Why Canon's fascination with f/1.2 lenses?

[wnaegele]

Now they have the 50 f/1.2 and the 85 f/1.2.

Can either/both be justify their mammoth increase in size and price over the f/1.4 and f1.8 versions based on a .2/.6 increment in speed? [Especially with digitals that can utilize ASA equivalents of 800 and 1600?] Maybe it's a prestige thing. [It's not a new phenomenon for Canon -- for those who can remember, there was that f/0.95 monster -- can you say "soft" -- Canon offered with its 35mm rangefinders....]

[cdifoto]

When you need to pull in every last bit of light, you pay for it. Not everyone shoots in ideal conditions. I've been in situations where I was at ISO1600 f/1.4 and still needed more speed. I just didn't have enough light. Flash isn't always a solution.

If the price/size bothers you so much, and you don't shoot in lowlight, don't buy one. It's really that simple.

[coldrain]

That was an f1.0 50mm, I don't think it is possible to go to f0.95?
And canon is not the only one making an f1.0 50mm.

And if it is just a prestige thing they will not sell any. The 85mm f1.2 is a very well sold lens though.

[Rhys]

Now they have the 50 f/1.2 and the 85 f/1.2.

Can either/both be justify their mammoth increase in size and price over the f/1.4 and f1.8 versions based on a .2/.6 increment in speed? [Especially with digitals that can utilize ASA equivalents of 800 and 1600?] Maybe it's a prestige thing. [It's not a new phenomenon for Canon -- for those who can remember, there was that f/0.95 monster -- can you say "soft" -- Canon offered with its 35mm rangefinders....]

Some people will always want faster lenses and be prepared to pay for the privilage. The rest of us go for lenses that we can afford and justify.

The problem with very fast lenses is that the depth of field gets very shallow indeed at closer distances.

I like fast lenses but none of mine are faster than f2.8. I figure anything faster than f2.8 is not really worth my while as it's just too specialised (hence expensive). I also figure that when I'm really struggling with f2.8 then f2 or f1.4 is not going to help all that much.

[Warin]

I love my 1.8 Nikkor lenses. The 85mm is awesome.

I wish I could afford the 1.4's, but the price difference for even that is too much.

If I won a lottery, you can bet I'd pick up a 5D or 30D with those two 1.2 lenses. I love the depth of field with my 1.8's for available light portraiture, and I bet the bokeh on those 1.2 is dreamy. But OI... what a price!

I think it is awesome that Canon is offering these lenses for those who need/can afford them. They arent for everyone... but there is nothing wrong with offering an awesome lense for those that want them :) I hope it prods Nikon into updating their prime lenses to AFS with better coatings, so I can buy em :)

[noyjimi]

Agreed with the responses - I'm all for having plenty of choices. Also, I believe the f/0.95 being spoken of is the one at the museum -- made in 1950 or 1960, I can't remember at the moment.

[Rhys]

Agreed with the responses - I'm all for having plenty of choices. Also, I believe the f/0.95 being spoken of is the one at the museum -- made in 1950 or 1960, I can't remember at the moment.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-7-Leica-screw-mount-camera-with-fast-f0-95-lens_W0QQitemZ150025091400QQihZ005QQcategoryZ30027 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://pix.auctiva.com/pix/01/92/15/ca-7-screw-w-50-f0_95-2.jpg

[cwphoto]

That was an f1.0 50mm, I don't think it is possible to go to f0.95?
And canon is not the only one making an f1.0 50mm.

And if it is just a prestige thing they will not sell any. The 85mm f1.2 is a very well sold lens though.

Stanley Kubrick used a f/0.7 lens for a scene in "Barry Lydon". It was a Zeiss lens from memory procured and modified for cine from NASA.:eek:

[cwphoto]

Now they have the 50 f/1.2 and the 85 f/1.2.

Can either/both be justify their mammoth increase in size and price over the f/1.4 and f1.8 versions based on a .2/.6 increment in speed? [Especially with digitals that can utilize ASA equivalents of 800 and 1600?] Maybe it's a prestige thing. [It's not a new phenomenon for Canon -- for those who can remember, there was that f/0.95 monster -- can you say "soft" -- Canon offered with its 35mm rangefinders....]

I do a fair bit of low-light work so this new 50mm will probably find it's way into my bag by the end of the year.

f/1.2 gives me competitive advantage and allows even more creative options for me.:)

[forno]

I do a fair bit of low-light work so this new 50mm will probably find it's way into my bag by the end of the year.

f/1.2 gives me competitive advantage and allows even more creative options for me.:)


Lucky bugger:p

It also takes people pushing the boundaries technically to make better lenses available to the general public.

Im sure f/2.8 was cutting edge at one time;)

[noyjimi]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-7-Leica-screw-mount-camera-with-fast-f0-95-lens_W0QQitemZ150025091400QQihZ005QQcategoryZ30027 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Also, it is at the museum as I thought:

http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/camera/lens/s/data/s_50_095.html

[Peleg]

... today at our state fair that shoots the Northern Lights for a living. He uses these kinds of lenses exclusively. He had some great shots.

[wnaegele]

http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-7-Leica-screw-mount-camera-with-fast-f0-95-lens_W0QQitemZ150025091400QQihZ005QQcategoryZ30027 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://pix.auctiva.com/pix/01/92/15/ca-7-screw-w-50-f0_95-2.jpg

Thanx for the pic, Rhys. But you should see the f/0.95 from the other side, i.e., through the viewfinder [or, in the f/0.95's case, the view-not-finder]. I suppose it was a wonderful effort in seeing what was possible [if not altogether practical].:D

[cwphoto]

Thanx for the pic, Rhys. But you should see the f/0.95 from the other side, i.e., through the viewfinder [or, in the f/0.95's case, the view-not-finder]. I suppose it was a wonderful effort in seeing what was possible [if not altogether practical].:D

The irony being that you don't get to see through the lens while composing anyway.:D