Mamiya 80mm f/1.9 opinions

[Athiril]

I'm considering getting a M645 just for that lens speed.



Anyone have opinions on this lens wide open?

 

[brucemuir]

It's not bad wide open.
The issue some have is the bokeh can get "nervous" with some backgrounds so you need to set up your shots carefully.

It's tough to nail focus wide open if you are close.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/brucemuir/4623608235/in/set-72157624100104874/

This was shot either 1.9 or close to it.

 

[Athiril]

If I were to get this lens, I'd like to shoot wide open.. otherwise it's an f/2.8 lens (also wide open) + 645 system.. like the M645 again or a ETRS etc.

I could use the +3 stops over f/4.5 over current setup for low light.

 

[brucemuir]

Prices is the US when I got mine (around 12 months back) were around 150-165 USD on ePrey so it's worth giving one a shot.

The one I got has a large booger(cant be dust) in it but I haven't used it enough to determine if it's effecting IQ.

See if you can score a newer "N" version, coatings should be better although I haven't done any real flare tests with mine yet.

I thinks it's definitely worth a try.

 

[uchan]

Regarding the 1.9, I would say worth it (for speed), however the it is manual focus lens (if you want precise), therefore it compensates in another way.

Please visit all in 1.9.. http://www.flickr.com/photos/uchan31032007/page2/

 

[Jeff Kubach]

I don't have the lens myself but friends tell me it is a great lens.

Jeff

 

[holmburgers]

Is it indeed the fastest MF lens? I find it amusing if so, seeing as the Ermanox had an 85mm, 1.8 in the 20's along with 100mm f/2.

I owned one briefly, but returned it because the camera was broken. Nary a roll went through it. But I bought into the system for this lens. period.

 

[TimmyMac]

DOF is REALLY shallow at 1.9. You won't get eyes and nose in focus at the same time. Fun lens though - shooting in light normally only possible in 35mm

 

[munz6869]

It's a great lens - makes the Mamiya the only MF camera I can use practically for shooting theatre...

Marc!

 

[tomalophicon]

If I were to get this lens, I'd like to shoot wide open.. otherwise it's an f/2.8 lens (also wide open) + 645 system.. like the M645 again or a ETRS etc.

I could use the +3 stops over f/4.5 over current setup for low light.

The 2.8 is great wide open if you can stand being a stop slower. Although I haven't used the f1.9.

If you can see this pic it was shot wide open on the 2.8.

 

[keithwms]

I like mine a lot, but when it comes to colour neutrality, there seems to be significant variance in them, from copy to copy. I have seen a rather yellowed one. Mine is good.

 

[morrishilarian]

Why wait?

 

[aoresteen]

I picked up an 80mm f/1.9 a few years ago for $60. I've not had a need to use it very offen but it is a good lens. I just use the 80mm f/2.8 most often as it is lighter and at f/8 or f/11 I don't need the max aperture of 1.9.

 

[NJS]

I own one, C version, and like it pretty much, 1.9 is quite handy once the sun sets down. It's not nasty sharp but quite sharp even wide open. That lens is what definitely bought me into M645 system and the only reason why I haven't got rid of it yet.
you can check my shots here.

It exhibits some vignetting and flare (I don't own a hood for it) but that extra stop means a lot to me. Bokeh is not butter smooth but I wouldn't agree it renders much busy backgrounds.

So, yes, I do recommend it - if you need that extra stop.

 

[holmburgers]

NJS, nice shots, I really dig 'em!

 

[Athiril]

The DoF @ f/1.9 should be fair bit wider than f/4.5 on 180mm at the same subject distance anyway which I do use

40mm (180/4.5) vs 42mm (80/1.9) so technically zone of focus would be same... 80mm would be about the same or slightly less with a crop to match FoV, but taking CoC into account, it has twice the DoF than the 180mm wide open.

 

[imokruok]

It's a great lens, and my TL Pro is big enough already - so I don't care much about the extra weight of the 1.9 over the 2.8. The extra stop is great, but even at 2.8 you need to worry about DOF, especially up close. I've mucked a fair number of photos just because I miss with the manual focus or use the rangefinder spot on the wrong *part* of the face.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alflauren/5287550852/

This shot is with the 1.9 lens, I believe at 2.8. Definitely not wide open. I'm happy with the way the pic turned out, but the front most parts of her face and hair are out of focus. So, love it, get it, but be precise in focusing!