Bokeh. A definitive guide to some of the most fascinating effects in photography.

[@Simonsutak]

To everyone commenting below. Many thanks for your comments, feedback, encouragement and kind words; they are very much appreciated. I may not respond to comments, but I read them all, and re-read them, sometimes many times!

[@AntonioSilva-lj1yh]

This video is a masterclass in bokeh, with a clear breakdown on the variables affecting background/foreground blur and a bunch of test shots to perfectly explain the impact of each one. Thanks for your hard work putting this together!

[@staticvideo]

One of the heavily underrated photography channels. Excellent work as always!

[@sertaysakizoglu5553]

best bokeh/ vintage glass youtube channel hands down

[@Jack_Schularick]

Surprisingly, one can apparently talk about photography in an intelligent way. Much appreciated, Simon!

[@TabobandungT]

I recently got gifted a Helios-44m and subsequently found your videos. I've never realized how deep this bokeh rabbit hole goes, it's super fascinating and fun. Your videos have given me a new appreciation for bokeh and a deeper understanding of optics as a whole. Thanks!

[@campbells0ups]

i have an addiction for taking test shots and looking at results too

[@muris60]

me too

[@billyoung9538]

I enjoyed this from beginning to end far more than I originally expect. This is by far one of the best examples of how the choices one makes can really impact the end results, and how beautiful imagery can be using the right tools at the right times and places.

[@rodcummings3606]

This must be the defining analysis of Bokeh on KZbin. I can't see anyone else putting so much time, effort, and experience into the subject. In fact, I'm beginning to see your name mentioned in comments on other channels when it comes to Bokeh and Vintage lenses. And rightly so. I'd admit that I do have a pleasant obsession with vintage lenses. Bokeh can be so subjective, so I enjoyed your scientific analysis and observation. Found the different styles and optical design very informative. Got me thinking that I should try to divide my collection into Biotar design, Triplet , Sonnar, Double Gauss, Planar, etc. The lens is important; however composition and light are top of the list as you pointed out. DOF & MFD also plays a big part. Extensions rings should be in every camera bag. The arrow shaped cutout on the Helios 44-2 was intriguing. Must try this myself. Photographing the wall of lights was a helpful visual test. Pleased that I own 6 of the 8 lenses you had chosen. Appreciating lenses with a dozen or more aperture blades. Seeing the artwork captured with 23 different lenses really highlighted your dedication to the vintage lens community. Thank you. Glad that you covered image processing. Great conclusion that it is the skill of the photographer that makes the difference. You showcased such a wonderful collection of images. In this day and age, we can’t but help be guided by the viewer and feedback. A pleasing Bokeh images is always well received.

[@messylaura]

First of all Simon thanks for all the work and time put into the making of this vid, quite a body of work there. i have quite a mix of new and vintage lenses ranging from £30 to £900, and its the little 50mm ƒ1.8 pentacon that makes me smile the most when i look at the images, you feel like you have made an image rather than captured an image, this could be just the mind set you have when you use specific lenses. i most do wildlife with longer modern lenses so its a completely different approach to using manual vintage lenses and both have their pleasures as for bokeh, well photography is an art form and bokeh is an art form in itself so trying to get your head around a double art space you've put together a wonderful video

[@MrSimonj1970]

I was considering buying a Pentacon, you made my mind up, cheers!

[@acjmills]

A tour de force. Really wonderful, informative discussion of Bokeh. Would be interesting to see a video on oof transitions and differences among lenses, I found that part particularly interesting as it is not often discussed, whereas there is plenty on Bokeh balls… Thanks for all the effort that went into this!

[@gschweiger]

This is a great video that really dives into what makes up bokeh, and admits that what is "good" or not is subjective! I am very happy to see that you spent a good amount of time on DOF and MFD. These are two aspects of bokeh that never get mentioned. Something I would also add in this area is distance to the subject (MFD plays a role here) and distance from the subject to the background. Even with slow telephoto lenses, if the background is far enough away, you can get pleasing smooth OOF areas that exentuate what is in focus.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you. Yes, you make a very good point about the distance from the subject to the background. I have some very smooth OOF shots from f3.5 telephotos I could/should have included.

