Which ƒ1.2 Lens is Better?

*PentaxForums-User* · 09-27-2009, 09:54 AM

I read all the reviews... but still can't decide...

Which is better? I'm looking for bokeh, color, image quality, and some sharpness... but I'm using it at only 1.2... so I know most will be soft anyway... so I really just need a beautiful image, especially color.

I have most the great Pentax primes... I love them, but find some render colors on the pure white side... while I love it when colors are a little yellow, orange, or warm. Also - maybe I could just add a filter to get this warmth? Is there a filter you recommend for warmth? (I haven't explore filters yet, so are new to them.)

Best 1.2?

K 1.2
A 1.2
Post 55 1.2
Cosina 55 1.2
Revuenon 55 1.2

mer · 09-27-2009, 10:39 AM

the porst is the most soft lens wide open.

Cosina and the revuenon are the same ( rebranded ) and have the same sharpness as the A or the K version ( maybe the cosina-revuenon is a little softer but it wouldn't even be noticable ) .

The difference between the cosina and the pentax is the bokeh . Pentax has smooth bokeh while the cosina has more of a character. I went for the Porst

Pentaxor · 09-27-2009, 12:16 PM

I have an A 50 f1:1.2. here is a recent photo that I took with it and I hope it meets all the criteria that you are looking for. goodluck on a future purchase !

*IS050* · 09-27-2009, 12:39 PM

Here is one from Cosina 55mm/1.2
I just love these specular highlights and the paint brush like bokeh wide open.

*PentaxForums-User* · 09-27-2009, 02:04 PM

Those are both GORGEOUS! I love them both... the 50mm and the 55mm. It's nice to see the difference in bokeh! I'd almost say they are both worth having just for the unique bokeh difference!

*PentaxForums-User* · 09-27-2009, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by IS050

Here is one from Cosina 55mm/1.2
I just love these specular highlights and the paint brush like bokeh wide open.

Based on your photo, I just bought one for $235! Good price I think. Can't wait til it ships!

Digitalis · 09-27-2009, 06:20 PM

the K50mm f/1.2 is optically an identical twin to the A 50mm f/1.2
but both are just as hard to find these days, mainly because the people that have them are reluctant to sell them because they are so good.

*IS050* · 09-27-2009, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by PentaxForums-User

Based on your photo, I just bought one for $235! Good price I think. Can't wait til it ships!

Congrats on the new lens, I think the price is about right for a good condition copy. You will have lots of fun. The lens is truly unique. Enjoy!! And don't forget to share some images here.

David

*PentaxForums-User* · 09-27-2009, 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by IS050

Congrats on the new lens, I think the price is about right for a good condition copy. You will have lots of fun. The lens is truly unique. Enjoy!! And don't forget to share some images here.

David

Yeah, I did a BUY IT NOW on eBay... I guess I'm extra happy cuz I just didn't want to wait and lose the auction... I think I got it a tad cheaper than market... but not much. I guess I'm excited cuz I didn't have to bid for a week on it and then lose it at the last minute - which happened earlier today! Or buy it from someone from another country... anyway... I can't wait! Those photos everyone is posting look AMAZING!!!!!!

*PentaxForums-User* · 09-27-2009, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by Digitalis

the K50mm f/1.2 is optically an identical twin to the A 50mm f/1.2
but both are just as hard to find these days, mainly because the people that have them are reluctant to sell them because they are so good.

What a great photo! Is this the K or the A 1.2?

frank · 09-27-2009, 09:26 PM

I've had both A50/1.2 and K50/1.2, and I like the K one better, for its better built quality and smoother operation (focusing/aperture ring)

Digitalis · 09-28-2009, 02:00 AM

Originally Posted by PentaxForums-User

What a great photo! Is this the K or the A 1.2?

if you actually read what I said in that post you would realise that it really doesn't matter...they are both very, very good.

but if you must know the 50mm f/1.2 I use is the Pentax K 50mm f/1.2

lithos · 09-28-2009, 02:58 AM

Not strictly true, digitalis - the A has nine aperture blades as opposed to the K's eight.

and · 09-28-2009, 03:33 AM

Digitalis: great shot of the lanterns

Digitalis · 09-28-2009, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by lithos

Not strictly true, digitalis - the A has nine aperture blades as opposed to the K's eight.

that is true, but I was referring to the optical qualities of the lenses. besides one extra aperture blade doesn't make for a ground breaking difference between the two lenses. At f/2.8 the bokeh of the K50mm f/1.2 is slightly better that the 31mm f/1.8 - in regards to bokeh, most Photographer's would have trouble making a distinction between the two lenses. the FA31mm f/1.8 Limited has a nine bladed aperture.