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Archive 2017What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
p.248 #1What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Okay, that was a crazy shopping spree 
Too much lenses to review now, hope I'll get that sorted 
Summary:
-Canon FD 1.8/50 S.C.
-Canon nFD 2.8/28
-Canon nFD 2/100
-Contax 1.7/50 AEJ
-Contax 2.8/85 MM
Too much lenses to review now, hope I'll get that sorted Summary:
-Canon FD 1.8/50 S.C.
-Canon nFD 2.8/28
-Canon nFD 2/100
-Contax 1.7/50 AEJ
-Contax 2.8/85 MM
Mar 14, 2016 at 03:18 AM
p.248 #2What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
freaklikeme wrote:
The Leica has a noticeable resolution advantage up to f/5.6 and slightly higher contrast, making it a little easier to manually focus without digital aid. It pays for both of those in bokeh, though, which retains more structure at like apertures and distances when compared to the Mamiya. The Mamiya's also a little warmer, so if you've got the camera and your PP software set to start at a neutral profile, the Mamiya shots have bit more oomph straight out of the camera. They're about equally corrected for lateral CA with the Leica better corrected for spherochromatism (though, again, wide...Show more →
Thanks for this! When you say the Leica pays for its resolution with structure in the bokeh I assume you're saying the Elmarit has onion rings like the Summicron and the Mamiya does not. And about the Mamiya having less focus ring resistance, I've read that at least some Elmarits have *too much*, was that your experience?
And your conclusion paragraph, you're saying you might've chosen the Mamiya for portraits because the Elmarit is a little *too* sharp for that?
The Leica has a noticeable resolution advantage up to f/5.6 and slightly higher contrast, making it a little easier to manually focus without digital aid. It pays for both of those in bokeh, though, which retains more structure at like apertures and distances when compared to the Mamiya. The Mamiya's also a little warmer, so if you've got the camera and your PP software set to start at a neutral profile, the Mamiya shots have bit more oomph straight out of the camera. They're about equally corrected for lateral CA with the Leica better corrected for spherochromatism (though, again, wide...Show more →
Thanks for this! When you say the Leica pays for its resolution with structure in the bokeh I assume you're saying the Elmarit has onion rings like the Summicron and the Mamiya does not. And about the Mamiya having less focus ring resistance, I've read that at least some Elmarits have *too much*, was that your experience?
And your conclusion paragraph, you're saying you might've chosen the Mamiya for portraits because the Elmarit is a little *too* sharp for that?
Mar 14, 2016 at 03:58 AM
p.248 #3What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Lee Saxon wrote:
From a usability perspective, both are very well built lenses. Mamiya lenses tend to have less resistance in the focus action- not so much less that it won't hold focus or is easier to accidentally move, but enough that it's easier to focus on the fly. Both lenses have built in hoods that are very useful. The Mamiya only has full stop indents on the aperture ring, where Leica gives you their typical half stops. The Leica's smaller and lighter, even more so when you consider the differences in adapter sizes, and doesn't extend during focusing. The Mamiya starts out feeling front heavy, a feeling that only gets worse the closer you focus. I don't know that this would be as big a deal on a DSLR, but on a mirrorless body, it gets a bit unwieldily.
If I were looking for a portrait 200ish that was also a strong landscaper, the decision would've been more difficult. I don't shoot a lot of portraits (people are not my favorite animal) and when I do, I go for something shorter with lower resolution and contrast. The Mamiya was an awfully close second otherwise.Thanks for this! When you say the Leica pays for its resolution with structure in the bokeh I assume you're saying the Elmarit has onion rings like the Summicron and the Mamiya does not. And about the Mamiya having less focus ring resistance, I've read that at least some Elmarits have *too much*, was that your experience?
And your conclusion paragraph, you're saying you might've chosen the Mamiya for portraits because the Elmarit is a little *too* sharp for that?
You know, I haven't even checked for onion rings. I just don't use it in scenarios where that would be obvious. No, what I'm talking about is more like the difference between a bowl of oatmeal and a bowl of soggy rice crispies (to continue the food analogies). I don't know what it is about Mamiya lenses exactly, but the 120/4, 150/2.8, and 200/2.8 generally produce creamier bokeh than other lenses of the same focal length. Maybe it's their use of anomalous dispersion elements. I'll see if I can dig up some samples, though I could shoot a more direct comparison using the 120/4 and the APO-Elmarit 100.
Edited to add... as for the focus, I can see why some might complain about the tension on Leica lenses (teles in particular). I actually prefer it because it makes pulling focus, to borrow a cine term, when you're tracking an object to be a much smoother experience.
