Reviewing the Best Mamiya 645 Lenses – Our Honest, Unbiased Thoughts
The Mamiya 645 camera system is probably one of the finest breeds you’ll come across out there. Fortunately, this camera brand also presents you with a wide variety of lenses to choose from. That’s why we’d like to talk about some of the best Mamiya 645 lenses available out there.
Which one is the best one for you and why? In the following few paragraphs, we’d like to provide you with the essential details you’d need to get the right lens for:
- Reportage
- Fashion
- Weddings
- Portraiture – and so forth.
So, let’s take a look at some of the options available at your disposal. Hopefully, you’ll find something that meets or at least exceeds your expectations.
Mamiya 645 Lenses – Comparison
When affordability and versatility is a top priority, value becomes an important factor. In that regard, we have provided a quick table below to help you make a quick and informed decision.
| Ranking | Product Name | Lens Type | Maximum Focal Length |
| 1 | Mamiya 645 210mm | Telephoto | 210 Millimeters |
| 2 | Mamiya 645 AF 45mm | Wide Angle | 45 Millimeters |
| 3 | Mamiya Sekor C 150mm f/4 Lens | – | 150 Millimeters |
| 4 | Mamiya 55-110mm f/4 AF lens | 35mm | 110 Millimeters |
| 5 | Mamiya Sekor C 80mm f/2.8 N Lens | Standard | 80 Millimeters |
1. Mamiya 645 210mm f/4.0 Telephoto lens
The 210mm f/4 was designed for use in a professional capacity and will guarantee you a decent operational distance as well as images of the highest quality. It has an optical design comprising of seven elements in five groups, one of which being an Ultra-Low dispersion element.
This lens utilizes the Mamiya proprietary multi-coating technology to develop a fantastic flare and ghosting resistance. This technology is also vital in producing clear and sharp natural colors.
The autofocus function is fast due to the built-in focus motor though not quiet. At 750g, it may seem bulky, but it balances perfectly when mounted on an APS-C camera.
Pros
- Very sharp
- Solid feel
- Amazing low-light performance
Cons
- No weather-sealing
2. Mamiya 645 AF 45mm f/2.8 lens
The AF 45mm is a wide-angle lens which has been designed to combat color shift problems which are familiar with wide-angle lenses. Therefore, it directs light rays to be parallel whenever they hit the sensor.
As a result, you will get satisfactory performance concerning sharpness, contrast and color accuracy.
It has an optical design consisting of 9 elements in 7 groups, one of which is a UD element which helps in correcting chromatic aberration.
The build is pretty solid with a metal barrel and rubberized focus rings. The lens has a focusing distance of 1.5ft and accepts 67mm screw-in filters.
Pros
- Extremely sharp
- Solid build
- Affordable
Cons
- Bulky
3. Mamiya Sekor C 150mm f/4 Lens
The 150mm f/4 Sekor C lens is a manual focus lens with an angle of view of 28.1 degrees and a minimum focus distance of 1.50m.
The lens has an optical construction of five elements in four groups and a maximum aperture of f/4 with six aperture blades which contribute to a decent bokeh.
It is reasonably weighted at 440g, has a built-in lens hood and accepts 58mm filters.
Pros
- Affordable
- Strong build
- Very sharp
Cons
- No weather-sealing
4. Mamiya 55-110mm f/4 AF lens
The Mamiya 55-110mm is a versatile lens whose manufacturers had the environment at the back of their minds during its development. It uses eco-glass which produces no lead or arsenic, and in the process becomes mindful of the environment.
Apart from conserving the environment, the eco-glass contributes to a top-notch performance by offering low distortion.
The lens is exceptionally sharp at all focal lengths and has an impressive flare resistance due to Mamiya’s proprietary multi-coating process.
The process is also vital in light transmission as well as producing natural colors.
Finally, it has an AF/manual clutch with a fantastic grip on the lens barrel for a smooth MF operation.
Pros
- Impressive flare resistance
- Sharp throughout the focal range
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Pricey
5. Mamiya Sekor C 80mm f/2.8 N Lens
This lens is an MF prime lens which utilizes multi-coating technology to improve its flare and ghosting resistance. Its optical design comprises of six elements in five groups and is very small, light and compact, weighing just 220g and measuring 1.7 by 2.8 inches.
