Archive 2021 · 35mm blind test p.2
p.6 #135mm blind test p.2
nehemiahphoto wrote:
Since the RX1 has been perennially such a popular rendering choice, it would be interesting to see what the opinions would be if you included iPhone 12 (or similar) 'fake bokeh mode' images. I realize it would be straying from the original intent of the comparisons. But seeing as how the RX1 has the smoothest and most Gaussian blur, that it's the direction a lot of modern designs lean, and smartphone fake bokeh tends to be very Gaussian, maybe there's something Apple and others know about imaging characteristics preferences of the general population?
This came to mind partly because lately I've seen a fair amount of wide angle smoothly blurred background environmental portraits accompanying online news stories. I doubt the reporters are running around with RX1s...
Maybe at some point we'll be able to tweak fake bokeh to emulate a range of rendering styles? IMO it's currently too perfect/Gaussian.
Regarding the lenses tested here, all I can say is hopefully Sigma will eventually (soon) also make these compact primes available for Canon and Nikon mirrorless systems.What is most interesting to me, it’s just how widely praised the RX1 is terms of rendering. I can’t think of another very crowded focal length that enjoys essentially unanimous number one status like the RX1 has— people have so many different preferences and wants.
The monopoly is now been broken up by the Bigma, and the 35i will impinge further, and I expect the GM will as well. But the RX1 was just so far ahead of its time in a lot of ways.
The thing I have noticed about cell phone photography is that one it’s improving at...Show more →
I think there are some aspects of the RX1 draw with which no interchangeable lens can catch-up, but, as a camera, I think it shares a lot in common with cell phones, in that the only joy is in the results, not in the usage.
rscheffler wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
I love blind tests. I wish I could find some systematic blind test to try myself. They get people's brand/confirmation/hater biases out of the way.This came to mind partly because lately I've seen a fair amount of wide angle smoothly blurred background environmental portraits accompanying online news stories. I doubt the reporters are running around with RX1s...
Maybe at some point we'll be able to tweak fake bokeh to emulate a range of rendering styles? IMO it's currently too perfect/Gaussian.
Regarding the lenses tested here, all I can say is hopefully Sigma will eventually (soon) also make these compact primes available for Canon and Nikon mirrorless systems.
The monopoly is now been broken up by the Bigma, and the 35i will impinge further, and I expect the GM will as well. But the RX1 was just so far ahead of its time in a lot of ways.
The thing I have noticed about cell phone photography is that one it’s improving at...Show more →
I think there are some aspects of the RX1 draw with which no interchangeable lens can catch-up, but, as a camera, I think it shares a lot in common with cell phones, in that the only joy is in the results, not in the usage.
Feb 05, 2021 at 06:34 PM
p.6 #235mm blind test p.2
freaklikeme wrote:
Since the RX1 has been perennially such a popular rendering choice, it would be interesting to see what the opinions would be if you included iPhone 12 (or similar) 'fake bokeh mode' images. I realize it would be straying from the original intent of the comparisons. But seeing as how the RX1 has the smoothest and most Gaussian blur, that it's the direction a lot of modern designs lean, and smartphone fake bokeh tends to be very Gaussian, maybe there's something Apple and others know about imaging characteristics preferences of the general population?
This came to mind partly because lately I've seen a fair amount of wide angle smoothly blurred background environmental portraits accompanying online news stories. I doubt the reporters are running around with RX1s...
Maybe at some point we'll be able to tweak fake bokeh to emulate a range of rendering styles? IMO it's currently too perfect/Gaussian.
Regarding the lenses tested here, all I can say is hopefully Sigma will eventually (soon) also make these compact primes available for Canon and Nikon mirrorless systems.What is most interesting to me, it’s just how widely praised the RX1 is terms of rendering. I can’t think of another very crowded focal length that enjoys essentially unanimous number one status like the RX1 has— people have so many different preferences and wants.
The monopoly is now been broken up by the Bigma, and the 35i will impinge further, and I expect the GM will as well. But the RX1 was just so far ahead of its time in a lot of ways.
