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2023-03-22 Reader Comment: Fujifilm GF Lens Performance

2023-03-14 Lens Sharpness, and Why Optical Focus Shift is the #1 Suckiest Lens Compromise

2023-03-01 Sony FE 20-70mm f/4G: Should Arrive in a Few Days for Testing

2021-05-02 Essay and Reader Comments: Sony A1 vs Fujifilm GFX100S: Real Achievable Capture Resolution, Effort Level, Enjoyment (UPDATED, v2)

2021-03-29 Sony FE 24mm f/2.8G: for Best Results, Understand the Optical Behaviors (Aperture Series: Deck Planks)

2021-02-26 Reader Comment: “had I read your article before, I surely could have spared money and disappointment before buying”

2021-02-16 World’s Best 35mm Lens? Voigtlander FE 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar for Sony Mirrorless and Leica M Coming in April

2020-07-17 Leica M10-R and Leica M10 Monochrom: 40-Megapixel Sensor, but Nil New Design Thinking —  with essay by Roy P

2019-11-22 Making Sharp Images: Case Study: Major Sharpness Gains via Ideal Focus with Lenses having Peripheral Forward Field Curvature (Pine Creek High Peaks)

2019-07-08 Reader Comment: Zeiss Loxia 21/2.4 and Voigtlander FE 21/1.4:

Sharpness and Blur by Optics

Blur from optical behavior or subject-related issue..

  1. Blur from Field Curvature

Digital Sensor Technology

Digital capture technology is discrete, and not the same as film..

  1. Resolving to the Sensor Resolution
  2. Future Cameras and Lenses

How To Get Peak Sharpness With Perfect Focus

Focusing is more complicated than it first appears..

  1. Bracket Your Focus
  2. Case Study: Major Sharpness Gains via Ideal Focus with Lenses having Peripheral Forward Field Curvature (Pine Creek High Peaks)

Depth of Field

Controlling the zone of sharp detail..

  1. Depth of Field As a Creative Tool

Focus Stacking Examples

Examples of Focus Stacking..

  1. Example: Vista at 85mm (View North in Blue Dusk from Pothole Dome)
  2. Example: Getting Close to 50 Megapixels in Real Photography (Spotted Boulder, Canon 5Ds R)
  3. Example: Getting Close to 50 Megapixels in Real Photography (Lundy Beaver Pond, Canon 5Ds R)

Diffraction

Getting peak performance from your lens.

  1. Field Example (San Francisco, Canon 1Ds Mark III)

Field Curvature

Zone of focus, not plane of focus.

  1. Looking for Sharpness in all the Wrong Places
  2. The Zone of Sharp Focus
  3. Field Curvature Focusing Tips
  4. Field Curvature and Focusing Distance
  5. Field Curvature and MTF Charts
  6. Detecting and Mitigating
  7. Field Example with Canon 14/2.8L II
  8. Examples with 50mm Lenses
  9. Field Curvature (P.T. Sept/Oct 2009 PDF)

Field Curvature (Case Studies)

Actual example of field curvature..

  1. Field Curvature with Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon
  2. Field Curvature with the Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II
  3. Field Curvature with Two Leica 24mm Lenses

Understanding Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

Understanding resolution and contrast graphs..

  1. Reading MTF Charts
  2. MTF Measurement vs Field Curvature
  3. Zeiss MTF Examples
  4. Leica MTF Examples
  5. Leica MTF Analysis / Summilux, Elmarit, Elmar 24mm
  6. Leica MTF For Leica 35/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
  7. Nikon MTF Examples

Astigmatism

Understanding astigmatism..

  1. Astigmatism

How to Test A Lens

How to verify a good sample and assess all aspects of lens performance..

  1. My Approach to Testing a New Lens
  2. Know Your Goals
  3. General Issues
  4. Focusing Accuracy When Testing
  5. Ruling Out Camera/Sensor Alignment
  6. Comparing Lenses
  7. Testing for Field Curvature

Optical Behavior (Case Studies)

Illuminating examples of lens behavior..

  1. Lens Skew (Nikon D800E, Sigma 35/1.4)

Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS

All-arounder entry-level mid-range zoom for L-Mount..

  1. Aperture Series @ 71mm: Mosaic
  2. Shootout: Leica 50mm f/1.4 SL vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 vs Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 (Mosaic)

Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4

Premium fast normal lens for L-Mount..

  1. Aperture Series: Pines by Creek (Panasonic S1R)
  2. Shootout: Leica 50mm f/1.4 SL vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 vs Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 (Mosaic)
  3. Shootout: Leica 50mm f/1.4 SL vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4: Rotten Log

Leica SL2

47 megapixel with Multi-Shot Hi-Res mode..

  1. SHOOTOUT: Leica SL2 vs Panasonic S1R Sharpness with Zeiss ZM 35/1.4 Distagon: Piper Mountain Wilderness

Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH

Fast apochromatic prime/wide lens for L-Mount cameras..

  1. Shootout: Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL vs Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4: Popcorn and Pumpkins (Leica SL2)

Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-SL ASPH

Fast apochromatic prime lens for L-Mount cameras..

