AcuteShadows wrote:
The 40mm f/2 works well with the small Leica ELPRO 52 close focus lens. It has the same thread diameter and gives you a magnification factor of about 0.5, i.e. the image is about half the size of the object.
The Elpro 52 costs 1.5 times the 40/2 Z
Elpro 52 is approx 7.5 diopter; let's assume it's 7.5. This means that its focal length is 1000/7.5 = 133 mm = 13.3 cm (5.25 in.).
Magnification (with the lens focused at infinity) is M = F/F' where F is the focal length of the prime (40 mm) and F' is the focal length of the close-up filter. Therefore, the 40/2 + Elpro 52 combo should give a magnification equal to 40/133 = 0.3 X .
Working distance (with the prime lens focused at infinity) is equal to the close-up filter focal length (F'), i.e. 13.3 cm (5.25 in.).
Of course, the combo isn't able to focus at longer distances.
Magnification can increase slightly by focusing the prime lens at closer distances. And WD decreases.
P.S.: the overall focal length of the 40/2+Elpro 52 combo is FxF'/(F+F') = 40x133/(40+133) = 31 mm, i.e. we get a moderate wide-angle with close focus ability.
P.S.2: if you kindly measure the WD (in cm or in.) of the 40/2 + Elpro 52 combo when the 40 mm is focused at infinity, then you could confirm that WD = 13 cm (3.9 in.). Thanx.
That was me, it was a tongue in cheek compliment of the lens. So it's not perfect up close and wide open, not exactly a unique problem. Look at the Zeiss Batis 40/2 that's roughtly 3x larger and pricier, and still had to stop itself down to f/4 if I recall when focused close.
Finally got some decent light this morning with the lens, big fan. Also got a couple shots of my kids and rendering looks great.
Tried to post some crops but something was funky. Some shots from this morning.
Jay968 wrote:
At any rate, it's a very good lens. I don't understand the small criticism that someone made above stating something about it not being a "flawless" macro lens. Huh? And while I AM seeing it not being as good wide open as it is stopped down, it's actually not bad wide open and about what I'd expect.
I am very pleased with the 40/2. The more I use it the more I like it.
It seems sharp enough for my purposes - as evidenced in these two outdoor scenes on a Z6ii - but your mileage may vary.
Got mine yesterday from B&H and need to plan an outing where I only bring it along. I've never done this and want to see what it's like to go light pack for a trip.
mach250 wrote:
Got mine yesterday from B&H and need to plan an outing where I only bring it along. I've never done this and want to see what it's like to go light pack for a trip.
I ama big fan of single lens for family and traveling light. I’ve had a new meet of setups for this, usually ranging between 28 and 50mm FOV. Some of my favorites have been:
Z6 I/II with the 50mm f/1.8 or 24mm f/1.8 have been the go-to setup mostly for the last couple of years, but a compact lens is an attractive option. I’m still waiting on my 28mm SE, not sure how a 40 would fit into a kit with the 50 1.8 being so good.
BSPhotog wrote:
I am a big fan of single lens for family and traveling light.
.....
I’m still waiting on my 28mm SE, not sure how a 40 would fit into a kit with the 50 1.8 being so good.
You answered your own question there. The 50 1.8 is great, no doubt, but 40 is a more versatile focal length, IMO, that bit of extra width makes it easier to use for a variety of situations, and at f/2 still the capability for background blur for when it's needed. I personally find 50 on full-frame too tight as a one-lens solution.
mach250 wrote:
Got mine yesterday from B&H and need to plan an outing where I only bring it along. I've never done this and want to see what it's like to go light pack for a trip.
That's exactly what I have done recently.
I love the compactness and weight savings.
Ludvig83 wrote:
Best Buy is allowing me to add the lens to the cart and to receive it in 5 days.
The purchase just went through.
I pre-ordered from them (because I had a points coupon) with an advertised "delivery on release date". Then received the following in an e-mail from them on Wednesday...
"Unfortunately, the item(s) below are still delayed. Because we don't know when we'll be able to get more, we canceled the item(s) from your order and will credit any payment. "
Canceled my order without even allowing me to extend the back order.
Then they sent me a customer survey to fill out rating how I liked my purchase.
Mine just arrived, so did a super quick handful of grabs of things close by. My initial impressions are quite positive -- no way this lens is going back
I specifically took this shot to test close-focus capability wide open as some are reporting sub-par performance from their copies of this lens in that situation. While the image certainly isn't as good as one at f4 at this same close distance, to my eyes it remains more than usably sharp and pleasantly rendered -- I'm certainly satisfied with it.
The gnome is about 9" or 20cm tall and the camera is pretty close, framing via rear lcd using AF wide-people. I did some light vignette in post to suit the crop and high-contrast lighting, but nothing other than normal capture sharpening has been applied.
More to come hopefully tomorrow as I have more time to play with it.
Note this site is not retina aware, so this image may display at 200% on some monitors:
nice samples, everyone. 
