Which lens would you match with a RD1s?

[20Babies]

I have an option to get a Nokton 50 f1.1, f1.5 or Heliar 50 f2 for my RD1s.
But after doing an extensive research on them, i am still undecisive on which is a better lens for me. I like nice creamy bokeh, sharp and good contrast pics.

Would anyone with those lenses, please place your vote on which is a better lens, reasons behnd your vote and post some pics, taken by the lenses.

With this results, i will make my decision.

Thanks in advance.

 

[chiif]

I think the decision is easy if the $$$ is out of the picture.

50/f1.1 is an exceptional sharp lens even wide open, hence you can imagine the performance if it stops down to f1.5 & f2.

As for "creamy bokeh" it's really subjective. Some people will use the word hash to describe some "bokeh" but to some people it's OK.

Hope that helps!

Good luck!

 

[0bli0]

50mm is quite long on the rd1(s) - 75mm equiv FoV. i have used quite a few 50's on my rd1 before i permanently loaned it to a good friend in the UK. i have had all three lenses and still have both of the noktons. i have not, however, had an opportunity to try the 1.1 on the rd1 body, so i can't comment on whether it blocks the viewfinder/rangefinder. i am guessing it will slightly.

because the nokton 1.1 is *very* sharp and the transition from in focus to OOF is very smooth, a lot of people find its rendering somewhat clinical/sterile. in other words it seems to lack any discernible character (such as Noctilux, Summilux, Canon .95 or 1.2, or even the jupiter 8, etc.) which many find a bit of a put off. it still has a razor thin DOF on a full frame body. if you were to get it, i would *highly* recommend a 1.33 magnifier to compensate for the short effective base length.

the heliar has a nice character even with the rd1's crop factor. it's also a nice compact comfortable lens - just don't forget to open it... i actually miss this lens quite a bit. OOF areas render beautifully. it has nice contrast without being too much so (like nokton 40mm). it's great for both film and digital.

the nokton 1.5 is a bit 'bulky' compared to the heliar or other smaller 50's. it's OOF rendering is nice, however avoid a bunch of straight lines in the background, such as branches. it gets a bit 'swirly' when they're in the OOF area.

i highly recommend you first decide if 50 is the right focal length for you. i used 35mm far more than 50 on the rd1s body, and 50mm is my favourite rangefinder FL... my choice of the three listed would be the Heliar. i haven't tried the new version, but it looks like it is the same as the slightly older classic / 250 yea like i had. or you might also look look at the zeiss planar, which is a fantastic lens on this body. good luck and happy hunting! you'll probably end up with a few 50mm lenses anyway...

edit - i should probably point out - i do have the 1.1 on my m8 as my walk around lens and alternate between it and the nokton 35 1.2.

 

[bene123]

Zeiss planar 50/2 is good too. Leica non asph level of sharpness. But isn't it a little long? how about getting a 35mm instead. I use the F1.1. very happy for low light. If you like creamy and hi contrast go for the Zeiss. agree with obolio get a 35 for RD1s.

I recommend Zeiss - 35/2 and 35/2.8. Price gap under 100. Compact go for 2.8 and anti flare. 35/2 is bigger like the lux.
but the extra stop make a difference =)

Using the 1.1 and 1.2 cos I need the large aperture and lower contrast.

 

[20Babies]

i already have a Nokton 35 1.2.
Just want to try it with a 50mm.

I have even thought of Zeiss Sonnar 50mm, but read that it has some focus shift problem.
So far, the poll stands towards 1.1