  1. Examples: Lee Vining Canyon (Panasonic S1R)
  2. Sharpness Losses from Field Curvature at Distance: Grassy Meadow
  3. Aperture Series: Curved Creek, Using Field Curvature to Advantage
  4. Shootout: Leica 50mm f/1.4 SL vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 vs Panasonic LUMIX S 24-105mm f/4 (Mosaic)
  5. Shootout: Leica 50mm f/1.4 SL vs Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4: Rotten Log

Leica 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH

Fast short telephoto lens for L-Mount cameras..

  1. Examples: Mountains

Sigma SD1 Merrill

Sigma/Foveon true-color sensor in a DSLR body..

  1. Shootout: 35/1.4 vs 18-35/1.8 (SD1M, Creek Flows Through)
  2. Aperture Series: 18-35mm f/1.8 @ 35mm (SD1M, Red Barn)

Nikon D850

The best becomes better..

  1. Experience Report: Autofocus Precision and Focus Shift, Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G

Nikon D800E

36 megapixels in a compact full-frame DSLR..

  1. LENS Evaluations: Notes
  2. LENS: D800 + Voigtlander Color-Skopar 20mm f/3.5 SL-II
  3. LENS: D800 + AF-S 35/1.4G
  4. LENS: D800 + Voigtlander Nokton 58mm f/1.4 SL-II

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Nikon’s finest 70-200 zoom as of 2017..

  1. Aperture Series @ 95mm: Tailings Piles (Nikon D810)

Canon 14mm f/2.8L II

In-depth review of the Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II including flare, distortion, field curvature, resolution charts, numerous field examples and comparison to the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G. The Canon EF 14/2.8L II is a superb lens, but with some peculiarities which may enhance or degrade its appeal for different uses. The review is as much a “user guide” as a review; even if you use this lens it’s well worth your time to read this review..

  1. Examples
  2. Curvature of Field
  3. Comparison to Nikon 14-24/2.8 Zoom
  4. Conclusions

Special Report: Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF

Evaluates performance of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 VR on the Nikon D3. Comparison with the Nikon 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF..

  1. Introduction

Nikon 19mm f/4E ED PC-E

Ultra wide tilt/shift lens.

  1. Aperture Series at 12mm Shift, Long Axis: Focus Placement is Critical (Mosaic, Nikon D810)
  2. Aperture Series, 12mm shift: Maple Trees in Sunken Area (Nikon D810)
  3. Aperture Series: Oak Tree and Deck with Lens Tilt (Nikon D810)

Landscape Photography at Wide Apertures

Escape the banale postcard look by shooting landscapes at f/1.4 or f/0.95..

  1. Challenges
  2. Examples with Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH

Pentax HD DA 24-70mm f/2.8 SDM ED

Bread and butter zoom lens..

  1. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Sunset over Snowy Landscape, White Mountains View to Sierra Nevada
  2. Aperture Series @ 29mm: Backlit Sprinter on White Mountain Road
  3. Aperture Series @ 40mm: Snowy Landscape at Dusk, View Towards Big Pine

Pentax SMCP-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited

Full frame slightly wide normal lens, pancake form factor..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Pentax K-1 SuperRes)

Pentax HD DA Limited 15mm f/4 ED

APS-C wide angle lens equivalent to 22mm on full-frame..

  1. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn (Pentax K3)
  2. Aperture Series: Ice on Beaver Pond at Sunrise (Pentax K3)

Pentax HD DA Limited 21mm f/3.2 AL

APS-C moderate wide angle lens equivalent to 33mm on full-frame..

  1. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn (Pentax K3)

Pentax HD DA Limited 35mm f/2.8 Macro

APS-C normal lens equivalent to 53mm on full-frame..

  1. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn (Pentax K3)

Pentax HD DA Limited 40mm f/2.8

APS-C slightly tele normal lens equivalent to 60mm on full-frame..

  1. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn (Pentax K3)
  2. Aperture Series: Waterfall and Backlit Mountains(Pentax K3)

Canon 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Canon’s compact high-performance 24mm prime..

  1. Examples: Field Curvature and Color Fringing (SUV)
  2. Compared to Canon 24-70/2.8L II (Green Machine)

Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM

Canon’s tiny and lovely pancake lens..

  1. Comparison: Canon 40/2.8 STM vs Voigtlander 40mm f/2 SL II

Canon 50mm Lenses

Is Canon’s f/1.2 lens really better than an inexpensive f/1.4 or f/1.8?.

  1. Canon 50/1.2L vs 50/1.4 (5D Mark III, Wyman Cabin)

Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

Canon’s best-ever medium telephoto and with image stabilization..

  1. Aperture Series: Sunrise on Mt Conness

Canon 85mm Lenses

Canon’s ultra-fast medium telephoto compared and in the field.

  1. Comparison: Canon 85/1.2L II, 85/1.8, Nikon 85/1.4G

Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS

Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS .

  1. Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Blur example
  2. Canon 100mm f/2.8L: Blur example 2

Canon 35mm f/1.4L II

Canon’s updated fast 35mm prime, evaluated on Canon 5DS R..

