Pancake Day!

Oh I was looking at one of these when it was announced as a new release, I toyed with the idea of buying one!

Then I read this thread...

One just jumped into the basket via Wex and will arrive Tuesday :woot:

It helps with a free delivery code from Quidco, WEXFD612 if anyone is interested, but it expires in two hours!
 
Unless the UK price comes down I'm going to resist until I next go to the US. $199 vs £229 is pretty shocking.

Must resist, must resist...
 
Jesus, if the price was better in the UK even I might pick one up and I don't really use wide primes.
 
I tried hard to resist getting one of these but having a lens this small makes taking my 60D out to gigs in my suit bag a reality now.
I dont really use primes, even though i have a 50mm f/1.4, but for situations like the above im happy to go with the 40mm, the alternative is to take my Canon S95 and id' rather not.

So, with two nice gigs this weekend i thought i'd get one. As it was a last min thing i ended up paying the full £229 from Camera world but i dont really mind.
I wasnt knocked out at first, thought it was a bit soft wide open but im now getting used to it. I guess i had read so many reviews saying how fantastic is was wide open i was expecting more. Saying that, im not disappointed in the IQ. Its not as sharp as my zooms but is better than my 50mm f/1.4, especially with both at f/2.8. The Bokeh is also very nice IMO.

I took a few shots in Richmond park last night (we were playing in the Lodge) and it did really well. If i didnt have this lens i wouldn't have been able to take the camera so for me it makes a lot of sense.


Sun-01-Jul-7986 by dave_bass5, on Flickr


Sunset from Richmond Park, London by dave_bass5, on Flickr


Sun-01-Jul-7949 by dave_bass5, on Flickr


Sun-01-Jul-7944 by dave_bass5, on Flickr
 
dave_bass5 said:
Its not as sharp as my zooms but is better than my 50mm f/1.4, especially with both at f/2.8.
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Your zooms are sharper than your 50/1.4 and the 40-shorty falls between them? Really? :scratch:
 
What I meant was the 50 is pretty soft until around f/3.2 and above, and there is enough CA for me not to really bother with it outdoors at larger f stops.
The 40 is better wide open so up to f/2.8 the 40 wins. I guess both are about the same by f/4 but I find the 40 images more pleasing.
My 15-85IS is sharper than the 40 at f/2.8, but agin stopping down brings them in to line as far as sharpness goes.
And my 70-200, well, nothing touches that as far as sharpness goes.

So really I was just talking about each lens wide open, and as I tend to shoot with my lenses wide, or close to wide open it's important to me to get a good wide open performance.

These are based on using my eyes, I'm happy to admit they are getting a bit old, and I'm not sure my copy of the 50 is a brilliant one.
 
dave_bass5 said:
What I meant was the 50 is pretty soft until around f/3.2 and above, and there is enough CA for me not to really bother with it outdoors at larger f stops.
The 40 is better wide open so up to f/2.8 the 40 wins. I guess both are about the same by f/4 but I find the 40 images more pleasing.
My 15-85IS is sharper than the 40 at f/2.8, but agin stopping down brings them in to line as far as sharpness goes.
And my 70-200, well, nothing touches that as far as sharpness goes.

So really I was just talking about each lens wide open, and as I tend to shoot with my lenses wide, or close to wide open it's important to me to get a good wide open performance.

