Re: [Leica] Elmarit-R 2.8/19mm

["Gerry Walden" <gerrywalden@cwcom.net>]

Arne

I think that I have already passed brief comment on the 19mm R lens here,
but I have had further opportunity to use it.   I must first say that I
shoot quite a number of building interiors as two of my main clients are
major building contractors here in the UK, working on substantial
refurbishments for clients such as IBM, the armed forces etc.

Prior to the change to Leica R8 about one month ago, and the purchase of
this lens, I was using an EOS1 with a 20-35mm zoom.   To put it bluntly (and
to use an English expression) the Leica lens knocks spots off the Canon one
in both contrast, sharpness and distortion.   I really can't imagine that
you would be disappointed with it.

Regards

Gerry


- ----- Original Message -----
From: Pascal <cyberdog@attglobal.net>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: 29 March 2000 18:11
Subject: Re: [Leica] Elmarit-R 2.8/19mm


> > In prior postings on this list several of you have praised the current
> > 19mm for its high level of performance.  I am just curious; when was
> > the lens recomputed, and can I with it expect the same level of
> > performance with it as with the current Elmarit-M 2.8/21mm ASPH.?
>
> Hello Arne,
>
> I have the current Elmarit-R 19/2.8 and can confirm that this lens is an
> excellent performer. It will take some getting used to, however, as it is
> not always easy to use such wideangle well.
> I can't compare to the previous R version or to the Elmarit-M 21/2.8 ASPH,
> but here are my comments based on test reports and reading:
>
> 1. the current Elmarit-R 19/2.8 has the edge over its predecessor. It was
> optically redesigned in 1991. It is much more compact that the former one
> (Mandler design) and has improved optics.
>
> 2. as for a comparison with the Elmarit-M 21/2.8 ASPH sibbling, I compared
> both CDI test reports:
> - both lenses display vignetting wide open at f/2.8 (0.5 for M, 0.8 for R)
> and at f/4.0 (0.3 for M, 0.5 for R). At f/5.6 vignetting can be neglected
> for the M, but is 0.3 for the R.
> - distortion: both identically have a 0.3% barrel distortion which is said
> to be quite low.
> - color rendering is neutral for the M and just slightly warm for the R.
> - combined sharpness/contrast graph: the R is better than the M full open
at
> f/2.8 and at f/4.0 both in the center and at the corners (yes !). Only at
> f/5.6 does the M have the edge, but only in the center. At f/8 the M has
the
> edge over the R.
> - both get 4 stars for performance, the M gets 2 and the R 3 stars for
> price/performance, and both get 3 stars for côte d'amour.
> - the R is said by CDI to be the best 19-20mm lens they have ever tested.
>
> I hope this helps.
>
> Pascal
> NO ARCHIVE
>