Finally some sun today and was able to update my infinity resolution tests comparing the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO E-mount to the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN lens. As always there is no correction in camera/post and the focus was at center for all crops. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/0#15561379 --- The third time is the charm.
Previously I said the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO is the best 35mm I've ever tested in terms of resolution/contrast. However, there is another one that competes neck and neck. I will start the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM review soon and post their comparison.
Fred Miranda wrote: Update: Finally some sun today and was able to update my infinity resolution tests comparing the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO E-mount to the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN lenses. As always there is no correction in camera/post and the focus was at center for all crops. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/0#15561379 --- The third time is the charm.
Previously I said the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO is the best 35mm I've ever tested in terms of resolution/contrast. However, there is another one that competes neck and neck. I will start the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM review soon and post their comparison.
Thank you so much Fred! And big congratulations on finding the seemingly elusive perfect copy! I'm quite jealous :P
Just to confirm, are all the crops from center, mid-field and far corner from the new lens? It's not a mix e.g. center crops from lens #1 and corner crops from lens #3?
Also, did you refocus in the mid field for the mid field crops and the corners for the corner crops, thus negating any effects of field curvature?
I just looked at the center crops and interestingly, the Sigma is distinctly more crisp. I'm assuming you reshot the Sigma series, so it's not atmostpheric differences from different days? Wow, even at F8 there's a visible difference, an advantage to the Sigma.
V35 takes the lead in the mid-field. Very nice. They even out at f/5.6
Massively better corners all the way. Incredible. I hope to get a copy like this soon!
inksandpaper wrote:
Thank you so much Fred! And big congratulations on finding the seemingly elusive perfect copy! I'm quite jealous :P
To be fair to Cosina, I have 2 perfect copies (one E and another M-mount). It's true that my first two copies of the E-mount were not optimal but they were both well-centered.
Just to confirm, are all the crops from center, mid-field and far corner from the new lens? It's not a mix e.g. center crops from lens #1 and corner crops from lens #3?
All from the new Voigtlander lens. Both the Sigma and Voigtlander were tested side by side again.
Also, did you refocus in the mid field for the mid field crops and the corners for the corner crops, thus negating any effects of field curvature?
No, I focused both lenses at center. (No refocusing). I know you wrote about field curvature with your copies but I can't see it with my previous copies and this one. (At least at infinity distance)
I just looked at the center crops and interestingly, the Sigma is distinctly more crisp. I'm assuming you reshot the Sigma series, so it's not atmostpheric differences from different days? Wow, even at F8 there's a visible difference, an advantage to the Sigma.
So, both lenses at same day, seconds apart. Yes, the Sigma is an outstanding lens at center even compared to the Sony 35mm f/1.4 GM. The Voigtlander is also superb but not better. The differential for the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO is the high resolution "across the field" from wide open with very strong CA control.
V35 takes the lead in the mid-field. Very nice. They even out at f/5.6
Yes, off-axis the Voigtlander is superior. Although the Sigma is quite strong at mid-field, the Voigtlander is better. The corners look better for the Voigtlander crops even stopped down, but the Sigma is not far behind at f/5.6 where it's optimal. (actually f/6.3 is optimal but the difference is minuscule and only visible at higher mag. than 100%)
Massively better corners all the way. Incredible. I hope to get a copy like this soon!
I knew the E-mount was capable of this after testing an optimal copy of the M-mount on the Leica. I don't think there is much variation for both mounts but it's not very low.
Thank you Fred, that is wonderful indeed. The CV 35/2 is sharp enough for me in the center. I'm glad to hear that the GM is a match for it off-axis. More excellent options for everyone! Not everyone wants a MF-only F2 lens, so good for them!
I do think that on average this lens made by Cosina has less variation than many other designs. It's early days and production is under a lot of pressure. I also acknowledge that many aspects of the lens are handmade. All things considered, it's remarkable.
Fascinating also to see the widely varying opinions on sunstars. I personally love the V35's sunstars, subtle and not present at the apertures I care about (not that big a fan of them). Sorry for those who were wishing for more distinct stars.
Finally some sun today and was able to update my infinity resolution tests comparing the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO E-mount to the Sigma 35mm f/2 DG DN lens. As always there is no correction in camera/post and the focus was at center for all crops. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1695782/0#15561379 --- The third time is the charm.
Previously I said the Voigtlander 35mm f/2 APO is the best 35mm I've ever tested in terms of resolution/contrast. However, there is another one that competes neck and neck. I will start the FE 35mm f/1.4 GM review soon and post their comparison.
Thanks Fred - with corners as good as that on the CV, who needs curved sensors!
inksandpaper wrote:
Thank you Fred, that is wonderful indeed. The CV 35/2 is sharp enough for me in the center. I'm glad to hear that the GM is a match for it off-axis. More excellent options for everyone! Not everyone wants a MF-only F2 lens, so good for them!
I do think that on average this lens made by Cosina has less variation than many other designs. It's early days and production is under a lot of pressure. I also acknowledge that many aspects of the lens are handmade. All things considered, it's remarkable.
Fascinating also to see the widely varying opinions on sunstars. I personally love the V35's sunstars, subtle and not present at the apertures I care about (not that big a fan of them). Sorry for those who were wishing for more distinct stars....Show more →
Hi Samuel,
At what apertures, you like the CV 35/2 APO's sunstars?
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Just look at the EXIF data for the lens name. Ignore the f/stop displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. Just pay attention to the aperture written below the 100% crops.
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
Look at the EXIF info for the lens being compared. Ignore the f/stop setting displayed and it's not accurate on the Leica M camera. (I will post the correct aperture setting below the crops)
