Here are 100% crops from the comparisons above, highlighting my personal observations.
The Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 feels very close to the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.5 Z21 at f/2 in overall rendering, though it renders slightly warmer. It also shows less optical vignetting than the Z21 at f/2.
Field curvature is more controlled, and across the frame it resolves a way more detail off-axis, which gives a more even look from center to edge.
Below are crops showing both focus and out-of-focus areas between these two lenses at f/2.
Focus area (this may appear slightly soft, but this is the point of best focus for this lens in this part of the frame).
Same scene crops as the previous post, now including the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/2 SP II for comparison.
The SP II consistently shows lower contrast and slightly lower resolution, but with more pronounced outlining in the rendering and reduced optical vignetting, resulting in rounder highlights. It also holds a more consistent look across the frame, though at the center it is not quite as sharp as the ZS6.
Finally, a comparison between the Light Lens Lab 50mm f/1.9 Rigid-ZS6 Standard and Low Contrast versions.
As seen here, the Low Contrast version reduces micro-contrast slightly, giving the image a more subdued, organic rendering. The difference is subtle overall, but it becomes more noticeable in fine texture and local contrast.
Low Contrast version lives up to its name -- just a subtle dip in contrast, nothing more.
I got the "standard" version as I wasn't seeking too much character this time (I have other lenses for that). Was somewhat of an impulsive purchase based on its looks as I have enough lenses already in this focal length. But then, can one ever have enough 50's? :-)
Feels nice in the hands, little "industrial" feel if I may say so (by which I vaguely mean slightly "less" polished, less shiny feel of the metal surface?). Matches well with Safari (as Fred's pictures have shown) and also with the Gray body I think:
Mine is perfectly calibrated right out of the box, which is always a relief no matter the brand. Focus throw is not long (snaps focus quickly and decisively when you're in the vicinity), which some will like, and some who prefer longer, "gradual" focus throws for longer focal length lenses may not.
In my quick initial observations, the rendering of this "standard" coating of the lens seems akin to Leica's pre-FLE 50mm, i.e., not steel rim re-issue level of character but enough of a character to be an enjoyable daily carry if you're into 50mm focal length. Being f1.9 wide open, you nail focus more often than Summiluxes or wider 50mm lenses. Somehow reds seem to preserve definition very well with this lens, which could be a combination of sensor plus lens coating. I have struggled in past with "mushy" looking reds at times. This matters to me because I often shoot flowers.
Fred, as usual, has been very thorough and precise in articulating and illustrating lens character in this thread. So I'll just add few pictures - all at f1.9 (except one with roses) on an M11-P, slightly edited - if helpful. Sorry, it's mostly flowers and around the house AGAIN :-( until I get to go out and do something else for a change :-)
Also, the infinity lock, which I thought would hate as much as I did on earlier Thypoch versions, didn't as much. It's easier to unlock with fingers though would prefer to see it gone. Focus at infinity (lock) is sharp based on few dull shots I took, to be seen what happens when the air is too hot and refraction starts playing tricks with the sight (since you can't go beyond infinity).
If you ever use a Techart AF adapter with M lenses on say a Nikon Z5II the infinity lock is perfect since it needs one to put the lens on infinity to focus correctly.
I got the "standard" version as I wasn't seeking too much character this time (I have other lenses for that). Was somewhat of an impulsive purchase based on its looks as I have enough lenses already in this focal length. But then, can one ever have enough 50's? :-)
Feels nice in the hands, little "industrial" feel if I may say so (by which I vaguely mean slightly "less" polished, less shiny feel of the metal surface?). Matches well with Safari (as Fred's pictures have shown) and also with the Gray body I think:
Mine is perfectly calibrated right out of the box, which is always a relief no matter the brand. Focus throw is not long (snaps focus quickly and decisively when you're in the vicinity), which some will like, and some who prefer longer, "gradual" focus throws for longer focal length lenses may not.
In my quick initial observations, the rendering of this "standard" coating of the lens seems akin to Leica's pre-FLE 50mm, i.e., not steel rim re-issue level of character but enough of a character to be an enjoyable daily carry if you're into 50mm focal length. Being f1.9 wide open, you nail focus more often than Summiluxes or wider 50mm lenses. Somehow reds seem to preserve definition very well with this lens, which could be a combination of sensor plus lens coating. I have struggled in past with "mushy" looking reds at times. This matters to me because I often shoot flowers.
Fred, as usual, has been very thorough and precise in articulating and illustrating lens character in this thread. So I'll just add few pictures - all at f1.9 (except one with roses) on an M11-P, slightly edited - if helpful. Sorry, it's mostly flowers and around the house AGAIN :-( until I get to go out and do something else for a change :-)
Thanks for the samples. I really like how it looks on the new M11-P Gray...it's a great match.
Like you, I have quite a few 50mm lenses, including those compared against the ZS6 here, but the 50mm f/1.9 ZS6 strikes an appealing balance. It delivers excellent performance wide open without excessive SA or glow, while still offering a unique and expressive rendering. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite "f/2-class" 50mm lenses.
I tend to prefer the "low contrast" version, simply because it brings the contrast down slightly, but both perform similarly in my view. It's not about different coatings...I suspect Light Lens Lab tweaked element spacing ever so slightly between the versions.
