In todays post I compare two super fast lenses from the late 60’s. The Minolta MC 1.2/58 is a legend and priced as such while the Canon isn’t to popular and one of the most affordable f/1.2 lenses out there.

Sample Images

The following three images are processed with identical settings.

Full resolution: Minolta Full resolution: Minolta Full resolution: Minolta

Specifications

Minolta MC 1.2/58 Canon FD 1.2/55 S.S.C. Weight 478 g + Adapter 575 g + Adapter Dimensions (LxD) 54 mm x 71 mm 53 mm x 761 mm Number of aperture blades 8 8 Close focusing distance (maximal reproduction ratio) 60 cm 60 cm Elements/Groups 7/5 7/5 Price (used) ~ $350 ~ $140

The Method

Unless mentioned images are raw files from the Sony a7 converted in LR with the default settings.

I used a tripod and a 2 seconds timer.

To view the images in full resolution check out my Minolta 1.2/58 vs Canon FD 1.2/55 flickr set.

I did not recompose to adjust for the slightly shorter focal length of the Canon, this puts it at a slight disadvantage as far as bokeh is concerned but adjusting would have caused a set of other headaches.

Size, Weight and Handling

The Canon is a bit fatter and heavier but the handling of both lenses is very similar. Neither is a small lens.

The Canon has a bit longer focus throw and a bit nice aperture ring. Both offer a pleasant handling experience.

Bokeh and Sharpness

Lets have a look at the bokeh and the central sharpness first.

f/1.2

100% crops. Minolta first, then Canon.

The Minolta has quite a bit smoother bokeh but it is not as sharp as the Canon which also has a little higher contrast.

If you move your subject off-center to the crossline of the image thirds the sharpness difference becomes even more obvious:

f/2

100% crops. Minolta first, then Canon.

Both lenses improve a lot in bokeh and sharpness. The Minolta still has the smoother bokeh and the Canon is still a tad sharper.

Off-center the sharpness advantage of the Canon is more obvious.

f/2.8

100% crops. Minolta first, then Canon.

Both lenses perform on a very high level by now but the pattern continues, the Minolta has still a tad softer bokeh and the Canon is a bit sharper.

At longer distances the sharpness difference gets smaller, the Minolta is quite a bit better at infinity than up close.

Landscape Shooting

By f/8 both lenses show an excellent performance. Only the corners are a tad softer, again the Canon is a bit sharper here but the difference is really minor.

It doesn’t make much sense to show crops here because the difference is so small but if you like to pixel peep, here you go:

Canon FD 1.2/55 | Minolta MC 1.2/58 | both at f/8

More sample images

These and many more full resolution images can be found in my Minolta MC 1.2/58 vs Canon FD 1.2/55 flickr set.

Conclusion

Well that wasn’t the most interesting comparison I have done because it yielded no surprises. But at least I got to know the Canon quite well. The Canon is quite a bit sharper at wider apertures but the Minolta has smoother bokeh but the bigger picture is that performance is rather close. At f/8 both are excellent. Both are rather big and well made lenses.

I think the Canon offers an excellent price/performance ratio (for a f/1.2 lens) and I am surprised that it sells for less so little. The Minolta is one of my all time favorite lenses but quite expensive for what it does.

The Canon FD 1.2/55 usually (July 2016) sells for about $140 at ebay.com (affilate link).

The Minolta MC 1.2/58 usually (July 2016) sells for about $350 at ebay.com (affilate link).

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