Wow! Those normal lens tests are really interesting!

I was surprised to see how closely the Hexanon 50/1.4 & 50/1.7 compared with each other. I have 3 of each and always "felt" there was more difference. Maybe it was all in my head. Wonder why Konica continued to make two such similar performing lenses for so long?

The performance of the 57/1.2 was a bit of an eye opener, too. A bit "soft" wide open (like most super fast lenses), and very good 2 or 3 stops down. Speaking only for my own use, not sure it justifies the additional cost.

Reading across all the comparisons it also seemed to me that one thing generally stood out... while all 3 normal Hexanons compared favorably with most manufacturers' similar lenses, one fairly consistent distinction was that the Hexanons usually had the top (or close to it) sharpness at the edge of the lens. I wonder if this had something to do with Konica's use of a larger front element in most cases and if it is a major factor in the Hexanon "legend". Anyway, just an observation.

It also occurs to me that I would have tested the macro lenses at smaller apertures.

Thanks again, Mike, for making that info available!

Alan Myers San Jose, Calif.

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001

Answers

Best f1.2 Lens: Konica 57mm f1.2 and Best of Show: Konica 50mm f1.7

http://photobluebook.virtualave.net/LensTests/LensTestIndex.htm I just put up a slew of more tests and WOW, they are interesting! I think Konica Hexanon prices are going to go up again when people see:

Konica Hexanon 57mm f1.2 - Best Overall f1.2 lens. Beats any f1.2 lens from Nikon, Lecia!, Pentax, Olympus, Canon and more!

Wow, congratulations Konica on making such an outstanding lens, even Lecia couldn't make a better one overall!

I have only "heard" that the 57mm f1.2 Hexanon was "the best" f1.2 ever made (see Wolfe), but now, it is proven. wow.

The Konica Hexanon 50mm f1.7 is just another amazing lens coming from the Hexanon range of lenses. It is actually the best of all 4 50-57mm Konica Hexanon lenses! But couldn't outdue the Lecia Summicron 50mm f2.0 in overall performance, but did come 2nd and 1st in performance beating all others in the f5.6 apeture! It maybe soft at f1.2, but if you need an Ultra Fast f1.2 lens, this is the one to get overall.

It is very interesting that Alan noted the same thing I did, that the Hexanon's outpreform anyother lenses at the edges. Very interesting.

The only "stinker" was the Hexanon 55mm f3.5 Macro lens getting 6 place overall out of 7 lenses, but I guess that isn't bad. I expected better but what can you say? But it did have some saving graces. :)

BTW: You are welcome for the tests, it was fun to do and I hope it helps all the Konica users out. Atleast they will have even more appreciation (if that is possible) of the Hexanon Normal lenses.

Mike LePard The Photography Blue Book http://photobluebook.virtualave.net/LensTests/LensTestIndex.htm

-- Anonymous, March 02, 2001