The thing I have noticed about cell phone photography is that one it’s improving at a radical rate, which is not news. But when I look at bokeh simulations when in portrait modes and photos from iPhones, it’s not the OOF that draws attention to itself in my eyes. It’s the complete lack of transition and on access IQ still looks like a crappy oversharpened phone with poor tonality and very little headway for editing. It will be interesting to see as phones continue to improve.I think there are some aspects of the RX1 draw with which no interchangeable lens can catch-up, but, as a camera, I think it shares a lot in common with cell phones, in that the only joy is in the results, not in the usage.
+100
The RX1 is comparatively brutal to use nowadays (not because it's small), whereas the 35i is so just about perfect.
nehemiahphoto wrote
rscheffler wrote
nehemiahphoto wrote
I love blind tests. I wish I could find some systematic blind test to try myself. They get people's brand/confirmation/hater biases out of the way.This came to mind partly because lately I've seen a fair amount of wide angle smoothly blurred background environmental portraits accompanying online news stories. I doubt the reporters are running around with RX1s...
Maybe at some point we'll be able to tweak fake bokeh to emulate a range of rendering styles? IMO it's currently too perfect/Gaussian.
Regarding the lenses tested here, all I can say is hopefully Sigma will eventually (soon) also make these compact primes available for Canon and Nikon mirrorless systems.
The monopoly is now been broken up by the Bigma, and the 35i will impinge further, and I expect the GM will as well. But the RX1 was just so far ahead of its time in a lot of ways.
The thing I have noticed about cell phone photography is that one it’s improving at a radical rate, which is not news. But when I look at bokeh simulations when in portrait modes and photos from iPhones, it’s not the OOF that draws attention to itself in my eyes. It’s the complete lack of transition and on access IQ still looks like a crappy oversharpened phone with poor tonality and very little headway for editing. It will be interesting to see as phones continue to improve.
+100
The RX1 is comparatively brutal to use nowadays (not because it's small), whereas the 35i is so just about perfect.
Feb 05, 2021 at 06:36 PM
p.6 #335mm blind test p.2
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to hear the thoughts.
f/2 @ 1.2m
f/2 @ 1.2m
f/2 @ 0.6m
f/2 @ 0.6m
f/8 @ 3-4m
f/8 @ 3-4m
f/2 @ 1m
f/2 @ 1m
f/[email protected]
f/[email protected]
f/2 @ 1.5m
f/2 @ 1.5m
Edited on Feb 08, 2021 at 09:43 AM · View previous versions
f/2 @ 1.2m
f/2 @ 1.2m
f/2 @ 0.6m
f/2 @ 0.6m
f/8 @ 3-4m
f/8 @ 3-4m
f/2 @ 1m
f/2 @ 1m
f/[email protected]
f/[email protected]
f/2 @ 1.5m
f/2 @ 1.5m
Edited on Feb 08, 2021 at 09:43 AM · View previous versions
Feb 08, 2021 at 09:36 AM
p.6 #435mm blind test p.2
AdaptedLenses wrote:
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to...Show more →
The first lens here always has slightly busier and more defined bokeh. It also has better color and contrast. The second lens handles difficult transitions competently and the bokeh is fine. It feels a bit more washed out than the first lens, doesn’t quite have the same depth of contrast and color.
If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to...Show more →
The first lens here always has slightly busier and more defined bokeh. It also has better color and contrast. The second lens handles difficult transitions competently and the bokeh is fine. It feels a bit more washed out than the first lens, doesn’t quite have the same depth of contrast and color.
If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.
Feb 08, 2021 at 05:26 PM
p.6 #535mm blind test p.2
Not the new GM, so that’s a plus for you. But the order of first / second changed each time. And yes, both are stated 35mm, but one is a bit wider which isn’t uncommon.
Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
abadger wrote:
The first lens here always has slightly busier and more defined bokeh. It also has better color and contrast. The second lens handles difficult transitions competently and the bokeh is fine. It feels a bit more washed out than the first lens, doesn’t quite have the same depth of contrast and color.
If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m...Show more →
Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
abadger wrote:
AdaptedLenses wrote
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to hear the thoughts.If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m...Show more →
Feb 08, 2021 at 08:04 PM
p.6 #635mm blind test p.2
AdaptedLenses wrote:
Not the new GM, so that’s a plus for you. But the order of first / second changed each time. And yes, both are stated 35mm, but one is a bit wider which isn’t uncommon.
Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
The first lens here always has slightly busier and more defined bokeh. It also has better color and contrast. The second lens handles difficult transitions competently and the bokeh is fine. It feels a bit more washed out than the first lens, doesn’t quite have the same depth of contrast and color.
If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.
Ok.
Scene 1: The first shot has much richer color, much better contrast, and busier bokeh. The second shot has maybe slightly better bokeh, everything seems just a bit washed out, both colors and black levels. CA is not very good on the second shot either (see bokeh balls and most prominent green leaf). Let's call the first shot lens A and the second lens B.
Scene 2: This appears to be in the same order for the same reasons. Lens A and then lens B. Other than what was already stated, I would say the transitional bokeh for A is better. Maybe a little too defined in some places. Lens B appears to have some bokeh artifacts that make it appear slightly less 'buttery' here. I am seeing bokeh balls falling behind lens blur.
Scene 3: I'm seeing lens B followed by lens A. At F8 I don't see any glaring CA problems but this isn't backlit or anything. The colors are slightly richer in the second photo, and I get a slightly better sense of contrast. So I am guessing lens A for the second. The water in the bottom left corner appears almost too rich, like it is turning some sort of indigo color. Not sure about that.
Scene 4: Lens B then lens A, if I'm guessing. The CA is apparent in lens B. Background smoother with lens A (second picture).
Scene 5: Lens B then lens A. Due to CA, and you can see it even in some of the blurred bokeh to the left.
Scene 6: Lens A then lens B. For the same reasons. In lens B, wood appears a bit purple, and there is some weird bokeh next to it on the left. Lens A still has better color and contrast.
So I 100% prefer lens A here. I'm guessing now that it's probably the RX1 after looking more closely. Is the second then the Samyang? I haven't tried enough 35's to know. Maybe others might want to respond first before you let me know.
Not the new GM, so that’s a plus for you. But the order of first / second changed each time. And yes, both are stated 35mm, but one is a bit wider which isn’t uncommon.
Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
abadger wrote
AdaptedLenses wrote
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to hear the thoughts.If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.
Ok.
Scene 1: The first shot has much richer color, much better contrast, and busier bokeh. The second shot has maybe slightly better bokeh, everything seems just a bit washed out, both colors and black levels. CA is not very good on the second shot either (see bokeh balls and most prominent green leaf). Let's call the first shot lens A and the second lens B.
Scene 2: This appears to be in the same order for the same reasons. Lens A and then lens B. Other than what was already stated, I would say the transitional bokeh for A is better. Maybe a little too defined in some places. Lens B appears to have some bokeh artifacts that make it appear slightly less 'buttery' here. I am seeing bokeh balls falling behind lens blur.
Scene 3: I'm seeing lens B followed by lens A. At F8 I don't see any glaring CA problems but this isn't backlit or anything. The colors are slightly richer in the second photo, and I get a slightly better sense of contrast. So I am guessing lens A for the second. The water in the bottom left corner appears almost too rich, like it is turning some sort of indigo color. Not sure about that.
Scene 4: Lens B then lens A, if I'm guessing. The CA is apparent in lens B. Background smoother with lens A (second picture).
Scene 5: Lens B then lens A. Due to CA, and you can see it even in some of the blurred bokeh to the left.
Scene 6: Lens A then lens B. For the same reasons. In lens B, wood appears a bit purple, and there is some weird bokeh next to it on the left. Lens A still has better color and contrast.
So I 100% prefer lens A here. I'm guessing now that it's probably the RX1 after looking more closely. Is the second then the Samyang? I haven't tried enough 35's to know. Maybe others might want to respond first before you let me know.
Feb 08, 2021 at 08:48 PM
p.6 #735mm blind test p.2
Pretty good. RX1 is probably the worst secret especially on this board, but only 4/6 correct, but in fairness one was the f/8 shot where it matters a lot less. Other was not the Samsung though.
