Revuenon 55mm f1.2 Initial Impressions

cali92rs · 06-18-2012, 09:55 AM

I just bought a Revuenon 55mm f1.2 from a fellow board member I did some preliminary shots this weekend.
If you are looking for a lens that is super sharp wide open, this isn't the lens for you. But if you want a lens that gives a real painterly look, with the smoothest creamiest bokeh around, give this lens a look

I already have a FA 50mm f1.7 which is really sharp, so I didn't want another one.
I have a feeling that this lens wouldn't look great on MTF charts, but it does have that certain soft, pretty rendition that gives you a dream like feel. Is that what some members mean by "pixie dust"? LOL

Anyway, I think I am in love

Only drawback with the lens is it has a long minimum focusing distance. I have some extension tubes I will play around with to see if I can get a bit closer.
Also, and this isnt lens related, the K-5's stock focusing screen is definitely not up to the challenge of a f1.2 aperture. I was using LV plus magnification. Here comes the EE-S focusing screen

radium · 06-18-2012, 10:35 AM

Hi if you like photographing close ups maybe a 50mm macro lens because you said your new lens doesn`t focus close enough? Ok, I just noticed that you have the 100mm macro lens. I guess you were just testing your new Revuenon 55mm F1.2 lens ? Nice and dreamy creamy effect. Too bad Pentax never made an auto focus 50mm F1.2 lens and for that matter stopped making the Pentax 50mm F1.2 lenses all together.

lytrytyr · 06-18-2012, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by radium

Too bad Pentax . . . stopped making the Pentax 50mm F1.2 lenses all together.

Wasn't the A 50/1.2 still available new in some markets recently?

Interchangeable Lenses (for 35mm SLR Cameras) : Film Cameras | PENTAX RICOH IMAGING

Pentax 50/1.2 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Laurentiu Cristofor · 06-18-2012, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

If you are looking for a lens that is super sharp wide open, this isn't the lens for you.

Are you the new owner of kenafein's Revuenon? I have the Cosina branded version and it is as sharp as it needs to be wide open - but so little will be in focus at that aperture that people will call results soft, but that is just what thin DOF looks like.

I have not tried it for flowers yet, but for low light scenarios, this lens is excellent. You should also make sure to use a hood with it, otherwise flare and reflections will affect the resolution, especially when using it wide open. A CPL might help to cut reflections on flowers - the loss of stop shouldn't matter when you use it wide open.

You have a great lens there. You should also try it at other apertures - I like its rendering at f/2.8 for people shots.

cali92rs · 06-18-2012, 02:24 PM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

Are you the new owner of kenafein's Revuenon?

Yes I am...a great guy to deal with

Quote:

I have the Cosina branded version and it is as sharp as it needs to be wide open - but so little will be in focus at that aperture that people will call results soft, but that is just what thin DOF looks like.

You are correct, I misspoke when I implied that it may be soft. The OOF areas just dominate the in-focus areas and just give that appearance

Quote:

I have not tried it for flowers yet, but for low light scenarios, this lens is excellent. You should also make sure to use a hood with it, otherwise flare and reflections will affect the resolution, especially when using it wide open. A CPL might help to cut reflections on flowers - the loss of stop shouldn't matter when you use it wide open.

You have a great lens there. You should also try it at other apertures - I like its rendering at f/2.8 for people shots.

Thanks for the tips...i have never thought to use a CPL for flowers, but that does make sense

atekant · 06-18-2012, 07:07 PM

Wonderful lens. I almost got it myself from kenafein, but decided it was too much money for a lens I wouldn't be able to focus.
So, instead, I ordered a proper focusing screen and will practice with my 1.4 until I learn to get it right and then look for another one.
I am in love with it, and I didn't even have a first date yet.

**Porga** · 06-20-2012, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by cali92rs

I just bought a Revuenon 55mm f1.2 from a fellow board member I did some preliminary shots this weekend.
If you are looking for a lens that is super sharp wide open, this isn't the lens for you. But if you want a lens that gives a real painterly look, with the smoothest creamiest bokeh around, give this lens a look

I already have a FA 50mm f1.7 which is really sharp, so I didn't want another one.

Maybe is a copy issue. Mine copy is sharp wide open. Nowhere near soft. I have F 50/1.7, and to be honest, I don't se any real difference in sharpness, of those two lenses. maybe I have a softer F 50 lens who knows.

cali92rs · 06-21-2012, 11:19 AM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

I have not tried it for flowers yet, but for low light scenarios, this lens is excellent. You should also make sure to use a hood with it, otherwise flare and reflections will affect the resolution, especially when using it wide open. A CPL might help to cut reflections on flowers - the loss of stop shouldn't matter when you use it wide open.

