What's so special about the Sonnar look?

[Mackinaw]

OK, why do some folks go ga-ga over the "sonnar Look," for lenses using this particular optical formula, with the 35mm format? I've looked at pictures taken with sonnar-formula 50mm lenses, that supposedly show some unique effect, and just can't see what the fuss is about. On the other hand, I easily see a unique fingerprint when using a tessar-optical formula lens (135mm) with my medium format Mamiya.

For what it's worth, I used to own a Canon 50/1.5 in LTM which I never warmed to. i replaced that lens with the Canon 50/1.4 which I much prefer.

Jim B.

[vrgard]

Well, Jim, without directly answering your question I would say that if you never warmed to the Canon 50/1.5 ltm lens and instead preferred the Canon 50/1.4 then you are not a Sonnar fan. I say that because the Canon 50/1.5 renders one of the best Sonnar looks. I'll leave it to others to describe what exactly that look entails.

-Randy

[wlewisiii]

Essentially, the Sonnar look is the Tessar look - the same knife sharp center that becomes softer the closer you get to the edges. In the Sonnar it's a very smooth almost buttery change that is more subtle than in a Tessar. This can be especially nice wide open. The Canon 50/1.5 is a text book example, so you'll probably prefer Planar style lenses like the 50/1.4.

William

[Roger Hicks]

It's not really quantifiable, and if you don't see it, don't worry about it: all it means is that the Sonnar is not for you. Personally, I love it, so the Sonnar is for me. Only the current one, though: like you, I never could see the appeal in earlier Sonnars.

Essentially, it's like religion: if you have to ask the question, you'll never understand the answers, even if they mean anything -- and many of them don't.

Cheers,

R.