Which one is the sharpest of these 3 lenses?

HoBykoYan · 04-13-2011, 02:38 AM

Dear All,

I have the opportunity to buy any of these 3 lenses but i need to know which lens is the sharpest one...

Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?)
Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet)
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...)

Need comments...

Thanks again.

Abbazz · 04-13-2011, 04:03 AM

Originally posted by HoBykoYan

i need to know which lens is the sharpest one...

Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?)
Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet)
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...)

I would say the Hexanon is the sharpest. The Pentax 55/1.8 would be my favorite: it's a great lens, with a beautiful rendering, but I can't say it's particularly sharp. The 50/1.4 is my least favorite, as it is really soft until F/2 - 2.8.

But come on, if you need the sharpest lens, buy a 50mm macro! These fast lenses are usually appreciated for other qualities than sharpness, because they are rather soft and low contrast when used at wide apertures, especially if you consider the borders of the frame. These old 50-55mm normal lenses also exhibit lots of longitudinal chromatic aberration. If you need nice bokeh, smooth colors and a vintage look, please do buy one of these, but if you need sharpness, you'd better look elsewhere.

Cheers!

Abbazz

theunartist · 04-13-2011, 05:49 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by HoBykoYan

Dear All,

I have the opportunity to buy any of these 3 lenses but i need to know which lens is the sharpest one...

Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?)
Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet)
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...)

Need comments...

Thanks again.

I've got the K55/1.8 and Super Tak 50/1.4 and of these 2, when used wide open, the K55 is probably just a little sharper with a touch more contrast.

But I've found most 50-55mm lenses to be relatively sharp depending on how well you manually focus... some are easier to get into focus than others. IMHO, my SMC-Tak 55/2.0 is as sharp and much easier to focus than the Super-Tak 50/1.4...

Good luck!

scimitar12 · 04-13-2011, 12:22 PM - **1 Like**

I have all three. The Hexanon is the sharpest throughout the range of f stops. The 55mm 1.8 comes in second.

SOldBear · 04-13-2011, 12:25 PM

Originally posted by HoBykoYan

Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?)
Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet)
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...)

No comments about their sharpness.

Just a question: how are you going to attach the Hexanon lens to a Pentax body?

GeneV · 04-13-2011, 12:39 PM

Originally posted by SOldBear

No comments about their sharpness.

Just a question: how are you going to attach the Hexanon lens to a Pentax body?

Here is someone's solution, though it does not sound like fun. Konica Hexanon AR 40/1.8 lens in Pentax digital body. - Photo.net Pentax Forum

RioRico · 04-13-2011, 02:36 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by GeneV

Originally posted by SOldBear:

Just a question: how are you going to attach the Hexanon lens to a Pentax body?

Here is someone's solution, though it does not sound like fun. Konica Hexanon AR 40/1.8 lens in Pentax digital body. - Photo.net Pentax Forum

Ouch. Double-ouch. Triple-ouch. Surgery; no aperture control; lens bonded to camera body. Even *I* ain't *that* nutz! The OP, HoBykoYan, has a Kx. I think to use the Hexanon, he'd also need an m4/3 or NX or NEX body. Sharpness has its price, eh?

SOldBear · 04-13-2011, 02:44 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by GeneV

Here is someone's solution, though it does not sound like fun. Konica Hexanon AR 40/1.8 lens in Pentax digital body. - Photo.net Pentax Forum

Thanks, Gene.

I had read that article, and being daring, almost tried to do the same for a Vivitar 135mm F/2.8 Close-Focusing with Konica mount. But I came to my sense, and didn't even start the project

But I couldn't find the link to the article, and would like the OP to be aware of the price of sharpness.

HoBykoYan · 04-15-2011, 03:17 AM

Thanks to all for your comments....and sorry for the late reply (was travelling)

I wasn't aware that i can't use the Konica on my K-x, the seller posted that it was m42 mount

. I should have chosen this one over the other 2.

I got the chance to test the pentax K55 today but i wasn't convinced that it was any better than my Super Tak 55 (i was just trying to upgrade to the sharpest lens if i had a chance

)

I should have tested also the Super Tak 50 1.4 today (very high rating on this forum) but the aperture blades are not moving if i turn the aperture ring. Is this lens in any way better than my A 50 1.4?

Again, Thanks

Rich M · 04-15-2011, 08:57 AM - **1 Like**

I recently switched over to Pentax.....and I have six wonderful Konica's that will never experience my K-5.

At least they can be used on m4/3.....

R

theunartist · 04-15-2011, 03:55 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by HoBykoYan

Thanks to all for your comments....and sorry for the late reply (was travelling)

I wasn't aware that i can't use the Konica on my K-x, the seller posted that it was m42 mount

. I should have chosen this one over the other 2.

I got the chance to test the pentax K55 today but i wasn't convinced that it was any better than my Super Tak 55 (i was just trying to upgrade to the sharpest lens if i had a chance

)

I should have tested also the Super Tak 50 1.4 today (very high rating on this forum) but the aperture blades are not moving if i turn the aperture ring. Is this lens in any way better than my A 50 1.4?

