Which 85 to buy?

Cloapex · 01-13-2014, 05:34 AM

The Canidates

1. Takumar 85 1.8/1.9
2. Jupiter 9
3. The M 85 F2
4. Samyang 85 1.4

Which would you prefer and why?

(I you happent to want to ease up on your LBA hit me a offer in PM. *lol*)

MysteryOnion · 01-13-2014, 05:57 AM

3. The M85/2 is a wonderful lens so far for me.
1. Tak 85 (1.8) is very good... maybe a little better than the M85 that chance I had to compare the two
2. A Jupiter 9 is not bad, but look out for small issues that may need correcting.
4. I would like to try the Samyang or any of its versions out... some reviews seem to say it is very good?

Cloapex · 01-13-2014, 06:23 AM

I should say that I shoot almost only with manual primes, and mostly M42.

**filoxophy** · 01-13-2014, 07:50 AM

Shooting on what body?

My only 85 is the M85/2. I love it and it is very sharp from f/2.8, but wide open there is significant fringing on digital. I won't hesitate to use f/2 if I'm shooting film or B&W digital though. So it depends on your needs. Outside of the PF, though, very good lens. By all accounts the Samyang 85/1.4 is a superior lens optically, but the build quality can't touch the M85 and the size (for me) is just too much. Tough to beat if you want f/1.4 though! (My buddy has one and likes it.)

Cloapex · 01-13-2014, 08:06 AM

I shoot on a Pentax K-5. My stomach says Takumar or M 85, but a good copy of jupiter 9 is tempting. It has more an identity to the pictures.

**Glenn M** · 01-13-2014, 08:56 AM

I have been fortunate enough to own a Takumar 85/1.9 for many years. I first used it on film and now on digital.
There is only one comment I can apply- stunning!

**rbefly** · 01-13-2014, 09:36 AM

Add another vote for the M85mm f/2.0. For digital B+W and film, it's my favorite short tele. Great Bokeh, too!
Ron

ducdao · 01-13-2014, 10:55 AM

I have all four lenses or five if we count both versions of the Takumars . Each has it own pros and cons and I'm keeping them all. Did I say I have a major LBA issue?

However, if I had to pick one, I would go with the Takumar 85 1.8 because:
1) Build quality
2) Lovely rendering wide open and very sharp at f4
3) M42 mount therefore can be easily mount on other DSLR, especially on FF camera for movies
4) Cheap, well used to be cheap

6BQ5 · 01-13-2014, 01:23 PM

I have a Jupiter 9. It's big and heavy but very nice rendering. That would be my vote. Wonderful!

stevebrot · 01-13-2014, 02:31 PM

Originally posted by 6BQ5

I have a Jupiter 9. It's big and heavy but very nice rendering. That would be my vote. Wonderful!

Yep. I can vouch for the J-9 as well, though I would insert a few cautionary notes:

When I bought mine in 2008, I paid $130 USD new from Russia. Wow! What a deal!
Current price new is almost twice that...not quite as sweet a deal
A hood is mandatory, though having one on is generally a good idea regardless of lens
The paint on mine is slightly conductive resulting in my camera (K10D) occasionally detecting the lens as having "A" contacts. That can result in unexpected behavior when attempting stop-down metering. I know, it makes not sense.
Using the J-9 is ponderous at best due to weight and viscous lubricants for both the focus ring and pre-set ring

Something else to consider regardless of which lens you choose is the matter of managing manual focus with a fast longer lens. My personal experience has been that I could not get reliably sharp photos with my J-9 until I upgraded to an aftermarket focus screen having a split-image focus aid.

For a sampler of J-9 photos, I can recommend Rense Haveman's recent "Single in December" set on Flickr:

Single in December 2013 - a set on Flickr

You can also take a look at photos from my Flickr stream taken with the J-9 (both film and digital):

Fotostevia on Flickr: jupiter-9

Steve

Ikarus · 01-13-2014, 04:49 PM

I have seen stunning photos from the Jupiter-9, which is why I got one for myself in the first place, but my copy is absolute cr*p wide open (see my review on this site). The Samyang/Rokinon 85 is lovely (see example below), the only caveat being the strong bokeh fringing wide open that can be very obvious in high contrast areas.

fuent104 · 01-13-2014, 04:54 PM

Did someone say the Samyang has poor build quality? I find that unlikely. My Samyang 24 and 35 are each built excellently, even though they are not all metal.

