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Which FAST manual prime for the NEX 5N

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HBennis

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I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
1) Which one of the above has demonstrated the best IQ? (contrast, color rendition, bokeh, etc...)
2) Any feedback how either lens works best with the NEX?
3) Do you recommend any other fast lens for the same budget?

I have also looked at some AF lenses, namely:
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($370)
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM ($500)
However, I am not too sure how the (AF) or lack or it since not compatible with the NEX will work - specifically how can you achieve focus with these lenses? Same question applies to aperture also.

Thanks,
 
why not get the NEX 50/1.8? i already have and use the nikon 50/1.4G on the nex and it works pretty well, but, not so good for video because it doesnt have IS.. if i didnt already have it, i would go for the NEX 50/1.8 no issues
HBennis said:
I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
1) Which one of the above has demonstrated the best IQ? (contrast, color rendition, bokeh, etc...)
2) Any feedback how either lens works best with the NEX?
3) Do you recommend any other fast lens for the same budget?

I have also looked at some AF lenses, namely:
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($370)
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM ($500)
However, I am not too sure how the (AF) or lack or it since not compatible with the NEX will work - specifically how can you achieve focus with these lenses? Same question applies to aperture also.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
 
Jogger said:
why not get the NEX 50/1.8? i already have and use the nikon 50/1.4G on the nex and it works pretty well, but, not so good for video because it doesnt have IS.. if i didnt already have it, i would go for the NEX 50/1.8 no issues
Click to expand...
hey jogger...do u have the 50mm 1.8 OSS ?? can u post some images.
 
Jogger said:
why not get the NEX 50/1.8? i already have and use the nikon 50/1.4G on the nex and it works pretty well, but, not so good for video because it doesnt have IS.. if i didnt already have it, i would go for the NEX 50/1.8 no issues
Click to expand...
I purposefully want to try a manual lens - I figured exploring with a lens like this will be a fun and challenging way to learn more about photography. I don't want to go the easy route. Plus, I won't hide it from you, a Voigtlander lens on the N5 looks quite sexy ;)
 
HBennis said:
I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
1) Which one of the above has demonstrated the best IQ? (contrast, color rendition, bokeh, etc...)
2) Any feedback how either lens works best with the NEX?
3) Do you recommend any other fast lens for the same budget?

I have also looked at some AF lenses, namely:
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($370)
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM ($500)
However, I am not too sure how the (AF) or lack or it since not compatible with the NEX will work - specifically how can you achieve focus with these lenses? Same question applies to aperture also.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Do you enjoy shooting 50mm on APS-C? Whenever I used to shoot my 50/1.4 on my old D70, it was super limiting. 75mm FOV isn't super useful.

I would argue to think about either 28mm, 30mm, or 35mm. (42, 45, 52 FOV)
 
The CV 35/1.4 is a great little lens. This is a street snap on the C3.

-Steven




HBennis said:
I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
1) Which one of the above has demonstrated the best IQ? (contrast, color rendition, bokeh, etc...)
2) Any feedback how either lens works best with the NEX?
3) Do you recommend any other fast lens for the same budget?

I have also looked at some AF lenses, namely:
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($370)
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM ($500)
However, I am not too sure how the (AF) or lack or it since not compatible with the NEX will work - specifically how can you achieve focus with these lenses? Same question applies to aperture also.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
 
Can't think of a better-performing lens for the price than the Samyang 35mm F1.4. It is sharp even wide open. Length 111mm, width 83mm, ok it's not scaled for the Nex. Available in several different mounts, get it in the mount that is shared by the greatest number of your other lenses.
 
no, i dont have the nex 50/1.8, but it looks like a pretty decent buy
rinkos said:
Jogger said:
why not get the NEX 50/1.8? i already have and use the nikon 50/1.4G on the nex and it works pretty well, but, not so good for video because it doesnt have IS.. if i didnt already have it, i would go for the NEX 50/1.8 no issues
Click to expand...
hey jogger...do u have the 50mm 1.8 OSS ?? can u post some images.
Click to expand...
 
Steven-T said:
-Steven




HBennis said:
I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
1) Which one of the above has demonstrated the best IQ? (contrast, color rendition, bokeh, etc...)
2) Any feedback how either lens works best with the NEX?
3) Do you recommend any other fast lens for the same budget?

I have also looked at some AF lenses, namely:
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($370)
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM ($500)
However, I am not too sure how the (AF) or lack or it since not compatible with the NEX will work - specifically how can you achieve focus with these lenses? Same question applies to aperture also.

Thanks,
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
went with the CV 35/1.4, marvelous
--
Akiva S.

Sony NEX 3, NEX 18-55, NEX 16/2.8, CV 21/4, CV 35/1.4, Jupiter 50/2, Leica 90/2.8
 
Having gone through several MF lens, the best advice I can give you is beware of the minimum focus distance. If you think that you'll want close focus, then get a lens that has close focus (some M-mount lens can get down to .5m). If you pick a lens with MFD of 1m, then I'd suggest the hawk's factory's helicoid LM-NEX adapter, which can bring it closer.

