I was presented with a rather interesting lens - this Vega-11U (50U)... Vega-11U is not a lens in the classical sense. Vega-11U is a lens purely for photographic enlargers, therefore, its focusing method is different from a conventional lens. If the lens is disconnected from the enlarger, then it will lose all ability to focus, since Vega-11U has no focus ring.
Vega-11U. Review Vega-11U 2.8 50mm
TTX Vega-11U
Optical design: 5 elements in 4 groups
Focal length: 50mm (there are versions with 54mm)
Aperture limits: F2.8-F11
Fit thread: M39
Number of aperture blades: 12
In fact, there are quite a few modifications of the Vega-11U 2.8 50mm lens. Some of them have not 50mm focal length, but 54mm. Also, some Vega-11 lenses have a maximum aperture F3.5 instead of F2.8. Main modifications: Vega-11U (50U), Vega-11UR, Vega-11U-2. The lens was produced in many factories and exists in different frames. You can view review of the 'black' version of the lens VEGA-11U 2,8 / 50manufactured at LZOS.
View of the Vega-11U lens
Highlights.
- Enlightenment. The lens has enlightenment, for the type and quality I can not say anything.
- Maximum aperture 2.8 makes the lens suitable for work in low light.
- Compactness. The lens is very small and compact. Looks funny on my Nikon D200.
- Vega-11U is a specialized lens, therefore it is not intended for ordinary purposes. Due to its enormous sharpness, he can work as a great macro lens... For example, the beloved Industar-61 LZ has a center / edge resolution of 45/28 l / mm, and for Vega-11U: 70/40 l / mm, which is much more.
- A lot of aperture blades. Here is a very interesting point. Aperture blades as much as 12 pieces, because the circles in the blur zone have a regular rounded shape. This is very important for macro, because there the depth of field is very small and the nature of the bokeh greatly affects the picture. Only a few lenses have such a large number of aperture blades. For example, one of Nikon’s best macro lenses, the Micro-Nikkor 105mm f / 2.8G IF-ED AF-S VR, has 9 aperture blades.
Vega 11U - view on a modern camera
- Easy. The lens is made with a fairly light metal alloy.
- On DX cameras with crop factor 1.5x viewing angle will be narrower. The angle will be equivalent to the viewing angle for a 75mm lens in full frame or 35mm film.
- The lens is also suitable for a full frame. When used on younger cameras, Nikon will not work with metering. When using Canon, there will be no confirmation of focus accuracy.
- At the lens only manual iris control without the possibility of pre-installation. The aperture can be set to one of 5 values - 2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11. This is one of the few cases when one would like to be able to set a smaller aperture, at least F16, in order to increase the depth of field during macro photography ...
Sample photo on Vega-11U
Important: Vega-11U does not have a focus ring. It is impossible to focus using this lens in the usual sense of the word. The lens is always focused at a certain distance, for the Nikon / Canon working distance and setting using a conventional adapter, the focusing distance is 20-30 cm (distance from the focal plane to the subject). Due to the fact that the lens is most often used for macro, the focus problem is not so important - it is very convenient to focus by moving the camera to or from the subject. It is very convenient to use the Vega-11U with macro rings.
Sample photo on Vega 11U
Use with modern cameras
Lenses with an M39 mounting thread (for enlargers, M39 X 1 / 28.8), such as the lens from this review, are very easy to use on modern cameras, just select correct adapter. On lens reflex cameras can only work in macro mode (shoot small objects with a short focusing distance). On mirrorless cameras, it will be possible to achieve focus on infinity. The cheapest adapters can be found aliexpress.com.
For use on modern digital SLR cameras Canon EOS need M39-Canon EOS adapter, you can buy such an adapter (adapter) here. Also, an adapter M39-Canon EOS can be easily replaced with two adapters: M42-Canon EOS + M39-M42. In any case, the lens will always be focused at close distances.
An adapter is required for use on Nikon SLR cameras M39-Nikon F, you can buy such an adapter (adapter) without a lens and a chip here. Also, one adapter M39-Nikon F can be easily replaced with two adapters: M42-Nikon F + M39-M42. In any case, the lens will always be focused at close range.