  1. Aperture Series: Lundy Canyon
  2. Aperture Series: Below the Icy Waterfall
  3. Aperture Series: Upper Reaches of Lundy Beaver Pond, early November
  4. Aperture Series: Streamside Tetrahedron Boulder Amid Brush

Canon 35mm f/2 IS

Canon’s image stabilized 35mm..

  1. Compared vs 35mm f/1.4L, 24-70/2.8L II (MTB, Canon 5DM3)
  2. Compared to 35/1.4L, 24-70/2.8L II (Dolls, Canon 5DM3)
  3. Compared to 35/1.4L, 24-70/2.8L II (Fence Gate, Canon 5DM3)

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

Tamron’s ultra wide to medium fast zoom..

  1. @15mm vs Nikon 14-24/2.8G Dual Focus: Pescadero Creek Downstream (Nikon D810)

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art

Fast constant-aperture ultrawide zoom..

  1. Aperture Series @ 12mm: Sunlight on the Beaver Pond
  2. Aperture Series @ 14mm: Two Aspen

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art

Superwide optimized zoom lens..

  1. Aperture Series @ 17mm: Cracked Mud Patterns in Sand Dunes to Distant Peaks at Sunrise, Death Valley
  2. Aperture Series @ 19mm: Snake Tracks on Rippled Dunes, Death Valley
  3. Aperture Series @ 20mm: Flowering Creosote Bush in Sand Dunes, Figure on Dune, Death Valley
  4. Aperture Series @ 23mm: Sandy Wash in Side Canyon, Zion
  5. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Flowering Creosote Bush

Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art

Mid-range optimized groundbreaking f/2 zoom..

  1. Shootout: vs Sigma 35/1.4A: Cottonwood Canyon Rancher’s Cabin

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art

High performance mid-range zoom..

  1. Aperture Series @ 40mm: Alabama Hills Creek Canyon

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

A whopping 4/3 stop faster than other lenses in its range..

  1. Aperture Series: Clearing Storm Over Pywiack Dome
  2. Aperture Series + Focus Stack: Dead and Live Aspen, Dusk
  3. Focus Stack: Two Aspen at Beaver Pond, Sunset
  4. Aperture Series: View to High Peaks from Chickenfoot Lake, Sunset
  5. Examples: Eastern Sierra

Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

The fastest extreme wide angle yet..

  1. Field Curvature
  2. Aperture Series: Leaves, Fence and Backlit Tree (Canon 5DS R)
  3. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek (Canon 5DS R)

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s fast high performance wide angle..

  1. Examples: Mt Conness Watershed (Canon 5DS R)
  2. Aperture Series: Huge Barn Interior (Nikon D810)
  3. Aperture Series: Collapsed Ranch House at Sunset (Nikon D810)
  4. Aperture Series: Huge Barn Interior (Nikon D810)
  5. Aperture Series: Checking for Lens Symmetry, Bristlecone on Bare Hill (Canon 5DS R)
  6. Shootout: Sigma 24/1.4 Art vs Canon 24/1.4L II, 24/2.8 IS, 11-12/4L (Bench, Canon 5DM3)
  7. Shootout: Sigma 24/1.4 Art vs Canon 24/1.4L II, 24/2.8 IS, 24-70/2.8L II, 11-12/4L (Pescadero Creek, Canon 5DM3)

Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Extraordinary optical efforts for outstanding performance..

  1. Aperture Series: Road Grader, Alabama Hills

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s fast and affordable moderate excellent wide angle..

  1. Compared vs Canon 35mm f/1.4L (Dolls, Canon 5DM3)
  2. Examples (Alpine Creek, Canon 5DM3)
  3. Compared to Canon 35/1.4L (Manzanita Flowers, Canon 5DM3)
  4. Compared to Canon 35/1.4L (Gate, Canon 5DM3)
  5. Compared to Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G (Dolls, Nikon D800E)
  6. Compared to Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G (Summit Building, Nikon D800E)
  7. Aperture Series: Sprinkler Controls (Nikon D800E)

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s fast high performance normal lens..

  1. Sigma 50/1.4A vs Canon 50/1.2L and 50/1.4 (5D Mark III, Decorated Bike)
  2. Sigma 50/1.4A vs Nikon 50/1.4G, 50/1.8G (Nikon D810, Decorated Bike)
  3. Aperture Series: Backlit Bristlecones (5D Mark III)

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s best portrait lens..

  1. Aperture Series: Peaks by Moonlight (Nikon D810)

Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Fastest 135mm lens yet, with ultra high performance..

  1. vs Nikon 70-200/2.8E FL ED VR (Cerro Gordo Bunkhouse, Nikon D810)

Schneider PC-TS Super-Angulon 28mm f/4.5 HM Aspheric

Wide angle tilt/shift lens at 28mm..

  1. vs Nikon 28mm f/4 PC: Church Vertical, 10mm rise (D810)

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM on Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III

The Sigma 50mm f/1.4 is a worthy contender in the crowded 50mm area. See how it performs compared to the Canon EF 50/1.4 and EF 50/1.2L..

