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Bokeh. This term evokes much debate on the internet. What exactly is bokeh anyway ? Bokeh, for me, is simply the rendition of out of focus areas of a photograph. Although some people claim it makes no difference to a photograph, I disagree with a passion. Many images are enhanced by "good" bokeh, and others are spoiled by bad bokeh. Bokeh was brought to the forefront of everyone's attention by Harold M. Merklinger in an article published May/June 1997. Here is that article.
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A new development in bokeh land (2005): Mike Johnston ( writer on photographic equipment ) - has just published a list of lenses in which he rates their bokeh. This a free download. Go to http://www.lulu.com/browse/book_view.php?fCID=129691
Here is a summary of what he wrote on 35mm lenses, rated 1 to 10 ( 10 being the finest bokeh )
| Konica Hexanon 40mm ƒ/1.8 |
3 |
Leica 35mm Summicron-M (4th generation) |
10 |
| Konica Hexanon 28mm ƒ/1.8 |
6 |
Leitz 50mm Summicron-M (7-element collapsible) |
7 |
| Konica Hexanon 85mm ƒ/1.8 |
6 |
Leitz 50mm Summicron-M (7-element rigid) |
6 |
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Leica 50mm Summicron-M (current version) |
5 |
| Zeiss Contax Distagon 28mm ƒ/2.8 |
7 |
Leica 50mm Noctilux |
? |
| Zeiss Contax Distagon 35mm ƒ/2.8 |
5 |
Leica 75mm ƒ/1.4 Summilux-M |
9 |
| Zeiss Contax Planar 50mm ƒ/1.4 |
3 |
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| Zeiss Contax Planar 85mm ƒ/1.4 |
8 |
Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm ƒ/1.8 |
5 |
| Zeiss Contax Sonnar 85mm ƒ/2.8 |
5 |
Nikon AF-Nikkor 50mm ƒ/1.4 |
3 |
| Zeiss Contax Planar 100mm ƒ/2 |
8 |
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Pentax 50mm ƒ/1.4 ( all K-Mount versions ) |
7 |
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Contents © 2005 by Michael C. Johnston
The only lenses I have used on this list are: Canon EF 50mm 1.8....Contax 35mm 2.8....Leica Summicron 50/2 latest....Leica 35mm 4th Version. Some of my samples photos below...
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Leica 35mm F2 Summicron IV
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Contax G1/G2 90mm F2.8 Sonnar
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Lenses mentioned frequently for having nice bokeh
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