For such a lens, I advise you to additionally buy macro rings with M42 thread, for example here.
How to use this lens with cameras of other systems (Pentax, Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus, Panasonic, Samsung, Sigma etc.) - ask in the comments and you will be prompted. If you have any questions on compatibility and adapters, ask in the comments (comments do not require any registration at all, any user can add a comment).
Photo on Vega 11 U
Why can I use Vega-11U?
The lens is perfect for macro photography. At the lens very good sharpness over the entire field of the frame. A good macro can be shot with both the lens itself and the lens with macro rings. When using macro rings, you can achieve simply amazing image quality. The lens was created specifically for photo enlargers, where the transmission of the maximum number of parts is important, therefore, in macro photography the Vega-11U will feel like a fish in water.
Vega-11U bokeh
Sample photos on Vega-11U and APS-C camera (crop, 1.5x)
All photos without processing, shot on Nikon D200 (Raw → JPEG, Q80%, resized 10mp → 1600 * 1200 + EXIF water mark)
Sample photos on Vega-11U and APS camera (full frame)
All photos without processing, shot on Nikon D700, JPEG L, VI, Q80%, resized 12mp → 1600 * 1200 + EXIF watermark). This is the anniversary, 200th gallery in Radozhiva.
Picture on the Vega-11U lens
The main indicator of the picture on the Vega-11U is the sharpness of the lens. Sharpness is excellent, even at 2.8. By closing the aperture to F11 we increase the depth of field and the sharpness itself. Diffraction at F11.0 aperture does not affect the photo. I do not observe distortions on my cropped matrix. Vignetting is missing. Please note that distortion and vignetting on DX cameras will be less noticeable than on a full frame. The lens is a classic anastigmat, because HA Hardly ever. The bokeh of the lens is quite pleasant, but it’s difficult to judge, since I could see it in my work only by the example of macro photography.
Photo taken at Vega 11U.
Other lenses from photo enlargers (U)
INUDSTAR (I):
- INDUSTRAR 22U-1 1: 3,5 F = 50mm П | LZOS | 8 petals
- I-22U 1: 3,5 F = 50mm П | KOMZ | 10 petals
- I23U 4,5 / 110 | LZOS | medium format | 6 petals
- I-26m-U 2,8 / 52 | FED | 10 petals
- I50U-3,5 / 50 | FOZ | 6 petals
- I50U 3,5 / 50 | LZOS | 6 petals
- I50U 3,5 / 50 | NGO 'Optics' | 6 petals
- I50U-1 3,5 / 50 | LZOS | 6 petals
- И50У-1 1:3,5 F=50мм П | LZOS | 8 petals
- INDUSTRAR-55U 140 / 4.5 | MMZ | medium format | 9 petals | reader review
- INDUSTRAR-58 3,5 / 75 | MMZ | medium format | 9 petals | reader review
- I-90U 4/75 | LZOS | medium format | 10 petals
- I96U-3.5 / 50 | FOZ | 6 petals
- I96U 3,5 / 50 H-22 | NGO 'Optics' | 6 petals
- I96U-H-22-3,5/50 | FOZ | 6 petals
- I96U-1 3,5 / 50 | FOZ | 6 petals
- I-100U 4/110 | LZOS | medium format | 10 petals | reader note
VEGA:
- VEGA-11U 2.8/50 | AOMZ | zebra | 12 petals
- VEGA-11U 2,8/50 | LZOS | black | 12 petals
- VEGA-11U 3/54 | MMZ | black | 12 petals
- VEGA-5U 4/105 | AOMZ | medium format | 6 petals
- VEGA-5U 4/105 | MMZ | medium format | 6 petals
- VEGA-22CA 5,6/103 | MMZ | medium format | 6 petals | reader's review
PZO WARSZAWA:
- Mikar / s 4,5 / 55 | PZO WARSZAWA | Made in Poland | 5 petals
- Emitar / s 4,5 / 80 | PZO WARSZAWA | Made in Poland | 5 petals
- Amar 4,5 / 105 | PZO WARSZAWA | Made in Poland | 6 petals
Plants:
- LZOS - Lytkarino Optical Glass Plant, Lytkarino
- KOMZ - Kazan Optical and Mechanical Plant, Kazan
- MMZ - Minsk Mechanical Plant named after S.I. Vavilova
- FOZ - Theodosia Optical Plant
- AOMZ - Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant, Azov
- NPO Optika - Optics Research and Production Association, Moscow
- FED - Kharkov Engineering Plant 'FED' (F. E. Dzerzhinsky)
The names of the lenses are clearly indicated according to the marks on the case.