Again, Thanks

Have you read the reviews on the A 50/1.4: SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database

If the reviews are accurate, I can tell you that the Super-Takumar 50/1.4 is sharp with good contrast wide open... If you're looking just for sharpness, you're probably better off looking at f1.7's and f1.8's, they seem to be a bit better wide open than most f1.4 lenses...

My sharpest lenses (in this focal length) wide open; M 50/1.7 and K 55/1.8...

JohnBee · 04-15-2011, 03:59 PM

Originally posted by HoBykoYan

Dear All,

I have the opportunity to buy any of these 3 lenses but i need to know which lens is the sharpest one...

Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?)
Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet)
Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...)

Need comments...

Thanks again.

The SMC-K and SMC Takumar are identical.
However, I've found the SMC-K 50/2 to be sharper than both the 1.8's.
Otherwise, you get the convenience of not having to fuss with adapters to use it.

No clue about the Hexanon on the other hand.
Sounds interesting though

HoBykoYan · 04-17-2011, 08:56 PM

Dear All,

Thanks for your time...

I think i'll stick with my Super Tak 55 1.8 (if it's identical with the K55 1.8)
as for my A 50 1.4, i'll be trading it for an M 50 1.7 for IQ/Sharpness...

Peace to all

paperbag846 · 04-17-2011, 10:16 PM

the 55mm 1.8 is a very sharp lens. I don't think you would notice too much of a difference in that department.

RioRico · 04-21-2011, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by HoBykoYan

I think i'll stick with my Super Tak 55 1.8 (if it's identical with the K55 1.8) as for my A 50 1.4, i'll be trading it for an M 50 1.7 for IQ/Sharpness...

As was mentioned in your other thread, significant cash should be involved in that trade. The A50/1.4 is quite good and rather valuable. I have the SuperTak and FA 50/1.4's (essentially the same optics as the A50/1.4), and the M50/1.7, and the SuperTak 55/1.8 and f/2. The f/1.4's can do things the others just can't. Stopped to f/2 or beyond, the 50's are about indistinguishable, even at the pixel-peeping level. Compared to the A50, the M50 is a 'budget' alternative, and is slightly more bother to use. Trading would definitely be a downgrade, IMHO.

04-13-2011, 02:38 AM	#1
HoBykoYan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: HCMC Posts: 271	Which one is the sharpest of these 3 lenses? Dear All, I have the opportunity to buy any of these 3 lenses but i need to know which lens is the sharpest one... Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?) Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet) Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...) Need comments... Thanks again.

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04-13-2011, 04:03 AM	#2
Abbazz Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 667	Originally posted by HoBykoYan i need to know which lens is the sharpest one... Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?) Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet) Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...) I would say the Hexanon is the sharpest. The Pentax 55/1.8 would be my favorite: it's a great lens, with a beautiful rendering, but I can't say it's particularly sharp. The 50/1.4 is my least favorite, as it is really soft until F/2 - 2.8. But come on, if you need the sharpest lens, buy a 50mm macro! These fast lenses are usually appreciated for other qualities than sharpness, because they are rather soft and low contrast when used at wide apertures, especially if you consider the borders of the frame. These old 50-55mm normal lenses also exhibit lots of longitudinal chromatic aberration. If you need nice bokeh, smooth colors and a vintage look, please do buy one of these, but if you need sharpness, you'd better look elsewhere. Cheers! Abbazz

04-13-2011, 05:49 AM - 1 Like	#3
theunartist Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Baltimore Posts: 2,542	Originally posted by HoBykoYan Dear All, I have the opportunity to buy any of these 3 lenses but i need to know which lens is the sharpest one... Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?) Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet) Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...) Need comments... Thanks again. I've got the K55/1.8 and Super Tak 50/1.4 and of these 2, when used wide open, the K55 is probably just a little sharper with a touch more contrast. But I've found most 50-55mm lenses to be relatively sharp depending on how well you manually focus... some are easier to get into focus than others. IMHO, my SMC-Tak 55/2.0 is as sharp and much easier to focus than the Super-Tak 50/1.4... Good luck!

04-13-2011, 12:22 PM - 1 Like	#4
scimitar12 Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Sterling, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 70	I have all three. The Hexanon is the sharpest throughout the range of f stops. The 55mm 1.8 comes in second.

04-13-2011, 12:25 PM	#5
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by HoBykoYan Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?) Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet) Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...) No comments about their sharpness. Just a question: how are you going to attach the Hexanon lens to a Pentax body?

04-13-2011, 12:39 PM	#6
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by SOldBear No comments about their sharpness. Just a question: how are you going to attach the Hexanon lens to a Pentax body? Here is someone's solution, though it does not sound like fun. Konica Hexanon AR 40/1.8 lens in Pentax digital body. - Photo.net Pentax Forum

04-13-2011, 02:36 PM - 1 Like	#7
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by GeneV Originally posted by SOldBear: Just a question: how are you going to attach the Hexanon lens to a Pentax body? Here is someone's solution, though it does not sound like fun. Konica Hexanon AR 40/1.8 lens in Pentax digital body. - Photo.net Pentax Forum Ouch. Double-ouch. Triple-ouch. Surgery; no aperture control; lens bonded to camera body. Even I ain't that nutz! The OP, HoBykoYan, has a Kx. I think to use the Hexanon, he'd also need an m4/3 or NX or NEX body. Sharpness has its price, eh?

