Lens maker Meike has announced a 50mm f/1.2 manual focus lens for the Canon RF mount. The new fast prime is only $359 USD.
The Meike RF 50mm f/1.2 is available for preorder at Meike's web site and is scheduled to begin shipping on August 15, 2020.
Meike 50mm f/1.2 Specification:
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Lens Construction: 12
elements in 7 groups - Aperture Range: f/1.2-f/22
- Diaphragm Blades: 10
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.6m
- Filter Size: ø67
- Product Size: ø73*98mm (E),
ø73*96mm (RF), ø73*100mm (Z), ø73*72mm (EF) - FOV on FF Cameras: Diagonal
47° Horizontal 39° Vertical 26° - FOV on APS-C Cameras:
Diagonal 33° Horizontal 26° Vertical 17° - Weight: Approx. 620g
- Fit mount: E/ RF/ Z/ L/ EF-
mount
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I think the manual focus guide would be more precise here since it uses the same mechanism as the auto focus and gives you an indication of how far off you are and in what direction.
Canon even has a few less than f1 lenses, such as this f.095 one released in 1961:
CANON 50mm f/0.95 - Canon Camera Museum
It can be done, it just takes skill and practice. Focus Peaking is a handy tool that can make it much better, but on wide lenses or when stopped down it's not perfect. And critically sharp images still need to be checked using the eyeball. Luckily you can also zoom on these cameras to get it just right.
Believe me I'm quite aware! Will my RP refurb get here first, I wonder?
From the photos included here, I have to say, I really dislike the way it renders :confused: I'll be much happier to stick with my vintage Yashica 50/1.7
Apprarently this company believes there is a big enough (and profitable) market for manual lenses to invest in it.
All otus and mf lens users that I know use live view. Mirrorless may become very popular with them.
And for more or less static situations you have always the great magnifying glass function.
I would also withhold judgement of the IQ until we can actually judge from something other than a web video.