I am after 50mm 1.4 lens - which one to pick ?

manntax · 10-03-2013, 02:22 PM

I was shooting with various lenses so far - of course the usual trio 50mm 1.7 ( both M and F version ), Helios 58 and 50mm f4 macro ( Super takumar ) . But I had a chance to see how 50mm 1.4 was performing in portraits vs 1.7 and I really liked the bokeh when wide open.My friend's Super Takumar was producing awesome smooth results and the colors were fantastic too. The differences were negligible after we stopped down - still colors were a good hunk warmer I think, but wide open - boy was it good !
So now I am thinking which one would you pick ?

My options roughly are :

M 50mm 1.4 (budged )
A 50mm 1.4 *less budged )
CHINON 55mm 1.4 ( perhaps this tiny bit longer is better ? )
Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 ( hmm )

well - yeah that's about it. The budget always counts - but I could squeeze for SMC A version in the end - so all of the above are open for your advice and/or discussion.
Perhaps there are others that I should be aware of ?

PS: Not looking for AF version - my F 50mm f1.7 is more than enough for my needs.

**boriscleto** · 10-03-2013, 02:29 PM

All of them.

lytrytyr · 10-03-2013, 02:36 PM

I love the M50/1.4.
It's very sharp at infinity.

manntax · 10-03-2013, 03:07 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

All of them.

Didn't want to suggest that but knowing myself I might end up this way hehe but for now let's say I try to be reasonable on my wallet and would pick just one of them

Originally posted by lytrytyr

I love the M50/1.4.
It's very sharp at infinity.

I might not use it for infinity shots that often - I guess I would want to use it more for low light indoor situations or portraiture of any sort - but especially wide open.
Thanks !

ikershaw · 10-03-2013, 04:09 PM

I have the smc FA f/1.4. I love it, but I find 1.4 is a bit extreme and so easy to mis the focus on a portrait and you can't fix that in Lightroom... I often use it around f/2.8 to give a bit of error margin, but there's something quite sexy about extreme short DoF when you do get it right.

**kiwi_jono** · 10-03-2013, 05:14 PM

All are good options. I have Super Tak 1.4, M 50 1.4 and A 50 f1.4. For my use heres what I find:
* Super Tak: Lovely build, smoothest Bokeh (I think). Fully manual and sensitive to bright light - needs a good hood!
* M 50 f1.4 Nice build, similar sharpness wide open but better contrast than Tak wide open. Fully manual, bokeh not quite as smooth as Tak but pretty good. Recommend a hood.
* A 50 f1.4 Average build, same bokeh to M, mines a bit sharper across the frame near wide open than the M and can use auto exposure modes. Manual focus - but you know that. Still a good idea to use a hood.

I use the A 50 f1.4 most of the time because easier and an edge on sharpness. That said I was happy with the Super Tak / M lens until I got the A 50 f1.4 !

aoeu · 10-03-2013, 05:45 PM

The A version. Flash automation puts it over the top.

Sagitta · 10-03-2013, 05:47 PM

I love my M 50mm f/1.4. Small, handy, works wonders in the dark, and I snared the thing for less than any of my 50mm f/1.7's or even the 2.0's.

**david94903** · 10-03-2013, 06:04 PM

There is one for sale right now in the Marketplace. Act fast or it'll be gone.

**Just1MoreDave** · 10-03-2013, 06:07 PM

Most of my actual shots are with either the A50/1.4 or the F50/1.7, and I think the pair cover a lot of potential situations. I also have a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with the metal focus ring, because t's cool and has an issue that might make it harder to sell. I don't use it a lot because the other 50s are so useful. I like having the option to pop up the flash with either the F or A lenses.

I have a couple of 55/1.4s but I really like either the K55/1.8 or a Takumar 55/1.8, so these never get used.

Kozlok · 10-03-2013, 06:40 PM

Sounds like you like the Super Tak, go with your heart!

lytrytyr · 10-03-2013, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by kiwi_jono

* M 50 f1.4
* A 50 f1.4

I use the A 50 f1.4 most of the time because easier and an edge on sharpness.