Personally, I own the 50'cron DR and 35Nokton f1.2, both has the ability to focus closer than regular M-mount lenses.
 
uuronl said:
Do you enjoy shooting 50mm on APS-C? Whenever I used to shoot my 50/1.4 on my old D70, it was super limiting. 75mm FOV isn't super useful.

I would argue to think about either 28mm, 30mm, or 35mm. (42, 45, 52 FOV)
Click to expand...
Everybody's style is different. I prefer a little longer length like the 50mm to a wider angle like the 24mm on APS because I can usually back up for wider angle on the 50mm, but I cannot get nice portraits with a wide angle no matter what I do.
 
HBennis said:
I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
Click to expand...
I see you listed a Nikon--be aware that the Nikon to Nex adapter is longer than the Canon FD to Nex adapter. You can buy the Canon FDn 50mm 1.2 L with an aspheric element for less than $700 if you shop carefully.

That said, I just bought a brand new in box Canon FDn 50mm f1.4 for $100.
Read this thread to see how it performs against other 50mms:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1025038
 
my suggestion (this is what I am doing) cheap c mount lenses, 35mm 1.7 and 50mm 1.7

and once available the zeiss 24mm and sony nex 50mm 1.8, I think there is no point getting expensive mf voigtlander or leica lenses- the optical design isn't optimized for digital, they produce pretty good quality but can't compete with specifically designed lenses for the nex,
--
mike kobal
photography (video's on my blog)
http://www.mikekobal.com/blog
 
Might want to look at the Nikon 55mm F2.8 micro..its mf,and extremely sharp.I use it on my 5DII ,and The Sony nex3
--

Mike
 
mike kobal said:
my suggestion (this is what I am doing) cheap c mount lenses, 35mm 1.7 and 50mm 1.7

and once available the zeiss 24mm and sony nex 50mm 1.8, I think there is no point getting expensive mf voigtlander or leica lenses- the optical design isn't optimized for digital, they produce pretty good quality but can't compete with specifically designed lenses for the nex,
Click to expand...
Maybe my memory is all fogged up... didn't I see some very nice videos by you taken with a micro 4/3 cameras and the CV25/0.95? Maybe I'm mixing the whole Net up but IIRC you seemed to like the lens.

I would say the CV 35/1.2 II is better than the 25mm, so why shouldn't one bother with it (for example)?

Jonas
 
HBennis said:
I am contemplating getting a manual (aperture/focus ring) fast prime of around a 50mm FL equivalent for the 5N.

My budget is around $500, I have narrowed down my choice as follow:
  • Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.4 ($630)
  • Voigtlander Nokton 40mm f/1.4 ($550)
  • Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Nikkor AI-S ($700)
1) Which one of the above has demonstrated the best IQ? (contrast, color rendition, bokeh, etc...)
2) Any feedback how either lens works best with the NEX?
3) Do you recommend any other fast lens for the same budget?
Click to expand...
I wan't to try the Nokton's above, but haven't yet. If you want, a lens like the Olympus OM 50mm f/1.8 is a very good performer and very cheap. It is also nice and compact. I haven't tried the Olympus 1.4 yet, hope to get one soon. The Canon 50mm f/1.8 FD lens is also very good and cheap. Someone else mentioned the 1.4 version, I have one but haven't tested it yet. Hope to do that soon.

The reason I like the range finder lenses is they are much smaller and better suited to the NEX size wise, but the Olympus 50/1.8 isn't bad as it is one of the smaller 50mm lenses from an SLR.
HBennis said:
I have also looked at some AF lenses, namely:
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G ($370)
Click to expand...
Good lens, but skip this. Too hard to manual focus. It does perform well, but the focus feel isn't the same as the old lenses and you will only be manual focusing. It is also very bulky for a 50mm lens. I will say the manual focus feel on the 1.4G is much better than the 1.8G.
HBennis said:
  • Sigma 50mm F1.4 EX DG HSM ($500)
Click to expand...
Same as with the Nikkor.
HBennis said:
However, I am not too sure how the (AF) or lack or it since not compatible with the NEX will work - specifically how can you achieve focus with these lenses? Same question applies to aperture also.
Click to expand...
They have a manual focus ring, but feel isn't as good and it is pretty sensitive to movements.

Eric
--
I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object
be what it may - light, shade, and perspective will always make it
beautiful. - John Constable (quote)

See my Blog at: http://www.erphotoreview.com/ (bi-weekly)
Flickr Photostream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/28177041@N03/ (updated daily)
 
After going through all the comments and few websites, I have decided to go with a Voigtlander Nokton MF lens.

Now the hardest part is choosing which lens: 35f1.4, 40f1.4, or 50f1.5. Each lens is different and has it's own advantages and specifics when it comes to sharpness, distortion, vignetting, bokeh, angle view, etc....
 
HBennis said:
After going through all the comments and few websites, I have decided to go with a Voigtlander Nokton MF lens.

Now the hardest part is choosing which lens: 35f1.4, 40f1.4, or 50f1.5. Each lens is different and has it's own advantages and specifics when it comes to sharpness, distortion, vignetting, bokeh, angle view, etc....
Click to expand...
I think a good idea is to decide what focal length you are interested in. For me a fast and versatile prime is in the range of 30-35mm. Other photographers prefer something else. It seems not very wise to decide for a brand name before knowing what lens you want?

Jonas
 
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