  1. Field curvature

180mm Lenses for the Nikon D3x

Explores options for 180mm lenses on the Nikon D3x, including the Leica 180/2.8 APO-Elmarit-R in Nikon mount, Nikon 180/2.8 ED, Nikon 70-200/2.8 VR, Nikon 70-300/4.5-5.6 VR, and Tamron 70-200/2.8. Updated: now includes the Voigtlander 180/4 APO!.

  1. Overview
  2. Comparison

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS

Nikon’s classic high speed normal lens.

  1. Aperture Series: Cottonwood Stump (D800E)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

Nikon’s latest 50mm lens compared with the Zeiss ZF 50/1.4, Nikon 50/1.4D and Sigma 50/1.4..

  1. Comparison — Mosaic

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

Nikon’s High Performance Moderately-Priced 50mm..

  1. Detailed Comparison 50/1.8G vs 50/1.4G (Mosaic)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G

Nikon’s High performance normal lens.

  1. Shootout: 58/1.4G vs 50/1.4G, 50/1.8G, 50/1.2 AIS (D800E, DeChambeau Sidelit Barn)
  2. Shootout: 58/1.4G vs 50/1.4G, 50/1.8G, 50/1.2 AIS (D800E, Beaver Dam)
  3. Matched Comparison vs 50/1.4G (D800E, Beaver Dam)
  4. Aperture Series: DeChambeau Ranch Outbuilding (D800E)
  5. Aperture Series: Building at Night (D800E)
  6. Aperture Series: Flyers on Kiosk (D800E)
  7. Aperture Series: Church at Night (D800E)
  8. 58/1.4G vs NOCT-Nikkor vs Voigtlander 58/1.4 SL (D800E, Persimmon Tree)
  9. 58/1.4G vs NOCT-Nikkor vs Voigtlander 58/1.4 SL (D800E, Street at Night)

Canon 24mm f/1.4L II

State of the art design in a fast ultra wide angle lens..

  1. Overview: ergonomics and optical qualities
  2. Field curvature and Aberrations (Night-time)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G

Nikon’s fast ultra wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Glacial Erratic To Peak (D810)
  2. Aperture Series: Mt Conness Glacier Remnants (D810)
  3. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Sun Wedge (D810)
  4. Aperture Series: Pine Lake Peak, Last Kiss of Sunlight (D810)

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Versatile image-stabilized mid-range zoom..

  1. Nikon 24-70/2.8E VR vs 24/1.8G: Snowy White Mountain Road

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G

Versatile autofocus wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Mountainside At Dusk (D810)
  2. Aperture Series: Lundy Reservoir Frozen Over (D810)

Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED

State of the art design in a fast 24mm lens. Includes full-resolution images at f/1.4..

  1. Autofocus Examples
  2. Comparison with Nikon 14-24/2.8G and 24/2 AI-S
  3. Aperture Series: Sidelit Barn at DeChambeau Ranch (Nikon D800E)

Olympus Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.2

An ultra-fast older design still offers appeal on modern digital..

  1. 50mm Comparison: MTB (NEX 6, SpeedBooster)

Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G Macro

Comparing the new Nikon 60mm to its predecessors, and the Coastal Optics 60/4 APO..

  1. Comparison with Nikon 60/2.8D and Coastal 60/4 APO

Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO Macro

A superlative multi-spectral lens with perfect color correction..

  1. Lens Designer Notes

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

Extreme wide angle zoom..

  1. MTF for Canon 11-24mm f/4L

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III

Is the 3rd time the charm?.

  1. Examples #3 of 3: Lundy Lake and Meadows

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS

Canon’s compact image stabilized wide angle zoom..

  1. Aperture Series @ 16mm: Mosaic (Canon 5DM3)

Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II and 24-70mm f/4L IS

Canon’s premium mid-range zooms..

  1. Aperture Series: 24-70/2.8L II vs 50/1.2L, 50/1.4, 50/1.8 II (Dolls)
  2. Aperture Series: 24-70/2.8L II vs 35/1.4L (Dolls)
  3. Aperture Series: Barcroft Gate Outhouse (@ 70mm)
  4. 24mm: 24-70/2.8L II vs 24-70/4L II (Garden Pots, Canon 5DM3)
  5. 40mm: 24-70/2.8L II vs 24-70/4L II vs 40/2.8 STM (MTB, Canon 5DM3)

Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.8G

A fast moderate wide angle lens with some practical difficulties..

  1. Examples (Dana Meadow Portraits)
  2. Compared vs Nikon 28/2 AIS, Voigtlander Color Skopar 28/2.8 SL II (Cottonwood Canyon Fall Color)
  3. Compared vs 28/2 AIS, Voigtlander 28/2.8 SL II (Cabin Bathroom)

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G

State of the art design in a fast 35mm lens..

  1. Examples
  2. Aperture Series f/1.4...f/11 — Creek
  3. Aperture Series f/1.4...f/11 — Silver Canyon Pine
  4. Comparison with Zeiss 35/2 and Nikon 35/1.4 AI-S
  5. Comparison with Nikon 35mm f/2D

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G

Relatively inexpensive alternative to the pro 35/1.4G..

  1. vs 35/1.4G (D800E, Gray Bench)
  2. vs Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM (D800E, Pescadero Creek Close)

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

Nikon’s best-ever f/1.4 lens?.

