conurus

luministe · Joined: 15 Nov 2008 Posts: 3

Hi,
As a reference point, I am become addicted to the 100mm Macro. I am now considering the 50mm F1.4 since Bo-Ming is now offering the conversion . I have tried the Canon 50mm F1.2, it's a fantastic lens when you are able to get a perfect focus which is not often. The image quality of Canon 50mm F1.4 is less than the F1.2 Flare and CA are really a problem.
A long story short:
1. Is the Contax 50mm F1.4 much better than the Canon 50mm lens and the New Carl Zeiss ZE?
2. Does it compare to the 100mm?
3. Does it have Flare and CA problems?
Could one offer their experiences with the 50mm F1.4?
Thank you for your time,

conurus · Posted: Sun Mar 08, 2009 7:19 pm Post subject:

1, I don't have the Canon or the ZE, hope other members would fill in on this one...
2, The Makro-Sonnar 100/2.8 is sharper, but the Planar 50/1.4 is close. The N Planar 50/1.4 is probably the second sharpest of the 9 lenses in the Contax N line-up.
3, I am able to get it to flare a couple of times - so I guess it means you must use a hood. CA is the most impressive aspect of the N Planar 50/1.4, in my opinion. There is none whatsoever, not even at f/1.4, not even longitudinal CA (CA in out of focus areas)

luministe · Joined: 15 Nov 2008 Posts: 3

Thank you Bo-Ming, that's exactly the information I was looking for. I cant express how I am pleased with the 100. It was a leap of faith and it paid of big time. I will now be looking for a Contax N 50 F1.4

Thank you for your workmanship and excellent service!

Tom Berkowski · Joined: 16 Sep 2008 Posts: 13

If you're looking for a 50 1.4, KEH has one LN- left for $430. (They had two, but I bought one & sent in for conversion.)

http://www.keh.com/OnLineStore/ProductList.aspx?Mode=searchproducts&item=0&ActivateTOC2=false&ID=&Size=&BC=CN&BCC=1&CC=6&CCC=2&BCL=&GBC=&GCC=&KW=50