Edit: this is wheee mixing gets a bit confusing. You “matched” lenses correctly 4/6 times. But your preference generally wasn’t the RX1.
abadger wrote:
Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
The first lens here always has slightly busier and more defined bokeh. It also has better color and contrast. The second lens handles difficult transitions competently and the bokeh is fine. It feels a bit more washed out than the first lens, doesn’t quite have the same depth of contrast and color.
If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.Ok.
Scene 1: The first shot has much richer color, much better contrast, and busier bokeh. The second shot has maybe slightly better bokeh, everything seems just a bit washed out, both colors and black levels. CA is not very good on the second shot either (see bokeh balls and most prominent green leaf). Let's call the first shot lens A and the second lens B.
Scene 2: This appears to be in the same order for the same reasons. Lens A and then lens B. Other than what was already stated, I would say the transitional bokeh for A is better....Show more →
Edit: this is wheee mixing gets a bit confusing. You “matched” lenses correctly 4/6 times. But your preference generally wasn’t the RX1.
abadger wrote:
AdaptedLenses wrote
Not the new GM, so that’s a plus for you. But the order of first / second changed each time. And yes, both are stated 35mm, but one is a bit wider which isn’t uncommon.Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
abadger wrote
AdaptedLenses wrote
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to hear the thoughts.If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.
Scene 1: The first shot has much richer color, much better contrast, and busier bokeh. The second shot has maybe slightly better bokeh, everything seems just a bit washed out, both colors and black levels. CA is not very good on the second shot either (see bokeh balls and most prominent green leaf). Let's call the first shot lens A and the second lens B.
Scene 2: This appears to be in the same order for the same reasons. Lens A and then lens B. Other than what was already stated, I would say the transitional bokeh for A is better....Show more →
Feb 08, 2021 at 09:35 PM
p.6 #835mm blind test p.2
AdaptedLenses wrote:
Pretty good. RX1 is probably the worst secret especially on this board, but only 4/6 correct, but in fairness one was the f/8 shot where it matters a lot less. Other was not the Samsung though.
Edit: this is wheee mixing gets a bit confusing. You “matched” lenses correctly 4/6 times. But your preference generally wasn’t the RX1.
Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
The first lens here always has slightly busier and more defined bokeh. It also has better color and contrast. The second lens handles difficult transitions competently and the bokeh is fine. It feels a bit more washed out than the first lens, doesn’t quite have the same depth of contrast and color.
If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.Ok.
Scene 1: The first shot has much richer color, much better contrast, and busier bokeh. The second shot has maybe slightly better bokeh, everything seems just a bit washed out, both colors and black levels. CA is not very good on the second shot either (see bokeh balls and most prominent green leaf). Let's call the first shot lens A and the second lens B.
Scene 2: This appears to be in the same order for the same reasons. Lens A and then lens B. Other than what was already stated, I would say the transitional bokeh for A is better. Maybe a little too defined in some places. Lens B appears to have some bokeh artifacts that make it appear slightly less 'buttery' here. I am seeing bokeh balls falling behind lens blur.
Scene 3: I'm seeing lens B followed by lens A. At F8 I don't see any glaring CA problems but this isn't backlit or anything. The colors are slightly richer in the second photo, and I get a slightly better sense of contrast. So I am guessing lens A for the second. The water in the bottom left corner appears almost too rich, like it is turning some sort of indigo color. Not sure about that.
Scene 4: Lens B then lens A, if I'm guessing. The CA is apparent in lens B. Background smoother with lens A (second picture).
Scene 5: Lens B then lens A. Due to CA, and you can see it even in some of the blurred bokeh to the left.
Scene 6: Lens A then lens B. For the same reasons. In lens B, wood appears a bit purple, and there is some weird bokeh next to it on the left. Lens A still has better color and contrast.
So I 100% prefer lens A here. I'm guessing now that it's probably the RX1 after looking more closely. Is the second then the Samyang? I haven't tried enough 35's to know. Maybe others might want to respond first before you let me know.
Ah it's all right. I'm not as expert as some here. Still, it's fun to guess and analyze. Maybe some of the differences were situational. One lens definitely had prominent CA more so than the other, and it turned up in the edges of the bokeh. I'll be interested to know the result.
If I had more of a budget (especially for batteries, I hear), the RX1 seems really a fantastic performer. Though with all of the cameras coming out this year, I wonder if it will get a new iteration.