**interested_observer** · 01-13-2014, 06:15 PM

I have 2 85's. The Auto Tak 85/f1.8 and the Contax Zeiss 85/f2.8 Sonnar. I have shot both against each other and they are equals. I use the CZ more because I have a K mount on it and I do not have to extract the M42/K adapter in the dark (when I usually shoot in the evening) when I change lenses.

The Auto Tak 85/f1.8 is built like a tank - nothing but metal and glass, its heavy. Its very sharp. One of the advantages is that its focus throw is about 300 degrees, so it is designed for manual focus.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-13-2014, 07:59 PM

Originally posted by Cloapex

The Canidates

1. Takumar 85 1.8/1.9
2. Jupiter 9
3. The M 85 F2
4. Samyang 85 1.4

Which would you prefer and why?

(I you happent to want to ease up on your LBA hit me a offer in PM. *lol*)

I have the super tak 85/1.9 and the samyang 85/1.4

I would have to say, overall, I think the samyang lens is a great deal at 329 new. The coatings are much better than the tak, which is 40 years older

I do like the tak for the build, and I got it at a great price but the greatest downfall of legacy lenses is coatings. It is much more prone to flare and internal reflections especially with bright lights in insight shots.

**Lowell Goudge** · 01-13-2014, 08:00 PM

Originally posted by fuent104

Did someone say the Samyang has poor build quality? I find that unlikely. My Samyang 24 and 35 are each built excellently, even though they are not all metal.

I think this is a great comment. People equate plastic lens barrels with poor quality, but I find the samyang is excellent in quality Especially considering the price

01-13-2014, 05:34 AM	#1
Cloapex Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 166	Which 85 to buy? The Canidates 1. Takumar 85 1.8/1.9 2. Jupiter 9 3. The M 85 F2 4. Samyang 85 1.4 Which would you prefer and why? (I you happent to want to ease up on your LBA hit me a offer in PM. lol)

01-13-2014, 09:36 AM	#7
rbefly Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Denver, Colorado Photos: Albums Posts: 2,030	M85 f/2.0 Add another vote for the M85mm f/2.0. For digital B+W and film, it's my favorite short tele. Great Bokeh, too! Ron

01-13-2014, 02:31 PM	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by 6BQ5 I have a Jupiter 9. It's big and heavy but very nice rendering. That would be my vote. Wonderful! Yep. I can vouch for the J-9 as well, though I would insert a few cautionary notes: When I bought mine in 2008, I paid $130 USD new from Russia. Wow! What a deal! Current price new is almost twice that...not quite as sweet a deal A hood is mandatory, though having one on is generally a good idea regardless of lens The paint on mine is slightly conductive resulting in my camera (K10D) occasionally detecting the lens as having "A" contacts. That can result in unexpected behavior when attempting stop-down metering. I know, it makes not sense. Using the J-9 is ponderous at best due to weight and viscous lubricants for both the focus ring and pre-set ring Something else to consider regardless of which lens you choose is the matter of managing manual focus with a fast longer lens. My personal experience has been that I could not get reliably sharp photos with my J-9 until I upgraded to an aftermarket focus screen having a split-image focus aid. For a sampler of J-9 photos, I can recommend Rense Haveman's recent "Single in December" set on Flickr: Single in December 2013 - a set on Flickr You can also take a look at photos from my Flickr stream taken with the J-9 (both film and digital): Fotostevia on Flickr: jupiter-9 Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 01-13-2014 at 08:44 PM.

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01-13-2014, 05:57 AM	#2
MysteryOnion Giveaway winner! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: beantown Photos: Albums Posts: 944	3. The M85/2 is a wonderful lens so far for me. 1. Tak 85 (1.8) is very good... maybe a little better than the M85 that chance I had to compare the two 2. A Jupiter 9 is not bad, but look out for small issues that may need correcting. 4. I would like to try the Samyang or any of its versions out... some reviews seem to say it is very good?

