Comparison
Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. vs KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2
The Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is a 85mm f/1.8 Canon FD lens made 1974-1990s, valued at $100 to $340 used. The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is a 85mm f/2 M42 lens made 1950s-1980s, valued at $90 to $320 used.
Specifications side by side
| Specification | Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. | KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/2 |
| Native mount | Canon FD | M42 |
| Production years | 1974-1990s | 1950s-1980s |
| Optical design | 6 elements / 4 groups, Double Gauss | 7 elements / 3 groups, Sonnar |
| Typical used value | $180 | $160 |
| Value range | $100 to $340 | $90 to $320 |
| 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 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. is 0.3 stops faster: f/1.8 against f/2.
- The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is cheaper. Typical used value is $160 against $180, a gap of $20. Ranges: $90 to $320 versus $100 to $340.
- Both are 85mm lenses, so framing is identical on the same sensor.
- The KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 is the older design; production began around 1950 against 1974 for the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. (1950s-1980s versus 1974-1990s).
- They use different mounts, Canon FD and M42, so each needs its own adapter. Both reach infinity on mirrorless bodies with a plain mechanical adapter.
- Construction differs: 6 elements in 4 groups for the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C., 7 elements in 3 groups for the KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2.
Which one to buy
Choose the Canon FD 85mm f/1.8 S.S.C. for the 0.3 stops of extra speed. Choose the KMZ Jupiter-9 85mm f/2 for the $20 lower typical price. 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.