Which prime for general use?
Posted 03/07/2011 - 17:14
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johnriley wrote:
I can't help but compare it with the FF compatible 50mm AF-S 1.4 Nikon that goes for less than 300...
Quote:
An expensive lens that is, especially for a 50something one
I think the 55mm f1.4 needs to be looked at as a replacement in digital terms for an 85mm f1.4 portrait lens. These were never cheap, and in this context the price looks about right.An expensive lens that is, especially for a 50something one
Posted 03/07/2011 - 17:46
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RioRico wrote:
My currently most-used prime: Vivitar (Komine) 28/2 MC Close Focus Wide Angle (CFWA) which is fast, sharp, smooth, and small. MF, perfect FL on my K20D, no distortion, excellent for CIF. Mine cost US$18 a few months ago.
That is a miraculous price. Reasonably one would expect to pay over $100 -- though it's still well worth it at that. I wouldn't say "no distortion" but it has a reasonably small amount. The 24mm has notably more and still I don't mind the look for most shots.My currently most-used prime: Vivitar (Komine) 28/2 MC Close Focus Wide Angle (CFWA) which is fast, sharp, smooth, and small. MF, perfect FL on my K20D, no distortion, excellent for CIF. Mine cost US$18 a few months ago.
However all of these Vivitar variants I have owned (quite a few) benefit from being stopped down to f/4 for sharpness. Generally that is not an issue with the normal uses for wide angle. They do have a nice manual focus feeling and are very usable on digital.
Posted 03/07/2011 - 19:44
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johnriley wrote:
I bought mine recently, secondhand from ffordes, for just over £400. It had none of the issues some report and was as good as new. I think if I add a Raynox, then I will have a good set up for portraits and macro, which increases its value further.Quote:
An expensive lens that is, especially for a 50something one
I think the 55mm f1.4 needs to be looked at as a replacement in digital terms for an 85mm f1.4 portrait lens. These were never cheap, and in this context the price looks about right.An expensive lens that is, especially for a 50something one
Nigel
Posted 03/07/2011 - 21:15
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I used to use an SMC Pentax 28mm f3.5, then switched to the new DA 35mm f2.4 for the AF and simpler metering. To be honest, I'd prefer the field of view of the 28mm or even something wider. For this reason, my next new lens purchase may well be a DA 21mm when funds allow...
Matt
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
Shooting the Welsh Wilderness with K-m, KX, MX, ME Super and assorted lenses.
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1568 posts
18 years
Rainhill
I think the 55mm f1.4 needs to be looked at as a replacement in digital terms for an 85mm f1.4 portrait lens. These were never cheap, and in this context the price looks about right.
John
In LBA hiatus.