I thought there was a topic on this in the past, but I can't seem to find it. So apologies if this is a repost.
I am considering getting a used 5D to upgrade from an XT and really enjoy using manual focus, fixed-focal length lenses. I don't have a huge budget so I'm curious to know what you all think are the best cheap (<$250) manual focus alternative lenses out there of any focal length. I'll probably be looking for wide (20 - 24mm), a 35mm-ish, 50mm-ish, 85mm-ish and pancake (walk around) lenses.
So, any standouts in the inexpensive realm? Doesn't matter what company, so long as they fit a 5D without modification!
SMC Takumar screw-mount (M42) lenses are worth looking for. They're well made and have great IQ. You should be able to find 24/3.5, 35/2, and 50/1.4 within your price range. The 20/4.5 and 85/1.8 are both a bit more expensive.
You couldn't go wrong with either an Olympus Zuiko 24 f2.8 or the 28 f3.5. The second is especially stellar and can be found for well under $100USD - Zuikos in general fit the bill of outstanding quality for low purchase price -
jcolwell wrote:
SMC Takumar screw-mount (M42) lenses are worth looking for. They're well made and have great IQ. You should be able to find 24/3.5, 35/2, and 50/1.4 within your price range. The 20/4.5 and 85/1.8 are both a bit more expensive.
The 50/1.4 will hit the mirror on a 5D
Olympus is a good suggestion. Also look for Zeiss, Tamron, Jupiter and Helios.
Thanks for the responses, I'll look into those. I would also like the lenses to be as fast as possible...but I know that goes in the opposite direction of price.
Additional question...I know that keh.com is a popular place to buy old used lenses. Due to the low prices, I have been tempted to purchase lenses at the "Bargain" condition as the site states that there will be no effect on the picture quality from marks and dings. Do any of you have experience buying "Bargain" lenses from KEH? If so, any problems with the lenses aside from cosmetic quality?
both S-M-C and SMC 50/1.4 hit mine, just barely, only at infinity focus stop; it catches only going down, not flipping up, no bad exposures yet ; my lens/adapter combo can focus just beyond infinity, if infinity is in-focus, the mirror doesn't catch.
best places to get film lenses for your canon are pawn shops...have gotten a lot of great buys on Nikkors and m42 lenses....and EF lenses on film bodies!!!!
Nikkors do not have to be AI or AI-S models to work on EOS; Non-AI lenses work great and so those oldies but goodies are a lot cheaper...the only issue with Nikkors is that some of them have a protruding baffle that would have to be removed or filed down for the 5D mirror to flap up freely...
Yep, pawn shops are the way to go but only if you don't value your own time. You could spend a month of Sundays and still not find anything of interest.
JJ....around here in south Florida I think I pass pawn shops nearly every day...pawn shops and charity thrift shops....I don't have to go out of my way at all...maybe a sign of the economic times...
weezintrumpete wrote:
Thanks for the responses, I'll look into those. I would also like the lenses to be as fast as possible...but I know that goes in the opposite direction of price.
Additional question...I know that keh.com is a popular place to buy old used lenses. Due to the low prices, I have been tempted to purchase lenses at the "Bargain" condition as the site states that there will be no effect on the picture quality from marks and dings. Do any of you have experience buying "Bargain" lenses from KEH? If so, any problems with the lenses aside from cosmetic quality?
You want to check the BGNs to make sure you're getting the front and rear caps you need (otherwise you have to buy them), but IME you can't go wrong with BGN on KEH. This forum put me onto it, and I've never had a bad one.
In fact, when I ordered a Zuiko telescoping extension tube BGN from them, they sent one without a tripod mount by mistake. No problem on the exchange (they paid the shipping back to them) and offered to let me add to my purchase for no additional shipping when they shipped the correct item. Great place to deal with.
) 3 Zuikos: