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Fast 50 shoot off
Below is a link to a 50mm lens test:
Pentax 50mm, f1.4 SMC
Canon EF 50mm, f1.8, "Nifty Fifty, Plastic Fantastic"
Canon EF 50mm, f1.4, "Faster Fifty"
http://ziggy53.smugmug.com/gallery/2897706#155882874
Notes:
The camera used was a Canon dRebel 350D/XT, aperture priority, ISO 100.
The Pentax lens is an older screwmount design, mounted via adapter, and the adapter has a focus confirmation chip attached. The focus confirmation was used for this lens. Aperture was adjusted manually. The focus confirmation chip always reports "55mm, f1.4" regardless of the lens mounted and regardless of lens settings, so the EXIF is not correct in that regard. The first of the Pentax series is not correct WB. I am not sure what happened.
I had to shoot several frames with the Canon 50mm, f1.4, in order to get accurate focus. I suspect it had something to do with the glass envelope of the subject, but I'm not sure.
I am truly impressed at the quality afforded by each of these lenses.
Pentax 50mm, f1.4 SMC
Canon EF 50mm, f1.8, "Nifty Fifty, Plastic Fantastic"
Canon EF 50mm, f1.4, "Faster Fifty"
http://ziggy53.smugmug.com/gallery/2897706#155882874
Notes:
The camera used was a Canon dRebel 350D/XT, aperture priority, ISO 100.
The Pentax lens is an older screwmount design, mounted via adapter, and the adapter has a focus confirmation chip attached. The focus confirmation was used for this lens. Aperture was adjusted manually. The focus confirmation chip always reports "55mm, f1.4" regardless of the lens mounted and regardless of lens settings, so the EXIF is not correct in that regard. The first of the Pentax series is not correct WB. I am not sure what happened.
I had to shoot several frames with the Canon 50mm, f1.4, in order to get accurate focus. I suspect it had something to do with the glass envelope of the subject, but I'm not sure.
I am truly impressed at the quality afforded by each of these lenses.
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Comments
I have to say I really like the first shot best using the Pentax f1.4
John Muir
"Look, I'm not an intellectual - I just take photographs." -- Helmut Newton
I'm glad you think so, because that's the same conclusion I came to. The Canon EF 50mm, f1.4 is the overall winner because of its autofocus and autoexposure integration with the body, but the Pentax 50mm is just an awesome lens, with great color and contrast, and I think slightly better resolution at any aperture.
The real sleeper is the cheapy EF 50mm, f1.8. By f5.6 it is a sweet performer. Autofocus does not "snap to" as quickly as the f1.4, and yes, the aperture is not as refined as the other lenses, but this is a very good "value" lens.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Yep, I took the EF 50mm, f1.8 on a Boy Scout outing last weekend, and it performed very well at dusk. The f1.4 is worth it for paying jobs, but the f1.8 is so inexpensive, I don't mind a little extra risk when I use it.
Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
thanks for the test-it confirms, to me anyway, that the pentax smc 50mm/f1.4 is one of my favourite lenses.
i dont shoot wide open with it that often-my preference is for f2.0,but when things are dark and gloomy the f1.4 is invaluable.
a retired pentax engineer has been quoted as saying that the pentax smc takumar ,if made today ,to the same standards and tolerences, would cost over $1000 to buy in todays money.
Longitude: 145° 08'East
Canon 20d,EFS-60mm Macro,Canon 85mm/1.8. Pentax Spotmatic SP,Pentax Super Takumars 50/1.4 &135/3.5,Pentax Super-Multi-Coated Takumars 200/4 ,300/4,400/5.6,Sigma 600/8.
Portland, Oregon Photographer Pete Springer
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