Titoy:
I have recently been searching for a good 50mm to compliment the 85/2
and 28/2 that I have been using. Honestly between these two lenses (and
maybe the 135/4.5) I can usually get everything I need with the quality
and size that I expect from Zuiko. However, I do find occasion for the
50mm focal length, and am interested in finding one to suit my purposes.
At present I have a >1M (but not >1.1M) 50/1.4 that, to me, is a bit
softer that the 85 and 28. I have borrowed and tested a 50/1.2 in hopes
that it would be better (especially around f2) than the 50/1.4, but have
found that it is only marginally better. I have to say that both of
these lenses are *great* when stopped down, but I am looking for
performance at f2 or larger. The 50/1.2 is definitely better, but is it
THAT much better to justify the cost? Well, not for me.
I have also been testing the 50/2, but I did so only hesitantly because
the size and reported sharpness may be overkill in most situations.
After looking at the first roll (test subject mostly being my 4 month
old son and other things around the house) it seems that the 50/2 IS
that much better, and (critically) a bit too sharp for portraiture. I
am also put off by its large size and handling. For me, the "ideal" is
ergonomic as well as raw performance. The 50/2 just doesn't fit in the
same "family" as the 85/2 or the 28/2. As I usually prefer to use the
OM-1n over the -4Ti, I find that the 50/2 isn't that good of a match.
My conclusion at present is to stick with the 50/1.4 and 50/3.5 (if I
need the sharpness) and save the money for now. I still maintain that
the 135/4.5 and 80/4 are the best for macro work (not only in terms of
sharpness, but also in working distance) and the 50mm macros are just a
convenience.
So, to answer a few questions, I would skip the Kiron, get one of the
28/2 lenses from KEH, keep the 50/1.2 since you already have it, and
look for a good macro set-up. one other thing I do have to say about
the 50/1.2 is that I love the handling. It is a perfect balance with
any OM body, and the focus and aperture lever are just right. One
should be able to know their lenses intimately w/o looking at them, and
for me the 85/2, 28/2 and 50/1.2 have shown that special "magic".
Take care!
Bob Gries
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