Chiyoko Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.8 vs Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.0 – comparison

Published by Tony on 2018-06-252018-06-25

Chiyoko 50mm lenses comparison:

• Chiyoko Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.0 (Minolta)
• Chiyoko Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.8 (Minolta)

I have warm feelings for both lenses, and it isn’t secret that 50/2.0 is more powerful, but it may be interesting to see the difference in real samples.

(LTM lenses)

This comparison is correct only for conditions and equipment used for tests. Test results can differ if any element is changed.

Tested lenses reviews:

Chiyoko 50mm lenses comparison: Chiyoko Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.8 vs Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.0 – sharpness/resolution

Test description

• Camera Sony A7II (24mpx, full frame) – RAW (ARW), tripod, A-mode, ISO 100, WB fixed, SteadyShot OFF, manual focus correction for every shot
• Targets (buildings) – fixed by gravity power on the distances in more than 200 meters
• ARW post-processing – Capture One, default settings, 100% crops 300×200 px
• Cropped corners and middles got an exposure correction (in RAW) to avoid an effect of vignetting

Scene preview

Test results

Chiyoko 50mm lenses comparison: Chiyoko Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.8 vs Super Rokkor 50mm 1:2.0 comparison – final conclusion

Center:

• Both are great even if wide open. Even from the modern point of view.

Middle:

• Super Rokkor 50mm F2.0 becomes acceptable at F4 and totally sharp at F8
• Super Rokkor 50mm F2.8 is acceptable from F5.6, and only at F11, it can provide maximum resolution. Unfortunately, this maximum level is a little bit less than what was shown by Super Rokkor 50mm F2.0 and never will be equal, even at F16.

Corner:

• Super Rokkor 50mm F2.0 becomes acceptable from F2.8, it’s not a mistake, all tests demonstrate better resolution in corners than in middle on infinity. Very good sharpness is on F5.6, and F8 is ideal for landscapes.
• Super Rokkor 50mm F2.8 becomes acceptable at F11 and never becomes totally sharp.

That’s not a surprise that Super Rokkor 50mm F2.0 is a winner in terms of sharpness, so it’s better for landscapes, but it’s impossible to say what lens is better for other photo-styles because bigger aberrations can provide more artistic possibilities,.. or can’t – depends on a taste of a photographer.

Additionally, the performance of Super Rokkor 50mm F2.0 can be seen here: