The 50mm f1.2 represented a significant improvement over the 55mm.
If you want to use that focal length for the night sky my counsel would be
to pick up a 50mm f1.8, which can be had for a song. I'd go to KEH and get
the best they list, which means it would come in pristine condition if it's
rated anywhere near "Good" or above. If there is a difference in
performance between the f1.8 and the 55mm it'd be that images captured by
the former are crisper with more contrast. At least that was my experience
many years ago when I tried a 55mm loaned to me for a short while by a
friend. The f1.8 is an excellent lens and the difference in speed is not
something I'd worry much over. The 50mm f1.2 might edge out the f1.8 in
performance by a hair or two, but the difficulties in the field (with focus
in mind when opened up) it presents the photographer pretty much sacrifice
this advantage for all intents and purposes. The 50mm f1.2 is a superb lens
. . . when you have time to set it up correctly.
I have a couple of 50mm f1.2's (I picked up the second one a couple of
months ago just because it was available) and they're both in pretty good
shape. If you want to buy one (or wish to experiment with one for awhile)
let me know.
Tris
Does anyone know which of the 1.2 Zuikos were better than the other. I
have the opportunity to get either a 55mm 1.2 or the 50mm 1.2 (the 55
seems to be in better shape). I plan on using it for astrophotography, so
the 55 will likely be better as it has a larger light gathering
surface. Any insight (which one older, better coatings one one?
etc....) Also, which one may have better collectors value?
Thanks,
-Bill
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