01-13-2014, 06:23 AM	#3
Cloapex Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 166 Original Poster	I should say that I shoot almost only with manual primes, and mostly M42.

01-13-2014, 07:50 AM	#4
filoxophy Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,132	Shooting on what body? My only 85 is the M85/2. I love it and it is very sharp from f/2.8, but wide open there is significant fringing on digital. I won't hesitate to use f/2 if I'm shooting film or B&W digital though. So it depends on your needs. Outside of the PF, though, very good lens. By all accounts the Samyang 85/1.4 is a superior lens optically, but the build quality can't touch the M85 and the size (for me) is just too much. Tough to beat if you want f/1.4 though! (My buddy has one and likes it.)

01-13-2014, 08:06 AM	#5
Cloapex Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 166 Original Poster	I shoot on a Pentax K-5. My stomach says Takumar or M 85, but a good copy of jupiter 9 is tempting. It has more an identity to the pictures.

01-13-2014, 08:56 AM	#6
Glenn M Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Isle of Wight uk. Photos: Gallery Posts: 64	I have been fortunate enough to own a Takumar 85/1.9 for many years. I first used it on film and now on digital. There is only one comment I can apply- stunning!

01-13-2014, 10:55 AM	#8
ducdao Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal/Vermont Posts: 2,160	I have all four lenses or five if we count both versions of the Takumars . Each has it own pros and cons and I'm keeping them all. Did I say I have a major LBA issue? However, if I had to pick one, I would go with the Takumar 85 1.8 because: 1) Build quality 2) Lovely rendering wide open and very sharp at f4 3) M42 mount therefore can be easily mount on other DSLR, especially on FF camera for movies 4) Cheap, well used to be cheap

01-13-2014, 01:23 PM	#9
6BQ5 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Nevada, USA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,348	I have a Jupiter 9. It's big and heavy but very nice rendering. That would be my vote. Wonderful!

01-13-2014, 04:49 PM	#11
Ikarus Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: California Photos: Albums Posts: 484	I have seen stunning photos from the Jupiter-9, which is why I got one for myself in the first place, but my copy is absolute cr*p wide open (see my review on this site). The Samyang/Rokinon 85 is lovely (see example below), the only caveat being the strong bokeh fringing wide open that can be very obvious in high contrast areas.

01-13-2014, 04:54 PM	#12
fuent104 Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,356	Did someone say the Samyang has poor build quality? I find that unlikely. My Samyang 24 and 35 are each built excellently, even though they are not all metal.

01-13-2014, 06:15 PM	#13
interested_observer Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Tumbleweed, Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,707	I have 2 85's. The Auto Tak 85/f1.8 and the Contax Zeiss 85/f2.8 Sonnar. I have shot both against each other and they are equals. I use the CZ more because I have a K mount on it and I do not have to extract the M42/K adapter in the dark (when I usually shoot in the evening) when I change lenses. The Auto Tak 85/f1.8 is built like a tank - nothing but metal and glass, its heavy. Its very sharp. One of the advantages is that its focus throw is about 300 degrees, so it is designed for manual focus.

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01-13-2014, 07:59 PM	#14
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Cloapex The Canidates 1. Takumar 85 1.8/1.9 2. Jupiter 9 3. The M 85 F2 4. Samyang 85 1.4 Which would you prefer and why? (I you happent to want to ease up on your LBA hit me a offer in PM. lol) I have the super tak 85/1.9 and the samyang 85/1.4 I would have to say, overall, I think the samyang lens is a great deal at 329 new. The coatings are much better than the tak, which is 40 years older I do like the tak for the build, and I got it at a great price but the greatest downfall of legacy lenses is coatings. It is much more prone to flare and internal reflections especially with bright lights in insight shots.

01-13-2014, 08:00 PM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by fuent104 Did someone say the Samyang has poor build quality? I find that unlikely. My Samyang 24 and 35 are each built excellently, even though they are not all metal. I think this is a great comment. People equate plastic lens barrels with poor quality, but I find the samyang is excellent in quality Especially considering the price