M-50MM 1.7 VS. Takumar SMC 50MM 1.4 (Rubber zoom)

**GUB** · 04-17-2023, 02:13 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Dartmoor Dave

I completely agree. The 55mm/1.8 is better than the 50mm/1.4 in everything except that little bit of speed. In fact, I think the 55mm/1.8 is better than the 50mm/1.7 too. At one time I owned all three of those lenses and the 55mm was the one I almost always went for.

It's strange: I ended up defending the 50mm/1.4's reputation in this thread, even though actually I think it's one of the most over-rated lenses out there.

Oh and J Riley did a test on both - which is better or just different?
Very much how I perceive them.
This is the 8 element - I use both the 8 and the 7 and don't see much difference apart from colour temperature.

Attached Images

Dartmoor Dave · 04-17-2023, 03:28 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by GUB

The only thing I take issue with is the word "better". There is a difference between the 50s and the 55s. I tend to think the 55s have a more creamy neutral bokeh and the 50s have a slightly more flamboyant bokeh. A highly subjective opinion which means I tend to reach for the 50s . But that doesn't make them better!.

Yes, you're right, I should have said that I preferred the 55mm/1.8. Different people have different ideas about what they want from lenses, and there's no absolute "better".

And one of the lovely things about vintage 50mm and 55mm lenses is that they are affordable enough to own several with different personalities to suit different occasions. My favourite is my 1947 Kodak Anastigmat 50mm/3.5.

**TwoUptons** · 04-17-2023, 05:37 PM

Originally posted by GUB

Oh and J Riley did a test on both - which is better or just different?
Very much how I perceive them.
This is the 8 element - I use both the 8 and the 7 and don't see much difference apart from colour temperature.

The chart for the 55mm just has more of that 3D "pop"

I have the 7-element Super-Tak, and I would not have guessed its edge performance wide open was that bad...

-Eric

**GUB** · 04-17-2023, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by TwoUptons

The chart for the 55mm just has more of that 3D "pop"

I have the 7-element Super-Tak, and I would not have guessed its edge performance wide open was that bad...

-Eric

Takinami's tests don't have the later ones so bad (#18) so perhaps the 8 element is a step further?

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04-17-2023, 02:13 PM - 1 Like	#31
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,760	Originally posted by Dartmoor Dave I completely agree. The 55mm/1.8 is better than the 50mm/1.4 in everything except that little bit of speed. In fact, I think the 55mm/1.8 is better than the 50mm/1.7 too. At one time I owned all three of those lenses and the 55mm was the one I almost always went for. It's strange: I ended up defending the 50mm/1.4's reputation in this thread, even though actually I think it's one of the most over-rated lenses out there. Oh and J Riley did a test on both - which is better or just different? Very much how I perceive them. This is the 8 element - I use both the 8 and the 7 and don't see much difference apart from colour temperature. Attached Images

04-17-2023, 03:28 PM - 1 Like	#32
Dartmoor Dave Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Dartmoor, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,889	Originally posted by GUB The only thing I take issue with is the word "better". There is a difference between the 50s and the 55s. I tend to think the 55s have a more creamy neutral bokeh and the 50s have a slightly more flamboyant bokeh. A highly subjective opinion which means I tend to reach for the 50s . But that doesn't make them better!. Yes, you're right, I should have said that I preferred the 55mm/1.8. Different people have different ideas about what they want from lenses, and there's no absolute "better". And one of the lovely things about vintage 50mm and 55mm lenses is that they are affordable enough to own several with different personalities to suit different occasions. My favourite is my 1947 Kodak Anastigmat 50mm/3.5.

04-17-2023, 05:37 PM	#33
TwoUptons Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,224	Originally posted by GUB Oh and J Riley did a test on both - which is better or just different? Very much how I perceive them. This is the 8 element - I use both the 8 and the 7 and don't see much difference apart from colour temperature. The chart for the 55mm just has more of that 3D "pop" I have the 7-element Super-Tak, and I would not have guessed its edge performance wide open was that bad... -Eric

04-17-2023, 06:05 PM	#34
GUB Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Wanganui Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,760	Originally posted by TwoUptons The chart for the 55mm just has more of that 3D "pop" I have the 7-element Super-Tak, and I would not have guessed its edge performance wide open was that bad... -Eric Takinami's tests don't have the later ones so bad (#18) so perhaps the 8 element is a step further?