Jonathan, is that extra sharpness over the M at any given distance range,
or all the way from MFD to infinity?

yusuf · 10-03-2013, 08:19 PM

I love feel of M version so I use it more compared to A version. Another lens to consider in this range is 55/1.8

manntax · 10-03-2013, 09:56 PM

Originally posted by ikershaw

I have the smc FA f/1.4. I love it, but I find 1.4 is a bit extreme and so easy to mis the focus on a portrait and you can't fix that in Lightroom... I often use it around f/2.8 to give a bit of error margin, but there's something quite sexy about extreme short DoF when you do get it right.

I know what you mean - but I was going to use it with my K-01 and loupe so the focus isn't an issue - 99% of time in portrait situation it can be right. For other situation where there is no time for fine-tunning I can always reach for my trusted F 50mm 1.7 which is extremely sharp from wide open and blazingly fast to focus.

Thanks!

manntax · 10-03-2013, 10:02 PM

Originally posted by aoeu

The A version. Flash automation puts it over the top.

This is a valid point but if I wanted ever use flash with 50mm it would be F50mm 1.7 which I got. For this lens I am thinking of I plan only existing light - or external flash(es) in manual mode and in conjunction with flashmeter.

Originally posted by Just1MoreDave

Most of my actual shots are with either the A50/1.4 or the F50/1.7, and I think the pair cover a lot of potential situations. I also have a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with the metal focus ring, because t's cool and has an issue that might make it harder to sell. I don't use it a lot because the other 50s are so useful. I like having the option to pop up the flash with either the F or A lenses.

If you were not to using flash at all - would you rather prefer the Super Takumar version over the A version due to any factor ? I agree F50mm 1.7 is just awesome lens.

I have a couple of 55/1.4s but I really like either the K55/1.8 or a Takumar 55/1.8, so these never get used.

Jeez you have 'a couple' of 55 1.4 ?? So what do they do - grow nearby ? :O
But seriously did you ever done any comparison between all your 50-55 1. 4 ? Sounds like you have quite a few of them so would be great if you could put some samples in this thread !

Thanks!

10-03-2013, 02:22 PM	#1
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972	I am after 50mm 1.4 lens - which one to pick ? I was shooting with various lenses so far - of course the usual trio 50mm 1.7 ( both M and F version ), Helios 58 and 50mm f4 macro ( Super takumar ) . But I had a chance to see how 50mm 1.4 was performing in portraits vs 1.7 and I really liked the bokeh when wide open.My friend's Super Takumar was producing awesome smooth results and the colors were fantastic too. The differences were negligible after we stopped down - still colors were a good hunk warmer I think, but wide open - boy was it good ! So now I am thinking which one would you pick ? My options roughly are : M 50mm 1.4 (budged ) A 50mm 1.4 *less budged ) CHINON 55mm 1.4 ( perhaps this tiny bit longer is better ? ) Super Takumar 50mm 1.4 ( hmm ) well - yeah that's about it. The budget always counts - but I could squeeze for SMC A version in the end - so all of the above are open for your advice and/or discussion. Perhaps there are others that I should be aware of ? PS: Not looking for AF version - my F 50mm f1.7 is more than enough for my needs.

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10-03-2013, 02:29 PM	#2
boriscleto Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Syracuse, NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,473	All of them.

10-03-2013, 02:36 PM	#3
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	I love the M50/1.4. It's very sharp at infinity.

10-03-2013, 03:07 PM	#4
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972 Original Poster	Originally posted by boriscleto All of them. Didn't want to suggest that but knowing myself I might end up this way hehe but for now let's say I try to be reasonable on my wallet and would pick just one of them Originally posted by lytrytyr I love the M50/1.4. It's very sharp at infinity. I might not use it for infinity shots that often - I guess I would want to use it more for low light indoor situations or portraiture of any sort - but especially wide open. Thanks !

10-03-2013, 04:09 PM	#5
ikershaw Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 43	I have the smc FA f/1.4. I love it, but I find 1.4 is a bit extreme and so easy to mis the focus on a portrait and you can't fix that in Lightroom... I often use it around f/2.8 to give a bit of error margin, but there's something quite sexy about extreme short DoF when you do get it right.

