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 p.1 #1 · CV 40mm f2 Ultron SL-II - is something wrong with mine? | |
Ever since I got this lens, I've felt like something isn't quite right with the images.
A bit cruddy, lacking a bit in transparency - but we've also had pretty bad light since I got it (and had free time).
When I look online, sometimes I can see it in other peoples photos but I'm not entirely certain, it's subtle.
I wanted the smaller version so had to pick it up used, it's the sl-II n. And it seemed in mint condition.
I was wondering if it was something wrong with my copy, or it's just the way the lens renders and thought to ask here as I know it's quite popular for the compact size, focal length and general build.
Though it's usually build that I hear praise for, rather than the image quality - except for sharpness.
Figured asking would save me some effort and money in hunting down another copy, rather difficult to find in this size, and I want to keep it small to pair with the fm2n. But all the testing is done on a digital Sony a7cii (perhaps that has something to do with it too.
When I look at the rear of the lens glass, it looks fine. But if I tilt it a certain angle I see this:
I'm not sure if it's glue separation, or just how it is but thought to mention it.
I did a basic decentering test and I think it seems reasonable for F2 (wide-open):
But the images feel off:
[ please mind the ads if you open in a new tab, imgur is banned here. And it may appear smaller in the new tab, but if you click that, and open that one in a new tab it should be full size ]
f8:
^ safe to ignore the contrast differences on the fence sides
f2.8:
f2:
^ Last two shots I don't see the issue with as much, especially the doggo one, but I have wide open portraits where you can see the cruddyness/lack of transparency easily so I don't think it's the aperture... though they were both taken outside - and unfortunately no permission to share with those.
I compared it side-by-side with the CV 40mm f1.2 nokton (e-mount) to rule out the light, and when I white balanced on the same point, it did reduce the yellow tint on the ultron by 50 and give it +5 magenta which may have helped somewhat.
Both comparisons below are at f4, white balanced on the same point, and lens corrections on.
↓ Nokton - focus is on the middle fence post
↓ Ultron
With the fence scene, the focus is on the middle post. When you look at the branches going up on the garage roof behind it, you can see how much sharper it is on the nokton. And it's the same on the other side. I know it's not in the plane of focus but on the nokton it's sharper both infront and behind so it's not field curvature either, I think? It's like astigmatism?
↓ Nokton - focus is on the plant pots.
↓ Ultron
Notice the dirt in front of the front-most brown plant pot on the floor and how much more grimey it is on the ultron.
The hanging lantern just above the front plants compared to how it appears more unsettling with the ultron image.
Anyway, would appreciate your thoughts on this if you have any ideas, it has been bugging me. Was hoping to use this as my walkabout film camera+lens combo but just something(s) not sitting right with me and I can't put my finger on it. I suspect either mine is bad or perhaps it's the result of making it so compact. Feels like the glass isn't quite premium quality ... or just something. I don't see it with my other lenses, even the TTA 40mm f2 which is a fraction of the cost, has af and is very compact. There is something else weird with that lens (maybe SA) but it's a nice effect.
And it's less obvious in some images with the ultron and I understand it's subtle (in the examples shown and with all the corrections) but something feels not quite right there and it's off-putting.
My initial thought was there might be haze inside, though I couldn't see a thing, because the images felt less transparent but I don't think it's that. And I think the distortion, central hotspot wide-open, vignette, the light, white balance were adding it to it, but even after removing/accounting for all that, something else is there. A bit muddy and grimey with something unpleasant about the out-of-focus.
If this is just typical for the lens, does anyone know if the 28mm f2 ultron, 35mm f1.7 ultron, 28mm f2.8 color-skopar, or 58mm f1.4 Nokton render similarly?
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