Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/30
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Sander van Hulsenbeek's impromptu bokeh test was indeed interesting.
The blur or "bo-ke" will vary depending on: the aperture, the set focus
distance, the distance of the out-of-focus objects from the plane of
focus, and the contrast of the out-of-focus objects. Generally, the
toughest test for any lens is
a. wide open,
b. with the focus set close,
c. with high contrast o-o-f objects far in the distance.
Few lenses pass such a test very well.
I could tell from his test that he had the older Summicron set very near
to wide open. Its really doesn't come into its own until f/5.6; beyond
that, its blur is really remarkably beautiful.
I'm very glad to know that the new lens does so well wide open! His
test indicates that it is indeed quite pretty. Interestingly, this is
where the f/1.4 Summilux ASPH does its best, too--at the most extreme
conditions. One could argue that good "bokeh" under those conditions is
most useful. Thanks to him for taking the trouble to post those
pictures.
- --Mike J. / _PHOTO Techniques_ magazine