Mamiya 645 80mm Macro f4 vs Normal f2.8. Which to keep?

crumpet8 · Jan 14, 2016

Hey,

I currently have the 2.8 N but due to body upgrade am getting the f4 macro C. Does anyone have experience with both of these lenses? I shoot a lot of landscape and some portrait and product. I will have to get rid of one lens but am wondering which one... I assume they render images quite simliarly but how do they compare in terms of sharpness corner to corner etc.

Thanks in advance,

Daniel

trythis · Jan 14, 2016

You're going to have to test that for yourself but why not keep both?

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crumpet8 · Jan 14, 2016

I have to sell the other body and it's much easier to sell with a lens.

MattKing · Jan 14, 2016

They both give good performance.

The macro is larger, heavier, slower and requires 67mm filters. As yours is a "C" rather than the more modern "N" version, it will also be older.

The macro is obviously better when you are at close focus distances. Especially when your needs are for flat field performance.

At longer distances, they both perform well.

In my case, my "standard" lenses are a 55mm and 110mm pair. I added an 80mm macro for the close focus capabilities.

Alan Gales · Jan 14, 2016

I'm not into macro but I do like portraiture so I'd keep the 2.8. It all depends upon your use for the lens. 'As far as corner sharpness goes just test the lenses like trythis suggests. Sometimes there are variations in samples. You can have two exact lenses but they could be a little different in sharpness.

Alan Gales · Jan 14, 2016

crumpet8 said:
I have to sell the other body and it's much easier to sell with a lens.

Depends.

I've sold a lot of medium format cameras on Ebay. They sell well with a normal lens or without a lens. Some people want an extra body and don't need an additional normal lens. If I have a normal lens for a camera I like to sell it with a camera because I have found that normal lenses don't sell well on their own. If I were selling a camera and a macro lens I would sell them separately because they would usually bring more money that way.

Of course that is Ebay and if you are trying to sell the camera on your own to an individual your experience may be different.

Nathan King · Jan 14, 2016

I own the 80mm 2.8 and 80mm f4 macro (and 80mm 1.9). Both lenses perform extremely well, but the macro is much, much larger, heavier, and slower to use. I would keep both. If I HAD to get rid of one I'd dump the macro just because it's big and less versatile.

crumpet8 · Jan 14, 2016

Interesting thoughts. I will definitely test them soon. I will try post some shots up if anyone is interested? I think I will end up going the way of Matt King and keeping the macro in the kit, but one can always be surprised!

Kirks518 · Jan 14, 2016

Because of the reason you are 'dumping' one lens, I'd keep the macro. It's worth more as a lens, and is not what a first time buyer would be looking for, and probably would not pay the premium to have it. If someone is looking for a body and lens, they'll typically look for a fast lens. If they're coming from 35mm or digital, what they would consider a normal speed will be f/1.8, so a (psychological) jump to an f/4 as a normal lens will be a turn-off. They first have to accept that a 'normal' MF lens will be f/2.8, no less getting them to see the value in the macro f/4.

Besides, if you decide down the road you want a faster 80mm, it'll be cheaper for you to get the 2.8 over trying to replace the macro. But I'd personally keep the macro, and get the 1.9.

crumpet8 · Jan 15, 2016

Kirks518 said:
Because of the reason you are 'dumping' one lens, I'd keep the macro. It's worth more as a lens, and is not what a first time buyer would be looking for, and probably would not pay the premium to have it. If someone is looking for a body and lens, they'll typically look for a fast lens. If they're coming from 35mm or digital, what they would consider a normal speed will be f/1.8, so a (psychological) jump to an f/4 as a normal lens will be a turn-off. They first have to accept that a 'normal' MF lens will be f/2.8, no less getting them to see the value in the macro f/4.

Besides, if you decide down the road you want a faster 80mm, it'll be cheaper for you to get the 2.8 over trying to replace the macro. But I'd personally keep the macro, and get the 1.9.

Great points Kirks! Especially the input about people jumping from 35mm systems. I've shot medium format so long I didn't even think about that, but I'm sure it holds true. I am already leaning towards the macro as I like the flatter field they tend to have and don't require a "softer" lens for portrait work anyway. A few quick tests to make sure the macro is up to scratch and it's out the door with the 2.8 I think!

Was hoping someone would have some real experience with that lens to compare for me still...

crumpet8 · Feb 10, 2016

For those interested in the future the 80mm Macro is a keeper. Definitely sharp

mweintraub · Feb 11, 2016

I thought I replied to this thread before.

I had the M 645 system and only kept one lens (even after owning the f/1.9). It's the 80mm f4.
1) It has some glass separation (not noticable on 645 or 35mm) therefore harder to sell and
2) It's a fantastic lens! I shot some product shots with it when I was selling some gear. I'm a big fan.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrdat/17108435918/

Mamiya 645 80mm Macro f4 vs Normal f2.8. Which to keep?

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