[@arcanics1971]

The Super Takumar 55mm 1.8 is my favourite Bokeh lens, but to be honest I love all Bokeh- including busy types and soft. What looks good, I think, depends on the subject and the type of lighting etc. One of my favourite Bokeh photos was actually one I took with a Canon kit lens- an 18-55 APS-C lens of all things- where the Bokeh was due to the distance from the subject and completely unexpected. The swirl of a Helios 44-2 also has a special place for me. I really enjoyed this video. So much work put into Bokeh! Nice work, sir.

[@cosmashono7665]

A wonderful analysis. I was also bitten by the vintage lenses bokeh bug, and later realized when I was about to move to a new apartment, that I had two large boxes of vintage lenses. Was forced to stop purchasing old glasses. I have followed your channel for some years now, and I know you are a huge fan of the Takumars. However, there’s a Takumar that I haven’t seen any detailed reviews about…the SMC Takumar 45-125mm F4 M42. Got that lens for peanuts in near mint condition, and I’ll pick this lens over my Takumar 135 f2.5, 35 f2, 20 f4.5, 28 f3.5, 50 f1.4 and 55 f2. I love that lens.

[@Paul_anderson_creative]

Akin to the question 'what makes a great roast dinner'... Always subjective. But your videos are the only ones IMHO that present Bokeh and vintage and some modern lenses as artistic tools.. and focus on that as opposed to technicals and charts... thanks, very refreshing and informative..🙏🙏🙏

[@andgainingspeed]

So much of the way we react to is subjective, but this video gives the the ingredients that contribute to various results. Personally I like all kinds of results and gravitate to some extremes, with exception of the dizzier swirls and straight or notched blades stopped down. The channel's images have made me warm up to smoother and low contrast. Thanks for all the time and hard work that went into the video, and for sharing your collection of lenses. 👍

[@DethronerX]

Arrow thing is very interesting. I've always wanted to try out cut-out shapes, but I never imagined this, it's very cool indeed!

[@n1tr0sys09]

Man, what a video, masterclass in an area that for some is beautiful on it's own, recently bought a 7artisans 35mm f1.4 and this video made me take the lens and test all things you show, how distance, mfd, and out of focus highlights interact with it, the blades and how to exploit, thank you very much really appreciate this work

[@mrdarryljones1]

Sheesh, that would make a complex formula! Thanks for sharing your passion! It would be interesting for you to put Nikon’s new Plena lens through your litany of scenarios, but you can’t borrow mine! 😂 Cheers and keep up the awesome content! ✌🏽

[@noremacbeez]

Simon....fantastic analysis... explanation at 15:20 is just brilliant....

[@JeffreyHauser]

This is perhaps the finest, most informative video that I have seen regarding bokeh. I enjoyed comparing & contrasting various lenses with examples of the bokeh that each respective lens may produce. Of course, many factors beside the brand of lens, affect bokeh, as pointed out in this video. WELL DONE. Thank you.😊

[@craigzievis2074]

Oh, great thumbnail too! Really stands out.

[@liveinaweorg]

Such an education from a wonderful educator. Thank you.

[@esjotace7364]

Awesome guide Simon! You have no idea how useful your channel when I'm on the lookout for lens and new learning about optics.

[@MsOnce4all]

Great job! Excellent explanations and beautiful photos. Very inspiring!

[@63phillip]

Wow what a great video, and the images were great. Thanks for a deep dive into Bokeh .

[@christianpetersen1782]

Simon thank you so much for this superbly informative video. Enjoyable, thought provoking and inspiring? yes, most definitely. I love it. I’ve saved it to watch again. This is quality YT at its best.

[@Skipsul]

This is a fantastic vid, thank you very much for the work on this.

[@TheSilverprint]

An excellent masterclass on bokeh interspersed with your wisdom and knowledge of lenses, technical specifications, and photography. Definitely the best online video I’ve seen, and will probably see on the subject. My wife caught me watching it a second time and now will start faulting you for my addiction. I’ve been compiling a list of lenses, to at least try out. I still shoot film and by no means a pro, I love the impact different lenses have with certain film stocks. This video shed some light on that. I wonder what you think of some of the vintage medium format lenses? Your videos are engaging and enjoyable. I think it’s because, for me, they’re part professorial, part mentor and always humble. Before the end, I felt compelled to ‘buy you a cup of coffee’, but the button wasn’t there. Thank you for the great and excellent work you put into making these informative videos.

