Industar 61 LZ 50mm f2.8 Macro Lens Review
We’re back with a great Russian lens review. In this article, we will discuss the popular Russian macro lens Industar 50mm f2.8. Industar 61 LZ 50mm f2.8 macro review article, which is famous for its star bokeh, you can find the characteristic features of this lens, sample photos, macro performance and information about bokeh.
Technical Data and Versions of Industar 61 LZ 50 mm f2.8 Macro Lens
| Lens name | MC industar-61 L/Z 50 mm f2.8 macro |
| Aperture max-min | 2.8 to 16 |
| Weight | 210 g |
| Length | 55mm |
| Element | 4 optical elements in 3 groups |
| Minimum focusing distance | 28cm |
| Number of diaphragm blades | 6 |
| Maximum magnification | 1:1.25 |
| Anti-shake | no |
| Filter diameter | 49 mm |
| Mde in | ussr |
There are many versions of Industar 61. Industar 61 55mm f2.8, Industar 61 53mm f2.8, Industar 61 52mm f2.8 are other known versions. In addition to these, Industar-50 50mm f3.5 and Industar-26m 50mm f2.8 lenses are added, it is not possible not to get confused. The lens we are reviewing is the Industar 61 L-Z 50mm f2.8 with Macro feature Lzos production. M42 threaded bayonet. Most of the others are fed production and have m39 screw bayonet.
There are also 2 versions of the Industar-61 lz 50mm f2.8 macro lens. Both are manufactured by LZOS, the Lytkarinsky Optical Glass factory. Although I came across the article with the title of KMZ production on a few pages on the internet, the lens in its content is always lzos production. The symbol consisting of intertwined triangle, round and c letters is used. There is no difference between the 2 versions. There is no change in appearance and optics. In the old version, the aperture numbers were located under the red marker line, one below the other, while in the new version, they were located next to the line.
Industar 50mm f2.8 Macro Physical Features
Industar weighs only 225g (210gr without lid) and is about 6cm long, making it very easy to carry and use. Lens fits everywhere. It is also very durable thanks to its metal structure. It seems that the weight of 4 elans in 3 groups is not much. Its ergonomics get all kinds of passing grades. Let’s also say that it is a copy of the Carl Zeiss Tessar 50mm f2.8 design optically.
It does not have a self or a latched hood. But the front optics are designed so far back that the lens looks as if it has a permanent lens. There is a preset aperture ring at the front and a rather thick focus ring in the middle. The focus ring can rotate about 330 degrees, allowing for more precise focusing. It is positive that the ring occupies a large space; because it allows focusing even when held casually. In macro shots, the lens gets about 2 cm longer. The minimum focusing distance is 30 cm. But I measured that it was like 29, 28 cm. It is very difficult to measure in an obvious way. The front filter diameter is 49mm and the focus does not rotate during the front optics.
On the back, this lens lacks the focus pin for analog camera auto modes. I don’t know how this will result for analog lovers, but it is more reasonable for digitalists. At least they won’t need to buy a pin supported m42 adapter.
Macro and Aperture on Industar 61 LZ 50mm f2.8
Although we call the lens macro, it is not specified on it. It can give magnification up to about 1: 1.25. You can get as close as 30 cm to the object. I personally love macro-enabled lenses for creating different compositions. The macro, which is needed from time to time in the mountains and on the slope, on the other hand, allows for extra composition editing as it gets closer to the subject.
I mentioned above that it has a preset diaphragm. The preset system must be suppressed. You suppress the aperture value of the lens you want to lock and that’s it. It can be dimmed between the most open 2.8 and the value you locked. Perfect for videographers. Another useful feature is that the aperture transitions are not paused.
Another feature that increases the recognition of the lens is the diaphragm blades that give the star shape. It has a circular aperture at f2.8, that is, at the most open, and takes the form of a star as it is dimmed. The aperture for optimal stellar bokeh is around 5.6. In f4, the stars cannot be selected completely. It becomes clear after f5.6. Although stellar bokeh may not be welcomed by some users, amateur and experimental users like me will love it. The flashes of light in the backgrounds become stars. Being different from other ordinary lenses is already another aspect that attracts this lens first. The shape of the diaphragm petals becomes hexagonal at f11 and hexagonal near circular at f16.
Industar 61 LZ 50mm f2.8 Sharpness and Colors
Let’s get to the sharpness. The lens offers very good sharpness at any value, including the widest aperture. Since the aperture value is a bit narrower than normal 50mm lenses, it is not overly soft on the edges like other Russian lenses. The middle parts are sharper, especially in the open, but the recovery increases in the corners as you pinch them. f4.5 achieves ideal sharpness. I think even at f2.8 great portraits are taken.
I think their glow against the reverse light is fine given its age. Although it does glare a little in white light, very satisfactory backgrounds can be obtained in yellow backlight. These glare, which can be kept under control especially at sunset, also add a pleasant image to the photograph. It’s obvious that the mc version is better.
His success in color is also really good. I find it produces stable colors for an older lens. In terms of tone, I can say that it is far from cold, warm and with enough contrast. Contrast is satisfactory at f2.8. Not poor in contrast at the widest aperture like the Helios 77m4.
CA end Distortion at Industar 61 LZ f2.8 Macro
Similarly, he is adept at creating CA at the widest aperture. Obviously, purple glows are not felt conspicuously. It can only be understood when you enlarge the photo. That’s why it’s more successful than a Minolta. Although it is not like today’s quality optics, it is at a level that can be used easily.
Distortion is at minimum levels in the 50mm lens group. Industar lz also has no visible edge warping. In the photographs taken from the closest distance, pillow distortion occurs, which can be seen when carefully examined. I think the reason for the low f2.8 is the relatively small aperture.
All in all, I enjoy using this lens and recommend it to anyone who will buy it. It’s definitely a lens that does a great job from its size. It should be emphasized that the only disadvantage is the f2.8 aperture. Apart from the diaphragm disadvantage, I think it is a very ideal lens for general use.
