stuff through your system I suppose something has to give a little. I`ve got several more visits and I`m wondering just what I can order on the strength of not crying and being a good boy again
Good job they aren`t using lenses like that Voitlander
and my wife treated me to a new Voigtlander Ultron 40/2 SL11 for being a good boy 
