Author Topic: 85mm MF options for E-P2 (Read 1419 times)

kmier · « **on:** February 15, 2011, 01:49:49 PM »

I'm looking for about an 85mm manual focus lens to fill the range between my rokkor-x 50/1.4 and 135/2.8. I'm not too excited about the prices that the minoltas are going for in this focal length (ie: $375-$400 on eBay).

Are there other options I can look at for a little less cash? I know I'd have to buy another adapter if I veer away from minolta, bu they're pretty cheap.

Thanks in advance.
Ken

mikmas101 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:00:24 PM »

I have a nice Voigtlander 90mm f3.5 in very good condition that cost me less than $150. It's not fast but small and very sharp - LTM adapters are cheap as chips...alternatively you might look for an OM 100mm f2.8. There's one on ebay UK for $150 BIN right now....

popo · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2011, 04:03:57 PM »

Samyang 85mm f/1.4 springs to mind.

peterb666 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2011, 05:24:40 PM »

The price of those second-hand Minoltas is around the same as the Samyang 85mm f/1.4 and I believe it has had some very good reviews.

Voigtlander make some great lenses but a 90mm f/3.5 is just too slow for a portait lens even though the price is excellent. That sort of pricing indicated would be for a very old version of the lens as the latest incarnation of the 90 f/3.5 is around 4 times the figure indicated.

In that sort of focal length, there may be some f/2.8 macro lenses of around the 85mm to 105mm range, for example older Nikon lenses although I would thnk that 105mm is encroaching on the 135mm f/2.8.

Nikon do make a lovely 85mm f/1.8 or f/2 lens (depending on the vintage) - non macro of course and those may be worth persuing. Provided they are looked after, they shold always have good resale value.

inkyblue · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:27:49 AM »

I'm looking at the Samyang f1.4 myself. Looks pretty good, and I'm well impressed by what I've seen published. One question.....does anyone know how focus assist works with these lenses. I mean its activated by focus ring on the oly lenses I have, but with non autofocus lenses, and legacy ones does it work?
Thanks

popo · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:29:56 AM »

The Samyang wont have any communication to the body. You'll have to manually activate display zoom as needed.

inkyblue · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:34:30 AM »

Okay....thats all I needed to know....thanks for quick response

kmier · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2011, 04:25:29 PM »

Thanks for the input. I don't see the Samyang 85mm f1.4 with a Minolta mount (fitting my adapter). Does one exist? Certainly looks like it gets pretty strong reviews.

Ken

inkyblue · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:14:19 PM »

I think you'll have to get another adaptor, the mmf-2. Not a bad thing either....lots of bargain 14-54's popping up at the moment.

85mm MF options for E-P2