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01-22-2011, 02:12 PM - 5 Likes   #1
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OOF comparison (FA43, A50/1.2, K50/1.4, FA50/1.7, DA*55, FA77, FA*85)

During the course of discussion in this thread, I offered to do a quick test to take a look at the OOF regions of 7 fast lenses, shot wide open; FA43/1.9, A50/1.2, K50/1.4, FA50/1.7, DA*55/1.4, FA77/1.8,FA*85/1.4. I wouldn't call this a scientific test, and I plan to take additional test shots once I get some feedback on this set of initial shots. Also, please note that I'm not sure they're all perfectly focused, so this is meant more as a qualitative look at the OOF regions, not the sharpness of each lens wide open.

Here's a link to a second set of test shots with a few more lenses, including the FA31.

Group shot.


FA43/1.9


A50/1.2


K50/1.4


FA50/1.7


DA*55/1.4


FA77/1.8


FA*85/1.4



Last edited by dgaies; 01-24-2011 at 09:44 PM.
01-22-2011, 03:31 PM   #2
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Heh, the A50 is brutal, but the DA*55 actually does quite well in that merry bunch.
01-22-2011, 04:50 PM   #3
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the A50's image blur just stands out of the bunch. and the sharpest seems to be the FA77.
01-22-2011, 04:51 PM   #4
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Thanks for doing this, very interesting

I have the exact opposite of joakim, my fav is the A 50 1.2, followed by the FA 77 ltd. The one I like the least is the DA* 55.

NaCl(which goes to prove something I already knew, bokeh is subjective)H2O

but it's good to have it confirmed

01-22-2011, 05:34 PM   #5
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By brutal I meant brutally smooth. Perhaps not the best adjective though.

I actually like the DA*55 but not as good as the A50 and K50.

The FA*85 and FA77 are quite similar. The same optical design, no?
01-22-2011, 05:41 PM   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by joakimfors Quote
The FA*85 and FA77 are quite similar. The same optical design, no?
Yes, I believe they are closer optically than the FA*85 is to other 85s.
01-22-2011, 06:49 PM   #7
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Yeah, A 1.2 is amazing, though K 50mm 1.4 is great too!

01-22-2011, 07:09 PM   #8
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Easy to see why the A50 F/1.2 is sooooooo desired.
The FA LTD's also great as expected.
01-22-2011, 11:54 PM   #9
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Yes, the 50/1.2 has done it again! It always wins these bokeh shootouts, and I would imagine it is one THE top lenses, bokeh-wise.

Add the fact that it's razor sharp and fast (and rare) - it's no wonder they're a bit pricey...
01-23-2011, 12:59 AM   #10
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I do like the bokeh of the 50 1.2 the best, but I don't really care for the in-focus areas.

I think I like the 77 best overall.
01-23-2011, 02:07 AM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by paperbag846 Quote
I do like the bokeh of the 50 1.2 the best, but I don't really care for the in-focus areas.

I think I like the 77 best overall.
Yes, though I don't actually think there are any in-focus areas. As the OP stated, some of the shots won't have been focused properly, and I reckon the 50/1.2's is one of them.
01-23-2011, 02:28 AM   #12
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QuoteOriginally posted by paperbag846 Quote
I do like the bokeh of the 50 1.2 the best, but I don't really care for the in-focus areas.
+1

For me it is all about separation between subject and background. For this to work not only must the background be smooth but the subject must be really sharp as well. I personally think the 50/1.2 is overrated but to each their own.

Last edited by Class A; 01-23-2011 at 10:13 PM.
01-23-2011, 02:44 AM   #13
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thanks!

Thanks for doing this Dan,

to be honest the results confirm my thoughts but there is element of surprise...
OK, wide open, 50/1.7 is not really worse than 43ltd IMO, 77 seems smoother in OOF than FA*85 even despite smaller aperture. DA*55 is nearly as "bad" (I know this is subjective but still) as 43-50/1.7 and probably on level with FA*85. A50/1.7 beats them all (for me overall). Surprise? K50/1.4 seems really good in this comparison. I never held 50/1.4s in high regard but this might have changed it
01-23-2011, 03:23 AM   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by axl Quote
Thanks for doing this Dan,

to be honest the results confirm my thoughts but there is element of surprise...
OK, wide open, 50/1.7 is not really worse than 43ltd IMO, 77 seems smoother in OOF than FA*85 even despite smaller aperture. DA*55 is nearly as "bad" (I know this is subjective but still) as 43-50/1.7 and probably on level with FA*85. A50/1.7 beats them all (for me overall). Surprise? K50/1.4 seems really good in this comparison. I never held 50/1.4s in high regard but this might have changed it
Yes, my thanks also - I find these shootouts fascinating.

Regarding the 50/1.4, I'm very much in agreement here - I was surprised to see that it was approaching the 50/1.2 in bokeh quality, and emphatically beating the 50/1.7. Very much a poor man's 50/1.2!
01-23-2011, 04:30 AM   #15
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Fantastic presentation of these top lenses' results, Dan.

Focusing issues notwithstanding, the 50/1.2 is beautifully smooth, granted it's an unrivaled f/1.2 bokeh but it really is sweet. The K 50/1.4 is indeed pretty close. Don't know if the FA 50/1.4 would look the same, but it's quite pleasant.

I see the FA ltds quite on par with the 85/1.4 in bokeh (though the in focus rendition is just exquisite with that 3D look about them). The 55/1.4 is very decent in bokeh - assuming it was autofocused accurately, it's not all that impressive (sharpness-wise) wide open.

This is a very good comparison. Thanks for sharing.
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