[buberfan]

If its the one I like (and that changes every few weeks), I like the Takumar 53/2.4 (Sonnar) the most.
Rare, very small, the only SLR Sonnar 50mm, sonnar rendering (and characteristics), and older 'pre-SMC' look to its picts.

I think you mean the Takumar 58/2 which is a Sonnar design. The Takumar 58/2.4 is a Heliar design.

[pinholecam]

I think you mean the Takumar 58/2 which is a Sonnar design. The Takumar 58/2.4 is a Heliar design.

Ah.. you are correct... I can't even remember the lens I have anymore

[SunnyG.]

I think that you will get a lot of answers. It will depends upon what you shoot and upon your skills.

IMHO, the best 50 mm lens is the Voigtlander Nokton 58 mm f1.4, based upon my own experience, style and shots. The VL58mm is a very sturdy lens, with outstanding IQ. It is MF, with a superb focus ring. I love the colours and sharpness. And it is fast.

My 5 cents.

Voightlander lenses are legendary. Less pricy than Zeiss.

---------- Post added 07-13-17 at 12:55 AM ----------

You really opened the can of worms with this thread, SunnyG. But I'm gonna take a couple out myself anyway.

I heard the Chinon 50mm f1.7 being mentioned, and that lens is an underrated little banger. The Pentax-A 50mm f1.7 is the best manual all rounder by far though, so sharp, little CA, and the convenience of the A setting.
In terms of jack of all trades, master of most, and best bang for buck, you can't beat the DA50/1.8, particularly for digital use. Light, inexpensive, sharp and unobtrusive. The only thing you have to put up with is Pentax's whiny screw drive, but most of us are used to that by now and the DA isn't as loud as the older screw drive 50s (YMMV).

LOL nothing like ruffling a few feathers on good sunny afternoon. Jokes aside is the A 50mm/1.7 that much better than the F 50mm/1.7 ? I thought the F version is some sort of Legend. And what about the FA 50/2.8 macro?

[pakinjapan]

what about the FA 50/2.8 macro?

I have one. it is very sharp, heavy, ugly design with clamp that look like a big pimple.
Have you seen the 50mm lens club pages yet? Check it out if you haven't seen it yet. A lot of sample images there. Most of them are labeled with lens name. I got images of my ugly FA50 macro there too.

I also have an old + way way cheaper M50 f1.7. It is very sharp too.
for 2 of my 50; anything from f4 to 10 are equally sharp at infinity focus which is what I always using them for.
If I need speed + compact size it will be M50 f1.7.
If I need Macro and or nice starburst + in a mood of working out it will be the FA50 macro.

You really don't have to think too much too long, just close your eyes and pick one! It is a lot of good 50 out there, it will be hard to miss getting a good 50mm. The question might be; how much you want to pay?

---

Last edited by pakinjapan; 07-13-2017 at 01:59 AM.

[dConvert]

A side benefit of buying all the 50mm lenses is that once you own 5 you officially have LBA.

I'm pretty sure I have five 50mm lenses that I haven't actually brought at all (they often come with family donated cameras). LBA must have a higher bar than that

[niceshot]

Smc-m50mm f-1.7

[savoche]

Are there any bad 50-ish lenses? Even a Holga can produce interesting images in the right hands...

In terms of jack of all trades, master of most, and best bang for buck, you can't beat the DA50/1.8, particularly for digital use. Light, inexpensive, sharp and unobtrusive. The only thing you have to put up with is Pentax's whiny screw drive, but most of us are used to that by now and the DA isn't as loud as the older screw drive 50s (YMMV).

Excellent flare resistance, too. The main drawback is that it's not very good for manual focus - but that's no different from most other auto focus lenses. Hard to beat as an allrounder.

My favourite fifty is the FA43, though. Of manual lenses I really like the CZ50/1.7 Planar. And nothing can beat the feel of a K lens (I should get more of those). I still prefer the Takumar 50/1.4 over K50/1.2, but that's mainly because the 1.2 is bigger and heavier. I like small and light.

[sprint113]

A side benefit of buying all the 50mm lenses is that once you own 5 you officially have LBA.

I have the A 50 1.7, A 50 1.4, F 50 1.7, FA 50 1.4, A 50 2.8 Macro, just recently got the Samyang 50 1.4 and have been ogling the A 50 1.2

help

[boriscleto]

I have the A 50 1.7, A 50 1.4, F 50 1.7, FA 50 1.4, A 50 2.8 Macro, just recently got the Samyang 50 1.4 and have been ogling the A 50 1.2

help

No Takumars? And you need a few Russian 50s too.

[timw4mail]

No Takumars? And you need a few Russian 50s too.

Some, like the Zenitars, even come in K-mount.

[SunnyG.]

Smc-m50mm f-1.7

Have you tried the other ones?

[Cabessius]

A side benefit of buying all the 50mm lenses is that once you own 5 you officially have LBA.

1 - K 50mm f1.4
2 - M 50mm f1.4
3 - M 50mm f1.7
4 - K 50mm f4 Macro
5 - Super Takumar 50mm f1.4
6 - Industar 50mm f3.5

Level achieved!!!

If I add all the 50-something then the count raises to 15 (K 55mm f1.8 + 8 Helios)
I need a cure, gonna look for it on Ebay

Answering to the thread, asking me which one is better is like asking me if I prefer my dad or my mom.
(Adding the M42s) Each one shines its way, the sharpness of the k50 macro, the speed of the 1.4s, the magic of the older-than-me Helios 44, the construction of the radioactive Tak and so on...
Only in a severe starvation situation I would be tempted to sell any of them, lenses check-in at home but they never check-out!.

[boriscleto]

If I add all the 50-something then the count raises to 15 (K 55mm f1.8 + 8 Helios)
I need a cure, gonna look for it on Ebay

I have 24 in 5 different mounts...another 6 55s and 2 58s. And I just bought a lot on shopgoodwill that has at least 2 more 50s...

[Cabessius]

I have 24 in 5 different mounts...another 6 55s and 2 58s. And I just bought a lot on shopgoodwill that has at least 2 more 50s...

That makes 34... GOD level!!!
I´d like to see a picture of all together or a complete list,

EDIT: I see the list at your signature

[SunnyG.]

1 - K 50mm f1.4
2 - M 50mm f1.4
3 - M 50mm f1.7
4 - K 50mm f4 Macro
5 - Super Takumar 50mm f1.4
6 - Industar 50mm f3.5

Level achieved!!!

If I add all the 50-something then the count raises to 15 (K 55mm f1.8 + 8 Helios)
I need a cure, gonna look for it on Ebay

Answering to the thread, asking me which one is better is like asking me if I prefer my dad or my mom.
(Adding the M42s) Each one shines its way, the sharpness of the k50 macro, the speed of the 1.4s, the magic of the older-than-me Helios 44, the construction of the radioactive Tak and so on...
Only in a severe starvation situation I would be tempted to sell any of them, lenses check-in at home but they never check-out!.

Where's the 50mm f1.2? Or the primotar 50mm f2.8 with soap bubble bokeh?

---------- Post added 07-16-17 at 12:17 PM ----------

That makes 34... GOD level!!!
I´d like to see a picture of all together or a complete list,

EDIT: I see the list at your signature

LOL guys need to chill. XD