Pretty good. RX1 is probably the worst secret especially on this board, but only 4/6 correct, but in fairness one was the f/8 shot where it matters a lot less. Other was not the Samsung though.
Edit: this is wheee mixing gets a bit confusing. You “matched” lenses correctly 4/6 times. But your preference generally wasn’t the RX1.
abadger wrote
AdaptedLenses wrote
Not the new GM, so that’s a plus for you. But the order of first / second changed each time. And yes, both are stated 35mm, but one is a bit wider which isn’t uncommon.Neither is the FE 35/1.8 though.
abadger wrote
AdaptedLenses wrote
Sorry to hijack this thread but it has the attention of a lot of discerning 35mm users and I'm curious the opinions of everyone's shrewd eyes. Only two lenses here, one well known that was in Nehemiah's test, another that is a modern mid-speed 35 that wasn't. Some mild edits for exposure/WB to better match samples but didn't do much. Didn't use a tripod and kind of wish I had, but it was too cold out to work with one anyway. Distances were pretty close and one has a different actual focal length, but framing wasn't perfect. Anyway, love to hear the thoughts.If I’m making a guess, it is the FE 35 f/1.8 and the Samyang 35 f/1.8 respectively, though I have never used the latter so I may be way off. Also you said both of these were 35’s and then said one is a different focal length, so I’m not sure what to make of that unless you mean it is just off by a mm or two from the stated length.
Also I’m going to go throw myself off a cliff if it is somehow the new GM.
Scene 1: The first shot has much richer color, much better contrast, and busier bokeh. The second shot has maybe slightly better bokeh, everything seems just a bit washed out, both colors and black levels. CA is not very good on the second shot either (see bokeh balls and most prominent green leaf). Let's call the first shot lens A and the second lens B.
Scene 2: This appears to be in the same order for the same reasons. Lens A and then lens B. Other than what was already stated, I would say the transitional bokeh for A is better. Maybe a little too defined in some places. Lens B appears to have some bokeh artifacts that make it appear slightly less 'buttery' here. I am seeing bokeh balls falling behind lens blur.
Scene 3: I'm seeing lens B followed by lens A. At F8 I don't see any glaring CA problems but this isn't backlit or anything. The colors are slightly richer in the second photo, and I get a slightly better sense of contrast. So I am guessing lens A for the second. The water in the bottom left corner appears almost too rich, like it is turning some sort of indigo color. Not sure about that.
Scene 4: Lens B then lens A, if I'm guessing. The CA is apparent in lens B. Background smoother with lens A (second picture).
Scene 5: Lens B then lens A. Due to CA, and you can see it even in some of the blurred bokeh to the left.
Scene 6: Lens A then lens B. For the same reasons. In lens B, wood appears a bit purple, and there is some weird bokeh next to it on the left. Lens A still has better color and contrast.
So I 100% prefer lens A here. I'm guessing now that it's probably the RX1 after looking more closely. Is the second then the Samyang? I haven't tried enough 35's to know. Maybe others might want to respond first before you let me know.
Ah it's all right. I'm not as expert as some here. Still, it's fun to guess and analyze. Maybe some of the differences were situational. One lens definitely had prominent CA more so than the other, and it turned up in the edges of the bokeh. I'll be interested to know the result.
If I had more of a budget (especially for batteries, I hear), the RX1 seems really a fantastic performer. Though with all of the cameras coming out this year, I wonder if it will get a new iteration.
Feb 08, 2021 at 09:43 PM
p.6 #935mm blind test p.2
Here are my thoughts about which lens I liked best in these scenes.
In the first scene (1.2M), I have a fairly strong preference for the second shot which I think has better bokeh. I am surprised that both shots have quite a bit of axial CA.
In the second scene (.6M), I have a pretty strong preference for the first shot as I again like the bokeh better. Chain link fences close up are a real torture test and it shows here.
In the third scene (3-4 M f/8), I prefer the second shot I think because I like the contrast better.
In the fourth scene (1 M), I think I prefer the second shot for the slightly better bokeh, but the busy subject here doesn't make me like either shot very much.
