Iwert:
I, too, have been a little confused by the performance numbers of the
various 50mm Zuikos (based largely, but not entirely, on Gary Reese's
tests). For non-macro use, the numbers for the late-model 50/1.8 at F1.8
and F2.8 - which I suspect are the most used apertures in everyday
shooting - are little different from the 50/F2. The 50/1.8 loses a
little as it is stopped down, but again the differences in Gary's tests
are not "significant". Could it be that one has to use the lens to
appreciate its characteristics (and especially with a tripod) - and the
numbers don't tell the whole story. I suspect that my views would be
different if I were doing macro work.
At one point, I decided I REALLY wanted the 50/2, but chickened out at
the last minute in Ebay bidding (the final price was within what I had
been prepared to bid). In the end, I decided that I had the 50mm focal
length covered adequately (a late-model MIJ) for the time being, and
that $$$ would be better spent on other focal lengths. The 50/2 IS
still on my wish list, but not at the top. A personal view, based on not
having used the lens!!!!
Martin
iwert@xxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>-------- Original Message --------
>From: "Wayne Culberson"
>
>What am I missing here? To me, the numbers make it
>look like a macro lens, not a general all purpose 50mm for hand held
>photography.
>
>Well,
>
>a classic "missing": emotion. Not everything is told by numbers.
>Taken by numbers all people are equal: same amount of carbon, oxygen, etc...
>two eyes, a nose.
>
>Some things cannot be named objectively. But a good photographer will probably
>also make a better picture with a beater single coated 50mm f1.8 than a bad
>photographer with a 50mm f2.
>
>If I find the time to test, I'll put up a general scene with a tripod and the
>50f2, 50f1.4, 50f1.8, 40f2 and the 35-80f2.8 (that's the standard lenses I
>have available.
>
>What makes the 50f2 so unique to me is still:
>
>I can use it easily for "1:2" macro and as my everyday standard lens. So I
>just need to carry one lens, and don't have to change lenses. Another big
>plus: I live in Belgium where available light can be very scarce, even during
>the day. So every F-stop extra is valuable. We're also known for lot's of
>rain, and that's where the build-in hood comes handy. As for macro and
>handheld: I dare to use the 50f2 handheld at 1:2, 1/30 + f2, I couldn't do
>that with the 90f2... I know the result maybe won't be as tack-sharp as on a
>tripod, but hey, I have the shot!, at f3.5 it would be near impossible.
>
>This lens + an OM3/4 is my equivalent of "a rangefinder + 35mm" with an added
>macro feature!
>
>Iwert.
>
>
>
>
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