HC120 versus HC150

[ksporry]

Hi guys,
Am just stepping into MF for the first time. Got myself a H1 and P30 back. Got a standard 80mm lens. Now trying to decide to buy either the 120 macro or the 150 lens. It's surprisingly hard to find objective data on these.
I'm basically using the lens for portrait, headshot, beauty, fashion stuff. On my camera/back combination I think the 150 equates to 120 in 35mm equivalent, which is very close to what I shoot at with my Canon DSLR (135/2 lens). The 120 would allow me to get closer though and get some close ups of eyes.
I understood the 120 is slower to focus (its macro, makes sense), and it's also about 95mm in 35mm equivalent, which is acceptable but a bit on the wide side for my preference. However, other factors that play are best sharpness, and smoothness of bokeh (I won't say "nicest" because that's personal).

I ruled out the 100/2.2 because it's a bit wide for the minimum focus distance, which makes it less desirable for me, considering my before mentioned preferences. (It's also next to impossible to find second hand)

I'd love to hear people's opinion about these two lenses.

Also, if people have tips on what to pay attention for with these lenses that'd be great (I'm familiar with buying second hand SLR lenses, but the HC lenses is a bit different with the leaf shutter build in and all...).

Many thanks in advance!
Kryn

[Ken R]

I used both shortly at a Hasselblad event. The 150mm felt much more balanced and nice to hold on the H5D. The 120mm is/felt heavier and it is pretty slow to focus. The 120mm is obviously a Macro lens so its a bit more versatile. I like the 150 focal length on the full frame backs but prefer the 100mm (or 120) on the crop sensor backs like the 40mp ones (or the new 50mp CMPOs)

[Chris Livsey]

Is your question clear? You state objective data is hard to find then ask for a subjective response. The objective data is easily available from hasselblad MTF a and articles describing the design decisions between the lenses so we assume it is subjective replies you require? Not being awkward here you will draw out better responses with targeted questions. I think your answer for portraiture etc work is answered by the rarity of the 100mm S/H all the subjective comments across the web are unanimous in praising that lens for that niche. I have it on my want list.

[douglevy]

I own the 120 and have rented the 150. The 120 is closer to my favorite 35mm focal length of 85mm, and having the macro is great (I shoot food and people), but it does focus very, very slow. The 150's close focus distance was an annoyance to me, and that length gave me a little too much compression for my taste.

-D

[Joe Towner]

I've got the 1.7x and use it a lot (f/4.8 with the HC80 + tc).  It's a good length, and the cheapest way to double your purchased lenses.  I've rented the 150 and 120 a lot, and unless I'm planning to shoot really macro, I'm better with the 150.  Plus I have a 13mm extension tube, if you want to get much closer.  I think the 150 is cheaper second hand as well.

[Gel]

Hi Ksporry,
I've no practical experience of the 120, but for your sensor size I'd say the 100mm 2.2 and 150mm are your best bet. If I had to suggest one right now, then it would be the 100 2.2

Hasselblad does a good job addressing the minimum focusing distance if you grab yourself an extension tube. This also allows the autofocus to pass though and it'll allow you to get much closer. If you want to keep costs down the x1.7 extender is superb and will give you a 170mm lens when connected to the 100mm.

You give up Macro by not getting the 120, but use the tubes instead.

[Garry Sarre]

Ksporry.

I use both the 120 and 150 most days on an H5D. All portrait both corporate and beauty. If you are doing closeups to just the face, anything less than 120 will look a bit 'fish bowel'.

The 120 is slower to focus, but you would adapt.  If I had to choose two, I'd swap the 120 for the 100 and keep the 150 with closeup tubes for closeups on faces.

The shot is with the 120 at about F8.

[ksporry]

thanks guys, seems like a lot of people (also outside this forum) seem to thin the 150 is a better option, and use a tube for getting closer if necessary.
As for the "fishbowl" (barrel distortion?), maybe this is why I prefer the longer focal range. On DSLR I prefer 135mm, and the 150 does come closest, so that makes sense. I guess i could try the 150 and a tube for closer shots. I don't do real macro ever, and don't plan to anytime soon.

[ynp]

Ksporry.

I use both the 120 and 150 most days on an H5D. All portrait both corporate and beauty. If you are doing closeups to just the face, anything less than 120 will look a bit 'fish bowel'.

The 120 is slower to focus, but you would adapt.  If I had to choose two, I'd swap the 120 for the 100 and keep the 150 with closeup tubes for closeups on faces.

The shot is with the 120 at about F8.

Beautiful work. Thank you!!


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[Endeavour]

I'm currently considering a 120 or 150 for fashion/beauty work.

To eliminate the close focusing problem of the 150, what size extension ring would be suitable?

thanks

[Christoph B.]

On a Mamiya system I'm using a 36mm for beauty work. For fashion you mostly won't need an extension lens but I'd suggest a 24-25mm ring.

But if you want to have a true 1:1 ratio, which the macro is capable of, you might want to consider getting a bellows system. I used on on the 503CW with the 150mm CF lens it it worked very well, no issues (except for the loss of light for large magnifications).

But 1:1 isn't really needed for fashion and rarely needed for beauty photography. I think if you're using a crop sensor the 120mm will do very well, otherwise a 24-25mm extension tube should do for closeups and if that's still not quite enough add another extension tube, they're not very expensive!

[Endeavour]

thanks

I'm using a p30+ on a Hassy H1

[imagetone]

I use both with H1/H2. For portrait/model work (which isn't my main thing) I always reach for the 150.  The 120 is a heavy lens to handhold (the 150 is heavy enough and better balanced) and I like the results from the 150

The studio model shots here are with the 150mm and P25+ . Some cropped.

With the 26mm extension and the 150, horizontal field of view on the P25+ at minimum focus is around 6 inches/150mm so slightly less on the P30