Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Nathan and Joe, i have not conducted any tests: I outsource my testing to the specialised mags and to our own LUG guru. But I also did start with the 'classic' 35mm Summicron, before upgrading to the ASPH version. And there is a difference in the average quality of my slides. Since I generally use Velvia, I'm very often condemned at using full aperture in handheld photography. My guess is that most Leica M shooters WANT maximum performances wide open. The 35mm f2 ASPH gives me total confidence in those circumstances. I get perfectly crisp slides, seemingly immune to flare, and with hardly any progress in visible contrast/definition between f2 and the smaller apertures. The non-ASPH version was very nice to use (more compact than the ASPH) but asked to be stepped down a little for Leicaesque performance. Which made it less universal for my photography, and less worthy of the total investment. I do not measure those differences, but I am able to recognize them on the light table. The 35mm f2 ASPH is the ultimate 'standard' lens for a M6. But the f1.4 asph version sure is tempting as well ;-) Alan Nathan Wajsman wrote: > > Joe, > > > I'm not trying to be controversial; I have really been wondering about > > whether the newer lenses have anything to offer me that would make a > > difference to my pictures, fast film handheld. Seeking enlightenment. > > I upgraded my 35mm Summicron from the 70s to the latest ASPH version > this fall. Before doing it, I had the opportunity to borrow one and to run > some of my own tests. My conclusion was that at f2 there was a visible > difference in the slides, and a smaller but still visible difference at f2.8. > From > f4 on, there was no difference that I could see on the light table. These > tests > were of course done on a tripod, Fuji Velvia, close-ups of a statue. Maybe > they are not relevant to handheld shooting, but I did upgrade nonetheless; > I shoot at maximum aperture quite often and was willing to pay to squeeze > this little extra quality. If you always shoot at f5.6 or smaller apertures, > then > you will be wasting your money. > > Nathan > > -- > Nathan Wajsman > Overijse, Belgium > Photo page: http://members.tripod.com/belgiangator