08-28-2010, 11:55 AM
[quote name='popo' timestamp='1282994077' post='2270']
I have posted this elsewhere which helped narrow down the choices, but I could still use input on any more exotic, uncommon or older lenses I might have overlooked.
Application: close up still life, camera mostly on tripod, shallow DoF.
Host: Must either natively fit Canon EOS or have easily available adapter to do so.
Feature requirements:
f/2.8 or faster. I don't really need any faster as the DoF is already very narrow when close focusing.
Nice bokeh around f/2.8 - I particularly value lack of outlines/nervous look both in front and behind focal plane at any distance. Also LoCa should be very low. I'm not so concerned about non-round aperture or cat's eye effect.
Good sharpness at f/2.8 across most of APS-C image.
No significant focus shift when changing aperture. I often manually aperture-bracket and don't want to waste time refocusing between shots.
At least 1:4 magnification is desirable, I don't need more than 1:2. This may be achieved by additions e.g. using extension tubes. I don't need infinity focus.
MF only is fine.
Can be prime or zoom, although I doubt any zoom will be able to meet these requirements well.
I haven't set a specific budget for this. I'll pay more if it is worth it.
To give an idea of what else I've used in this application:
Canon 35mm f/2: not bad overall as is. I just need a longer focal length and prefer better bokeh.
Canon 85mm f/1.8: Bokeh rather messy and far too easy to get purple fringing on highlights.
Sony 50mm f/1.4: Bokeh could be better (outlines and colour)
Looking around, I think the Zeiss 50mm f/2 macro is the nearest to an ideal lens for the application but I'm not quite convinced on the price/performance balance.
The other common lower cost primes around 50mm are rather unremarkable hence I'm looking to expand the search away from the mass market models.
[/quote]
As you mentioned - the Zeiss 50/2 is probably the best choice.
The Sigma 70/2.8 APO macro should also be worth a thought.
If you'd like to explore the exciting unknown ... the Leica R Macro-Elmarit 60mm f/2.8 is both very affordable on the used market and supposed to be very good.
There're naturally also longer lenses which might be interesting.
I have posted this elsewhere which helped narrow down the choices, but I could still use input on any more exotic, uncommon or older lenses I might have overlooked.
Application: close up still life, camera mostly on tripod, shallow DoF.
Host: Must either natively fit Canon EOS or have easily available adapter to do so.
Feature requirements:
f/2.8 or faster. I don't really need any faster as the DoF is already very narrow when close focusing.
Nice bokeh around f/2.8 - I particularly value lack of outlines/nervous look both in front and behind focal plane at any distance. Also LoCa should be very low. I'm not so concerned about non-round aperture or cat's eye effect.
Good sharpness at f/2.8 across most of APS-C image.
No significant focus shift when changing aperture. I often manually aperture-bracket and don't want to waste time refocusing between shots.
At least 1:4 magnification is desirable, I don't need more than 1:2. This may be achieved by additions e.g. using extension tubes. I don't need infinity focus.
MF only is fine.
Can be prime or zoom, although I doubt any zoom will be able to meet these requirements well.
I haven't set a specific budget for this. I'll pay more if it is worth it.
To give an idea of what else I've used in this application:
Canon 35mm f/2: not bad overall as is. I just need a longer focal length and prefer better bokeh.
Canon 85mm f/1.8: Bokeh rather messy and far too easy to get purple fringing on highlights.
Sony 50mm f/1.4: Bokeh could be better (outlines and colour)
Looking around, I think the Zeiss 50mm f/2 macro is the nearest to an ideal lens for the application but I'm not quite convinced on the price/performance balance.
The other common lower cost primes around 50mm are rather unremarkable hence I'm looking to expand the search away from the mass market models.
[/quote]
As you mentioned - the Zeiss 50/2 is probably the best choice.
The Sigma 70/2.8 APO macro should also be worth a thought.
If you'd like to explore the exciting unknown ... the Leica R Macro-Elmarit 60mm f/2.8 is both very affordable on the used market and supposed to be very good.
There're naturally also longer lenses which might be interesting.