  1. Aperture Series: Lundy Canyon Meadow, Pre-Dawn (Nikon D810)
  2. Nikon 105/1.4E vs Sigma 24-105/4 Art: Fall Color Along Creek

Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

Relatively compact super-telephoto zoom..

  1. Aperture Series @ 200mm: Zeiss Test Target (Nikon D810)

Nikon Ultra Wide Zooms

Comparing Nikon 16-35mm f/4 VR, 17-35mm f/2.8, 14-24mm f/2.8, 18-35mm, 24-70mm f/2.8 along with Nikon 20mm f/3.5, 24mm f/2, 28mm f/2, 35mm f/1.4 AIS, and more..

  1. Understanding Lens Performance
  2. Hazy Low Contrast with Nikon 17-35 @ f/2.8
  3. Conclusions on Mosaic Comparisons —

Canon-Wide Angle Prime Lenses

Comparing the 16-35mm f/2.8L II to most of Canon’s wide angle prime lenses. Optical performance, ergonomics, focus, build quality..

  1. Main Page
  2. 20mm Comparison: White Mountains
  3. 24mm Comparison: Yosemite
  4. 28mm Comparison: White Mountains
  5. 28mm Comparison: Mosaic
  6. 35mm Comparison: White Mountains

Canon Ultra-wide Zoom Lenses: 17-40 and 16-35

Comparing the Canon 17-40mm f/4L and 16-35mm f/2.L II..

  1. Comparison at 24mm with Canon 24mm f/1.4L II

Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon’s ultra wide angle zoom and the Nikon 14mm f/2.8, critical focus shift behavior..

  1. Introduction and Overview
  2. Compared: Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G vs Nikon 14mm f/2.8: White Mountains Road

Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators

Medium format Zeiss glass in Hartblei precision tilt/shift lens barrels!.

  1. Resolution chart—40/4
  2. Resolution chart—80/2.8
  3. Field shot aperture series crops—40/4

Samyang 14mm f/2.8

Ultra wide angle lens for Canon and Nikon..

  1. Aperture Series: Wyman Cabin

Nikon 24mm Lens Choices

Options for a 24mm lens: Nikon 14-24/2.8G, Nikon 24-70/2.8G, Nikon 24/2 AI-S, Nikon PC-E 24/3.5. Sharpness, distortion, flare, field curvature, shooting impression and ergonomics..

  1. Overview and introduction

Medium Format Magazine

Articles written for MediumFormat.com..

  1. Maximize Image Quality with Shot Discipline, Overview with Key Tips
  2. Introduction to Adapting Lenses to Fujifilm GFX: Overview and Experience with Zeiss DSLR Lenses (July 2019)
  3. Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5: Awesome First Choice for Fujifilm Medium Format (May 2020)

Schneider Kreuznach LS 35mm f/3.5

Wide angle 24mm equivalent for Phase One XF system.

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (IQ4 150)
  2. Aperture Series: Alabama Hills Creekbed, Late Dusk (IQ4 150)
  3. Aperture Series: Alabama Hills Moonset Over Mt Whitney (IQ4 150)
  4. Examples: Death Valley Area (IQ4 150)
  5. Examples: Eastern Sierra (IQ4 150)

Schneider Kreuznach LS 40-80mm f/4-5.6

Mid range zoom 27-54mm equivalent for Phase One XF system.

  1. Aperture Series @ 40mm: Mosaic (IQ4 150)
  2. Aperture Series @ 55mm: Mosaic (IQ4 150)
  3. Performance at 40mm for Landscape Imagery (Death Valley Area, Phase One IQ4)
  4. Examples: EasternSierra (IQ4 150)

Schneider Kreuznach LS 80mm f/2.8

Compact normal 54mm equivalent for Phase One XF system.

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (IQ4 150)

Fujifilm GFX100S/100 Comparisons

Is 100 better than 45/50/60 megapixels?.

  1. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A1: Deck and Roof

Adapting Other Lenses to Fujifilm GFX

Adapting lenses delivers degraded results in most cases..

  1. Adapting Lenses to the GFX: Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/2M
  2. Introduction to Adapting Lenses to Fujifilm GFX: Overview and Experience with Zeiss DSLR Lenses (July 2019)

Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

Compact wide angle.

  1. Examples: Early Morning Ad-Hoc, Backyard
  2. SHOOTOUT vs Hasselblad XCD 21/4: Colorful Leaves on Still Pool
  3. Aperture Series @ 25mm: Half-Bare Big Leaf Maple, Alpine Creek

Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R WR

Ultra wide angle equivalent to 19mm f/3.3. .

  1. Focus Stacking Examples, White Mountains (GFX100)

Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R LM WR

Compact wide angle.

  1. Aperture Series: Mining Structures
  2. Aperture Series: Greenstone Lake with Mt Conness Peaks
  3. Aperture Series: Snow and Ambiguous Cliff

Fujifilm GF 32-64mm f/4 R LM WR

Mid-range zoom lens equivalent to 26-53mm f/3.3..

  1. Shootout @ 50mm vs GF 35-70, GF 32-64/4: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek
  2. Shootout @ 63mm vs GF 35-70, GF 63/2.8: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6

Compact wide angle.

