What To Know
- The aspherical version of the lens has a slight edge in terms of image quality, but the S.
- The aspherical version of the lens is typically more expensive than the S.
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 is a legendary lens that has been loved by photographers for decades. It was first introduced in 1971 and quickly became a favorite for its sharp optics, fast aperture, and beautiful bokeh. In 1988, Canon released an updated version of the lens with an aspherical element, which promised even better optical performance. So, which lens is better? The original S.S.C. (Super Spectra Coating) or the newer aspherical version? In this blog post, we will compare the two lenses side-by-side and help you decide which one is right for you.
Optical Design
The original Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. lens has a traditional optical design with 7 elements in 6 groups. The aspherical version has a more complex optical design with 9 elements in 8 groups, including one aspherical element. The aspherical element helps to correct for spherical aberration, which can cause images to look soft and blurry.
Image Quality
In terms of image quality, the aspherical version of the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 lens has a slight edge over the original S.S.C. version. The aspherical element helps to reduce spherical aberration, which results in sharper images with better contrast. The aspherical version also has a slightly wider field of view, which can be useful for shooting in tight spaces.
Bokeh
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a lens is the quality of its bokeh. Bokeh is the way that out-of-focus areas of an image are rendered. The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. lens has a beautiful, creamy bokeh that is perfect for portraits and other images where you want to isolate your subject from the background. The aspherical version of the lens has a similar bokeh quality, but it is slightly less creamy.
Build Quality
Both the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. and the aspherical versions of the lens are well-built and durable. They are both made of metal and have a solid feel. The aspherical version of the lens is slightly heavier than the S.S.C. version, but it is still relatively lightweight and easy to carry around.
Price
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. lens is typically less expensive than the aspherical version. However, the price of both lenses can vary depending on their condition and availability.
Which Lens Is Right for You?
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. and aspherical lenses are both excellent choices for photographers who are looking for a fast, sharp, and versatile lens. The aspherical version of the lens has a slight edge in terms of image quality, but the S.S.C. version is less expensive and has a more classic look. Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.
Final Note
The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. and aspherical lenses are both legendary lenses that have been used by photographers for decades. They are both capable of producing stunning images, and they are both well-built and durable. The aspherical version of the lens has a slight edge in terms of image quality, but the S.S.C. version is less expensive and has a more classic look. Ultimately, the best way to decide which lens is right for you is to try them both out and see which one you prefer.
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the difference between the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. and aspherical lenses?
A: The main difference between the two lenses is the optical design. The aspherical version has an aspherical element, which helps to correct for spherical aberration. This results in sharper images with better contrast. The aspherical version also has a slightly wider field of view.
Q: Which lens is better for portraits?
A: Both lenses are excellent for portraits, but the S.S.C. version has a slightly more classic look. The aspherical version has a slightly wider field of view, which can be useful for shooting in tight spaces.
Q: Which lens is more expensive?
A: The aspherical version of the lens is typically more expensive than the S.S.C. version. However, the price of both lenses can vary depending on their condition and availability.
