08-28-2010, 01:35 PM
Let me add my 2 cents worth.
Most of the areas are covered, I think, with Leica-R 60 F/2.8, Zeiss 50 F/2 MP, TS-E 45 F/2.8. One lens not mentioned yet is the 50 F/2.5 CM (Compact Macro). That last lens actually has very good bokeh, both in front of and behind the DoF zone.
I have owned one, but after obtaining the 50L it didn't really get any use anymore, as I could use that for (semi)macro as well with some tubes, with even better bokeh. The 50L comes at a price, however, and potentially focus shift problems, even though mine is fine (no more than 1/6 of DoF shift at most in the danger zone, well within AF specs).
The TS-E 45 is a great lens too in this regard, not in the least because the TS-E lenses all have incredibly good bokeh at any aperture, and the TS-E 45 is no different in this respect. Of course, tilt (and shift) in close-up photography is a very nice advantage, as you can still shoot at fairly large apertures and still maintain DoF there where you need it. Current prices on used specimens are quite favourable, and it is an excellent lens. Very sharp, great rendering, excellent bokeh. And it takes very well to extension tubes and extenders.
The Zeiss 50 F/2 is a good lens, but rather expensive, even used if you can find one. I have no real experience with it, only with the F/1.4.
The Leica is IMO ok, but not special. I own one basically because I hoped I could replace the EF-S 60 Macro with this for use on FF, but I reckon the EF-S 60 Macro is better.
If you'd want to go for a native mount Canon lens, I would recommend the TS-E 45 or Zeiss 50 F/2 if budget is large enough (and TS-E 45 would be my preference in this case), followed by either the EF-S 60 Macro (seeing you own a 7D) or the EF 50 CM, with the EF 50 CM having a distinct advantage with really good bokeh. After that, well, maybe an old Olympus or Pentax 50 mm macro lens. The Leica 60 is rather expensive, and not even considered to be all that great by Leica afficionados.
Bokeh wise I'd rate the TS-E 45 and the 50L ex aequo #1 (for your kind of application), based on pictures the Zeiss probably second, and the 50 CM and Sigma 50 F/1.4 ex aequo third, if that is of any help. From what I have seen so far, there is quite a gap next before any other lens in the good bokeh line-up. This al based on having owned, still owning, or having tested well over 30 lenses in the 40 to 60 mm FL (still own 5, TS-E 45, 50L, C/Y CZ 50 F/1.5, OM Zuiko 50 F/1.4, and Leica-R 60 F/2.8).
Kind regards, Wim
Most of the areas are covered, I think, with Leica-R 60 F/2.8, Zeiss 50 F/2 MP, TS-E 45 F/2.8. One lens not mentioned yet is the 50 F/2.5 CM (Compact Macro). That last lens actually has very good bokeh, both in front of and behind the DoF zone.
I have owned one, but after obtaining the 50L it didn't really get any use anymore, as I could use that for (semi)macro as well with some tubes, with even better bokeh. The 50L comes at a price, however, and potentially focus shift problems, even though mine is fine (no more than 1/6 of DoF shift at most in the danger zone, well within AF specs).
The TS-E 45 is a great lens too in this regard, not in the least because the TS-E lenses all have incredibly good bokeh at any aperture, and the TS-E 45 is no different in this respect. Of course, tilt (and shift) in close-up photography is a very nice advantage, as you can still shoot at fairly large apertures and still maintain DoF there where you need it. Current prices on used specimens are quite favourable, and it is an excellent lens. Very sharp, great rendering, excellent bokeh. And it takes very well to extension tubes and extenders.
The Zeiss 50 F/2 is a good lens, but rather expensive, even used if you can find one. I have no real experience with it, only with the F/1.4.
The Leica is IMO ok, but not special. I own one basically because I hoped I could replace the EF-S 60 Macro with this for use on FF, but I reckon the EF-S 60 Macro is better.
If you'd want to go for a native mount Canon lens, I would recommend the TS-E 45 or Zeiss 50 F/2 if budget is large enough (and TS-E 45 would be my preference in this case), followed by either the EF-S 60 Macro (seeing you own a 7D) or the EF 50 CM, with the EF 50 CM having a distinct advantage with really good bokeh. After that, well, maybe an old Olympus or Pentax 50 mm macro lens. The Leica 60 is rather expensive, and not even considered to be all that great by Leica afficionados.
Bokeh wise I'd rate the TS-E 45 and the 50L ex aequo #1 (for your kind of application), based on pictures the Zeiss probably second, and the 50 CM and Sigma 50 F/1.4 ex aequo third, if that is of any help. From what I have seen so far, there is quite a gap next before any other lens in the good bokeh line-up. This al based on having owned, still owning, or having tested well over 30 lenses in the 40 to 60 mm FL (still own 5, TS-E 45, 50L, C/Y CZ 50 F/1.5, OM Zuiko 50 F/1.4, and Leica-R 60 F/2.8).
Kind regards, Wim
Gear: Canon EOS R with 3 primes and 2 zooms, 4 EF-R adapters, Canon EOS 5 (analog), 9 Canon EF primes, a lone Canon EF zoom, 2 extenders, 2 converters, tubes; Olympus OM-D 1 Mk II & Pen F with 12 primes, 6 zooms, and 3 Metabones EF-MFT adapters ....
