I have read conflicting reports about this lens (for example digilloyd
rejected it).
Has anyone here purchased or rented one and shot it seriously, on a tripod, etc. ?
I don't own any native E-Mount lenses but am looking for something long with really good resolution, no distortion, minimal aberrations and close focus range. The 90mm Sony Macro is too short for what I'm considering.
Many thanks
Hi Ken
I still have the 2 CV Macro Apo-Lanthars (65mm and 110mm) + The Sony 90mm G Macro....All 3 lenses are very well corrected for aberrations, together with great resolution from WO with a smooth OoF rendering.
The 110mm will do 1:1 just like the Sony 90mm G does...The 110mm though has the added benefit of giving you a more comfortable further back working distance to work with when shooting at 1:1 - Obviously because of the slightly longer focal length (But then I'm sure you already knew that
).
Infinity - 0.35m (1:1) in about 480 degrees of rotation (buttery smooth yet firm focus travel)...So plenty of fine focusing control when working on a tripod
...The downside is that the front element racks out when getting in closer to your subject matter (unlike the Sony 90mm G) which can make composing slightly more awkward.
Downside of the 65mm is that it doesn't do 1:1...but it's my personal favourite of the 3 lenses....Size comparison of all 3 lenses below.
The 110mm is solidly built (old style) which I personally prefer in a manual focus lens.
Eight sample images taken with the CV 110mm (Handheld only) at various focused distances (Sadly though no samples at 1:1)....
https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=54602555@N08&sort=date-taken-desc&text=110mm&view_all=1
I have not used this lens as much as I thought I was going to...The lens is a solid performer though, so I wouldn't be put off by Diglloyd if he rejected it (Not seen his review as I don't subscribe).
I believe Bart may still have his CV 110mm, as he does more macro than me...So he may want to chip in.
Good luck with your choice...Cheers Barry