Firstly, the latest and the better generation of fifties - Minolta MD. Not a Rokkor - it should be plain MD, aka Minolta New MD, Minolta MD III etc.

Secondary, 5 lenses detailed reviewed in this line:

Minolta MD 50mm F1.2

Minolta MD 50mm F1.4

Minolta MD 50mm F1.7

Minolta MD 50mm F2.0

Minolta MD 50mm F3.5 MACRO - still hasn't special review

Finally: All Minolta MD 50mm lenses comparison

And one more: Minolta MC 58mm F1.2 bokeh legend vs. underrated fresh blood Minolta MD 50mm F1.2

Specs:

• Min focus distance - 25 cm
• 1:4.6x maximum magnification
• 82mm filters diameter
• Two Mounts: ZE (for Canon), ZF.2 (for Nikon)
• Weights - 1225 g (ZE), 1171 g (ZF.2)
• $2399 at
  • https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1366288-REG/zeiss_2096_550_milvus_25mm_f_1_4_zf_2.html

Ive done quite a bit of research on the f2.8 version and really like some of the images it produces on the GH2, will this f3.5 version be considerably bad compared?

The few posts I've found online have said its nowhere near as good as the f2.8 and on this lens survey site: http://www.photozone.de/active/survey/querylenstxt.jsp?filter=%22brand='Minolta%20MD'%22 it shows quite low ratings compared to the f2.8 model and mentions a 'slightly warm' colour balance.

Just wondering if anyone has had personal experience with this lens and if its worth selling it on and getting the 2.8 instead? (they are practically the same price on UK eBay for both versions) or just sticking with it?

I guess il just test it out myself when it arrives and find out... but would like to get a few opinions on this lens before it does, If anyone has any. I've had no experience with minolta lenses Id just seen the video samples people was getting from the same setup as id ordered and researched the 28mm f2.8 only.

Also as a last thing if it helps: The lens is the last MD version produced by Minolta (quite sure anyway, might be wrong!) and has no 'W.Rokkor' stamped on the front like a lot of them do, not sure if that makes a difference. Here are some images of the exact lens I've ordered: http://addieleman.smugmug.com/Lenses/Minolta/MD-28mm-135/i-K4nT78V

If anyone can share any info id be very grateful!

Specs:

• 14 lenses in 12 groups
• F2.8-F22 aperture
• 28cm minimum focus distance
• 82mm filter size
• Nine blades diaphragm
• 89 x 92 mm
• 560g

I can't find it Tokina website yet.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1084644-REG/tokina_at_x_11_20mm_f_2_8_pro.html

Specs

• 10 elements 9 groups (includes 3 aspherical , 2ED elements)
• Min aperture - F22
• Filter - Φ52mm
• Number of blades - 7
• Focus range - 13cm- ∞ (Wide) and 35cm- ∞ (Telephoto)
• Size - Φ62.6mm x 65.2mm (Wide)

• 135g

• Product page - http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/fujinon_lens_xc15-45mmf35_56_ois_pz/

• Video oriented
• Silent STM focus motor
• Very good MTF
• Usual Canon high price :-)
• Release - May to August 2018

Specs

• 28 mm
• F1.4 – F16
• 16 elements in 13 groups
• 0.3 m– infinity focus range
• Focuses from 0.15m
• Rotation angle of focus ring - 120°
• Filter thread M95
• Camera mounts - EF-mount (ZE), F-mount (ZF.2)

Available at:

• Nikon - https://www.amazon.com/Zeiss-Distagon-Otus-28mm-Nikon/dp/B018WPZOUK/
• Canon - https://www.amazon.com/Zeiss-Distagon-Otus-ZE-Canon/dp/B018WPZNOC/

__

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Olympus 12mm, Volt 25mm and the Olympus 45mm.

There's 3 lenses I have my eye on (within my budget);

The Samyang 85mm 1.4 Nikon mount. Cheap, sharp but is it a good choice for FF?

The Zeiss Planar T* 85mm f/1.4 ZF Nikon Mount. Expensive but worth it with image quality and i heard its great for FF. But would the GH2 support its weight? I would love to build a nice set of Zeiss lenses to last me for years.

Then there's the not yet released Olympus 75mm 1.8 lens, which i believe is coming soon. I own the 12mm and 45mm which are awesome bits of glass but i fear they are not up to a task of shoot a movie because you can't use a FF kit with them. Is that true? Will that be the same issue with the 75mm? And it i upgrade to a new camera system, i can't see any future of being able to use these bad boys expect for maybe on the BMC cam or a AF200.

