Bokeh 50mm?

NecroticSoldier · 03-29-2010, 04:26 PM

I'm no Bokeh master, but I've been getting interesting in this aspect of a lens, particularly in the 50mm range (or a APS equivalent focal length).

Suggestions? or your favs? It doesn't have to be expensive.

bdery · 03-29-2010, 04:31 PM

The best 50s for bokeh will be the f1,4s out there (starting with the Takumars up to the FA) according to many. I have owned the A-50 f1,4 and the F-50 f1,7 and I will agree that the f,4 is marginally, very marginally better. There's a creamy effect that's not quite the same with the f1,7. But the latter is excellent in its own right, especially at wide apertures. The bokeh is creamy enough, even with busy backgrounds.

One type of lens, more expensive, but delivering even better results, is the 50 macro line. I own the FA 50 f2,8 macro and even though it's ludicrously sharp, the background is amazingly smooth. It's my best lens regarding bokeh. It's also normally quite expensive, except when you find a deal like I did

sjwoo · 03-29-2010, 04:41 PM

Here's a few shots of bokeh from my manual Sears 50mm f1.7, all shot wide open. I'm really in love with this cheapo lens!

- Sung

hcc · 03-29-2010, 04:44 PM

For bokeh, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 is excellent: "When looking at out-of-focus highlights the Nokton shows a bit of an outlining effect at f/1.4 and f/2 but it's gone by f/2.8. At f/4 (if you look hard also at f/2.8) there're already a few hints of a deteriorating circular aperture shape but then f/4 is probably not really a mainstream setting for such a lens. The focus transitions around the in-focus point are smooth in this test scene but the lens produced some less than optimal results in the field here - see the sample image section below." See full review at Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II - Review / Test Report.

The Nokton 58mm costs (new) about the same price as the Fa50mm f1.4. It is a superb lens ....

You may be interested by the recent poll on 50mm lenses among pentaxians:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/94382-if-you-c...-you-pick.html

NecroticSoldier · 03-29-2010, 05:27 PM

Originally posted by hcc

For bokeh, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 is excellent: "When looking at out-of-focus highlights the Nokton shows a bit of an outlining effect at f/1.4 and f/2 but it's gone by f/2.8. At f/4 (if you look hard also at f/2.8) there're already a few hints of a deteriorating circular aperture shape but then f/4 is probably not really a mainstream setting for such a lens. The focus transitions around the in-focus point are smooth in this test scene but the lens produced some less than optimal results in the field here - see the sample image section below." See full review at Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II - Review / Test Report.

The Nokton 58mm costs (new) about the same price as the Fa50mm f1.4. It is a superb lens ....

You may be interested by the recent poll on 50mm lenses among pentaxians:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/94382-if-you-c...-you-pick.html

Awww... too bad that's a Nikon lens ;(.... and... I have looked at that... ;P Going to check it out some more, thanks, Would like some more suggestions though ;D!

NecroticSoldier · 03-29-2010, 05:31 PM

Originally posted by bdery

The best 50s for bokeh will be the f1,4s out there (starting with the Takumars up to the FA) according to many. I have owned the A-50 f1,4 and the F-50 f1,7 and I will agree that the f,4 is marginally, very marginally better. There's a creamy effect that's not quite the same with the f1,7. But the latter is excellent in its own right, especially at wide apertures. The bokeh is creamy enough, even with busy backgrounds.

One type of lens, more expensive, but delivering even better results, is the 50 macro line. I own the FA 50 f2,8 macro and even though it's ludicrously sharp, the background is amazingly smooth. It's my best lens regarding bokeh. It's also normally quite expensive, except when you find a deal like I did

I guess that would be a good place to start for me... I'll stick with my Macro TC for now ;D so no FA 50 macro... for me.

NecroticSoldier · 03-29-2010, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by sjwoo

Here's a few shots of bokeh from my manual Sears 50mm f1.7, all shot wide open. I'm really in love with this cheapo lens!

- Sung

This is really pretty, I really like it hehe. Going to look for some right now... maybe...

basso4735 · 03-29-2010, 05:34 PM

I like my 50mm M 1.7. Bought it for $40 with a pentax me slr attached.

