There is only one 50mm f/1.0 lens in production today. It is the legendary Leica f/1.0 Noctilux, which is also the fastest rangefinder lens IN THE WORLD. Cue Tenacious D. You can pick a Noctilux up new for, oh, about $6,000. But you'll need an M-series Leica to pair it with.
Another 50mm f/1.0 lens you can find with a little scouring is made by Canon. This one works with the EOS system, and has been out of production for a few years. It also retails for about 5-6k.
Are these lenses worth the money? Canon also makes an f/1.2, f/1.4, and f/1.8, after all.
I checked in with a friendly photographer, Andrew French, who knows pretty much everything there is to know about lenses. Andy has shot for Coach, Microsoft, Esquire, Smart Money, and Food and Wine, among others, and regularly teaches at NYU and ICP, which is where I met him.
So Andy, what's so great about the f/1.0?
"This f/1.0 thing gives such a depth and presence that is so beautiful, with a little sliver of focus. Set the camera to the lowest ISO, maybe even add an ND filter, then shoot in bright sunlight.. at 1/8000 at f/1.0. It actual reminds me of images from the 1920's and 1930's, when the Leica was new, and 35mm film was around ASA 10-15, making it necessary to shoot at a wide aperture, even in bright light... at approximately 1/100 at f/5.6 using the sunny 16 rule. Add a yellow filter, and you'd need to open even another stop. You could easily be shooting around f/2.8 or 3.5 at 1/30 in in open shade. (Sorry for the Geeky evaluation, I love photography between the wars in the 20's and 30's...)"
Don't be sorry, Andy, we're geeking out with you. Andy was also kind enough to send over some images samples from the Canon 50mm f/1.0 lens. These were shot over a few hours in Paris, in July 2006. Amazing to see this kind of depth of field in bright light.
UPDATE: a lovely (and very credible) source writes:
'For all those who can't afford to spend 6 grand on the M mount Noctilux and who want an older look anyway, there's a screw-mount version of the Noctilux (which can be used with an M mount adapter), which is a bit harder to find but infinitely cheaper. I own one. Of
course, best used with an old Leica screw-mount (which also look very cool).'
UPDATE 2: Screw 1.0, go .95. Thanks, Ed.
UPDATE 3:
siege
siege: stanley kubrick wasn't fucking around when he decided to film barry lyndon by candle light
rachelhulin
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Dude, Andrew French Rocks! I'd like to suggest trying (renting) the canon 85mm f/1.2 for portraits. You really have to be careful shooting it wide open given the super shallow depth of field. The auto focus can't be trusted even when you've metered directly in the eye at close quarters and a quick check on the back of the camera won't tell whether you got it or not. If you wear glasses, you'll need them. Did I mention that Andrew French Rocks? Because he does you know...
That is a sweet piece of ground glass. And Andrew French's images are awesome. but with $4-6k for a lens, they better be good or your ROI will be very low. :)
Mike
Totally agree with RIP Polaroid, the 85mm f1.2 would be more useful for portraiture. At $2k you'll still have change for the 50mm f1.4 ($300) which must one of the best value lenses about. Or the 50mm 1.2 L at $1300.
Strangely enough - well strange cos i thought it was mathematically impossible (shows you what i know or rather don't) - there's some old f0.95 Canon lenses i think around 50mm, and i believe there's also some even quicker lenses than that if you're keen.
And if i buy something for $6k i expect there to be no discernible vignetting which is clearly evident in the above shots. Could have gotten rid of that in ACR.
I also totally agree with RIP Polaroid, Andrew French Rocks! And, if you are going to step up to the plate and join the "f/1.0" club, you're going to need your official Andrew French t-shirt. I just happen to have a closet full of them, so contact me ( info@gregorycostanzo.com )if you are interested in supporting the home team. Long live Andrew French! (And may he forever loan me his cameras and lenses). GC
Nice work. He really singles out that gentleman on the bench.
Mathwise, as you keep making the glass and aperture wider compared to the same focal length, the aperture keeps getting smaller. It's just a ratio.
I own the poor man's Nocti - the unbelievable Canon 50mm f/1.2 in Leica screw mount. Made in the sixties, this lens is hard to find and equally amazing if you get a good copy.
I use mine via a Leica screw-mount to M mount adapter and am very pleased with results on film or digital.
On Neopan 400 the out of focus areas go super smooth and melt into the grain.
It is a fantastic lens.
I believe Canon used to make a 50mm f/0.95 lens:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/50mmf095/