I got this lens about a year ago.
Before that I used my 50f1.2 and a 90f2 a lot.
The 50f1.2 for standard lens, the 90f2 for macro.
Both are good lenses. But when I mounted the 50f2 I discovered that:
I personally don't need much working distance on a macro lens for the things I
like to photograph. The 50f2 handles way better than the 90f2, especially on a
manual body, where the shutter speed ring is obstructed by the aperture ring.
Result: the 90f2 got sold...
I like low light photography, and don't use flash. The f2 aperture is
sufficient to me for this. I almost never took my 50f1.2 anymore. Result: the
50f1.2 got sold...
I like to use a hood on my lenses, the 50f2 has one build in, greatly improving
contrast. It also is a big and hefty lens, which I started to like, since the
combo body+lens feels like a brick in my hands and improves stability.
considering the build in hood, it still is a compact lens.
The front lens is deaply recessed, and protected, so I don't use filters
(except a polarizer or ND). This can be seen in the results.
The aperture of f2 makes focussing on a 2-4 screen almost easier then
autofocus, also in darker conditions.
And Mike Johnston also likes this lens:
http://photosig.pcphotoreview.com/PRD_84390_3111crx.aspx
As some things can't be described in words, here are some images of our offices
little trip out two weeks ago: I kept it simple and only took the 50f2 with me:
<http://zuiko.fotopic.net/c404318.html>
Kodak T400CN + OM-3 + 50f2
(And it is fun to drive a quad and take some pictures at the same time)
For me a lens is not about lines/mm, but mostly about atmosphere and character,
the 50f2 has great character! However the 50f2 is the sharpest lens I own,
together with the 100f2.
The only thing which bothered me was that the distance scale ws in feet only -
as I am a full metric person. I now have one with the distance scale in meters,
and my photographic life has become perfect :). The feet is still available for
non-metric persons!
Iwert.
-------- Original Message --------
From: "Brian Swale"
Hi all,
Apart from general use (and I'd like to hear what is so good about this lens
for general use too, from others), what is so good about this lens, over other
lenses, in macro mode?
Comments?
Brian
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