Laurentiu, do you have a hood recommendation for this lens?

Quicksand · 06-21-2012, 11:38 AM

I have found a round metal screw-in hood to be a good match for this lens.

Personally, I use this one on my Cosina version, with a 58-62 step-up ring. Works great, with no perceptible vignetting despite being a hood intended for tele lenses. (55mm is tele, sure, but not by much!)

And because the hood comes with a cap that fits the outside of the hood, I keep it on all the time. It protects that giant glass eyeball on the front of the lens quite nicely.

cali92rs · 06-21-2012, 12:01 PM

Originally posted by Quicksand

I have found a round metal screw-in hood to be a good match for this lens.

Personally, I use this one on my Cosina version, with a 58-62 step-up ring. Works great, with no perceptible vignetting despite being a hood intended for tele lenses. (55mm is tele, sure, but not by much!)

And because the hood comes with a cap that fits the outside of the hood, I keep it on all the time. It protects that giant glass eyeball on the front of the lens quite nicely.

Interesting...is the bottom meant to flex?
Thanks for the info

Laurentiu Cristofor · 06-22-2012, 12:51 AM

Originally posted by Quicksand

Personally, I use this one

+1 for the hoods that heavystar sells. Very sturdy and they match black lenses very nicely. I use a 58mm TELE one with the Cosina 55/1.2.

**Porga** · 06-22-2012, 01:21 AM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

+1 for the hoods that heavystar sells. Very sturdy and they match black lenses very nicely. I use a 58mm TELE one with the Cosina 55/1.2.

Mee too.

steve1307 · 06-22-2012, 01:28 AM

Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor

+1 for the hoods that heavystar sells. Very sturdy and they match black lenses very nicely. I use a 58mm TELE one with the Cosina 55/1.2.

oh right..... I got the "normal" lens length version one as I thought the tele version might be too long even with APS-C sensor.
Looking at the size of the DA*55's hood it should be obvious.

Even so it does help though.

06-18-2012, 09:55 AM	#1
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354	Revuenon 55mm f1.2 Initial Impressions I just bought a Revuenon 55mm f1.2 from a fellow board member I did some preliminary shots this weekend. If you are looking for a lens that is super sharp wide open, this isn't the lens for you. But if you want a lens that gives a real painterly look, with the smoothest creamiest bokeh around, give this lens a look I already have a FA 50mm f1.7 which is really sharp, so I didn't want another one. I have a feeling that this lens wouldn't look great on MTF charts, but it does have that certain soft, pretty rendition that gives you a dream like feel. Is that what some members mean by "pixie dust"? LOL Anyway, I think I am in love Only drawback with the lens is it has a long minimum focusing distance. I have some extension tubes I will play around with to see if I can get a bit closer. Also, and this isnt lens related, the K-5's stock focusing screen is definitely not up to the challenge of a f1.2 aperture. I was using LV plus magnification. Here comes the EE-S focusing screen

06-18-2012, 11:22 AM	#3
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,264	Originally posted by radium Too bad Pentax . . . stopped making the Pentax 50mm F1.2 lenses all together. Wasn't the A 50/1.2 still available new in some markets recently? Interchangeable Lenses (for 35mm SLR Cameras) : Film Cameras \| PENTAX RICOH IMAGING Pentax 50/1.2 \| Flickr - Photo Sharing! Last edited by lytrytyr; 06-18-2012 at 11:32 AM.

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06-18-2012, 10:35 AM	#2
radium New Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Hong Kong Photos: Albums Posts: 16	Hi if you like photographing close ups maybe a 50mm macro lens because you said your new lens doesn`t focus close enough? Ok, I just noticed that you have the 100mm macro lens. I guess you were just testing your new Revuenon 55mm F1.2 lens ? Nice and dreamy creamy effect. Too bad Pentax never made an auto focus 50mm F1.2 lens and for that matter stopped making the Pentax 50mm F1.2 lenses all together.

06-18-2012, 01:03 PM	#4
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by cali92rs If you are looking for a lens that is super sharp wide open, this isn't the lens for you. Are you the new owner of kenafein's Revuenon? I have the Cosina branded version and it is as sharp as it needs to be wide open - but so little will be in focus at that aperture that people will call results soft, but that is just what thin DOF looks like. I have not tried it for flowers yet, but for low light scenarios, this lens is excellent. You should also make sure to use a hood with it, otherwise flare and reflections will affect the resolution, especially when using it wide open. A CPL might help to cut reflections on flowers - the loss of stop shouldn't matter when you use it wide open. You have a great lens there. You should also try it at other apertures - I like its rendering at f/2.8 for people shots.

