Shooting Portraits of the Same Model with 3 Vintage Lenses

Photographer Mathieu Stern recently put 3 vintage lenses to the test in a portrait shootout at 4 different locations. The 5-minute video above compares the Soligor 21mm f/3.8, Canon FD S.S.C. 50mm f/1.4, and Helios 103 53mm f/1.8 with a tilt adapter.

Stern effectively shows how these vintage primes can produce quality images for a fraction of the cost of modern lenses.

Soligor 21mm f/3.8

Shots from the Soligor showed distortion at 21mm, but with great detail in the foliage:

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Canon FD S.S.C. 50mm f/1.4

The Canon 50mm created images that are not dissimilar to most modern 50 primes on the market, albeit a little softer.

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Helios 103 53mm f/1.8

The tilt modified Helios created a similar effect to what may be achieved by Lensbaby lenses.

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This video serves as a great reminder that there is a world of vintage lenses out there waiting to be experimented with. Sometimes it’s worthwhile trying out different gear, and these older manual focus lenses are an inexpensive and fun way to expand your photography skills.

This video was the first in a new series of Stern’s, and he will continue it with 3 different lenses on a regular basis. To follow along, check out his YouTube channel.

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