  1. Shootout @50mm vs GF 35-70, GF 32-64/4: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek
  2. Shootout @ 63mm vs GF 32-64/4, GF 63/2.8: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek
  3. SHOOTOUT: Fujifilm GFX100S vs Sony A1: Deck and Roof
  4. SHOOTOUT @ 55mm: Hasselblad X2D vs Fujifilm GFX100S: View to Grand Junction from Western Entrance of Colorado National Monument

Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR

Moderate wide angle equivalent to 37mm f/2.3..

  1. Overview of Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR
  2. Aperture Series: Alpine Meadows view towards North Subpeak of Mt Conness (GFX100)
  3. Aperture Series: Mosaic (GFX100)
  4. Aperture Series with Focus Stack: West Walker Creek Meadow to Snowy Peaks (GFX 50S)
  5. Aperture Series: View Down Shadowed Lundy Lake, Late Afternoon (GFX 50S)
  6. Aperture Series with Focus Stack: Light-Colored Boulder Amid Sage and Boulder Field (GFX 50S)

Fujifilm GF 45-100mm f/4 R LM OIS WR

Slightly long zoom lens equivalent to 37-82mm f/3.3..

  1. Aperture Series @ 56mm: Alabama Hills Desert Wash, Sunrise View To Mt Whitney
  2. Compared: Fujifilm GF 45-100mm f/4 vs GF 50mm f/3.5: View Towards Mt Whitney

Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR

Slightly wide compact normal lens equivalent to 41mm f/2.9..

  1. MTF for Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR
  2. Shootout @ 50mm vs GF 35-70, GF 32-64/4: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek
  3. Compared: Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 vs GF 45-100mm f/4: View Towards Mt Whitney

Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR

Standard normal lens equivalent to 52mm f/2.3..

  1. MTF for Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR
  2. Compared: 63mm f/2.8 vs 32-64mm f/4 (GFX 50S, Pine Creek South Fork)
  3. Shootout @63mm vs GF 35-70, GF 32-64/4: Huge Laurel Along Alpine Creek

Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR

Standard normal lens equivalent to 66mm f/1.4..

  1. MTF for Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R LM WR
  2. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Valley and High Peaks
  3. Aperture Series: 9050 Pine Creek Road
  4. Aperture Series: View over Patriarch Grove to Southwest
  5. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Tungsten Mine Infrastructure
  6. Aperture Series: June Sunrise at Patriarch Grove

Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR

Ultra high speed telephoto equivalent to 90mm f/1.6..

  1. Shootout: Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR vs Fujifilm GF 100-200mm f/5.6: Mosaic with Unstable Lens Focus (GFX100)

Hasselblad X2D 100C

Mirrorless large format with leaf shutter lenses, 3rd generation..

  1. Long Exposures (Hasselblad XCD 38/2.5)

Hasselblad XCD 21mm f/4

18mm equivalent..

  1. SHOOTOUT vs Hasselblad XCD 21/4: Colorful Leaves on Still Pool

Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5

25mm equivalent..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic

Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f3.5-4.5

Normal lens equivqlent to 53mm..

  1. MTF for Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f3.5-4.5

Hasselblad XCD 38mm f/2.5 V

Normal lens equivqlent to 32mm..

  1. Long Exposures (Hasselblad XCD 38/2.5)
  2. Aperture Series: Curvy Grade, Colorado National Monument
  3. Aperture Series: First Sun, View to Wyman Canyon

Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 V

Normal lens equivqlent to 45mm..

  1. Aperture Series: Memorial Shed
  2. Aperture Series: Canyon Cliff, Colorado National Monument
  3. SHOOTOUT @ 55mm: Hasselblad X2D vs Fujifilm GFX100S: View to Grand Junction from Western Entrance of Colorado National Monument

Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8

Normal lens equivqlent to 53mm..

  1. Introduction to Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8
  2. MTF for Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8

Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2

Medium format telephoto lens, 74mm equivalent..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic

Pentax 645 HD DA 28-45mm f/4.5 ED AW SR

Wide angle zoom for Pentax 645..

  1. Aperture Series @ 28mm: Pescadero Creek Upstream, Late Blue Dusk (645Z)

Pentax 645 90mm f/2.8 D FA 645 Macro ED AW SR

Medium telephoto macro lens for Pentax 645 digital and film..

  1. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Thunderstorms (645Z)

Rolleiflex Hy6 Mod 2 Medium Format System

Lens performance at 80 megapixels..

  1. Aperture Series: Down Creek (Zeiss 110/2 Planar PQ)

Leica S2 37.5 Megapixel Medium Format DSLR

How does Leica’s medium format entry measure up in ergonomics, image quality, etc?.

  1. Leica S2 User comments

Leica 24mm f/3.5 Super-Elmar-S ASPH

Extreme wide angle with ultra high performance..

  1. Aperture Series: Lower Conness Lake (S006)
  2. Aperture Series: Hoover Wilderness Drainage (S006)

Leica 45mm f/2.8 Elmarit-S ASPH

Moderate wide angle with low distortion..

