A 85mm with nice bokeh?

I

ICD Films

Well-known member
Been considering both the old Nikkor f2 & Samyang 85, but the bokeh seems kinda boring (yes, even the Nikkor... I'm entitled to my opinion... :laugh:)

Nikon, Zeiss, M42... a solid 85mm investment. Any suggestions?
 
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I was going to say Samyang
what don't you like about that one?
from the bokeh tests I've seen, it's very similar to the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 or the Canon 85mm f/1.2L, and definitely better than the cheaper canon or all of the current nikon options
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/483-samyang_85_14_5d?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/536-zeiss85f14eosff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/502-canon_85f12ff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/canon_eos_ff/419-canon_85_18_5d?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/538-nikkorafd8514ff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/606-nikkorafs8514ff?start=1
http://www.photozone.de/nikon_ff/622-nikkorafd8518ff?start=1

(I haven't used any of these lenses myself, though: I'm more than happy with my vintage Leitz Elmarit-R 90mm f/2.8)


BTW I have tried a vintage Nikkor 85mm f/1.8, and I didn't like the bokeh, my Leitz is a lot better in that respect:
http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/bokehtests.html
 
robmneilson said:
Grab a Helios 40-1 or 40-2 great 85mm 1.5 lens!
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Wow that's a lot of money... call me an idiot but... 3 of 4 of my Helios lenses (just kept 1, the functional one...) have gotten broke aparture blades, not-so-fun spending 800$ when that happens... I love the aesthetics of the Helios lenses but that amount of cash for an old lens... derp. So many other choices at that price point. I'm also not impressed with the russian lenses outdoors... have gotten moist inside, stuff like that never happens on the old Nikkors.

The 1.4 looks cool but prolly going with the new one.

Lake Films said:
what adapter would you use to adapt it to the GH1?
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ebay = "m42 m43 adapter"
 
Martin Oller said:
Wow that's a lot of money... call me an idiot but... 3 of 4 of my Helios lenses (just kept 1, the functional one...) have gotten broke aparture blades, not-so-fun spending 800$ when that happens... I love the aesthetics of the Helios lenses but that amount of cash for an old lens... derp. So many other choices at that price point. I'm also not impressed with the russian lenses outdoors... have gotten moist inside, stuff like that never happens on the old Nikkors.

Yeah that is one drawback, you need to search around for a good copy of the lens. Back when I had a few Helios lenses the only problem I found was oil on the aperture blades on a lens or two.
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I agree, I try to only buy lenses that I can test first... But that is something I try to do because I like to see how the optics of the lens I'm buying perform and if I'm getting a good copy of the lens. Not all lenses are manufactured with great standards, especially with vintage glass. Got burned early on in my photo addiction from buying online and getting a dud with broken blades. It should be a rule of thumb to have whoever your buying your lens from (Ebay, online, in store or otherwise) to have a return option on the lens. It seems like you already know that Martin (Sorry for the bad luck) but for those who are new to the game, watch out or get ripped off. I think that the nikkor is a good choice, Stephen is right on with that (SICK bokeh). I also love the Canon FD 85mm f1.2 L, it might be more money but that is one of the best FD lenses out there.
 
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