Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2007/01/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Actually a 35/1.4 gathers less light than a 50/1.4. Remember, the light gathering ability depends on the absolute aperture. The absolute aperture, D = (focal length)/(f- number), assuming non retrofocus construction. For a given exposure the brightness of an image of an extended object depends on the number of photons per unit area, while for a point object the image brightness depends on the total number of photons. Thus, if you are photographing a normal scene, similar f- (actually, T- ) stops will give similar exposures, irrespective of the focal length. On the other hand, when taking photos of point sources like stars, the absolute aperture counts. Thus, a 180 mm f/2.8 lens will image fainter stars than a 50mm/1.4 lens. > On 1/1/07 02:19, "Tina Manley" <images@InfoAve.Net> wrote: > > Frank - I was referring to the 35/1.4 and the Noctilux 1.0 - just that the > 35 is wider and encompasses more light > > >