  1. MTF Analysis for Leica 45mm f/2.8 Elmarit-S ASPH
  2. Aperture Series: Dana Glacier, Moraine, Dana Lake (S006)

Milvus 15mm f/2.8

Milvus garb for the venerable 15/2.8 Distagon, with improved lens coating..

  1. MTF for Milvus 15/2.8
  2. Aperture Series vs Nikon 14/2.8D: Alpine Creek Low View
  3. Aperture Series: Dead Pines in Defunct Beaver Pond (Multi-Shot HighRes mode)

Milvus 21mm f/2.8

The classic 21/2.8 Distagon improved..

  1. Aperture Series: Big Laurel at Bend in Alpine Creek (Canon 5DS R)

Milvus 25mm f/1.4

Highest performing 25mm from Zeiss ever..

  1. MTF for Milvus 25/1.4
  2. Aperture Series: Colorful Green Boulder, Last Sunset Glow
  3. Compared: 25/1.4 vs 25/2 vs 25/2.8: Shaded Boulder Field, North-East Escarpment, Twenty Lakes Basin

Milvus 35mm f/2

Classic design in the latest Milvus build..

  1. Examples: White Mountains and Sierra Snow, Late November

Milvus 85mm f/1.4

Outstanding build and optical quality in a medium tele..

  1. Aperture Series: Debris At Cataract Bottom (Nikon D810)

Milvus 135mm f/2

An Otus, in effect. Milvus garb for the 135/2 APO, with improved lens coatings on one element. See the ZF.2/ZE 135/2 review pages..

  1. MTF for Milvus 135/2
  2. Aperture Series: Mammoth Peak (Fujifilm GFX100)

Optical Performance

Sharpness and rendering..

  1. Resolution Charts Overview
  2. Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) Discussion

15mm f/2.8 Distagon

Ultra high performance in an extreme wild wide angle lens..

  1. 15/2.8 MTF Chart
  2. Optimizing Focus for Field Curvature and Subject (Campfire / SUV)
  3. Field Curvature and MTF and Focus (Nikon D800E, Mosaic)
  4. Aperture Series: Confluence of Branched Creek with Sedges and Boulders (Sony A7)
  5. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Stormy Light (Nikon D810)
  6. Examples (Ad-Hoc, Nikon D3x)
  7. Comparison to Nikon 14-24 (Aspen Cluster, Nikon D800E)

18mm f/3.5 Distagon

A brilliant, but also colorful character..

  1. 18/3.5 Distagon Main Page
  2. MTF Chart
  3. Examples ZE/Canon Landscape
  4. Examples ZE/Canon NYC
  5. Aperture Series: Creek Sedges, Water-Worn Boulders, Green Moss (Sony A7)
  6. Aperture Series: Wyman Canyon Lower Cabin Interior (Nikon D800E)
  7. Compared with Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II - Mosaic

ZF.2/ZE 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

Brilliant imaging, even wide open, but with a few quirks. (Review in progress) .

  1. MTF Chart
  2. Examples ZE/Canon Landscape
  3. Examples: Lundy Canyon, Early Winter
  4. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Tungsten Mine Buildings / Waterfall (Nikon D800E)
  5. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Stormy Light (Nikon D810)
  6. Aperture Series: Green Hills (Nikon D800E)
  7. Aperture Series: Eroding Ancient Bristlecone Pine (Nikon D800E)
  8. Aperture Series: Curving Confluence with Sedges and Boulders (Sony A7)
  9. vs Nikon 20mm f/1.8G: Mt Conness Glacier Remnants (Nikon D810)
  10. Aperture Series: Big Laurel at Bend in Alpine Creek (Canon EOS R5)
  11. vs Nikon 14-24/2.8G, et al
  12. vs Canon 16-35/2.8L II
  13. vs Canon 20mm f/2.8 and 16-35mm f/2.8L II
  14. vs Nikon 14-24/2.8G and Nikon 16-35/4G VR
  15. vs Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Leica M Typ 240)
  16. Comparison: 21/2.8 and 25/2.8 Distagon vs Nikon 24/1.4G

25mm f/2 Distagon

Ultra high performance with a fast aperture..

  1. 25mm f/2 vs 25mm f/2.8 Discussion
  2. Examples (Yosemite, White Mountains)
  3. Examples (White Mountains Snowy Day)
  4. Field Curvature (Tioga Pass)
  5. Aperture Series: Backlit Bristlecone (Nikon D800E)
  6. Aperture Series: Bristlecone Trunks (Nikon D800E)
  7. Compared: 25/2 vs 25/2.8 (Bristlecone View of White Mountain Peak, Nikon D800E)
  8. Aperture Series: Silver Canyon Cottonwood
  9. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek Confluence (Sony A7)
  10. Comparison: 25/2 Distagon vs Canon 24mm ƒ/1.4L II (Woods)
  11. Comparison: 25/2 Distagon vs 25/2.8 Distagon, Nikon 24/1.4G (Water Tanks)

25mm f/2.8 Distagon

A gem with unusual close-focus..