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you so much for these kind and generous comments. I've copied them into a separate file and when I'm lacking inspiration and energy I'll re-read them! They are much appreciated. On medium format lenses, I don't have any experience of using them on my 35mm and APS-C cameras, but I know people who enjoy and value using them a great deal, including on their FF cameras. Part of the reason why they haven't attracted my own interest to date is that I mostly shoot closer up shots and 35mm FF or even APS-C formats work well for me.

[@obayedh]

Fascinating topic indeed! Enjoyed it much. :)

[@alanwilliams9842]

Thanks for the time and effort you have put into this topic.

[@ryanstark2350]

I just looked at your Flickr. What a great resource full of lovely photos. In particular demonstrating depth of field looks of these lenses.

[@marcstaples9930]

Another great and very informative video. There's not many out there that produce such interesting videos with so much detail especially on vintage lenses. Thanks for sharing. I have just purchsed several vintage lenses Helios 44M 58/2, CZJ Ultron 50mm/1.8 CZJ Tessar 50mm/2.8, Meyer Görlitz Dormiplan 50mm /2.8 (the worst sharpness of these mentioned lenses, but perhaps just my version) and there are a few more coming. So I am busy trying to find out exactly how and in which light to use these lenses.

[@ZOly62]

Meyer Görlitz Domiplan 50mm /2.8 is the worst among those, but it is so fun to shoot with that lens in right conditions!! 😀

[@kensho62]

Excellent review! I enjoyed it a lot and the information was very helpful to me.

[@sicudinb21]

Extremely serious worrk, well documented and womderfully presented. I learned a lot. Thank you!

[@cdrkennon]

Excellent discussion. I appreciate the thorough coverage and learned a lot. Thank you!

[@musicdreamerish]

Love your videos, Simon. Two of my favorite lenses are in my bag because of you. I fell in love with the Takumar 50mm F4 Macro and I have it because of you, and also my Helios 44 M4 58mm F2. Keep up the great work.

[@steadmanuhlich6734]

Outstanding video on this topic! Well done Simon! Keep up the good work. Subscribed, and liked.

[@mrgrandad1961]

Thank You for another wonderful video of crazy, colourful and beautiful photography...

[@doogieham]

Amazing overview, Simon! You have such a treasure chest of great videos on your channel but I think this is one of the best. And it will be the first one I recommend to the uninitiated. 😊

[@ZOly62]

Great video, Simon. I'm always impressed when I see someone delve so deeply and seriously into a topic. It was enjoyable to watch this so educational and informative video.

[@margot6041]

Beautiful work, I learned so much!

[@PhilippeDHooghe]

Impressive lecture! I learned a lot, thanks! And I also love the proper English speach. I have a Meyer Gorlitz Pentacon 50mm f/1.8 and a CZJ Flektogon 35mm f/2.8 from the mid seventies that were on my Pentor Super TL. Thanks to your channel I purchased a Fotodiox M42-Canon EOS EF. Together with the Canon EF-RF adapter I can use these on my Canon R7 and R8. That opened a whole box of fun I did not know I could have for so little money. Something that isn't highlighted enough: these things are half a century old and still work. Also the Pentor. While the modern stuff hardly lasts 10 years. The EOS 40D and EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 is usm both died on me within 15 years. That is hardly progress...

[@davidangel-blair9358]

Fascinating video! Thank you!

[@thegadgetdude]

Love these videos Simon

[@MysterDaftGame]

Very informative and comprehensive video ! Regarding AI and bokeh, I would add that seeing the bokeh in camera makes it much easier to use it creatively rather than adding it in post... The fun of vintage lenses is to try to play with their flaws to find that perfect composition where everything work to enhance the subject and add character !

[@GregorPQ]

Great pictures on flickr, thank you for the interesting video!

[@DynastyUK]

I put a moodboard together of all my favourite images, and was surprised how many didn't have bokeh or much bokeh. A lot of my lens choices have been made for the characteristics of a lens (especially type of bokeh), yet all the "best" & personal favourites have nothing to do with the bokeh, but to do with the subject, action, light & composition. When choosing lenses in the future I may think twice about the bokeh it has and more how it performs and handles. Another thing I give almost 0 about is sharpness. 50% of my favourite photos either have motion blur, purposeful out of focus or would just look odd if it was clinically sharp. This being said what a great in depth video, must have taken a lot of time to capture all these images and collect all those lenses and studying to create this vid.

[@wabloWattsy]

So much useful and interesting information in one video.

