I currently have a Pentax Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 which I use on an EOS body with an M42 to EOS adapter.
I am very pleased with the results from this lens at f/2 and would like a similar fast 35mm (f/2 or greater max usable aperture).
Any suggestions for lenses that I can mount to EOS using only a non-optical adapter ring?
I really like the MC W.Rokkor-HH 35/1.8, although it would require conversion. I tried the 35/2 Nikkor, and thought it was okay, but wide aperture performance seems all over the place. The 35/2 Zeiss might be a good option, although perhaps a little over budget.
Best bang for the buck would be the Flektogon 35/2.4 that people have mentioned, but it's not quite as fast as you may like. I don't use it wide open very often, but it does hold its own fairly well when compared to a 35L at smaller apertures. Another advantage of the Flektogon is that it focuses VERY close.
The Nikon 35/1.4 AI-S isn't perfect optically but is capable of some great shots. It'd be over $200, but still less than a Zeiss.
Sam N wrote:
Best bang for the buck would be the Flektogon 35/2.4 that people have mentioned, but it's not quite as fast as you may like. I don't use it wide open very often, but it does hold its own fairly well when compared to a 35L at smaller apertures. Another advantage of the Flektogon is that it focuses VERY close.
The Nikon 35/1.4 AI-S isn't perfect optically but is capable of some great shots. It'd be over $200, but still less than a Zeiss.
Is'nt perfect optically...Its the best 35mm lens I know of.
Alf Beharie wrote:
Is'nt perfect optically...Its the best 35mm lens I know of.
You're probably thinking of the new Nikon G 35/1.4 AF-S? Both the Contax/Rollei and Leica 35/1.4's are known to be significantly better than the old Ai-s Nikkor, which is reflected in their prices.
@s23chang-you forgot to mention the mirror clearance problems with all the Takumars shorter than, and including the 50mm F 1.4, which is another hit against the 35mm F 2.0 and 3.5 Takumars on a FF (unless you use live view). Been there, done that
Feb 06, 2011 at 02:53 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
The OP's profile lists a 40D and he just said EOS body, so it looks like for now anyway he is using a crop camera, so mirror clearance shouldn't be an issue on any of these lenses.
Yashica ML 35mm f/2.8 - sharp as Distagon 35/2.8(yashica colours are cooler and vignetting is heavier), sharper than Flektogon 35/2.4 especially in corners on full frame; and better than Nikon 35/2 or Mir 35/2 it`s also very small and have nice "3d", fortunatelly is very cheap because people know little about it
More pics on my flickr
I really want f/2 or faster ( I already have the range covered by a f/2.8 zoom).
As mentioned by Steve Spencer, I'm currently using a Canon 40D, so no issues with the rear protruding too far back and hitting the mirror.
From what I can see on ebay, the Pentax 35/2 and the Nikkor would set me back well over $200. I'm ruling out Rokkors as I don't want the hassle of having the lens converted.
The cheapest 35/2 I can see at the moment is a Zuiko MC Auto 35/2 for £144 (Sterling). Any thoughts on this lens?
At these prices (plus the cost of the adapter), I could probably buy the Canon EF 35/2 for less! How does it compare with the older non-Canon primes?
Feb 06, 2011 at 06:20 PM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
You should be able to get the M42 screw mount 35mm f/2 SMC super Tak for under $100, and adapter with a cheap adapter. It's reputation is alright, but not as goos as the 50mm f/1.4. If you are patient and wait to find one at a good price it should be your cheapest alternative. I haven't used the Oly so I can't comment on it, but I have the 35mm f/1.8 rokkor and love it.
I have the Rokkor and the Oly. Both are great, the Oly is a nice no-fuss mount on EOS, using just an OM-EOS adapter. (Rokkor requires conversion - doable but not plug and play on EOS). the OM is nice, small, cheap(ish), very low flare, and hard to beat. I'd go for that.
No one has mentioned the forthcoming Samyang 35/1.4. Price will probably be a bit out of your range, and of course we don't know yet how it performs. But it is due out this month, and if it is anything like the 85, it may be excellent.
...Its the best 35mm lens I know of.