Yeah, I think it's too much resolution, even wide open, for casual portraits. I see plenty of nice portraits shot with high resolution lenses that I would never point at a person unless I wanted to make the world their dermatologist, but I don't shoot models who have had high def make-up airbrushed on.
freaklikeme wrote
The Leica has a noticeable resolution advantage up to f/5.6 and slightly higher contrast, making it a little easier to manually focus without digital aid. It pays for both of those in bokeh, though, which retains more structure at like apertures and distances when compared to the Mamiya. The Mamiya's also a little warmer, so if you've got the camera and your PP software set to start at a neutral profile, the Mamiya shots have bit more oomph straight out of the camera. They're about equally corrected for lateral CA with the Leica better corrected for spherochromatism (though, again, wide open, it's still possible to make it evident).From a usability perspective, both are very well built lenses. Mamiya lenses tend to have less resistance in the focus action- not so much less that it won't hold focus or is easier to accidentally move, but enough that it's easier to focus on the fly. Both lenses have built in hoods that are very useful. The Mamiya only has full stop indents on the aperture ring, where Leica gives you their typical half stops. The Leica's smaller and lighter, even more so when you consider the differences in adapter sizes, and doesn't extend during focusing. The Mamiya starts out feeling front heavy, a feeling that only gets worse the closer you focus. I don't know that this would be as big a deal on a DSLR, but on a mirrorless body, it gets a bit unwieldily.
If I were looking for a portrait 200ish that was also a strong landscaper, the decision would've been more difficult. I don't shoot a lot of portraits (people are not my favorite animal) and when I do, I go for something shorter with lower resolution and contrast. The Mamiya was an awfully close second otherwise.
And your conclusion paragraph, you're saying you might've chosen the Mamiya for portraits because the Elmarit is a little *too* sharp for that?
You know, I haven't even checked for onion rings. I just don't use it in scenarios where that would be obvious. No, what I'm talking about is more like the difference between a bowl of oatmeal and a bowl of soggy rice crispies (to continue the food analogies). I don't know what it is about Mamiya lenses exactly, but the 120/4, 150/2.8, and 200/2.8 generally produce creamier bokeh than other lenses of the same focal length. Maybe it's their use of anomalous dispersion elements. I'll see if I can dig up some samples, though I could shoot a more direct comparison using the 120/4 and the APO-Elmarit 100.
Edited to add... as for the focus, I can see why some might complain about the tension on Leica lenses (teles in particular). I actually prefer it because it makes pulling focus, to borrow a cine term, when you're tracking an object to be a much smoother experience.
Yeah, I think it's too much resolution, even wide open, for casual portraits. I see plenty of nice portraits shot with high resolution lenses that I would never point at a person unless I wanted to make the world their dermatologist, but I don't shoot models who have had high def make-up airbrushed on.
Mar 14, 2016 at 02:53 PM
p.248 #4What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
freaklikeme wrote:
... No, what I'm talking about is more like the difference between a bowl of oatmeal and a bowl of soggy rice crispies (to continue the food analogies).
Would you be talking about these sparkly things? That's a sample shot from the Summicron. I was hoping the Elmarit, not requiring the same sort of exotic design, might not have whatever weird problem caused these. I tend to do a fair bit of this big bokeh stuff so maybe I better take a look at this Mamiya (or the Nikon fatboy, looks like it has pretty smooth bokeh too). I love the bokeh (and other performance) from my new 150/2.8 A so if it's similar I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
... No, what I'm talking about is more like the difference between a bowl of oatmeal and a bowl of soggy rice crispies (to continue the food analogies).
Would you be talking about these sparkly things? That's a sample shot from the Summicron. I was hoping the Elmarit, not requiring the same sort of exotic design, might not have whatever weird problem caused these. I tend to do a fair bit of this big bokeh stuff so maybe I better take a look at this Mamiya (or the Nikon fatboy, looks like it has pretty smooth bokeh too). I love the bokeh (and other performance) from my new 150/2.8 A so if it's similar I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
Mar 14, 2016 at 11:27 PM
p.248 #5What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Lee Saxon wrote:
Would you be talking about these sparkly things? That's a sample shot from the Summicron. I was hoping the Elmarit, not requiring the same sort of exotic design, might not have whatever weird problem caused these. I tend to do a fair bit of this big bokeh stuff so maybe I better take a look at this Mamiya (or the Nikon fatboy, looks like it has pretty smooth bokeh too). I love the bokeh (and other performance) from my new 150/2.8 A so if it's similar I'm sure I'll enjoy it.
I found a comparison that shows what I mean... Pebble Place's review of the Mamiya 200
Take a look at the Summarit-S 180 (which, in draw, is very close to the APO-Elmarit R) and the Mamiya 200 on page 4. A bit of the difference is attributable to the longer focal length used for the same perspective, but not all of it. The review itself is worthwhile and his sample gallery is gorgeous (far better than anything I have to post from the lens).