Should i stick with Olympus for the moment? Or should I slowing be upgrading to Zeiss and future proofing myself?

Cheers Aaron

• 12 elements in 9 groups, 2 aspherical lenses, one UHR
• 200 g
• Price - about $299

Previews:

• PR - http://www.dpreview.com/news/2012/07/18/Panasonic-announces-Lumix-G-X-Vario-45-150mm-F4-0-5-6-ASPH-Mega-OIS-zoom-lens-for-micro-four-thirds
• http://www.photographyblog.com/news/panasonic_45-150mm_f_4-5.6_hands-on_photos/
• http://www.fotointern.ch/archiv/2012/07/18/zuwachs-beim-panasonic-g-system-lumix-g5-und-zwei-objektive/
• http://photoscala.de/Artikel/Lumix-G-Vario-4-5645-150-mm-ASPH-MEGA-OIS

Samples:

• http://www.ephotozine.com/article/panasonic-lumix-vario-45-150mm-sample-photos-19712

Available at:

• http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PANASONIC-LUMIX-G-VARIO-45-150mm-F-4-5-6-SILVER-4-G5-GX1-GF5-GH2-G3-/350689041269

* http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-45-150mm-f4-0-5-6-O-i-s-H-fs45150-k/dp/B0091BC5IE/

But between 45mm and 75mm there is a huge gap, so a 60mm 1.7 or 1.8 lens would be very welcome, very useful for portraits and face closups.

Specifications

• Construction - 23 lenses in 17 groups
• New image stabilization system. Up to 5 stops making it best in class.
• Three stabilization correction modes including panning-only mode.
• Special lens coating to eliminate scratches
• Dustproof and waterproof construction
• Electromagnetic diaphragm adjustment
• Teleconverter compatible
• Works with TAP-in console
• Minimum shooting distance is 0.95 m
• Filter diameter is 77 mm
• Maximum diameter × length - 88 mm × 191.3 mm
• Weight - 1,485 g
• Available in Canon and Nikon mounts
• $1,299 at https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1317272-REG/tamron_afa025n_700_sp_70_200mm_f_2_8_di.html

Specs

• 6 elements in 5 groups
• 9-blade aperture
• Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Sony E Mounts
• F1.2-F16 aperture
• Min focus distance - 0.35m
• 150g
• 36mm length
• $145
• Available at
  • Canon M - https://www.amazon.com/Factory-Direct-7artisans-35mm-F1-2/dp/B078N68P9N/
  • Sony E - https://www.amazon.com/Factory-Direct-7artisans-35mm-F1-2/dp/B078N3L7MR/
  • Fuji X - https://www.amazon.com/Factory-Direct-7artisans-35mm-F1-2/dp/B078N2Y8WL/

• Aperture - F3.5-22
• 16 elements in 11 groups / 2 aspherical elements
• Minimum Focus Distance - 0.2m
• Filter thread - 82mm
• Tilt movement - +/-8°; rotates 90° relative to shift movement
• Shift movement - +/-12mm; rotates +/- 90° relative to lens mount
• Works even on FF cameras

Price: from $949

Available:

• http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313&_nkw=Tilt-Shift+Rokinon&_sacat=0&_from=R40
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Tilt_Shift_24mm_f_3_5_ED_AS_UMC_Lens/Ntt/Tilt-Shift+24mm+f+3.5+ED+AS+UMC+Lens/N/0/SID/NZ042713Roki24TS
• http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/samyang_24mm_tilt_shift/Ntt/samyang+24mm+tilt-shift/N/0/SID/NZ042713Samy24TS

Leica M, Canon EF, Nikon F, M42, Sony-E, Fuji-X, Micro-Four Thirds, Pentax-K, Fuji's GFX mounts

Note: Price and availability are unknown at the moment.

Lens Features:

1. 4x ultra-telephoto zoom lens with a focal length range of 150mm to 600mm The focal length range of this lens was extended by 50mm on the wide-angle side and 100mm on the telephoto side compared to the existing model (Model A08), making it possible to take even more striking photographs of birds, wildlife, sports, and other distant subjects. Mounted on APS-C DSLR cameras, it has a stunning equivalent focal length range of 233mm to 930mm, almost to 1000mm.

2. World class image quality
   Employing 20 elements in 13 groups and boasting an advanced optical design, it delivers a superior balance of resolution and contrast for sharp, clear images. The front group contains three LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements (two in the first group, one in the third) for enhanced optical correction effectiveness, enabling the lens to thoroughly compensate for on-axis aberrations at the telephoto end.
   The lens also adopts eBAND Coating, developed from state-of-the-art coating technologies, and conventional BBAR(Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) Coating to greatly suppress ghosting and flare even when shooting under adverse lighting conditions.

