Vintage Lenses - "Super Slow" Set

[QuickHitRecord]

I'm exploring the idea of assembling a set of "super slow" vintage primes with an f/stop of f/3.5 or slower for use on short films, personal projects, etc. Why super slow? Because I want the benefits of shooting wide open (circular bokeh & potentially softer image) without throwing the background totally out of focus. Plus, I've been trying to shoot at a deeper depth of field lately because it is a look that I find myself gravitating towards more and more. Plus, slow lenses shouldn't cost much and might even open up the opportunity to work with some real sleepers that no one really cares about these days.

Ideally:

• Focal lengths: ~20mm, 28/35mm, 50/55/58mm, 85/105mm OR a super simple set like 24mm, 50/55mmm, 85/105mm 
• f/3.5 or slower (preferably all the same f/stop)
• Same series of lens for consistency

Preferred:

• Old and weird (single-coating, etc.)
• Adaptable to Canon EF mount
• Focuses the "right away" (focus scale to the left of infinity)
• Readily available and under $200/each

Does anyone have any recommendations?

[eatstoomuchjam]

I'm not sure of the current prices, but I have an old Elmar 35mm f/3.5 which is one of the most gorgeous pieces of glass I've ever seen or used.

Also, I have an old Elmar 90mm f/4 collapsible which is pretty gorgeous.  I'd take the 90/2 'cron over it any day, but I'd shed no tears if the 90/4 were the only portrait lens in my bag.

Sorry neither one is even remotely adaptable to EF, though!

[MrSMW]

Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar f/3.5 40-80 ‘push-pull’ zoom.

I have that as my ‘oddball’ lens and used it a few times with an EF-L adapter with built in VND.

Quite a few focal lengths covered there in a single lens!

[stephen]

Minolta MD 35-70mm f3.5 + Minolta MD 24-35mm f3.5. Minolta MD 35-70mm f3.5 is very good, Minolta MD 24-35mm f3.5 just OK. For video both are sharp enough,both relatively small and compact and two touch operation. Only drawback for me is that Minolta MD 35-70mm f3.5 zoom is most extended at 35mm. You can add also some of the tele zooms but they are all push pull type.

IMHO using zooms would be the best approach as all brands had zooms in the f3.5 to f4 range. If you are willing to use zooms with non constant aperture you'll have much more options.

[Andrew Reid]

15 hours ago, MrSMW said:

Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar f/3.5 40-80 ‘push-pull’ zoom.

I have that as my ‘oddball’ lens and used it a few times with an EF-L adapter with built in VND.

Quite a few focal lengths covered there in a single lens!

Have you compared it to the replacement 35-70mm? The latter lens is very handy on the GFX 100 and filmic looking.

[MrSMW]

11 hours ago, Andrew Reid said:

Have you compared it to the replacement 35-70mm?

Nope, only have the 40-80.

The only things I don't like about it are the highlights are a bit too glowy and it's a heavy little fucker!

[John Matthews]

On 8/15/2025 at 10:36 PM, QuickHitRecord said:

Same series of lens for consistency

Good luck. Manufacturers changed coatings every time they went to the bathroom. They were always getting tweaked. Granted, they often had similar looks. You can find some very unique f/3.5 constant zooms that will do the job. Some of them are sharp and cheap with magnificent and crazy flares.

Here are some that I found interesting. I have the Makinon zoom lens.