[@yesanton]

i don't start watching it for a while, as I know it will be excellent and I want to take the time to watch it with attention

[@vitalymaltsev4939]

Brilliant one. Thank you for sharing this.

[@vitalymaltsev4939]

I need an option to add more than one "thumbs up" to this video. It's just a sign of excellence, nothing less.

[@flyingo]

I really enjoy your examinations of the various bokeh effects obtained with different lenses and techniques. I photograph almost exclusively with film rather than digital and am curious about your thoughts regarding bokeh renderings when using color versus black and white film. Do you find that most of the “beauty” of out of focus areas of photos is lost in black & white shots? Or have you given it much thought or testing? Thank you for sharing your experiences with so many different lenses. I’ve purchased a few of the lenses after seeing your examples and hearing your opinions about them. Those lenses are now some of my absolute favorites (old Takumars rule!).

[@markg1930]

Great video, there is nothing else to say... Thank You very much🤘👍

[@_RocknRolla]

Hi! Can you recommend a macro lens for nikon with a big bubbles bokeh? I used tamron adaptall 30-80, but unfortunately it broke. He gave me a fabulous bokeh with big bubbles. What kind of analogue is available on nikon system yet?

[@JJBfilm]

Outstanding and brilliant work. Thank you for sharing..@ 14:14 "Bokeh...Comp and light, what lens was used? Tomioka??

[@Simonsutak]

Thank you for your compliments! The image at 14:14 was taken with a Carl Zeiss Ultron 50mm f1.8. The lens produces gorgeous colours. Interestingly, I took exactly the same scene with a Rollei Planar 50mm f1.8, a lens that is far cheaper (normally) to buy than the mighty Ultron (with its unique concave front element), and you can hardly tell the difference!

[@JJBfilm]

Much gratitude Sir...

[@jamescaldwell5]

Great video! I’ve fallen in love with Bokeh after buying a full frame mirrorless. Is my Minolta 58mm f1.2 also a Double Gauss lens? I’m also loving my 7artisans 50mm f1.05, does that fall in one of these categories? I’m also very tempted by the ttartisans 90mm f1.25. I definitely need to learn more about this subject before buying more lenses. Thanks again.

[@Simonsutak]

I can't find anything on-line about the precise optical design of the Minolta 58mm f1.2. Perhaps others can help. The Minolta 58mm f1.4 and 55mm f1.7 are double gauss designs apparently, with 6 elements in 5 groups, but the lists I've seen don't include the 58mm f1.2 (7 elements in 5 groups). I also don't know the design of the 7Artisans lens!

[@craigzievis2074]

Great video!! Thank you!

[@hans-peterhoefer1598]

Hi there, really enjoy your content. Now I'm wondering if you ever heard of the Kashimura Dianon lenses. I haven't found much info about them, not one single video on KZbin afaik, but I own three of them. One might be very interesting regarding bokeh. It's a 200mm f3.5 with 18 blades. Sounds interesting? Greetings from Germany, Jack

[@sindbadsailor7868]

Amazing content

[@davidmontes2525]

Can you do videos of photos you take with certain lenses and explain to us why you took the shot ?

[@qingyunwang3802]

Congratulations on finally getting the Zeiss Ultron!

[@Simonsutak]

Yes, its a fine lens. The image at 14:14 was taken with a Carl Zeiss Ultron 50mm f1.8. The lens produces gorgeous colours. As I mentioned in a response to JJBfilm in this discussion thread, I took exactly the same scene with a Rollei Planar 50mm f1.8, a lens that is far cheaper (normally) to buy than the mighty Ultron (with its unique concave front element). You can hardly tell the difference between the results. But overall, I'm very proud to finally be an owner of the Carl Zeiss Ultron.

[@qingyunwang3802]

@@SimonsutakThat's understandable, considering the Rollei Planar 50/1.8 is also known as Voigtlander Color-Ultron, a further evolution by Dr. Glatzel (who later also designed C/Y Planar 50/1.4) to achieve similar performance without using expensive crown and lead glass. From my experience the Rollei has slightly higher contrast but more CA, definitely more cost-effective, and made me question people's perception between a "premium" and a "budget" SLR lens (rangefinder lenses have pricing logic all its own).