06-18-2012, 02:24 PM	#5
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354 Original Poster	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor Are you the new owner of kenafein's Revuenon? Yes I am...a great guy to deal with Quote: I have the Cosina branded version and it is as sharp as it needs to be wide open - but so little will be in focus at that aperture that people will call results soft, but that is just what thin DOF looks like. You are correct, I misspoke when I implied that it may be soft. The OOF areas just dominate the in-focus areas and just give that appearance Quote: I have not tried it for flowers yet, but for low light scenarios, this lens is excellent. You should also make sure to use a hood with it, otherwise flare and reflections will affect the resolution, especially when using it wide open. A CPL might help to cut reflections on flowers - the loss of stop shouldn't matter when you use it wide open. You have a great lens there. You should also try it at other apertures - I like its rendering at f/2.8 for people shots. Thanks for the tips...i have never thought to use a CPL for flowers, but that does make sense

06-18-2012, 07:07 PM	#6
atekant Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vancouver Posts: 96	Wonderful lens. I almost got it myself from kenafein, but decided it was too much money for a lens I wouldn't be able to focus. So, instead, I ordered a proper focusing screen and will practice with my 1.4 until I learn to get it right and then look for another one. I am in love with it, and I didn't even have a first date yet.

06-20-2012, 02:19 PM	#7
Porga Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 476	Originally posted by cali92rs I just bought a Revuenon 55mm f1.2 from a fellow board member I did some preliminary shots this weekend. If you are looking for a lens that is super sharp wide open, this isn't the lens for you. But if you want a lens that gives a real painterly look, with the smoothest creamiest bokeh around, give this lens a look I already have a FA 50mm f1.7 which is really sharp, so I didn't want another one. Maybe is a copy issue. Mine copy is sharp wide open. Nowhere near soft. I have F 50/1.7, and to be honest, I don't se any real difference in sharpness, of those two lenses. maybe I have a softer F 50 lens who knows.

06-21-2012, 11:19 AM	#8
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354 Original Poster	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor I have not tried it for flowers yet, but for low light scenarios, this lens is excellent. You should also make sure to use a hood with it, otherwise flare and reflections will affect the resolution, especially when using it wide open. A CPL might help to cut reflections on flowers - the loss of stop shouldn't matter when you use it wide open. Laurentiu, do you have a hood recommendation for this lens?

06-21-2012, 11:38 AM	#9
Quicksand Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Central Ohio (formerly SF Bay Area) Posts: 1,519	I have found a round metal screw-in hood to be a good match for this lens. Personally, I use this one on my Cosina version, with a 58-62 step-up ring. Works great, with no perceptible vignetting despite being a hood intended for tele lenses. (55mm is tele, sure, but not by much!) And because the hood comes with a cap that fits the outside of the hood, I keep it on all the time. It protects that giant glass eyeball on the front of the lens quite nicely.

06-21-2012, 12:01 PM	#10
cali92rs Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Long Beach, CA Posts: 3,354 Original Poster	Originally posted by Quicksand I have found a round metal screw-in hood to be a good match for this lens. Personally, I use this one on my Cosina version, with a 58-62 step-up ring. Works great, with no perceptible vignetting despite being a hood intended for tele lenses. (55mm is tele, sure, but not by much!) And because the hood comes with a cap that fits the outside of the hood, I keep it on all the time. It protects that giant glass eyeball on the front of the lens quite nicely. Interesting...is the bottom meant to flex? Thanks for the info

06-22-2012, 12:51 AM	#11
Laurentiu Cristofor Banned Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: WA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,055	Originally posted by Quicksand Personally, I use this one +1 for the hoods that heavystar sells. Very sturdy and they match black lenses very nicely. I use a 58mm TELE one with the Cosina 55/1.2.

06-22-2012, 01:21 AM	#12
Porga Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Photos: Albums Posts: 476	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor +1 for the hoods that heavystar sells. Very sturdy and they match black lenses very nicely. I use a 58mm TELE one with the Cosina 55/1.2. Mee too.

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06-22-2012, 01:28 AM	#13
steve1307 Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Sydney Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,129	Originally posted by Laurentiu Cristofor +1 for the hoods that heavystar sells. Very sturdy and they match black lenses very nicely. I use a 58mm TELE one with the Cosina 55/1.2. oh right..... I got the "normal" lens length version one as I thought the tele version might be too long even with APS-C sensor. Looking at the size of the DA*55's hood it should be obvious. Even so it does help though.