Conclusions:
Vega-11U is a specialized lens from photo enlargers, because it has very good sharpness. A lens without a focusing ring, on modern digital SLR cameras can be used as a budget macro lens.
Thank you for attention. Arkady Shapoval.
I bought for 200 re a couple of days ago. The lens surprised and pleased with excellent color reproduction and sharpness.
installation of vegi11u - an adapter KP A / H for A-lenses is EXCELLENT on the M39 macro ring of any width, on my rings the gap is no more than 0,25 mm - one or two layers of paper ring are enough for sealing and then we clamp the macro ring with screws on the A-adapter.
by the way, the same situation with Jupitre 8 and all the upholstery on M39 - just put the KP A / H on the outside on the thread.
I took your advice and did so. Here's What Happened - https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/05/makro-iz-poxoda-v-krym/
I didn't bother at all, I took out the standard screws without hats, and in their place I put 10mm lengths of the usual ones with a cap under M3 and there is no need to glue or wrap paper (electrical tape), etc.
This lens modification is the latest and, apparently, the best. They were used for DON-103 and DON-110 enlargers.
This lens was also equipped with the Azov photo enlarger
[…] Here is my colleague Arkady wrote a wonderful article about the use of Vega-11U. And I thought - but really ... if his [...]
Recently having bought an asset for 60 hryvnias, the prada in me didn’t have a changeover from m39 to m42, I also had to reel three wires and screw it into the transfer. The axis of the first photo:
http://s019.radikal.ru/i625/1208/47/83bc904a31e3t.jpg
http://s54.radikal.ru/i145/1208/69/a40c6a55e17ct.jpg
http://s49.radikal.ru/i126/1208/d7/35ccb3863c7at.jpg
The axis of the photo is scattered behind Helios I Vega (Helios screwed into the camera, and Vega is attached to it), the prada is so important to focus:
http://s019.radikal.ru/i615/1208/bc/e8a34a70c393t.jpg
I bought for two liters of honey)) The lens was very pleased, it will just be under the macro. That's just my M42 with a chip for Canon and confirmation of autofocus works fine!
Well bargained :) Congratulations on your purchase.
Good afternoon Arkady!
Walked around the flea market. I saw the box-tube I opened I see the lens, caps, instructions. Bargained for 15 hryvnia. I go home sorry - I scold myself. M39 thread (I don't have an adapter), there is no focusing, well, so new. I came straight to the computer, to visit you, read the article and smiled. Nice, lucky day.
True, mine differs from yours by only 39 mm in length, all black and does not have such a large protrusion (mini-hood) as yours. The passport specifies the manufacturer "Lytkarino Optical Glass Plant"
Sorry for writing a lot - I'm glad.
Congratulations on a successful purchase.
there is Vega 11U 3/54. THREAD 42mm
TAIL 10mm. How to put it on Nikon D 90 ?, What kind of adapter is needed. There is a KP-A / N Ring for Nikon, is it suitable?
If you write that “THREAD 42mm”, then you need M42-Nikon. But most likely you need two adapters M39-M42 and M42-Nikon. The shank has nothing to do with it.
and do you need M39 / M42 there at all? Thank you.
I read your review and regretted that I sold this lens as unnecessary, as I thought. It did not occur to me to use it in this way ... By the way, you can try to build it into the construct of some semi-disassembled lens in order to implement focusing. The entire optical unit will move ...
