La Palma is well known for it's clear sky and low light pollution. Astro photographers are traveling there for this alone.
Europe's biggest telescopes are located there, at the top of the Roque de los muchachos, over 2400 m high.
This one was shot at ocean level and shows the capitol Santa Cruz de La Palma at night with relatively clear sky.
Some of these photos pushed me over the edge, I went and bought a Loxia 50 today.
I'll say this, the difference in contrast and rendering between the Loxia 50 and 55 FE is smaller than between the Loxia 35 and 35/2.8 FE. Nonetheless in my initial testing I can see the extra contrast with the 50 that I was looking for, and also a touch less CA as well. The differences are evident, but not dramatic. Though again I need to do more testing.
On the other hand the haptics are a huge difference, and there's no question that the Loxia is much more enjoyable to shoot. Plus I prefer 50mm as a focal length over 55mm anyway.
Interestingly enough the focus ring on the 50 is quite a bit stiffer than on my Loxia 35. Not sure if that's because it's new, or if it reflects some variance between the two designs, or from lens to lens.
Anyway I'm quite pleased with my purchase, I think my 55 will be going up for sale soon.
inglis wrote:
Can someone comment on what they like about the Loxia in relation to either the FE 35 2.8 or FE 55 1.8? I am debating which way to go, have read lots of reviews, but am still undecided. These images help. The 3d is incredible.
Others have commented relative to the 55.
So I'll talk about the 35.
The L35 has all the flaws of a classic lens at f2; sharp in the middle, but a bit hazy elsewhere. It is sometimes useful, though, and the FE35 doesn't have f2.
At f2.8 I prefer the rendering of the L35 for a picture at short distances with some bokeh. But at infinity, or for sharpness across the field, you are better off with the FE35 for f2.8 shooting.
But as you stop it down the L35 goes ahead of the FE and at F8 the L35 has much nicer contrast and is sharper centrally and even into the corners (at least on my copies of the two of them). The L35 also has lovely sunstars, and performs against the light much better, two features which I find really important for landscape use.
So for me the L35 is the better lens to have. Though one day I'm sure there will be a lens which has the good features of both. There's not yet. Almost (except for manual focussing) the ZM1.4 is that lens; certainly if they produce a Loxia variant optimised for the Sony sensor cover that is therefore sharper across the field at wider apertures it will be.
The FE 35 is a lot lighter - I was tempted to keep it for hiking.
That's a great description of the L35 vs. the 35/2.8, and consistent with my experience. I'd also add that the L35 has more color and contrast, even at larger apertures, and the 2.8 has some serious vignetting. The L35 is plenty sharp in the center even at f/2, but weaker across the frame until you stop it down. I do still prefer the 35/1.4 FE as my ultimate 35, but I've been very satisfied with the L35.
Trying to share more photos I've taken now that I've acquired all the gear I want in the foreseeable future except for the Loxia 85. Here's one photo from each of the three Loxia lenses.
My favorite is the Loxia 21, followed by the 35 and then 50 in that order. The 35mm has its flaws but I've gotten a lot more memorable photos out of that lens than the 50. The 50mm is good but I haven't gotten as many great photos out of it yet.
At the very south point of La Palma, there is a salina, where very high quality salt is produced. Very nice place to visit, you can learn a lot about salt production, and there is a very good restaurant serving fine fish.
Highly recommended!
Great thread.
I've got a Loxia 50 inbound. ETA is early next week.
The Planar 50mm F1.4 ZF is going back (I too often get rather noticeable CA, and it drives me up a wall), so there's theoretically room for one more.
Of course, there's nothing objectively wrong with a stable of solid 50mm-ish lenses, each with different character.
May be letting go of the FE55 as well, if the Loxia lives up to it's reputation. The 55 takes gorgeous photos, IMO, but shooting manually with it leaves something to be desired.
I've been trying to resist lusting after either a Loxia 35mm or 21mm, as my wallet would end up in rehab. We'll see how the battle goes.
bluloo wrote:
Great thread.
I've got a Loxia 50 inbound. ETA is early next week.
The Planar 50mm F1.4 ZF is going back (I too often get rather noticeable CA, and it drives me up a wall), so there's theoretically room for one more.
Of course, there's nothing objectively wrong with a stable of solid 50mm-ish lenses, each with different character.
May be letting go of the FE55 as well, if the Loxia lives up to it's reputation. The 55 takes gorgeous photos, IMO, but shooting manually with it leaves something to be desired.
I've been trying to resist lusting after either a Loxia 35mm or 21mm, as my wallet would end up in rehab. We'll see how the battle goes.
My passion often gets the better of me. The Loxia 21 was hard to resist so I sold some gear to
fund it! 😌 The Sony FE 35 1.4 is my travel prime for indoor low lighting which I am pleased
with but it doesn't get as much use as I would like. I need to do further research to see if
the Loxia can be its replacement.
MrTMan wrote:
Some of these photos pushed me over the edge, I went and bought a Loxia 50 today.
I'll say this, the difference in contrast and rendering between the Loxia 50 and 55 FE is smaller than between the Loxia 35 and 35/2.8 FE. Nonetheless in my initial testing I can see the extra contrast with the 50 that I was looking for, and also a touch less CA as well. The differences are evident, but not dramatic. Though again I need to do more testing.
On the other hand the haptics are a huge difference, and there's no question that the Loxia is much more enjoyable to shoot. Plus I prefer 50mm as a focal length over 55mm anyway.
Interestingly enough the focus ring on the 50 is quite a bit stiffer than on my Loxia 35. Not sure if that's because it's new, or if it reflects some variance between the two designs, or from lens to lens.
Anyway I'm quite pleased with my purchase, I think my 55 will be going up for sale soon....Show more →
My Loxia 50/2 has noticeably more contrast than my 55/1.8. It's really the only native that comes close to the new 50/1.4 ZA in terms of color and contrast.
