Is there a huge difference in bokeh between the two versions? And how does this "Apodization filter" work? Is that kind of that filtered "tilt shift" exposure programs? What is Nanocoating doing to the picture?
Ooh, I missed that detail. Hadn't see this since the Sony 135 STF. Nothing to do with tilt-shift, but have you ever tried those tricks where you cut a shape and stick it in front of the lens to make the bokeh funny shapes? Imagine that with a smooth GND instead, so gradually softening the bokeh edges.
<a class="bbc_url" href="http://snowporing.deviantart.com/">dA</a> Canon 7D2, 7D, 5D2, 600D, 450D, 300D IR modified, 1D, EF-S 10-18, 15-85, EF 35/2, 85/1.8, 135/2, 70-300L, 100-400L, MP-E65, Zeiss 2/50, Sigma 150 macro, 120-300/2.8, Samyang 8mm fisheye, Olympus E-P1, Panasonic 20/1.7, Sony HX9V, Fuji X100.
Unlike the 135 STF this one can do AF.
And yes, such lenses render edges like a "ball" rather then a plain circle.
I wouldn't say that the 56mm APD is perfect regarding its bokeh but it is very nice.
Nicer than my 55mm f1.2's for sure, they ain't that smooth.
Diminishing return on investment ...