Ira · 03-29-2010, 05:56 PM

Originally posted by sjwoo

Here's a few shots of bokeh from my manual Sears 50mm f1.7, all shot wide open. I'm really in love with this cheapo lens!

- Sung

That's not really bokeh there.

twokatmew · 03-29-2010, 05:59 PM

Originally posted by Ira

That's not really bokeh there.

I thought bokeh was the OOF areas. If that's not bokeh, what is it? Now I'm confused....

basso4735 · 03-29-2010, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by Ira

That's not really bokeh there.

wha?

Bokeh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

deadwolfbones · 03-29-2010, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by Ira

That's not really bokeh there.

Yes, it most certainly is.

Ira · 03-29-2010, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by twokatmew

I thought bokeh was the OOF areas. If that's not bokeh, what is it? Now I'm confused....

Bokeh is not just the out of focus area, because any lens can give you that.

And good and bad bokeh can be debated.

But, the simplest way to describe it is a creamy out of focus area with a preferred PATTERN to it--and it's consistent.

The image shown above with bright, huge and sharp geometric figures isn't bokeh--it's just light refraction. One of the other images with the out of focus background isn't bokeh either--it's just out of focus.

Bokeh looks like someone took the background and spread the paints with a butter knife.

deadwolfbones · 03-29-2010, 06:07 PM

Originally posted by NecroticSoldier

Awww... too bad that's a Nikon lens ;(.... and... I have looked at that... ;P Going to check it out some more, thanks, Would like some more suggestions though ;D!

The Voigtlanders are also available in P/K mount. The test was just of the Nikon mount version.

Pentaxor · 03-29-2010, 06:08 PM

50mm cheap lens with a great bokeh, the K55/1.8 has a certain bokeh character that is different from it's other cheap 50mm cousins.

the manual focus Nokton 58mm is great as well, but it costs 10x of that of a K55.

03-29-2010, 04:26 PM	#1
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488	Bokeh 50mm? I'm no Bokeh master, but I've been getting interesting in this aspect of a lens, particularly in the 50mm range (or a APS equivalent focal length). Suggestions? or your favs? It doesn't have to be expensive.

03-29-2010, 04:41 PM	#3
sjwoo Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 70	A few shots Here's a few shots of bokeh from my manual Sears 50mm f1.7, all shot wide open. I'm really in love with this cheapo lens! - Sung Attached Images

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03-29-2010, 04:31 PM	#2
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,357	The best 50s for bokeh will be the f1,4s out there (starting with the Takumars up to the FA) according to many. I have owned the A-50 f1,4 and the F-50 f1,7 and I will agree that the f,4 is marginally, very marginally better. There's a creamy effect that's not quite the same with the f1,7. But the latter is excellent in its own right, especially at wide apertures. The bokeh is creamy enough, even with busy backgrounds. One type of lens, more expensive, but delivering even better results, is the 50 macro line. I own the FA 50 f2,8 macro and even though it's ludicrously sharp, the background is amazingly smooth. It's my best lens regarding bokeh. It's also normally quite expensive, except when you find a deal like I did

03-29-2010, 04:44 PM	#4
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	For bokeh, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 is excellent: "When looking at out-of-focus highlights the Nokton shows a bit of an outlining effect at f/1.4 and f/2 but it's gone by f/2.8. At f/4 (if you look hard also at f/2.8) there're already a few hints of a deteriorating circular aperture shape but then f/4 is probably not really a mainstream setting for such a lens. The focus transitions around the in-focus point are smooth in this test scene but the lens produced some less than optimal results in the field here - see the sample image section below." See full review at Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II - Review / Test Report. The Nokton 58mm costs (new) about the same price as the Fa50mm f1.4. It is a superb lens .... You may be interested by the recent poll on 50mm lenses among pentaxians: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/94382-if-you-c...-you-pick.html

