I just saw a 135mm f/2.5 Hexanon lens at a store and was wondering if anybody had any opinions on it. I already have the 3.2, and the extra half stop would be handy, although the 3.2 is my favorite lens. It's going for about $170 Canadian if anybody is interested.

-- Anonymous, June 15, 1998

Answers

Hexanon 135mm/f2.5

Hi Tim, I've used the 135/2.5 for 4 years now and the only drawback is it's size and weight. The optics are excellent in 8X10 blowups and slides have great sharpness, excellent contrast and resolution. Bad optics show up quick when you are using slide film and projecting the results on a 48"x 48" mat screen! A bit soft at 2.5 but no more than any lens being used wide open. You have to make sure you use the built in lens hood at all times whenever the sun is in a position to cause flare as those big optics seem to attract multiple comas. This lens is becoming rather scarce even in the USA. I have the 135mm/3.5, 3.2 and the 2.5 and if space and weight limitations permit than I take the 2.5. Grab it!! cheers.

-- Anonymous, June 16, 1998