04-13-2011, 02:44 PM - 1 Like	#8
SOldBear Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Alameda, CA Posts: 3,206	Originally posted by GeneV Here is someone's solution, though it does not sound like fun. Konica Hexanon AR 40/1.8 lens in Pentax digital body. - Photo.net Pentax Forum Thanks, Gene. I had read that article, and being daring, almost tried to do the same for a Vivitar 135mm F/2.8 Close-Focusing with Konica mount. But I came to my sense, and didn't even start the project But I couldn't find the link to the article, and would like the OP to be aware of the price of sharpness.

04-15-2011, 03:17 AM	#9
HoBykoYan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: HCMC Posts: 271 Original Poster	Thanks to all for your comments....and sorry for the late reply (was travelling) I wasn't aware that i can't use the Konica on my K-x, the seller posted that it was m42 mount . I should have chosen this one over the other 2. I got the chance to test the pentax K55 today but i wasn't convinced that it was any better than my Super Tak 55 (i was just trying to upgrade to the sharpest lens if i had a chance ) I should have tested also the Super Tak 50 1.4 today (very high rating on this forum) but the aperture blades are not moving if i turn the aperture ring. Is this lens in any way better than my A 50 1.4? Again, Thanks

04-15-2011, 08:57 AM - 1 Like	#10
Rich M Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hawaii Posts: 126	I recently switched over to Pentax.....and I have six wonderful Konica's that will never experience my K-5. At least they can be used on m4/3..... R

04-15-2011, 03:55 PM - 1 Like	#11
theunartist Inactive Account Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Baltimore Posts: 2,542	Originally posted by HoBykoYan Thanks to all for your comments....and sorry for the late reply (was travelling) I wasn't aware that i can't use the Konica on my K-x, the seller posted that it was m42 mount . I should have chosen this one over the other 2. I got the chance to test the pentax K55 today but i wasn't convinced that it was any better than my Super Tak 55 (i was just trying to upgrade to the sharpest lens if i had a chance ) I should have tested also the Super Tak 50 1.4 today (very high rating on this forum) but the aperture blades are not moving if i turn the aperture ring. Is this lens in any way better than my A 50 1.4? Again, Thanks Have you read the reviews on the A 50/1.4: SMC Pentax-A 50mm F1.4 Reviews - Pentax Lens Reviews & Pentax Lens Database If the reviews are accurate, I can tell you that the Super-Takumar 50/1.4 is sharp with good contrast wide open... If you're looking just for sharpness, you're probably better off looking at f1.7's and f1.8's, they seem to be a bit better wide open than most f1.4 lenses... My sharpest lenses (in this focal length) wide open; M 50/1.7 and K 55/1.8...

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04-15-2011, 03:59 PM	#12
JohnBee Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Newrfoundland Photos: Albums Posts: 4,667	Originally posted by HoBykoYan Dear All, I have the opportunity to buy any of these 3 lenses but i need to know which lens is the sharpest one... Pentax K 55mm 1.8 (is it better optically than the Super Tak 55mm 1.8?) Super Takumar 50 1.4 (am not sure which version yet) Konica Hexanon AR 50mm 1.7 (i've read that this is a very sharp lens...) Need comments... Thanks again. The SMC-K and SMC Takumar are identical. However, I've found the SMC-K 50/2 to be sharper than both the 1.8's. Otherwise, you get the convenience of not having to fuss with adapters to use it. No clue about the Hexanon on the other hand. Sounds interesting though

04-17-2011, 08:56 PM	#13
HoBykoYan Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: HCMC Posts: 271 Original Poster	Dear All, Thanks for your time... I think i'll stick with my Super Tak 55 1.8 (if it's identical with the K55 1.8) as for my A 50 1.4, i'll be trading it for an M 50 1.7 for IQ/Sharpness... Peace to all

04-17-2011, 10:16 PM	#14
paperbag846 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,395	the 55mm 1.8 is a very sharp lens. I don't think you would notice too much of a difference in that department.

04-21-2011, 11:52 AM	#15
RioRico Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Limbo, California Posts: 11,263	Originally posted by HoBykoYan I think i'll stick with my Super Tak 55 1.8 (if it's identical with the K55 1.8) as for my A 50 1.4, i'll be trading it for an M 50 1.7 for IQ/Sharpness... As was mentioned in your other thread, significant cash should be involved in that trade. The A50/1.4 is quite good and rather valuable. I have the SuperTak and FA 50/1.4's (essentially the same optics as the A50/1.4), and the M50/1.7, and the SuperTak 55/1.8 and f/2. The f/1.4's can do things the others just can't. Stopped to f/2 or beyond, the 50's are about indistinguishable, even at the pixel-peeping level. Compared to the A50, the M50 is a 'budget' alternative, and is slightly more bother to use. Trading would definitely be a downgrade, IMHO.