10-03-2013, 05:14 PM	#6
kiwi_jono Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,437	All are good options. I have Super Tak 1.4, M 50 1.4 and A 50 f1.4. For my use heres what I find: * Super Tak: Lovely build, smoothest Bokeh (I think). Fully manual and sensitive to bright light - needs a good hood! * M 50 f1.4 Nice build, similar sharpness wide open but better contrast than Tak wide open. Fully manual, bokeh not quite as smooth as Tak but pretty good. Recommend a hood. * A 50 f1.4 Average build, same bokeh to M, mines a bit sharper across the frame near wide open than the M and can use auto exposure modes. Manual focus - but you know that. Still a good idea to use a hood. I use the A 50 f1.4 most of the time because easier and an edge on sharpness. That said I was happy with the Super Tak / M lens until I got the A 50 f1.4 !

10-03-2013, 05:45 PM	#7
aoeu Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 496	The A version. Flash automation puts it over the top.

10-03-2013, 05:47 PM	#8
Sagitta Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Maine Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,081	I love my M 50mm f/1.4. Small, handy, works wonders in the dark, and I snared the thing for less than any of my 50mm f/1.7's or even the 2.0's.

10-03-2013, 06:04 PM	#9
david94903 Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: San Rafael, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 806	There is one for sale right now in the Marketplace. Act fast or it'll be gone.

10-03-2013, 06:07 PM	#10
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,339	Most of my actual shots are with either the A50/1.4 or the F50/1.7, and I think the pair cover a lot of potential situations. I also have a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with the metal focus ring, because t's cool and has an issue that might make it harder to sell. I don't use it a lot because the other 50s are so useful. I like having the option to pop up the flash with either the F or A lenses. I have a couple of 55/1.4s but I really like either the K55/1.8 or a Takumar 55/1.8, so these never get used.

10-03-2013, 06:40 PM	#11
Kozlok Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Albuquerque Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,148	Sounds like you like the Super Tak, go with your heart!

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10-03-2013, 07:36 PM	#12
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by kiwi_jono * M 50 f1.4 * A 50 f1.4 I use the A 50 f1.4 most of the time because easier and an edge on sharpness. Jonathan, is that extra sharpness over the M at any given distance range, or all the way from MFD to infinity?

10-03-2013, 08:19 PM	#13
yusuf Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Palo Alto, CA Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,497	I love feel of M version so I use it more compared to A version. Another lens to consider in this range is 55/1.8

10-03-2013, 09:56 PM	#14
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972 Original Poster	Originally posted by ikershaw I have the smc FA f/1.4. I love it, but I find 1.4 is a bit extreme and so easy to mis the focus on a portrait and you can't fix that in Lightroom... I often use it around f/2.8 to give a bit of error margin, but there's something quite sexy about extreme short DoF when you do get it right. I know what you mean - but I was going to use it with my K-01 and loupe so the focus isn't an issue - 99% of time in portrait situation it can be right. For other situation where there is no time for fine-tunning I can always reach for my trusted F 50mm 1.7 which is extremely sharp from wide open and blazingly fast to focus. Thanks!

10-03-2013, 10:02 PM	#15
manntax Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,972 Original Poster	Originally posted by aoeu The A version. Flash automation puts it over the top. This is a valid point but if I wanted ever use flash with 50mm it would be F50mm 1.7 which I got. For this lens I am thinking of I plan only existing light - or external flash(es) in manual mode and in conjunction with flashmeter. Originally posted by Just1MoreDave Most of my actual shots are with either the A50/1.4 or the F50/1.7, and I think the pair cover a lot of potential situations. I also have a Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 50/1.4 with the metal focus ring, because t's cool and has an issue that might make it harder to sell. I don't use it a lot because the other 50s are so useful. I like having the option to pop up the flash with either the F or A lenses. If you were not to using flash at all - would you rather prefer the Super Takumar version over the A version due to any factor ? I agree F50mm 1.7 is just awesome lens. I have a couple of 55/1.4s but I really like either the K55/1.8 or a Takumar 55/1.8, so these never get used. Jeez you have 'a couple' of 55 1.4 ?? So what do they do - grow nearby ? :O But seriously did you ever done any comparison between all your 50-55 1. 4 ? Sounds like you have quite a few of them so would be great if you could put some samples in this thread ! Thanks!