Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2005/06/11
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]This is from the cvug group: Since I test cameras and lenses for photo magazines I have probably > used more different cameras and lenses than most. Generally, in > comparing SLR lenses, I have found that Leica and Zeiss are at the > top in most cases. Particularly this is true of their newer designs. > The difference is that Leica go to obsessive lengths in assembly of > lenses to center elements precisely and adjust everything to very > tight tolerances. Zeiss is much less obsessive about this stuff, and > the Japanese manufacturers don't do any specific centering except > possibly in very expensive lenses. When comparing Nikon and Canon, I > have found that Nikon makes marginally better wide angle lenses and > Canon makes better long telephotos. Minolta is as good as either of > them, and beats both handily in many lenses. Pentax is a close third, > with a handful of really outstanding optics. Olympus used to come in > dead last, with some real coke bottles, but I hear their new 4/3 glass > is really good. I haven't used any of it myself.