Comparison
Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 vs Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C.
The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is a 55mm f/1.8 M42 lens made 1958-1971, valued at $35 to $130 used. The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. is a 55mm f/1.2 Canon FD lens made 1973-1979, valued at $180 to $600 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 | Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 55 mm | 55 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/1.2 |
| Native mount | M42 | Canon FD |
| Production years | 1958-1971 | 1973-1979 |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss | 7 elements / 5 groups, Double Gauss |
| Typical used value | $70 | $320 |
| Value range | $35 to $130 | $180 to $600 |
| Adapts to | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount | Sony E, Fuji X, MFT, Canon RF, Nikon Z, L-mount |
What actually differs
- The Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. is 1.2 stops faster: f/1.2 against f/1.8.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is cheaper. Typical used value is $70 against $320, a gap of $250 (roughly 4.6x). Ranges: $35 to $130 versus $180 to $600.
- Both are 55mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 is the older design; production began around 1958 against 1973 for the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. (1958-1971 versus 1973-1979).
- They use different mounts, M42 and Canon FD, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 5 groups for the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8, 7 elements in 5 groups for the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C..
Which one to buy
Choose the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 for the $250 lower typical price. Choose the Canon FD 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C. for the 1.2 stops of extra speed. Rendering differs too: read the character notes below, because speed and price are the only advantages the catalog data can settle.
Minimum focus distance, weight, and measured sharpness are not in the catalog, so this comparison does not claim anything about them.