Lens Lab
    Asahi Super-Takumar 50 mm f/ 1.4 (early)
    Asahi Super-Takumar 50 mm f/ 1.4 (early)

    Asahi Super-Takumar 50 mm f/ 1.4 (early)

    50mm · f/1.4

    Overview

    The Asahi Super-Takumar 50mm f/1.4 (early 8-element version) is a legendary vintage lens with robust all-metal build and smooth focusing. Optically, it is soft wide open with noticeable aberrations and flare, but sharpens dramatically when stopped down to f/4–f/5.6. Bokeh is pleasant at large apertures but becomes hexagonal at f/5.6 due to six blades. It is prone to flare and has low contrast without a hood. Best suited for enthusiasts who enjoy vintage character and manual focusing on modern cameras.