Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/06/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The LHSA review was more like a summary of opinions exchanged over a couple of beers than a real test of the lens. (http://wanda.phl.pond.com/~lhsa/articles/asph.html) I enjoyed it for what it was, but Erwin Puts's reviews online address the optical performance of the lens more thoroughly. (http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/m/lenses/pages/l11879.html) The two tests agree on the large points: The 35/2 ASPH 1) Has higher contrast and resolution at f/2 and f/2.8. 2) The 35/2 ASPH has a much flatter field than the previous versions. In addition, Mr. Puts noted that the aspherical version extended the excellent performance at middle apertures farther towards the edges than the previous versions. In the LHSA review the authors both note the increased weight (100g) of the new lens. After mounting the lens on an M6 in the store I immediately noticed how well-balanced and stable it felt compared to the previous version. To my hands, the new lens feels easier to hand hold at low shutter speeds. Add to that the wider aperture ring and the improved lens shade and the lens is a nice addition. Judging from the photos in the LHSA article it retains the lovely Bokeh of the 35/2 heritage. I agree with the LHSA article, the 35/2 ASPH can't replicate the "glow" of one author's scratched and fogged 1st generatrion 35/2, but if you don't mind adding a Softar filter to the ASPH when you need that effect you might find the new lens to be a better choice all around. - -Charlie