Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. > >Bud Erwin Puts has written a thorough comparison: http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/m/lenses/pages/l11879.html Executive summary: ASPH is not a quantum leap forward in performance, but does offer advantages. Aside from small gains in microcontrast wide open, it has a markedly flatter field than the previous version. At f/5.6 the ASPH extends performance farther into the corners than the last version manages to do. Mr. Puts seems to feel that Leica has oversold the improvements in the design a bit, but that it is nevertheless the better performer. In practical terms the new lens comes with a cap that fits over the outside of the hood. This makes storing the lens with hood in place practical. The ASPH is also a bit bigger than the previous one, but not dramatically so. It weighs 100g more (comparing black to black versions). I just upgraded from a 1979 35 Summicron to the ASPH. I haven't recieved it yet, however, since it seems to be out of stock at Leica (and they are not particularly pleasant about inquiries into its potential arrival). With Kodachrome 25 and assuming that you shoot at 1/125 or higher and/or use a tripod you'll probably see the difference between the ASPH and the last version. But it might make only a small difference in how well people enjoy the slides. - -Charlie