Interesting POV exchanged here.
Though like with pretty much
every bokeh discussion, there's some strong personal preference and reference in play. Really, the only way to determine what's best is obviously to have a side by side, controlled conditions comparison for several shots (close, mid, long distance then the same with background distance, then the same with backgroung contrast types/spec Hl)... and even then -been there, done that- you'll get various assesments coming from a panel of photographers (or including art directors). Which is fine, but we're really deep into subjective territory.
One thing Roger, though:
"The Nikon AF have quite edgy bokeh . The zeiss is worse yet". First, i've noticed that above there's an ongoing confusion entertained in the various posts between the AF/AFS 1.4D and 1.4G. Not the same animals. Then, the
"Zeiss is worse"? Hum, perharps if you guys are sticking to the strict 1.4 comparison for extreme lowlight. But the ZF 50/2 is another story -IMO the best out there in F-mount, by relatively far.
Finally: the 58 delivers stunning results in capable hands, provided one knows and masters its -relatively speaking- flaws. Not exactly a studio workhorse, but one of the best tool for street. OTOH the 85 1.4 (called the "cream machine" by some recognized phtographers) performance is in turn
very dependant on shooting conditions. This is a very well documented lens on the internet, it's easy to find less-than-stellar examples... even a majority. But it's still a superb portrait lens if it fits one's shooting style, and for one who made the effort to understand its best use. Like pretty much every lens.
Oh, and... now that the truly usable ISO in recent Nikon bodies goes through the roof, some of us can live with 2.8 max aperture in a majority of cases, then the Micro 60 2.8G is maybe the best out there. A totally underrated lens. And this goes for the 105VR, even better... if you can "move back a bit" (@Mark, above), of course
FWIW and since we're in subjective territory, here's my
personal ranking in the F-mount 50to60mm category:
- ZF 50/2M ** Noktor 58/1.2 (street, lowlight B&W with an analog touch)
- Nikon Mikro 60/2.8G
- Tamron 17-50mm @ 50 (for street, and only when in Jorgen's hands )
- Nikon AFS 50/1.4G or Sigma 50/1.4 or ZF 50 1.4 (depending on one's shooting style and expectations -for studio portraits and product close-ups i'd keep the Nikon without hesitation)
- Nikon 50/1.2 AIS
- Nikon AFS 50/1.4D
Well, something like that. Again, a very subjective matter.
In the end, i could live with all of the above. Would just try and learn its ropes, and get the best out of it