Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 vs Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2

What actually differs

• The Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2 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 $500, a gap of $430 (roughly 7.1x). Ranges: $35 to $130 versus $300 to $900.
• 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 1972 for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2 (1958-1971 versus 1972-1984).
• They use different mounts, M42 and Olympus OM, 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 6 groups for the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2.

Which one to buy

Choose the Asahi Pentax Super-Takumar 55mm f/1.8 for the $430 lower typical price. Choose the Olympus OM-System Zuiko Auto-S 55mm f/1.2 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.