In the fifth scene (.6M lock and gate) I prefer the first shot for the less busy bokeh. Although it is interesting the first shot did well with the foreground bokeh.
In the sixth scene (1.5M) I prefer the second shot for the slightly smooth rendering of the very messy grasses.
Not sure what the other lens is. If one is the RX1(R) then I would guess it is the ones I picked. I don't think the other lens was among those in nehemiah's test. I don't have a good guess what that lens would be. Maybe the ZE/ZF/Milvus 35 f/2?
In the first scene (1.2M), I have a fairly strong preference for the second shot which I think has better bokeh. I am surprised that both shots have quite a bit of axial CA.
In the second scene (.6M), I have a pretty strong preference for the first shot as I again like the bokeh better. Chain link fences close up are a real torture test and it shows here.
In the third scene (3-4 M f/8), I prefer the second shot I think because I like the contrast better.
In the fourth scene (1 M), I think I prefer the second shot for the slightly better bokeh, but the busy subject here doesn't make me like either shot very much.
In the fifth scene (.6M lock and gate) I prefer the first shot for the less busy bokeh. Although it is interesting the first shot did well with the foreground bokeh.
In the sixth scene (1.5M) I prefer the second shot for the slightly smooth rendering of the very messy grasses.
Not sure what the other lens is. If one is the RX1(R) then I would guess it is the ones I picked. I don't think the other lens was among those in nehemiah's test. I don't have a good guess what that lens would be. Maybe the ZE/ZF/Milvus 35 f/2?
Feb 09, 2021 at 09:46 AM
p.6 #1035mm blind test p.2
Steve Spencer wrote:
Here are my thoughts about which lens I liked best in these scenes.
In the first scene (1.2M), I have a fairly strong preference for the second shot which I think has better bokeh. I am surprised that both shots have quite a bit of axial CA.
In the second scene (.6M), I have a pretty strong preference for the first shot as I again like the bokeh better. Chain link fences close up are a real torture test and it shows here.
In the third scene (3-4 M f/8), I prefer the second shot I think because I like the contrast...Show more →
Funny, these are exactly my preferences too.
I judged on bokeh, but I actually like the colors better in the shots that I did not prefer (the shots I preferred tended to have a slight lead to magenta tint that I would probably pull back). In examining shots in this thread and others, I also recently noticed that the RX1 has some axial CA in the bokeh, so sometimes that looks harsher on strong highlights but otherwise bokeh is still generally smoother.
Here are my thoughts about which lens I liked best in these scenes.
In the first scene (1.2M), I have a fairly strong preference for the second shot which I think has better bokeh. I am surprised that both shots have quite a bit of axial CA.
In the second scene (.6M), I have a pretty strong preference for the first shot as I again like the bokeh better. Chain link fences close up are a real torture test and it shows here.
In the third scene (3-4 M f/8), I prefer the second shot I think because I like the contrast...Show more →
Funny, these are exactly my preferences too.
I judged on bokeh, but I actually like the colors better in the shots that I did not prefer (the shots I preferred tended to have a slight lead to magenta tint that I would probably pull back). In examining shots in this thread and others, I also recently noticed that the RX1 has some axial CA in the bokeh, so sometimes that looks harsher on strong highlights but otherwise bokeh is still generally smoother.
Feb 09, 2021 at 12:48 PM
p.6 #1135mm blind test p.2
I'm pretty much over bokeh comparos, especially for foliage content in images that would never be keepers. So on the f8 pair; they reflect my predilection with colour as the key to image depth. The 2nd image has far more apparent DOF, distant detail depiction, better colour separation within and between colour groups, better defined focal plane data. Only the blues needs work (they often do) for a very acceptable 3D image.
Feb 09, 2021 at 03:40 PM
p.6 #1235mm blind test p.2
grahamgibson wrote:
In the first scene (1.2M), I have a fairly strong preference for the second shot which I think has better bokeh. I am surprised that both shots have quite a bit of axial CA.
In the second scene (.6M), I have a pretty strong preference for the first shot as I again like the bokeh better. Chain link fences close up are a real torture test and it shows here.
In the third scene (3-4 M f/8), I prefer the second shot I think because I like the contrast better.
