50mm · f/1.4
The Sears 55mm f/1.4 (often labeled 50mm) is a budget-friendly vintage lens with all-metal construction, heavier than many contemporaries. It offers good optical performance, winning a shootout round, but has limitations: six straight aperture blades create noticeable geometric bokeh, and the aperture ring lacks half-stop clicks. The Auto/Manual lever is prone to accidental switching, and focus direction is reversed. It suits photographers seeking a cheap, solid manual lens who can tolerate its quirks.