PBase

I use a Canon 5D Mk II and generally have a preference for third party manual focus lenses. I just set up a little test of 50mm lenses to see which does best - in my opinion - at various apertures. I shot with the Yashica f1.9, Canon f1.4, Leica Summicron f2 and Olympus Zuiko f1.8, plus the Contax Zeiss f1.4 wide open only.

If you are interested in my own comparisons - remembering I am no expert and it's only a mater of personal taste - have a look here

http://www.pbase.com/nickdemarco/finding_the_best_50

The new Sigma 50 1.4 gets a nice verdict on dpreview. Will you compare that one as well?

I have updated my 50mm test now to include the Contax Planar T 50mm f1.4. The nice guys at Aperture, London shaved off my offending 'shark fin' so it clears the 5D II mirror now. Whilst there I saw a quality Nikon to Canon EOS adapter which I have been looking for to fit a Nikon fit Zeiss 25mm lens I ordered. I could not resist picking up a nice little Nikon 50mm f1.4 AI from the 1970s, it was so inexpensive, and so that has been added to the test.

I've updated the reviews, but basically the Contax did very well outperforming all the other lenses in my opinion.
The Leica and Olympus came close to it
The Canon and Nikon were next
and the Yashica at the bottom

Here is the link to the updated test

http://www.pbase.com/nickdemarco/finding_the_best_50

Great post Nick. Keep up the good work. Great galleries also. I particularly like the Myanmar galleries and that OLY Zuiko really looks like an amazing lens. Definitely has my vote.

John

Thanks for the great job and the possibility to compare the quality by viewing the pictures!

best focal length 50mm is Canon 50 f1.4 USM cause reasonable price

if you have much money, Canon 50 f1.2L USM is best lens

reviews:

Canon 50mm f1.4 USM: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx

Canon 50mm f1.2L USM: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Revi ... eview.aspx

ernst wrote:The new Sigma 50 1.4 gets a nice verdict on dpreview. Will you compare that one as well?

guess not... but i'd vouch for this Sigma lens over both Nikon and Canon's similar f1.4 lenses...

I have used the Canon EF f/1.4 50mm, Zuiko 1.4,1.8,1.8 Made in Japan and the Zuiko f/1.2 50mm.

In sharpness and resolution the Canon f/1.4 and the Zuiko f/1.2 are very close. The Zuiko has a bit light fall off in the corners, which can be easily corrected.

But I like the Zuiko f/1.2 50mm the most. It renders the colors very beautifully, especially skin tones.

Here are a few images:

http://www.pbase.com/rudiknust/zuiko_f12_50mm

In canon's lens, it must be the canon 50 F1.2 L