In the fourth scene (1 M), I think I prefer the second shot for the slightly better bokeh, but the busy subject here doesn't make me like either shot very much.
In the fifth scene (.6M lock and gate) I prefer the first shot for the less busy bokeh. Although it is interesting the first shot did well with the foreground bokeh.
In the sixth scene (1.5M) I prefer the second shot for the slightly smooth rendering of the very messy grasses.
Not sure what the other lens is. If one is the RX1(R) then I would guess it is the ones I picked. I don't think the other lens was among those in nehemiah's test. I don't have a good guess what that lens would be. Maybe the ZE/ZF/Milvus 35 f/2?Funny, these are exactly my preferences too.
I judged on bokeh, but I actually like the colors better in the shots that I did not prefer (the shots I preferred tended to have a slight lead to magenta tint that I would probably pull back). In examining shots in this thread and others, I also recently noticed that the RX1 has some axial CA in the bokeh, so sometimes that looks harsher on strong highlights but otherwise bokeh is still generally smoother.
I have very similar to Steve and you. On set 4, I prefer image 1, but other than that we are parallel. Do we know the lenses per set yet?
set 1:
image 2
image 1
set 2:
image 1
image 2
set 3:
image 2
image 1
set 4:
image 1
image 2
set 5:
image 1
image 2
set 6:
image 2
image 1
Steve Spencer wrote
Here are my thoughts about which lens I liked best in these scenes.In the first scene (1.2M), I have a fairly strong preference for the second shot which I think has better bokeh. I am surprised that both shots have quite a bit of axial CA.
In the second scene (.6M), I have a pretty strong preference for the first shot as I again like the bokeh better. Chain link fences close up are a real torture test and it shows here.
In the third scene (3-4 M f/8), I prefer the second shot I think because I like the contrast better.
In the fourth scene (1 M), I think I prefer the second shot for the slightly better bokeh, but the busy subject here doesn't make me like either shot very much.
In the fifth scene (.6M lock and gate) I prefer the first shot for the less busy bokeh. Although it is interesting the first shot did well with the foreground bokeh.
In the sixth scene (1.5M) I prefer the second shot for the slightly smooth rendering of the very messy grasses.
Not sure what the other lens is. If one is the RX1(R) then I would guess it is the ones I picked. I don't think the other lens was among those in nehemiah's test. I don't have a good guess what that lens would be. Maybe the ZE/ZF/Milvus 35 f/2?
I judged on bokeh, but I actually like the colors better in the shots that I did not prefer (the shots I preferred tended to have a slight lead to magenta tint that I would probably pull back). In examining shots in this thread and others, I also recently noticed that the RX1 has some axial CA in the bokeh, so sometimes that looks harsher on strong highlights but otherwise bokeh is still generally smoother.
I have very similar to Steve and you. On set 4, I prefer image 1, but other than that we are parallel. Do we know the lenses per set yet?
set 1:
image 2
image 1
set 2:
image 1
image 2
set 3:
image 2
image 1
set 4:
image 1
image 2
set 5:
image 1
image 2
set 6:
image 2
image 1
Feb 10, 2021 at 09:19 PM
p.6 #1335mm blind test p.2
Sorry for the late reveal, busy few days. The mystery lens is the Nikon 35mm f/1.8S, a lens I generally like though didn’t expect to beat the RX1.
I think most picked out the RX1. At times I like the Nikon’s bite over the RX1 smoothness and AWB does a better job plus color is better (both were daylight balanced by Adobe) but the RX1 still has its own Strong appeal.
1: S-RX
2: RX-S
3: S-RX
4: RX-S
5: RX-S
6: S-RX
I think most picked out the RX1. At times I like the Nikon’s bite over the RX1 smoothness and AWB does a better job plus color is better (both were daylight balanced by Adobe) but the RX1 still has its own Strong appeal.
1: S-RX
2: RX-S
3: S-RX
4: RX-S
5: RX-S
6: S-RX
Feb 12, 2021 at 02:59 PM
p.6 #1535mm blind test p.2
On this old linked article, very interesting results, thanks for doing so. Can see why you thought the tripod was a good idea.
Feb 07, 2024 at 11:33 PM