I understand correctly that in the absence of an adapter KP-A / N, you can use this scheme
Vega -> Adapter M39-M42 -> Adapter M42-Nikon -> Carcass
Yes, you understand correctly.
And then, in pursuit of the question, if possible)
I want to take a macro ring for this lens to squeeze everything out of it, I’m a little confused, their prices are not very different.
Under the condition of the scheme indicated above, under which thread should I take the macro rings? M39, M42 or even Nikon?
I mean, what solution will be more universal, provided that in the future I will primarily torture in this field with Soviet lenses.
Thank you in advance,
A blog is really useful for getting started in photography and understanding the basics.
Better for M42 rings, the cheapest and will fit on almost all Soviet lenses.
Hello! They offer from 39 immediately to Nikon http://fotomag.com.ua/chk-m39—nikon-opinion.html Will fit?
Good day! After reading your review, I accidentally came across this lens in perfect condition, bought it without hesitation plus an adapter on the M42. I immediately glued it to the lens and let's torment it. The first pictures I put on my page http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/m3-10/view/604769/?page=0
Hello! Will I be able to remove something similar on veg 11u 54 / 3.0?
http://vk.com/hoptinsky?z=photo5885069_285703988%2Falbum5885069_160186651%2Frev
http://vk.com/hoptinsky?z=photo5885069_285628646%2Falbum5885069_160186651%2Frev
http://vk.com/hoptinsky?z=photo5885069_285204463%2Falbum5885069_160186651%2Frev
Samsung NX-10 Camera (APS-C)
Yes you can.
thank you very much.
And whatever you don't take, it can't be photographed in the second frame, you can clearly see the ripple across the entire field. That doesn’t want to live alone? Would you like it to be cropped? Dont clear…
Pay me hosting and I will post even a video)
I read, bought, adapted to the D300 ... buzz :).
I join all the positive reviews about this wonderful lens.
Hand focusing adds a twist to the shooting process.
I can send full-size examples of pictures by e-mail.
But how did you adapt it to your nikon?
Regarding the diaphragm, I have the same modification as in the photo, No. 850422. After clicking on 11, it’s squeezed to about 1mm. On the open, it seems to the end, the edges of the petals are slightly visible.
There are even 12 aperture blades! And with the adapter, everything seems to be easier, is there an adapter M39–> Nikon?
There is such a lens for sale who are interested write to soap.
From SW.
Soap samodergetc@mail.ru
I also have a greyhound with 85 ...
According to the instructions of the Don-110 enlarger, my old Vega has a resolution of 65/35 (http://savepic.org/5303190.jpg) Azov Optical and Mechanical Plant, but the logo is still old. You can also cover the diaphragm (as Mikhail wrote above here) more than f11. 12 petals. Temporarily on hand there is still (in parentheses permission):
wave 9 (42/30)
helios 44m-7 (50/30)
Zenith ME1 (48/27)
Jupiter 37 (45/30)
this Vega 11u (65/35)
Industar 61 L / Z (45/28)
There are macro rings M42, M39, AL4 lens.
But there is almost no time and experience (in macro) for now (therefore, more time is needed). It would be nice to test under the same conditions ..
Vega 11 - to go, scho there are good indicators of growth. Tsikavo in terms of Wave-9, for which you ask 10 times more.
http://photographers.ua/photo/uh-obnimu-812346/
here is my example, vega and 2 sets of rings :)
A few words about the rings. I put the M39 / M42 + M42 / Nikon ring on the Nikon, while the M42-Nikon adapter is not fixed until it stops, but freely scrolls further along the thread of the M39 / M42 ring. I had to wind the tape to create an emphasis between the lens and the adapter. Who solved a similar problem?
Yes, indeed Vega11 showed amazing sharpness and drawing. Photo - stacking of 7 frames at 2,8 aperture
Yes, it's cool, only the foreground (petal) IMHO had to be pulled out to the end.
Tell me what is the best Vega-11U or Industar-50U 3.5 / 50 lens?