[@Simonsutak]

@@qingyunwang3802 Interesting. I need to learn more about the glass used in the Ultron. I was thinking about posting a video explaining the heritage and design background to these two lenses - lenses that seem at first to be unrelated. And a look at their performance. Perhaps calling it the Prince and the Pauper!

[@Simonsutak]

@@qingyunwang3802 FYI, I've just posted three shots comparing the Ultron with the Rollie Planar head-to-head on Flickr and quoted your comment - www.flickr.com/photos/95859572@N06/53585096729/in/dateposted/

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Wow, what a well made video.

[@assummer1116]

28:40 amazing, I wonder how many stop it takes down to produce star at foreground and octagon at background like this, in my adjustment, star shows at lower aperture like 8 or 10 above, then there's no way octagon could be appear. thank you.

[@paulgood2218]

Video idea, best lens for black and white photos.

[@abeachristine5446]

13:18 What mount do use here? And is there a Mount (Adapter) for it for Sony and Canon?

[@Simonsutak]

For the Schneider Krauznach 50/1.8, it has a QBM mount and there are QBM to Sony emount adapters for sale online. Don’t know about Canon mounts.

[@tonyselwah6420]

Thank you for this amazing reference for optics and optical quality. I will refer all of my photography friends to your channel. Great work!

[@ryanstark2350]

The best Bokeh in my opinion is somwhere inbetween total softness and busyness. That's where you get that watercolour look but then again it can depend on the scene situation and distances with different lenses. Then some lenses have lovely smooth 3D fall off into the Bokeh. A good lens that has lovely 3D fall off and beautiful bokeh is the Takumar Preset 200mm f3.5 with it's 18 blades. The 300mm f4 model 2 is not as good and not talked about as much but it also has 18 blades. It's downfall is more aberrations. These lenses are a testament to the benefits of low element count. Manufacturers should really reconsider this. The so called flaws of many of these simpler lenses is their beauty. It's almost depressing when you need to have a modern lens in situations where autofocus is needed. Also, surely some these simple low lens element designs would actually be easy to make autofocus. There is little art to way modern lenses are being made.

[@antraxuran9]

Regarding the balls vs holistic view of bokeh: the shape of the bokeh balls is in some sense the kernel of a convolution-like transformation that is performed by the lens, transforming the 3D scene onto a 2D plane. This view of things explains why feathered bokeh balls of STF lenses produces the creamiest bokeh and why soap-bubble lenses can lead to harsh outlining in general !

[@What_Other_Hobbies]

Are your tested lenses arranged as letter “BK” on that white surface?

[@dedskin1]

Light does not shine it radiates , and how will i calculate DOF when i don't have a connection and now my phone is a dumbphone

[@Simonsutak]

Ha! You are right. I tend to use use shine to indicate bright light or highlights, critical to some types of bokeh. You need an old Schneider-Kreuznach Edixa-Xenar 50mm f2.8 lens - it has a natty DOF indicator on the lens's body.

[@dedskin1]

@@Simonsutak just nit picking , its all ok

[@condellmaurice8597]

No mention of the minolta STF and the amount of energy minolta and leica put into creating lenses with smooth bokeh.

[@cortanathelawless1848]

I think what diffentiates a good photo from a bad photo is visible intention the rest comes down to taste. I hate videos that tell you about the right way because I'd like to just have a toolset of different stylistic choices to get the results done I want regardless of mass appeal

[@Keysersoze30]

Not one of the Sonnars in this review are REAL Sonnar but Ernostar clones ;) Try the CZ Jena Sonnar 50 f1.5 .

[@LucypherMorningstar]

Who's Len?

[@rogeryoung3587]

You beat me to it!

[@HJN67]

I am sorry. Please don't take this the wrong way. It is not ment as a critique but more as a guide. To me it sounds like you are talking about flowers and "bouquet" every few seconds. How to pronounce "Bokeh" kzbin.info?search_query=how+to+pronounce+bokeh Other ways a very good video.

[@Acomyztly]

Are, BURE, bokeh was a japanese photograph movement of the 60’s as a response to the photojournalist of that time. Then somebody discover the word and decontextualizes it, bokeh not literally means for out of focus, it’s more a way of thinking.

[@Ni5ei]

I'm sorry but I couldn't stand so many mispronunciations of the word that I muted the sound and read the captioning instead 😅

[@sclogse1]

Then there's the word "romantic".

[@MrSimonj1970]

No, it's pronounced bokeh 😁