[quote name='Guly88' timestamp='1304026103' post='7967']
what do u mean when you say that sometimes the bokeh is harsh? so, do you think it would be a good choice or I better go for the 35mm?
[/quote]
From the samples I have seen I'd say the bokeh of the 35/1.4 isn't any better. Both are not really stellar in this regard. That's part of the price you pay for the small size.
However, I must admit that I don't know of any alternatives in this focal range that deliver better bokeh. At least not in this price class (the Leica Summilux certainly has better bokeh) or with the same maximum aperture (otherwise I'd recommend the Zeiss 35/2.8). The Voigtländer Nokton isn't all that great in this regard either (and apart from that it's HUGE).
Talking about Zeiss: Klaus already mentioned that the Contax adapter is a bit of a hazzle. So, instead of the Contax G 21 I'd consider the Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 instead. And there are also quite a few more tele options. There's the latest generation Leica Elmarit 90/2.8 (which unfortunately increased in price again on the used market) and also a 90/2.8 Hexanon (certainly the smallest fast 90mm lens I have found so far). The older Leica Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8 lenses are quite affordable, but also noticeably softer.
If you consider a 75mm lens instead, take a look at the new Heliar 75/1.8 which Klaus has already mentioned. It's quite big though (for a 75mm lens). The previous and now discontinued Color Heliar 75/2.5 is also an attractive option and can often be found used for prices around 200 EUR.
Finally, since you mentioned the 50mm Heliar Classic: it's a nice looking lens ... and that's about it. Optically it's unimpressive (not bad, but not stellar either, there are lots of better Fifties out there), its MFD is 1m (which is probably less of a problem on a NEX than it is on the Leica M) and mechanically it has some issues. Not regarding build quality (which is great), but the aperture ring is rather stiff so each time you adjust the aperture, you also change the focus setting. In addition, there is only one set of aperture markings, which point downwards for most focus settings. So, except when the lens is set to or at least close to infinity, you cannot see which aperture currently is selected.
Finally: please note that I don't own a NEX and all my experiences I have with the lenses mentioned here are from using them on the M9.
Out of curiosity: do you plan to purchase native E-mount lenses, too?
-- Markus
what do u mean when you say that sometimes the bokeh is harsh? so, do you think it would be a good choice or I better go for the 35mm?
[/quote]
From the samples I have seen I'd say the bokeh of the 35/1.4 isn't any better. Both are not really stellar in this regard. That's part of the price you pay for the small size.
However, I must admit that I don't know of any alternatives in this focal range that deliver better bokeh. At least not in this price class (the Leica Summilux certainly has better bokeh) or with the same maximum aperture (otherwise I'd recommend the Zeiss 35/2.8). The Voigtländer Nokton isn't all that great in this regard either (and apart from that it's HUGE).
Talking about Zeiss: Klaus already mentioned that the Contax adapter is a bit of a hazzle. So, instead of the Contax G 21 I'd consider the Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 instead. And there are also quite a few more tele options. There's the latest generation Leica Elmarit 90/2.8 (which unfortunately increased in price again on the used market) and also a 90/2.8 Hexanon (certainly the smallest fast 90mm lens I have found so far). The older Leica Tele-Elmarit 90/2.8 lenses are quite affordable, but also noticeably softer.
If you consider a 75mm lens instead, take a look at the new Heliar 75/1.8 which Klaus has already mentioned. It's quite big though (for a 75mm lens). The previous and now discontinued Color Heliar 75/2.5 is also an attractive option and can often be found used for prices around 200 EUR.
Finally, since you mentioned the 50mm Heliar Classic: it's a nice looking lens ... and that's about it. Optically it's unimpressive (not bad, but not stellar either, there are lots of better Fifties out there), its MFD is 1m (which is probably less of a problem on a NEX than it is on the Leica M) and mechanically it has some issues. Not regarding build quality (which is great), but the aperture ring is rather stiff so each time you adjust the aperture, you also change the focus setting. In addition, there is only one set of aperture markings, which point downwards for most focus settings. So, except when the lens is set to or at least close to infinity, you cannot see which aperture currently is selected.
Finally: please note that I don't own a NEX and all my experiences I have with the lenses mentioned here are from using them on the M9.
Out of curiosity: do you plan to purchase native E-mount lenses, too?
-- Markus
Editor
opticallimits.com
opticallimits.com