These are based on using my eyes, I'm happy to admit they are getting a bit old, and I'm not sure my copy of the 50 is a brilliant one.
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I think you should check calibration. The 50 1.4 at 2.8 should be very sharp. Try focussing on a tripod normally, then manually focus in live view and compare the two shots.
 
whom said:
I think you should check calibration. The 50 1.4 at 2.8 should be very sharp. Try focussing on a tripod normally, then manually focus in live view and compare the two shots.
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No need to do all that, I know it's off a bit. Its probably not as bad as I'm making out but my 40 does seem to beat it at f/2.8

When I went to get the 40 I had the 50 on my camera and took a few shots at f/2.8 on the way to the shop, then on the way back the same shots with the 40. The 40 showed much less CA and just a nicer looking image, especially when viewed at 100% in LR.
 
dave_bass5 said:
No need to do all that, I know it's off a bit. Its probably not as bad as I'm making out but my 40 does seem to beat it at f/2.8

When I went to get the 40 I had the 50 on my camera and took a few shots at f/2.8 on the way to the shop, then on the way back the same shots with the 40. The 40 showed much less CA and just a nicer looking image, especially when viewed at 100% in LR.
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I'm in a bit of turmoil with this one. The 50 1.4 has been a constant companion for a while now. However, if my new friend the 'Pancake' is just as good (or heresy, better) then just no need to keep hold of it.
 
Personally i dont think the 40 will/can replace the 50 unless you have a reason to want something slower and slightly wider.
IMO its certainly up to the job of being used like the 50 is, but the 50 has more advantages, especially in low light.
With all my moaning about mine i cant see me ever getting rid of it, its still a faster lens and better for low light work.
 
Just saw this lens on DigitalRev TV the other day and I must say if I had a Canon I'd have ordered one by now. It is a very sharp lens looking at various reviews and well priced too.

To have a 40mm f/2.8 that is that thin would be excellent for travel/street photography. Plus it would look absolutely comical on my D3s. Come on Nikon, get your act together and make one already... :bang:
 
dave_bass5 said:
Personally i dont think the 40 will/can replace the 50 unless you have a reason to want something slower and slightly wider.
IMO its certainly up to the job of being used like the 50 is, but the 50 has more advantages, especially in low light.
With all my moaning about mine i cant see me ever getting rid of it, its still a faster lens and better for low light work.
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I think you've missed the point(s.) It's a pancake lens and therefore quite compact and that matter to some plus it's more optimised towards video.

BTW. With this lens so you get full time manual focus? ie. Can you adjust the focus manually in AF mode like you can with USM?
 
woof woof said:
BTW. With this lens so you get full time manual focus? ie. Can you adjust the focus manually in AF mode like you can with USM?
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Yes you can.
 
I think the Canon marketing boys got it spot on.

Really small to head off the short term threat for DSLR users looking for a more compact option but with superb optics. Think this will be a big seller for them.
 
Well, thanks to the posts here I've decided to order one today. I got it from www.panamoz.com for around £160 posted. I just couldn't resist it, but I think the wife will have as much use out of it for her new 650D. I'm looking forward to borrowing the 650D and getting some video going with it. I hope it's as good as you all say, this is all your fault Phil, but if it's good I'll let you off lol.
 
aeronic said:
what's the import duty situation from panamoz?
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Who cares I just ordered one from them...

The warranty situation is different though. As they are grey imports they are handling the warranty so as long as they haven't disappeard if you have a problem you'll be okay.

It's about £165 from them with shipping. For that kind of saving I'll take my chances.

They are also giving a free 'swap out' warranty at the moment as well.

So if you worried about any of the above then either order now at £229 from WEX or save £54 and order from Panamoz.

I did look to see if Kerso was doing them but not on his website yet.
 
aeronic said:
what's the import duty situation from panamoz?
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Panamoz say that their price includes import duty. I don't know anyone who has had a problem buying from them (although someone else might have).

You can save an extra 5% if you pay by BT rather than using a card - to do that just use the contact form and ask them for an invoice and the bank details.
 