03-29-2010, 05:27 PM	#5
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by hcc For bokeh, the Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f1.4 is excellent: "When looking at out-of-focus highlights the Nokton shows a bit of an outlining effect at f/1.4 and f/2 but it's gone by f/2.8. At f/4 (if you look hard also at f/2.8) there're already a few hints of a deteriorating circular aperture shape but then f/4 is probably not really a mainstream setting for such a lens. The focus transitions around the in-focus point are smooth in this test scene but the lens produced some less than optimal results in the field here - see the sample image section below." See full review at Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL II - Review / Test Report. The Nokton 58mm costs (new) about the same price as the Fa50mm f1.4. It is a superb lens .... You may be interested by the recent poll on 50mm lenses among pentaxians: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/94382-if-you-c...-you-pick.html Awww... too bad that's a Nikon lens ;(.... and... I have looked at that... ;P Going to check it out some more, thanks, Would like some more suggestions though ;D!

03-29-2010, 05:31 PM	#6
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by bdery The best 50s for bokeh will be the f1,4s out there (starting with the Takumars up to the FA) according to many. I have owned the A-50 f1,4 and the F-50 f1,7 and I will agree that the f,4 is marginally, very marginally better. There's a creamy effect that's not quite the same with the f1,7. But the latter is excellent in its own right, especially at wide apertures. The bokeh is creamy enough, even with busy backgrounds. One type of lens, more expensive, but delivering even better results, is the 50 macro line. I own the FA 50 f2,8 macro and even though it's ludicrously sharp, the background is amazingly smooth. It's my best lens regarding bokeh. It's also normally quite expensive, except when you find a deal like I did I guess that would be a good place to start for me... I'll stick with my Macro TC for now ;D so no FA 50 macro... for me.

03-29-2010, 05:32 PM	#7
NecroticSoldier Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scarborough, Ontario Photos: Albums Posts: 488 Original Poster	Originally posted by sjwoo Here's a few shots of bokeh from my manual Sears 50mm f1.7, all shot wide open. I'm really in love with this cheapo lens! - Sung This is really pretty, I really like it hehe. Going to look for some right now... maybe...

03-29-2010, 05:34 PM	#8
basso4735 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MA Posts: 133	I like my 50mm M 1.7. Bought it for $40 with a pentax me slr attached.

03-29-2010, 05:56 PM	#9
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by sjwoo Here's a few shots of bokeh from my manual Sears 50mm f1.7, all shot wide open. I'm really in love with this cheapo lens! - Sung That's not really bokeh there.

03-29-2010, 05:59 PM	#10
twokatmew Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Lansing, MI Photos: Albums Posts: 509	Originally posted by Ira That's not really bokeh there. I thought bokeh was the OOF areas. If that's not bokeh, what is it? Now I'm confused....

03-29-2010, 06:06 PM	#11
basso4735 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: MA Posts: 133	Originally posted by Ira That's not really bokeh there. wha? Bokeh - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

03-29-2010, 06:06 PM	#12
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Originally posted by Ira That's not really bokeh there. Yes, it most certainly is.

03-29-2010, 06:07 PM	#13
Ira Inactive Account Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Coral Springs, FL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,216	Originally posted by twokatmew I thought bokeh was the OOF areas. If that's not bokeh, what is it? Now I'm confused.... Bokeh is not just the out of focus area, because any lens can give you that. And good and bad bokeh can be debated. But, the simplest way to describe it is a creamy out of focus area with a preferred PATTERN to it--and it's consistent. The image shown above with bright, huge and sharp geometric figures isn't bokeh--it's just light refraction. One of the other images with the out of focus background isn't bokeh either--it's just out of focus. Bokeh looks like someone took the background and spread the paints with a butter knife.

03-29-2010, 06:07 PM	#14
deadwolfbones Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: La Crescenta, CA Posts: 7,450	Originally posted by NecroticSoldier Awww... too bad that's a Nikon lens ;(.... and... I have looked at that... ;P Going to check it out some more, thanks, Would like some more suggestions though ;D! The Voigtlanders are also available in P/K mount. The test was just of the Nikon mount version.

03-29-2010, 06:08 PM	#15
Pentaxor Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Vancouver, B.C. Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,513	50mm cheap lens with a great bokeh, the K55/1.8 has a certain bokeh character that is different from it's other cheap 50mm cousins. the manual focus Nokton 58mm is great as well, but it costs 10x of that of a K55.