3. Achieves a 600mm focal length in a compact easy-to-handle package
   Ingenious optical design features minimize the movement of lens groups within the lens when zooming. This reduces the amount of barrel extension needed to cover the complete focusing range, making the entire lens more compact.

4. Beautiful background blur effects
   Adopting a 9 blade circular diaphragm enables users to create beautiful background blur effects (bokeh), which provide even greater potential for creative expression. This circular diaphragm retains a nearly circular shape even at two stops down from its maximum aperture.

5. Vibration Compensation
   Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization system uses a three-coil system, delivering significantly sharper images and creating greater opportunities for handheld ultra-telephoto photography.

6. Comfortable autofocus
   Tamron’s new SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD features a USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) ultrasonic motor drive*³ for swift and accurate AF response, it delivers high torque, very fast response times, and very low noise. The full-time manual focus mechanism allows users to make fine manual focus adjustments at any time even when AF is engaged.

7. New elegant, high-class external finish
   Tamron has upgraded the cosmetic design and finish of this lens to create a more sophisticated, high-end look in keeping with the demands of discerning full-frame DSLR users.
   Employing a sophisticated linear pattern rubber grip on the zoom and focus rings and an attractive and stylish tungsten silver name-brand ring, this newly designed model accentuates its visceral presence with understated elegance and class.

8. Easy-to-use tripod mount
   The tripod mount has been completely redesigned to provide superior stability, durability, ease of use, and portability.

9. Comes with "SILKYPIX Developer Studio for Tamron", RAW image development processing software for Tamron’s SP lenses

Specs:

• Focal length - 85 mm
• Aperture - F1.4 – F16
• Focusing range = 0,8m – ∞
• 11 elements in 9 groups
• Filter thread - M86 x 1.00
• Dimensions (with caps) ZF.2: 138 mm (5.43‘‘)
• Weight ZF.2: 1140g ZE: 1200g
• Camera mounts - F Mount (ZF.2) and EF Mount (ZE)

The Otus 1.4/85 will be available worldwide with the F-mount (ZF.2) or EF-mount (ZE) from mid-September. The expected recommended retail price is €3,360.50* or US$ 4,490* (excl. VAT).

Available at

• Nikon - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1077282-REG/zeiss_2040_293_otus_apo_planar_85mm.html
• Canon - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1077281-REG/zeiss_2040_292_otus_apo_planar_85mm.html

Specs

• 18 elements in 14 groups, 3 aspherical HR lenses, 1 ED, 2 low dispersion lenses.
• manual focus
• designed for 8K video and 50Mpix photo sensors
• min focusing - 0.28m
• 9 pieces circular aperture
• 800g
• 109.4mm Long, 95mm diameter
• Canon EF, Nikon F and Sony E mounts
• Zeiss like design and performance

More info - http://www.samyanglensglobal.com/product/detail.do?SQ=52

Again very affordable $9,595 lens from Leica.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. 'LHSA': Special Edition to Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of 'The International Leica Society' (LHSA) Wetzlar, 30 November 2017 – For the past 50 years, ‘The International Leica Society’ (LHSA) has dedicated itself to researching the history of Leica and the use of the company’s products. The beginning of the celebration of the 50th anniversary in 2018 will be marked by the launch of a special edition of the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. produced especially for the occasion. The appearance of the lens is reminiscent of the Summicron 50 mm f/2 from 1954. The special edition thus unites the outstanding imaging performance of the current lens—which was the first to be able to fully exploit the contrast and resolution offered by modern digital cameras—with the look of the nineteen-fifties.

Depending on the choice of colour of the ‘LHSA’ special edition, the outer brass elements of the lens are finished either in black paint or in silver chrome. This also applies to the separate lens hood in the style of the nineteen-fifties that is also made of brass. While the engravings of the distance scale in feet are picked out in red on both versions, the other engravings vary in colour depending on the version of the lens selected: these are in white on the black paint version and black in the case of the silver chrome option. The special serial number is engraved on the aperture ring and is picked out in black on the silver chrome version and is not coloured on the black paint lens. Further engravings are found on the bayonet ring: ‘MADE IN GERMANY’ and the LHSA Logo—both of which are not picked out in colour.

The cordial collaboration between Leica and the LHSA has a long tradition and has already been the source of a number of special editions in the past. These include, for example, a set comprising a silver chrome Leica M6 and three Summicron-M lenses of different focal lengths produced in 1993 and a Leica MP from 2003 finished in a special hammertone lacquer.

