adamdewilde
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 p.28 #5 · ZE/ZF/ZM Images (Official Thread!) | |
Edgars Kalnins wrote:
Thanks, John Black, for comparing Zeiss with Leica! I think it is like a good side note in this ZE thread. Both perform great, but I prefer Leica in these shots.
I like John Black's reviews.. And I would agree with you that the leica shots in this particular situation are better, but here is why:
The first ZE shot is good at showing you the lens is damn sharp wide open. But if I posted a photo of my fiancee like that, she'd shoot me, it's an unflattering angle and aside from showing us how sharp the lens is wide open, and how creamy the bokeh is, both front and back, it's not the best shot of his beautiful wife. So that kinda sticks with you. Lets compare it to the second leica shot, since it's a close up. Yes the second shot shows you how sharp the lens is, but it also shows you a great shot of his wife, with nice emotions attached to it, thus making the overall image more apealing, The background is slightly less shocking in the areas that you eyes hit first, thus giving you the feeling that the bokeh is more pleasing. So overall the shot is just a better capture if you compare the two like that.
Onto the second ZE photo, nice posed shot of his wife, she looks great, although she could have a slight bit more light on her face, reflector maybe IMO, but overall it's a great capture. The distance though is half body, and the lens is 100mm so you cannot see great detail in a websized print. So because you're comparing two photos, you rely on the image as a whole in this situation, and if you notice the tree in the background is pretty close, now the bokeh is nice, but it's not as velvety smooth as the first Leica shot, and thats simply because of the distance from her to the background (tree in this case). Now if we take a look at the first Leica shot, you'll notice she's much closer, and she's got a really beautiful expression. So you're first thoughts are natural beautiful. Then since she's closer, you can pick out very fine details in her sweater at websize. Now when you look at the overall package your stunned beacuse the background is so far away from her, it's creamy, and she really pops, I mean not to mention her pose is fantastic but yet oh so natural. The background is more even toned, and the color work better together, and art jarring, so they don't take away from her (the subject).
So you see, in all honesty, the reality is, the leica shots are just better executed. Now if the M9+75 APO gives John better shots because it complements his shooting style, then awesome.. I mean I loved my M8 for that very reason, but the camera had major problems, and I found the 5DII to be a much better camera as my walkaround/backup body. I'd love to get my hands on an M9+75 APO and 35lux, but I'm broke after buying up all these ZE lenses..
Anyway, the point is, real world testing has to many variables to really compare lenses based only on performance. But shooting brick walls won't make you a better photographer. So take in all that you see with a very analytical eye. Try to look at hundreds of shots from each lens, and in the end, think about what you like and don't like about the lens, including focal length minimum focusing distance, af/mf, the body it comes attached to, everything that would effect you in the heat of the moment, and once you've figured it out and are happy with the lens you picked up, a new lens will come out 
I just figured I'd mention all this because I was having a debate with my friend last night about the 135L vs the 100 MP ZE, and although we both agree that in almost all aspects the 100 kills the 135L, that there are just some situations where it's better to get the shot in focus (as well as AF works), then to lose the shot because your spinning the focusing ring around.. So for his type of work, he uses the Canon AF system, and couldn't switch, but in my situation, I am free to switch, because the added hassle of MF won't be crucial to my type of work 90% of the time. In his defense he noted that half the shots that are taken, are processed to hell before the customer receives the images back (weddings/events). So whats the point of paying more and having no AF, when you're going to process the files anyway, that I can agree on for the most part as well. Though I wouldn't give up my 100 MP ZE.
John, great shots, I really do like your first Leica shot a whole heck of a lot, and your reviews are great, they're what first got me interested in the ZE system..
Wow long post sorry guys, I'm bored as it's good friday and nothing's open.
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