04-01-2014, 12:00 PM
I like to have the best tool for the job. Most of the time for me that is AF, AF and more AF. But there are also times when MF makes better sense. If there is no time pressure at all, I like to use magnified live view to absolutely nail the focus (particularly for sallow depth of field work). So lenses are designed as compromises between AF speed and MF performance, at least in the DSLR range. Long focus throw means slow AF. I don't think anyone has found a great way around that yet.
Particularly when moving into mirrorless it gets even more complicated. I'm really not a fan of focus by wire as it doesn't feel right. Even worse if it is speed adaptive. So I'd almost regard those lenses as AF use only.
If modern made MF lenses are your thing I guess there are two obvious general providers: Samyang and Zeiss. Obviously not in the same market niche! Is there much lacking in MF optimised lenses that can't be met between them and a few other smaller players?
Particularly when moving into mirrorless it gets even more complicated. I'm really not a fan of focus by wire as it doesn't feel right. Even worse if it is speed adaptive. So I'd almost regard those lenses as AF use only.
If modern made MF lenses are your thing I guess there are two obvious general providers: Samyang and Zeiss. Obviously not in the same market niche! Is there much lacking in MF optimised lenses that can't be met between them and a few other smaller players?
<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.