Mamiya 80mm f2.8, compared to 80mm f1.9...

[alf_beharie]

I currently have the Mamiya 80mm f2.8 N, which I'm very happy with,

but recently I have seen a later Mamiya 80mm f1.9 and I would like to

know how the later f1.9 version compares with the earlier f2.8

version?

...Is the f1.9 a sharper lens or about the same?

...Does the f1.9 version have better contrast than the f2.8?

...Is the extra stop usable, or is the f1.9 very soft wide open?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Alf.

[bueh]

Two words: Brighter viewfinder. The 1.9 wide open has terrific bokeh and is a very nice portrait lens. It <i>might</i> be not as sharp as the 2.8 between 1.9 and 4, but this has never given me sleepless nights. It is one of the fastest lenses available in medium format and not really expensive either. In my experience it has more likely an aperture of 2.1 or 2.2, though. It is very usable wide open and the new "N" version should be at least as good as an old non-N 2.8.

[jim_mcbride]

My findings are consistent with Bueh's.