The battle of Canon FD 50mm

Comparison of FD 50mm f1.2, f1.4 & f1.8

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Setup

Camera : A7RII

Lens 1: Canon nFD 50mm 1.2 non L

Lens 2: Canon nFD 50mm 1.4 (Copy 1)

Lens 3: Canon nFD 50mm 1.4 (Copy 2)

Lens 4: Canon FD 50mm 1.8 S.C

The test is really simple. I have mounted the camera on a tripod and have tried my best to nail the manually focus the best I could. The rest of the settings are sec 1/8000, ISO 100. The only thing that has changed during the whole testing is the aperture for each lens and the results are really surprising. I have included 2 copies of the Canon nFD 50mm 1.4, because i have the suspicion that they perform differently.

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The test shot:

Sony A7RII Canon FD 50mm f1.2 @1.2, s1/8000, ISO 100

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Aperture f1.4

The lenses from left to right: f1.2 - f1.4 copy 1 - f1.4 copy 2

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Aperture f1.8

The lenses from left to right: f1.2 - f1.4 copy 1 - f1.4 copy 2 - 1.8 S.C.

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Aperture f2.0

The lenses from left to right: f1.2 - f1.4 copy 1 - f1.4 copy 2

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Aperture f2.4

The lenses from left to right: f1.2 - f1.4 copy 1 - f1.4 copy 2 - 1.8 S.C.

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Aperture f2.8

The lenses from left to right: f1.2 - f1.4 copy 1 - f1.4 copy 2 - 1.8 S.C.

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Conclusion

50mm f1.2: *****

Soft overall at f1.2 and f1.4. Super sharp in the center from f1.8 and on and I mean Really Sharp!!!. Bottom edge would be razor sharp at f2.0, whereas other edges are not as sharp compared to others. No consistency in sharpness at the edges. If you plan on shooting this lens from f1.8 and up. This is the lens!

50mm f1.4 copy 1: ***

Sharper in the middle than FD50mm f1.2 at f1.4. Soft on the edges all the way, small yellow/brown tint. If you plan on using the lens full open, pick the f1.4, but not this copy.

50mm f1.4 copy 2: ****

Sharper in the middle than FD50mm f1.2 at f1.4. Sharper on the edges, but with a yellow/brown tint. Most consistent and sharpest on the edges. This is the lens if you plan on shooting at f1.4 only, for portraits for example. Otherwise go to the f1.2 lens.

50mm f1.8 S.C.: ***

Sharpest on the edges at f1.8. for the rest nothing special. The lens with the most brown tint. The lens is cheap. I mean it comes for an an average price of (US$50/€35)

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