The all-plastic barrel construction further compounds the lightweight nature. The focus ring is fully rubberized for smooth rotation, and the minimum focusing distance is 70cm.
Chromatic aberration is well-handled while vignetting is barely noticeable. Further, the color representation is very accurate.
Last but not least, it accepts 58mm screw-in type filters.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Impressive flare-resistance
- Smooth focusing
Cons
- Weak barrel construction
Why are Good Mamiya 645 Lenses so Important?
Camera lenses are usually more important even than the camera they are attached to in most cases. So, below are some of the reasons as to why you should definitely invest in the best Mamiya 645 lenses.
More Light
The best Mamiya 645 camera lenses are designed to provide you with the option of allowing more light into your camera. This is because they have a wider maximum aperture. Therefore, if you will be shooting in low light conditions, then these lenses are worth considering.
Besides, the Mamiya 645 lenses feature a multi-coating process that increases light transmission. Also, the coating helps reduce flare while also ensuring crisp, vibrant, and natural colors.
Light weight and Compact
The best Mamiya lenses, in general, are built to be smaller and lighter. So, if weight and space are a big concern for you, these lenses could just be the right fit. They can fit in your tiny backpack and you won’t even notice that you’re carrying them.
Better Image Quality
All Mamiya lenses are quality controlled at all stages. Generally, they boast less barrel distortion and chromatic aberration thereby resulting in better image quality. What’s more, these types of lenses are capable of offering exceptional contrast and sharpness at different focal lengths. This makes them ideal for professional use.
Cover a Wide Range of Photographic Situations
Another benefit of using the Mamiya 645 lenses is that they are designed for a wide range of subjects. From portraits to wedding photography and landscape, these lenses are built with professional photographers in mind.
Shallow Depth of Field
Last but not least, the best Mamiya 645 lenses boast a shallower depth of field thanks to their wider apertures. This makes them the most suitable lenses for photographers looking to take shots where the background is blurred out.
The Buying Guide For Mamiya 645 Lenses
In our view, the first factor one needs to consider is the build quality. You basically want to make sure that you settle for a lens that’s built to last. Its chassis can be metallic or made from high-quality plastic.
The next factor to ponder upon is the size of the aperture. A wide aperture is important for low-light photography or if you don’t have an idea of how to set up a perfect lighting system.
While at it, don’t forget about the focal length. Generally, the 28mm, 35mm, and 50mm are the most popular focal lengths for beginners. Generally, the shorter the focal length the wider the field of view and vice versa.
Most importantly, you want to see to it that the kind of lens you settle for is capable of accommodating your camera model. Luckily for you, all the lenses included above are compatible with the Mamiya 645.
Last but not least, you may want to ponder the budget. Just how much are you ready to spend on your next lens? Generally, you’re likely to get a better deal if you raise your budget a little bit.
Depth of Field
This is simply the focusing range where the subject in question remains sharp. Generally, a wide aperture such as f/1.8 boasts a shallow depth of field. This means that it can easily separate your subject from the background and foreground. Ideally, the smaller the aperture size, the deeper the depth of field. And as a result, you can expect sharper images.
What you want to Photograph
More importantly, you need to think about what you plan to photograph. If you like taking travel or landscape photos, the best Mamiya 645 lenses should allow you to capture a wide view. However, if you prefer shooting events or portraits, Mamiya 645 prime lenses might be the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve just got yourself a Mamiya 645 camera, below are answers to some of the questions about the best lenses.
What’s the difference between MamiyaSekor C and Mamiya AF lenses?
Generally, the C lenses come with an optical design that comprises at least five elements in four or more groups. AF lenses, on the other hand, lack aperture rings and instead use electronically controlled body-driven apertures.
Can I use manual focus lenses on Mamiya AF bodies?
Yes you can. However, you risk losing auto-aperture which means you have to set it manually.
Which One Is The Best?
The Mamiya 645 AF 45mm f/2.8 lens is in our view, the best pick from this comprehensive list. It has a relatively wide aperture plus its focal length is just perfect for a standard lens. We also like the fact that it’s compact and easy to store.
Final Thoughts
The decision on the best Mamiya 645 lens is entirely yours. That’s because styles of photography vary from one person to the next.
Heading out for some landscape or wildlife documentary shots? A telephoto lens would be a much better choice. Looking for a basic, day-to-day use lens? A standard lens would be your best bet.
