I just received the FE 50/1.4 ZA this morning. After my initial decentering tests, I was happy to know that I have good copy in my hands.
I will be comparing resolution/contrast at close and infinity distances later on this thread, but for now, I wanted to focus on rendering and aberration control differences for the FE 50/1.4 ZA, FE 55/1.8 ZA and Loxia 50/2 lenses.
These comparisons were done under high contrast lighting with background foliage at close, medium and long distances. This is a stress test for these lenses. If you missed LensRentals optical bench test, check out this thread.
To start, here is the 50/1.4 at f/1.7 vs 55/1.8 at f/1.8: (The 50/1.4 does not step down to f/1.8)
New FE 50/1.4 ZA, FE 55/1.8 ZA and Loxia 50/2 lenses
Very interesting images. I found the pics of ecarlino valuable. Bokeh looked much less smooth than that of the 35/1.4, for example. A comparison to the Sigma Art 50/1.4 would be nice, too.
I just noticed that the 50/1.4ZA's out of focus rendition at f/1.7 is smoother than at f/1.4! update: turning EFCS 'off' gives smoother results at f/1.4 and high shutter speeds. - Link
See below:
(I will be posting my findings as I go. I'm just seeing these results for the first time)
Here is another example demonstrating that the 50/1.4 Planar has slightly better contrast/sharpness compared to the 55/1.8 Sonnar, but the 55/1.8's out of focus rendition is smoother. (bottom image) -- at least when the background is close to the subject. It may change when the background is at longer distances.
How about all lenses at f/2.
Can you tell the difference?
Hint: As I suspected, the new 50/1.4 rendering is very close to the Loxia when they are both at f/2. The 55/1.8 is always smoother with a bit less bite.
Fred, is it fair to assume that the rendition of the new f/1.4 lens is contrastier with more bites than that of the f/1.8 counterpart? We somehow anticipated that the f/1.4 lens' rendition would be more pleasing for portraits closer to that of the 85mm GM, at least, I did. I guess I was wrong then.
Thanks a lot for your helpful tests, Fred!
50 1.4 is great, no questions, but...Wow, 55mm 1.8 does really well, for its price/size.
I can't tell the difference.