  1. MTF Chart
  2. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek Confluence (Sony A7)
  3. Aperture Series: Bristlecone Monolith Snowing
  4. Compared: Canon 24mm f/2.8 IS
  5. Comparison
  6. Curvature of Field

28mm f/2 Distagon

An artist’s drawing tool..

  1. 28/2 Distagon Main Page
  2. MTF Chart
  3. Curvature of Field
  4. Comparison—Nikon D3
  5. Comparison—Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III
  6. 28/2 Distagon vs Nikon 24-70/2.8G, Nikon 16-35/4G VR, Nikon 28/2
  7. 28/2 Distagon vs Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.8G
  8. 28/2 Distagon vs Nikon 28/1.8G, 28/2 AIS, Voigtlander 28/2.8 SL II
  9. 28/2 Distagon vs Voigtlander Color Skopar 28/2.8 SL II, Nikon 28/2 AIS, Nikon AF-S 28/1.8G
  10. Aperture Series: Mossy Green Boulders Amid Water Polished Rocks (Nikon D800E)
  11. Aperture Series: Creekside Yellow Flowers and Dark Rocks, Lundy Creek (Nikon D810)
  12. Aperture Series: Twisted Aspen (Nikon D810)
  13. Aperture Series: Rich Tones in Pescadero Creek (Sony A7)
  14. Aperture Series: White Mountains Landscape (Nikon D810)
  15. Resolution Chart

35mm f/1.4 Distagon

Strokes of a master..

  1. MTF For 35/1.4 Distagon
  2. Examples Near Alpine Creek
  3. Examples, Nikon D3x in Sierra and White Mountains
  4. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Tungsten Mine Buildings / Waterfall
  5. Aperture Series: Bristlecone Vista, Late Dusk (Canon 5DS R)
  6. Comparison — Zeiss ZE 35 f/2 (Mosaic)
  7. Comparison — Forest Redwood
  8. Comparison — Storm-Swollen Creek
  9. Comparison — Mossy Tree By Creek
  10. vs Sigma 35/1.4 and Nikon 35/1.4G (Nikon D800E, Dolls)
  11. Validating Optical Performance of the ZF.2 35/1.4

35mm f/2 Distagon

Balance and poise..

  1. vs 35/1.4 Distagon and Sigma 35/1.4 (D800E, Creek Storm Damage)

50/1.4 Planar vs 50/2 Makro-Planar

Comparing the two 50mm options near and far, more comparisons coming..

  1. Notes on the 50mm Comparisons
  2. 50/1.4 vs 50/2 at Medium Range — Mine Engine
  3. 50/1.4 vs 50/2 Take 2 — Mine Engine
  4. 50/1.4 vs 50/2 At ~4 foot range
  5. 50/1.4 vs 50/2 vs Nikon 50/1.4G — Gears

50mm f/2 Makro-Planar

Versatility in a “normal” lens and macro too!.

  1. 50/2 Examples in White Mountains, Death Valley, Yosemite

Otus 28mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

Fast high performance APO wide angle..

  1. Overview of Otus 28/1.4 APO-Distagon
  2. Aperture Series: Secondary Color (SLOCA) and Field Curvature at Close Range
  3. Aperture Series (night): Post Office Boxes
  4. Aperture Series (night): White Truck at Night
  5. Aperture Series (night): Church At Night

Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

Ultra high performance apochromatic normal lens, first in the Otus line..

  1. Through-Focus MTF at ƒ/2.8 (Field Flatness and Focus Precision)
  2. Field Curvature at Distance, Zone of Focus Placement (NYC Buildings)

Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon Rendering Style

Rendering style, bokeh and beauty..

  1. Aperture Series: Red Barn (Nikon D800E)
  2. Aperture Series: Red Barn (Sony A7R)
  3. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Thunderstorms (Nikon D810)

Otus 85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar

Ultra high performance apochromatic medium telephoto, overview and technical..

  1. MTF for Otus 85/1.4 APO-Planar
  2. Field Curvature Analysis (Nikon D810, Mosaic)

Otus 85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar Rendering Style

Rendering style, bokeh and 'transparency' without peer..

  1. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Thunderstorms (Nikon D810)

Otus 100mm f/1.4 APO-Sonnar

Razor sharp with gorgeous bokeh..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Nikon D850)

100mm f/2 Makro-Planar

King of bokeh! Corner-to-corner sharpness, world class..

  1. 100/2 Makro-Planar Main Page
  2. Comparison to Leica 100/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R

135mm f/2 APO-Sonnar

Beautiful bokeh, razor sharp, superb color correction..

  1. MTF Chart
  2. Aperture Series: Yellow Aspen at Meadow’s Edge, Blue Dawn (Canon 5DS R)

Zeiss LensSpire Articles

Articles written for Lenspire.ZEISS.com..

  1. Focusing Zeiss DSLR Lenses For Peak Performance, PART ONE: The Challenges
  2. Focusing Zeiss DSLR Lenses For Peak Performance PART TWO: Tips and Best Practices for Sharply Focused Images
  3. Macro and Close-up Shooting, Especially Outdoors
  4. Zoom Lens or Prime? Moderate Wide Angles (25mm, 28mm, 35mm)
  5. Zoom Lens or Prime? 50mm and 55mm
  6. