Contax Macro Marvel...
May 14, 2022 10:55:11 GMT
on May 14, 2022 10:55:11 GMT
Posted: May 14, 2022 10:55:11 GMT
As any member here that reads some of my posts, some of you may recall that my favourite macro lens is Yashica's Yashinon Tomioka 60mm f2.8. It is blindingly sharp.
However, if you move away from 35mm, there is one lens that can beat it and that is the Zeiss 120mm f4 Macro for the Contax 645.
Zeiss 120mm f4 Macro
It is truly impressive. Where it scores over the Yashinon is in its edge definition and superior contrast; however, for centre definition, they are a match which says a lot for the 1960's Yashica lens!
It is in the nature of the lenses that the big Zeiss also has a slight advantage in that you can work a little further away from your subject, thereby reducing the risk of disturbing it (or being stung or bitten!) as it closer to 75mm in focal length in 35mm terms. Both lenses offer a 1:1 macro ratio without the need for an extension tube. Although a lens hood is available for the Zeiss, it is rarely needed for macro as. like the Yashinon, the front element is set well back.
The big Zeiss also provides a minimum aperture of f45 as opposed to the unusual stop of f22 on the Yashinon. The 120mm is more than a match for the 50Mp sensor on the Fuji GFX 50S and I hope to get hold of a M42-GFX adapter so that I can compare the Yashinon on the same sensor. The 120mm also makes a very fine portrait lens BUT it's almost too sharp and unforgiving...
However, if you move away from 35mm, there is one lens that can beat it and that is the Zeiss 120mm f4 Macro for the Contax 645.
Zeiss 120mm f4 Macro
It is truly impressive. Where it scores over the Yashinon is in its edge definition and superior contrast; however, for centre definition, they are a match which says a lot for the 1960's Yashica lens!
It is in the nature of the lenses that the big Zeiss also has a slight advantage in that you can work a little further away from your subject, thereby reducing the risk of disturbing it (or being stung or bitten!) as it closer to 75mm in focal length in 35mm terms. Both lenses offer a 1:1 macro ratio without the need for an extension tube. Although a lens hood is available for the Zeiss, it is rarely needed for macro as. like the Yashinon, the front element is set well back.
The big Zeiss also provides a minimum aperture of f45 as opposed to the unusual stop of f22 on the Yashinon. The 120mm is more than a match for the 50Mp sensor on the Fuji GFX 50S and I hope to get hold of a M42-GFX adapter so that I can compare the Yashinon on the same sensor. The 120mm also makes a very fine portrait lens BUT it's almost too sharp and unforgiving...