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I am, these days, of the opinion that I should spend my time and money searching for knowledge (and taking photos), rather than buying more gear (a few famous photographers have said this), however I really like the look of this lens, even though I have the 35mm F1.4L.
 
gazmorton2000 said:
I am, these days, of the opinion that I should spend my time and money searching for knowledge (and taking photos), rather than buying more gear (a few famous photographers have said this), however I really like the look of this lens, even though I have the 35mm F1.4L.
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Oi! Put those words back in my mouth, word thief you is :razz:;)
 
I was thinking of adding the 50mm1.4 but after looking at this little baby one will be finding it's way into my kit bag very soon :)
 
Galaxy66 said:
I was thinking of adding the 50mm1.4 but after looking at this little baby one will be finding it's way into my kit bag very soon :)
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Mal,
Any chance you could discuss a deal on this lens with them?
 
It's £169 with Kerso but pre order.
 
It looks a really impressive little lens.

The crops on digital picture are up.

http://www.the-digital-picture.com/...meraComp=453&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=0&APIComp=0

So, comparing the 40mm 2.8 with the 35 1.4 (at 2.8), there is very little in it indeed.

Obviously the 35 opens up to 1.4, but if you don't use it wide open it's a really affordable alternative. I look forward to seeing some more of you guys shots with it.
 
RSMarco said:
Mal,
Any chance you could discuss a deal on this lens with them?
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Sorry Marco, but you have it all wrong about my relationship with Panamoz :) I have just ordered the 40mm pancake from them and paid via BT to get 5% off their listed price as anyone else can do.

I am pleased that others have benefited from me passing on info about my 5D MK3 deal and other than asking if my deal was a one off and receiving a reply that my "friends" can have the same deal it goes no further than that.
 
My pancake is 'Out for Delivery' :thumbs:

Just need some sugar and lemon juice now :lol:
 
I got mine (or should I say we got mine) the other day but so far the weather has been so poor I haven't been able to get out and use it. It was bought primarily for the wifes 650D (at least that's what I told her) but I'm sure I'll get plenty of use out of it too. It fits lovely in my bag with the rest of my gear. Roll on using it for once.
 
Galaxy66 said:
Sorry Marco, but you have it all wrong about my relationship with Panamoz :) I have just ordered the 40mm pancake from them and paid via BT to get 5% off their listed price as anyone else can do.

I am pleased that others have benefited from me passing on info about my 5D MK3 deal and other than asking if my deal was a one off and receiving a reply that my "friends" can have the same deal it goes no further than that.
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Hi mate,
Sorry, I wasn't implying you were anything other than a customer. I was just thinking that with your contact, maybe a group buy or something could be possible or just advise them that there may be several others that would be interested in purchasing through them as per the 5D MKIII..?

How long to you anticipate before you receive it..?
 
RSMarco said:
How long to you anticipate before you receive it..?
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Just checked the tracking info .

Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong 19/07/2012 1:19 Export Scan
19/07/2012 1:12 Origin Scan
Hong Kong 18/07/2012 7:58 Order Processed: Ready for UPS

Scheduled Delivery:
Friday, 20/07/2012, By End of Day

Last Location:
Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong, Thursday, 19/07/2012

:)
 
Mine was shipped on Monday and was delivered today :thumbs:
 
And they look so cute on a 5D3..
 
Mine has just arrived from Panamoz wrapped in 5mtrs X 400mm of bubble wrap !!

It's a cute looking thing looking lost on the front of the MK 3, popping into town today so might give it a go at some street stuff:)
 
Galaxy66 said:
Mine has just arrived from Panamoz wrapped in 5mtrs X 400mm of bubble wrap !!

It's a cute looking thing looking lost on the front of the MK 3, popping into town today so might give it a go at some street stuff:)
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How you finding the mkIII ?
 
Hi, just reading on the 7D firmware thread and saw a little comment on a link to another forum about sending off their 40mm for a firmware upgrade:suspect:

A quick Google revealed this I need to check which lens I have, but thought I would share this with you all.
 
Mineis one that could do with it but I'm not going to bother. Since I got mine it's happend once and i take mine of and off the camera all the time.
I was quite shocked at how many people were having trouble with the FW update process, quite scary.

LR4.2RC has a profile for this lens for anyone who uses both.
 
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