Legacy FD macro lens comparison

[BradJudy]

I did a quick round of comparison shots with four different FD macro lenses (three true macro lenses and one regular with close up filters) shooting one bit of one of my "new" cameras (bonus points for guessing the camera).

The lenses are Vivitar 55mm Macro 2.8, Canon 50mm Macro 3.5 (with extension tube for 1:1), Canon 50mm 1.8 with stacked +4 and +2 diopter close-up filters, and Vivitar 90mm Macro 2.8.

Vivitar 55mm Macro at f16:





Vivitar 55mm Macro at f2.8:





Canon 50mm Macro at f16:





Canon 50mm Macro at f3.5:





Canon 50mm with close up filters at f16:





Canon 50mm with close up filters at f2.8:





Vivitar 90mm Macro at f16 (pulled back to get closer to the other images):





Vivitar 90mm Macro at f2.8 (pulled back to get closer to the other images):





Vivitar 90mm Macro at f16 (as close as it can get):





Vivitar 90mm Macro at f2.8 (as close as it can get):

 

[ashatron]

Fantastic information! very helpful indeed

However can i ask you post a normal photo of the object you were shooting to get an idea of how close up these photos really are?
perhaps with a coin in the shot for reference?

Thanks again, a very helpful set fo pics

 

[BradJudy]

I can post a full image tonight, and measure the knob in the photos to gives a reference comparison. I also forgot to try my other close-up lens option - a reversing ring for the regular Canon 50mm. It's not as flexible as a true macro, but it's a cheap option for those who already have a regular lens.

 

[rfpaula]

Thank you!
--
Ricardo

 

[phototransformations]

From these shots, it appears that the Canon macro lens and Vivitar 90 macro lens give superior results, but it's hard to say from this sampling. What's your impression, in general? Also, it would be interesting to see comparison shots where fringing is likely to be an issue (dark object against bright background), as this is the main thing that steered me away from close-up lenses and on to a true macro lens.

 

[BradJudy]

From these shots, it appears that the Canon macro lens and Vivitar 90 macro lens give superior results, but it's hard to say from this sampling. What's your impression, in general? Also, it would be interesting to see comparison shots where fringing is likely to be an issue (dark object against bright background), as this is the main thing that steered me away from close-up lenses and on to a true macro lens.

The Vivitar 90mm Macro is the only one of the group I have extensive experience with. I've used it on my 35mm film gear for years and have always been happy with it. However, it's the least common of the group and I've only even seen a couple of them on eBay. Vivitar apparently did a few different 90-105mm Macro lenses in both the regular and Series 1 lines. The other versions pop up on ebay more often than the 90mm 2.8.

So far the Canon seems nice, although it loses a bit of aperture from the Vivitar 55mm (3.5 vs 2.8). The extension tube means it's bigger than the Vivitar when fully collapsed. The Canon take about one full turn to cover the full range and the Vivitar requires two full turns.

I'll see if I can do a higher contrast sample later.

 

[BradJudy]

However can i ask you post a normal photo of the object you were shooting to get an idea of how close up these photos really are?

Here's an existing picture of the item from the macro pictures:





The knob is slightly smaller in diameter than a US quarter, about the size of a one euro coin (23-24mm).

I'll try a new reference image when I get the chance.

 

[photoSmart42]

Not sure what to look for here? What are we looking for in these comparisons? Other than the different magnification and DOF (given by using different FL lenses), the photos seem very similar. Am I missing something?

 

[BradJudy]

I just posted them because I've seen multiple people asking about legacy macros and I hadn't seen anyone post photos of the same circumstances with different lenses.

I'm doing it for myself to get a better feel for which one I want to use day-to-day and to keep practicing with my new camera.

Take whatever you want from it.

 

[photoSmart42]

Take whatever you want from it.

No, that's fine, but I'm trying to figure out what we're supposed to look for in these photos. I'd like to take something from this comparison, but I'm not sure what I'm comparing. It wasn't meant as a criticism, but as an honest question of clarification. Other than the different magnification, they're the same. Is that the point of the comparison? What's your conclusion from your test?

 

[ashatron]

Thanks again Bradjudy, very nice run down, thanks a lot.

However i am struggling to gauge the size of that dial you were using as a subject, is about 3 cm across?

Think i might keep my eyes peeled for that 90mm, looks great.

as i only have the 20mm pancake for my GF1, im tempted by the vivitar 90mm - to add some focal length to my set - could I perhaps shoot other general things with this macro lens? i.e. wildlife, birds etc?

the canon 50mm f3.5 macro looks very nice and cheap and ive seen good things, but it does need an extension tube to achieve 1:1? right?

the vivatar 55mm does not need an extension tube to achieve 1:1, but if i were to add one would it increase magnification?

Hope you can help bradjudy

 

[ashatron]

Also!
does the 90mm vivatar need an extension to achieve 1:1?