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Comparing compact 85mm lenses

robin0112358

robin0112358

Well-Known Member
I have just compared three compact lenses with focal length around 85mm. The native Panasonic Lumix option is provided as foil. In the test:
  • Olympus OM-SYSTEM Zuiko AUTO-T 85mm 1:2 (1979)
  • Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 2.8/85 (1975)
  • smc Pentax-FA 1:1.8 77mm Limited (1999)
I already have detailed articles on the Olympus and Zeiss, but this is the first time I've put them head to head. This comparison will be useful to anyone who seeks excellent ergonomics and stellar rendering in a compact form factor.
 
I wish I'd bought more 85mm lenses when I was just starting out in vintage lenses a little over a decade ago - the prices have roughly doubled since then and the only one I own is the Pentax M 85/2, which has really good rendering but wide open isn't sharp and suffers from considerable blue fringing which doesn't really disappear until around f/4. One of the Takumars would be nice to have.
 
Jonathan-Mac said:
I wish I'd bought more 85mm lenses when I was just starting out in vintage lenses a little over a decade ago - the prices have roughly doubled since then and the only one I own is the Pentax M 85/2, which has really good rendering but wide open isn't sharp and suffers from considerable blue fringing which doesn't really disappear until around f/4. One of the Takumars would be nice to have.
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The prices can be a bit crazy. I also don't own any Pentax 85mm lenses.... since I got the FA77 first. The honking big glass then seems redundant.

But I can't say enough good things about the Zeiss Sonnar 85mm. For €300 you get a small, ergonomically perfect lens which is usable from f/2.8. These days people are obsessed with sub f/2 lenses but at this focal length I prefer something to be in focus!
 
I also have the 85/2.. somewhere. I have too many bags and pockets and haven't seen it for a few months!! It's the same size as their 50/1.4 so at times it's been hiding in plain sight.
 
cascadian said:
I also have the 85/2.. somewhere. I have too many bags and pockets and haven't seen it for a few months!! It's the same size as their 50/1.4 so at times it's been hiding in plain sight.
Click to expand...

Ha! Perhaps it's hanging out with your Safari camouflage Leica...
 
Not sure about that Leica, but I am forced to admit that recent images from the 85 have not lived up to expectations
 
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