Which 50mm would you buy? 50L or Zeiss 50 MP

jdizzle wrote in post #13551311
I also love the 3D effect with this lens. Even if others don't see it. :p

Amazingly the 50L also has a "live" feel, even though its micro contrast isn't as "rude" or potentially harsh as the 50MP. It's a different drawing style, but equally as compelling.

I have both the 50L and 50MP. I did a massive search for the best 50mm over the last couple of years (Canon 50 1.4 x2, 50L (old date code), Rokkor 58 1.2, Zeiss 50 1.4) and I ended up with the conclusion that there isn't ONE best 50. They all lack something, but they all have good aspects. The Zeiss and Canon 1.4 entries are weak close-focused and wide open. Bokeh is confusing and jittery. The Zeiss isn't much better than the Canon (1.4's), but the MF experience is so much better.

I then got the 50 MP and was done. It's sharp out of the box (ƒ2) with great color and bokeh. But it's ƒ2... so after playing with a converted Rokkor, I went with a newer 50L date code. At ƒ2, it's hard to pick my favorite. The rendering is different, but both pleasing. I was hoping to sell my Zeiss Makro, but I can't.

mcluckie wrote in post #13697754
Amazingly the 50L also has a "live" feel, even though its micro contrast isn't as "rude" or potentially harsh as the 50MP. It's a different drawing style, but equally as compelling.

I have both the 50L and 50MP. I did a massive search for the best 50mm over the last couple of years (Canon 50 1.4 x2, 50L (old date code), Rokkor 58 1.2, Zeiss 50 1.4) and I ended up with the conclusion that there isn't ONE best 50. They all lack something, but they all have good aspects. The Zeiss and Canon 1.4 entries are weak close-focused and wide open. Bokeh is confusing and jittery. The Zeiss isn't much better than the Canon (1.4's), but the MF experience is so much better.

I then got the 50 MP and was done. It's sharp out of the box (ƒ2) with great color and bokeh. But it's ƒ2... so after playing with a converted Rokkor, I went with a newer 50L date code. At ƒ2, it's hard to pick my favorite. The rendering is different, but both pleasing. I was hoping to sell my Zeiss Makro, but I can't.

Yup! There is no perfect 50mm out there. I used to own the 50 L too and it was ok. I may buy it back again since the 1D X is coming out soon. It was difficult for me to fall in love with 50mm again bcoz' of it's FL but, once I picked up the 50 MP ZE it had rekindled that spark.