Olympus Zuiko 50mm or 55mm f1.2 again

[BBonte]

Still thinking of purchasing a bright lens as the ZUIKO 50mm f1.2 to complement my zuiko 50mm f1.8. But how much will I win in shutter speed with the f1.2 compared to the f1.8 ? How much brighter is it ?

 

[archphoto]

You would "gain" 1 stop.

See the scale below at 1 stop intervalls:

f: 2 >>>>>>>>> 1.4 >>>>>>>>>1

>>>>>> 1.8 >>>>>>>>> 1.2


Greetings,
Peter

 

[nsurit]

These are a bit pricey. You might look at a high numbered (1,100,000+) f1.4 or maybe just push your film one stop. Bill Barber

 

[chriscrawfordphoto]

I second Bill's recommendation. a high numbered 50/1.4 costs about $70 on ebay and is the best of the Zuiko 50's that i've tried. It is only a half-stop slower than the 1.2.

 

[Ken N]

The 50/1.4 also uses the 49mm filter size.

 

[nsurit]

If brightness is really what you are after, rather than speed, you might look at one of the 2 series focusing screens or bright screens. Bill Barber

 

[Prest_400]

Heard rumours that the 55 f1.2 seems to be using some rare earth elements (maybe radioactive); so yellowing may happen on the glass?. And also it uses the bigger 55mm filters.
The 50mm f1.2 is an improved version, and uses 49mm filters; If I'm right. I've never seen one around the "evil" bay. This one has to be interesting.
Do have a look at the 1.4, it seems interesting.

 

[BBonte]

Thanks to every body for the advice. Is the 55m lens multicoated ?

 

[Prest_400]

As far I know, It isn't Multicoated.
About the rare earth elements on glass, seems that there are two versions of the 55mm, one has these radioactive materials, the other doesn't. Early versions of the 1.4 did too. These materials just can lead to get yellowing with the age. (Hmm, no need for yellow filters in B&W, then :rolleyes

 

[jsouther]

I have the early 55mm f1.2 and love it. Sharpens up nicely around f2. Glass is yellow from the radioactivity, which adds a warmth to color images. I have the 50mm f1.4 too (multicoated, but not late manufacture) and noticed it seems to have a little more contrast between the two.

I have to say though that I'd never part with the 1.2 and recommend it highly. Bokeh is fantastic.