Speaking of Leica-R differences, this is a quick comparison between Elmarit-R 28 E55 and Nikkor 28/2.8 AI-s. My intention was to demonstrate only differences in center & corner/edge sharpness, colour and character at close distance and wide open.
The test images were shot within few minutes apart in each set on a cloudy day. White balance was set to Auto and no in-camera correction was applied. Also, no colour or lens correction was applied in PP. Only a slight exposure adjustment (0.3 stop or so) was made to some Nikkor images, which appeared overexposed comparing to Elmarit-R (well, it could be the other way around, not sure yet) Otherwise, all PP steps were identical for all images. Focussing was done using LV at max magnification plus 10x magnifying loupe, MUP, cable release, etc. Elmarit’s built-n hood was matched on Nikkor by Nikon HN-2.
You can draw your own conclusion how the two compare based on your own interests. Regardless of this “test”, I will be keeping both lenses; Nikkor specifically for a close range wide open to f/5.6 and Elmarit for mid to infinity ranges stopped down to f/5.6-8.
Few subjective observations:
- Elmarit-R shows clearly superior contrast and corner/edge sharpness. However, its stronger falloff compering to Nikkor obscures corners detail
- Colour seems to be similar between these two lenses, which is a big plus for Nikkor
- Focussing seems to be more convenient using Nikkor. Perhaps Elmarit’s narrower focussing ring placed too close to the hood plays role here
- Elmarit-R offers ˝ stops where Nikkor has full stops only
Many thanks for review! Surprise for me that N28 enough for D800E... Resume: more than great lens for it's value. But on the landscapes I still prefer R28, better for me, anyway
There is no question that selected Nikkor lenses are of highest standards, similar to Canon...etc.
Zeiss glass for selected lenses has also very high standards.
Leica glass for M or R has as well highest standards of light manipulation.
So what is the difference if there is a any difference?
In my mind, there is a difference although subtle in certain cases, but the difference is there for the one "who wants to see" and "who can see".
A difference does not necessarily mean "better" technically or subjectively although both can be part of the equation.
Let's take a common focal lens of say 80mm (which happens to be my prefered focal).
The contenders are:
- Nikkor 85/1.4 D - G
- Nikkor 85/1.8 G
- Canon 85/1.2 L
- Zeiss ZF2 85/1.4
- Contax 85/1.2 Anni 60
- CZJ Biotar 75/1.5
- Leica R 80/1.4
- Leica R 90AA
I do not intend to do a shoot out as my mind is already made up and boils down to 3 lenses:
- Nikkor 85/1.8 G for day to day demolition derby
- Leica R 80/1.4 for classical and romantic beauty
- Leica R 90AA for perfection redefined
The other lenses sleep in the cabinet.
Morality of the story: There is no point dliberating on the value of highest standard of lenses in the same focal lenght as they will all translate light to satisfaction. What is left is the finicky extra quality that you get with a trained eye.
Does it make a difference? Hell No! unless you are a pain in the A$$ like your's truly....But then again, I am a mere wanton photographer with a feeble mind and deep pockets!
Almass wrote:
There is no question that selected Nikkor lenses are of highest standards, similar to Canon...etc.
Zeiss glass for selected lenses has also very high standards.
Leica glass for M or R has as well highest standards of light manipulation.
So what is the difference if there is a any difference?
In my mind, there is a difference although subtle in certain cases, but the difference is there for the one "who wants to see" and "who can see".
A difference does not necessarily mean "better" technically or subjectively although both can be part of the equation.
Let's take a common focal lens of say 80mm (which happens to be my prefered focal).
The contenders are:
- Nikkor 85/1.4 D - G
- Nikkor 85/1.8 G
- Canon 85/1.2 L
- Zeiss ZF2 85/1.4
- Contax 85/1.2 Anni 60
- CZJ Biotar 75/1.5
- Leica R 80/1.4
- Leica R 90AA
I do not intend to do a shoot out as my mind is already made up and boils down to 3 lenses:
- Nikkor 85/1.8 G for day to day demolition derby
- Leica R 80/1.4 for classical and romantic beauty
- Leica R 90AA for perfection redefined
The other lenses sleep in the cabinet.
Morality of the story: There is no point dliberating on the value of highest standard of lenses in the same focal lenght as they will all translate light to satisfaction. What is left is the finicky extra quality that you get with a trained eye.
Does it make a difference? Hell No! unless you are a pain in the A$$ like your's truly....But then again, I am a mere wanton photographer with a feeble mind and deep pockets!...Show more →
I would just add that the FD SSC Asph and EF 85/1.2 L's are probably the sharpest wide open, at least in my experience, so if WO performance is the critical factor then these are a 'better' option. Horses for courses, of course.
Alex, Very beautiful rendering from 50lux E60. It is really unfortunate for me to see its sky high price. 35cron and 50lux E60 are two lens have very beautiful Boekh.
zhangyue wrote:
Alex, Very beautiful rendering from 50lux E60. It is really unfortunate for me to see its sky high price. 35cron and 50lux E60 are two lens have very beautiful Boekh.
agreed.
i'd be very tempted by the 35 cron and earlier versions of the 50lux, but the hexagonal bokeh stopped down bugs the crap out of me...
zhangyue wrote:
Alex, Very beautiful rendering from 50lux E60. It is really unfortunate for me to see its sky high price. 35cron and 50lux E60 are two lens have very beautiful Boekh.
Exactly! Especially Boekh
But seriously, sometimes think that I love Cron more than Lux. Absolutely versatile small lens with an unusual drawing. Maybe on the D800 it will be not so good, but on the D700 perfect
i'd be very tempted by the 35 cron and earlier versions of the 50lux, but the hexagonal bokeh stopped down bugs the crap out of me...
Agreed, the hexagonal aperture with leica good in one case only by my opinion - sun, nice 6-rays sun. Somehow 7 diaphragm blades is much nicer to the eye. I do not know why.