The LHSA special edition of the APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. is strictly limited to 500 examples, 300 in black paint finish and 200 in silver chrome. Both versions will be supplied together with a certificate of authenticity in particularly high-quality packaging and will be available from 4 December 2017.

Made for Leica and Sony E mount.

Price around 58,860 yen for Sony version.

Specs

• 11 group 16 sheets, 2 UD lenses, 3 aspherical lens
• SWC, ASC, fluorine coating
• 9 blades aperture
• Ring type USM focus drive
• Improved AF speed
• Full-time manual focus
• Weather sealing
• Minimum focusing distance is 0.28m
• Maximum photographic magnification is 0.25x
• Filter diameter is 82mm
• The maximum diameter × length - 88.5 x 127.5 mm
• Lens Hood: EW-88D
• 790g
• $2,199 US price, preorder at https://www.amazon.com/Canon-EF-16-35mm-III-USM/dp/B01KURGS8U/

Spec

• 20 elements in 16 groups
• Vibration Reduction
• F2.8-F22
• 9 blades
• 1070 g
• $2399.95, preorder at http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1175033-REG/nikon_af_s_nikkor_24_70mm_f_2_8e.html
• Available in August

Samples

• http://www.nikon-asia.com/en_Asia/product/nikkor-lenses/fx-format/zoom/normal-zoom/af-s-nikkor-24-70mm-f-2-8e-ed-vr#photo_video_gallery
• http://www.nikon-image.com/products/lens/nikkor/af-s_nikkor_24-70mm_f28e_ed_vr/sample.html

PR

Look into the bag of nearly any Nikon-wielding pro and you will find Nikon’s iconic 24-70mm f/2.8, and with good reason; this lens’ versatility and image quality has made it an essential workhorse lens for every type of shooter. The new AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR improves upon its respected predecessor in nearly every aspect, adding the best Nikon lens technologies to create an essential optic. An exciting evolution to come to this lens is the much-anticipated addition of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization technology. With up to four stops of image stabilization*, the new 24-70mm f/2.8 VR is ready to tackle the challenging light of a wedding ceremony or on-the-spot news, while Tripod Mode helps to banish blur for landscape shooters. VR is also a huge benefit to filmmakers shooting handheld or on a rig who already appreciate the lens’ depth-of-field control and precise sharpness.

The new NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8 utilizes Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture control, which allows for consistent exposures during high speed bursts of shooting. This lens also improves upon image quality with new optical construction to provide clarity and consistently sharp images, and is ideal for capturing portraits, landscapes and weddings. For nearly any assignment in any kind of light, the combination of a fast f/2.8 constant maximum aperture and useful zoom range make this lens the choice of many professionals. A first for NIKKOR lenses, a new Aspherical Extra-Low Dispersion (ASP/ED) element is paired with traditional aspherical, ED and High-Refractive Index (HRI) elements for a thrilling new level of optical precision. Photos and videos take on a beautiful balance of sharpness and subtle blur effects, virtually free of flare, ghosting, coma and chromatic aberration throughout the frame. Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat is also employed to further reduce instances of ghosting and flare.

The new lens construction enhances durability and image quality, while retaining the overall balance and handling that made this a favorite of photographers in the first place. The lens is sealed and gasketed against the elements, and now features a fluorine coating on the front and rear element to make it easier to remove dirt, moisture and smudges from the lens surface. The optical formula consists of 20 elements in 16 groups, while a 9-blade diaphragm helps to create a pleasing, natural out of focus area with beautiful bokeh. Additionally, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR features a new filter diameter of 82mm and will accept the new Nikon CPL2 Circular Polarizer and 82mm NC (Neutral Color) filters.

I have read that this effect is achieved with optics with a number of odd knives. But not all have such a level, with my PanaLeica 25mm 1.4 I need to close to F7+ with what I have less light input and feel the difference.

Thanks.

Available for $2796 at https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-70-200mm-2-8E/dp/B01M4L36RJ/

Key features:

• Uses fluorite and High Refractive Index (HRI) lens elements, made from magnesium-alloy so it is lighter weight compared to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II.
• Anti-dust and waterdrop-resistant structure with which all moving parts of the lens barrel are sealed against dust and water droplets.
• Exclusive fluorine coat has been applied to the external surface of the front lens element. Durable fluorine coat effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt, and has superior anti-reflection characteristics that contribute to the capture of clear images.
• Superior resolution, all the way to the edges of the frame, throughout the entire zoom range.
• Nano Crystal Coat adopted for its superior anti-reflection effects and effective reduction of ghost and flare for sharp, clear images.
• Vibration Reduction (VR) function optimized for sports photography with built-in SPORT mode, which is also effective with movie recording. VR performance immediately after the camera is turned on has been greatly increased compared to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. In NORMAL mode, the VR function provides an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops* faster with measurement in accordance with CIPA standards. With the employment of a newly developed algorithm, barrel vibration transmitted to the hands and sound caused when the AF drive starts/stops are remarkably reduced and suppressed.
• AF tracking performance for subjects with unpredictable movement, including those whose speed of movement changes and those that move quickly toward the camera, has been increased.
• Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism enables stable exposure control, even with high-speed continuous shooting.
• Compared to the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, minimum focus distance throughout the entire zoom range is reduced from 1.4 m to 1.1 m, and maximum reproduction ratio increased from 0.11x to 0.21x.
• Positioning of the zoom ring near the front of the lens and the focus ring closer to the mount ensures a better grip when shooting.
• Four focus function buttons that enable quick and certain focusing are positioned so that they are readily accessible regardless of shooting orientation (horizontal or vertical).
• Extremely durable bearings adopted for the tripod collar ring, enabling quick and smooth switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientation.

PR

Today, Nikon Inc. has announced two exciting FX-format additions to the storied NIKKOR lens lineup, designed to achieve amazing optical performance for the most demanding professional and enthusiast photographers. An evolution of one of Nikon’s most versatile and popular pro-zoom lenses, the newly redesigned AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sports an updated optical formula capable of amazing image quality.

“Nikon continues to raise the bar of optical excellence, and our newest FX-format NIKKOR offerings provide experienced photographers with powerful tools to help ensure brilliantly sharp images, whether capturing a high-speed photo finish or creatively framing an architectural marvel,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “While the new AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR builds upon the success of its predecessors to offer a true all-around NIKKOR optic.”

The Ultimate Workhorse Lens for Seasoned Photographers

Long considered an essential lens in the bag of professional photographers, this updated AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR sets a new benchmark for fast telephoto zoom lenses, taking image quality and handling to the next level. An indispensable and powerful tool for nearly any photographic scenario, the NIKKOR 70-200mm remains the professional’s choice with a wide f/2.8 constant aperture that is ideal for capturing sports, weddings, stunning portraits and more, even in low-light.

The next generation design of the lens helps ensure the very best in image quality, speed and low-light performance, while offering balance and handling that is nothing short of superb. Nikon’s new 70-200mm provides up to four stops1 of Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, an improvement from its predecessor that helps users to eliminate blur and camera shake even when shooting handheld or in challenging light. During burst shooting, the lens takes advantage of an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent auto-exposure control. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-fast and quiet AF operation with seamless manual focus override. Discerning photographers will also appreciate assignable function buttons on the lens barrel that offer customization, perfect for engaging pre-set autofocus or other focusing options.

A new optical formula consisting of six ED elements, one Fluorite element, a high refractive element and Nano Crystal Coat helps make for a lighter and more versatile lens, while reducing chromatic aberration and helping to all but eliminate distortion, ghosting and flare. Ready for even the most rugged of assignments, the magnesium alloy lens barrel features superior weather-sealing that achieves anti-dust and waterdrop-resistance, while Fluorine coating on both the front and rear glass facilitates easy cleaning. Whether shooting with a camera like the Nikon D5, D810, D750 or D500, capturing sports or weddings, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a fantastic lens choice for experienced photographers.

The new Venus 60mm f/2.8 Macro lens features a magnification range from 0.1x to 2x. Users could easily alter the magnification ratio without installing any extension tube or teleconverter, making it ideally suited for rapidly changing macro photography scenarios. This wide magnification range also makes it extremely useful for shooting macro objects (e.g. insects) with different sizes. Moreover, the lens is also designed for normal shooting purposes with a 60mm focal length, which provides an all-in-one solution for normal portrait shooting as well as ultra-macro photography.

The lens houses with 9 elements in 7 groups patented optical structure to provide great deal of image clarity and color renderness. The optical system consists of 2 major moving lenses groups in order to minimize the barrel distortion. 14 pieces of aperture blades form a close-to-circular aperture, capable of creating creamy shallow depth of view. The enclosure of the lens is made of metal to strengthen its durability. A complimentary lens pouch and filter are included in the package. Canon EF, Nikon F, Sony Alpha and Pentax K mount are available.

http://www.venuslens.net/#tab-2

Lens has extreme aberrations due to very bad manual design.

https://us.leica-camera.com/Photography/Leica-M/M-Lenses/THAMBAR-M-90-f-2.2