I'll have to check on the rainbow effect in OOF highlights with the Elmarit. I haven't seen it, but that's not surprising. If I'm not shooting a landscape or pano with it, the most action mine sees is in rodeo arenas, and I'm not really focused on getting beauty shots of the bulls or their riders.
freaklikeme wrote
... No, what I'm talking about is more like the difference between a bowl of oatmeal and a bowl of soggy rice crispies (to continue the food analogies).I found a comparison that shows what I mean... Pebble Place's review of the Mamiya 200
Take a look at the Summarit-S 180 (which, in draw, is very close to the APO-Elmarit R) and the Mamiya 200 on page 4. A bit of the difference is attributable to the longer focal length used for the same perspective, but not all of it. The review itself is worthwhile and his sample gallery is gorgeous (far better than anything I have to post from the lens).
I'll have to check on the rainbow effect in OOF highlights with the Elmarit. I haven't seen it, but that's not surprising. If I'm not shooting a landscape or pano with it, the most action mine sees is in rodeo arenas, and I'm not really focused on getting beauty shots of the bulls or their riders.
Mar 15, 2016 at 02:45 PM
p.248 #6What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
PhaseOne IQ160
Yepp. Expecting delivery..
Yepp. Expecting delivery..
Mar 17, 2016 at 11:47 PM
p.248 #7What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Canon FD 50mm f3.5 Macro. GOing to use it on my NEX 3. Can't wait
Mar 20, 2016 at 04:15 PM
p.248 #8What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
A osawa 38-70 f3.5 that i got for $12 just arrived. Its mint and came with its own pleather case. Not bad for the price
Mar 21, 2016 at 01:51 AM
p.248 #9What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
I picked up an A7s with my tax return and I also finished making my version of the bologon 17mm f16 for it. Not bad for a plastic lens!
http://sites.google.com/site/zplusc3/pics/IMG_0843_low.jpg
http://sites.google.com/site/zplusc3/pics/DSC09603_low.jpg
SOOC
http://sites.google.com/site/zplusc3/pics/DSC09603_CF_low.jpg
Cornerfix and slight adjustment in cameraraw
Edited on Mar 27, 2016 at 09:47 PM · View previous versions
http://sites.google.com/site/zplusc3/pics/IMG_0843_low.jpg
http://sites.google.com/site/zplusc3/pics/DSC09603_low.jpg
SOOC
http://sites.google.com/site/zplusc3/pics/DSC09603_CF_low.jpg
Cornerfix and slight adjustment in cameraraw
Edited on Mar 27, 2016 at 09:47 PM · View previous versions
Mar 26, 2016 at 12:33 AM
p.248 #10What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Found a barely used 35L II and couldn't pass it up. Alt, since it'll get used on the a7rII. I had a hard time returning the one I rented, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Mar 27, 2016 at 02:50 PM
p.248 #11What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
I just sprung for a Fujinon 23mm f1.4 for my X-T1. Have read many good things about this lens. It is in the mail. Can't wait to get it.
Has anyone else here used this lens?
Has anyone else here used this lens?
Mar 27, 2016 at 03:15 PM
p.248 #12What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
New to the family by scepticswe, on FlickrCurrently being tested and looks to be a very competent performer
Mar 29, 2016 at 12:53 PM
p.248 #13What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
color-skeptor 50mm f2.8. Just have to wait for the adapter and then going to try it on my NEX
Mar 30, 2016 at 03:23 PM
p.248 #14What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
i got a sigma 50/2.8 macro in MD mout a few weeks ago, still haven't actually tried it. should probably do that...
Mar 30, 2016 at 09:41 PM
p.248 #15What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Vivitar Series 1 105mm f2.5 Macro. KEH 20% off off-brand lens coupon suckered me in. EX condition with case and caps for $186 shipped. Been wanting a 1:1 macro for me E-M1. Will know if a couple of days if I like it or not.
Apr 07, 2016 at 12:23 PM
p.248 #16What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Pentax M 35/2.0 on the way.
Apr 07, 2016 at 12:51 PM
p.248 #17What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH should be arriving tomorrow, and I am VERY excited to finally try one out.
Cool thing is, if I find that it's not for me, I can always go back to a Summicron
Cool thing is, if I find that it's not for me, I can always go back to a Summicron
Apr 07, 2016 at 12:58 PM
p.248 #18What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Got my m.Zuiko 300mm f/4 this afternoon. First outing is tomorrow morning.
Apr 07, 2016 at 05:34 PM
p.248 #19What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
I just bought a non-alt lens for the first time in years (85/1.8G). I am sorry for betraying your trust. I hope we can still be friends.
Apr 07, 2016 at 10:29 PM
p.248 #20What is your most recent (alt) lens purchase?
Bought Fred's 16-35mm a few weeks ago, love it but I need to take it out more. Once I get the 55mm FE, I think I'll be set for good unless I really catch an 85mm itch
Apr 08, 2016 at 12:04 AM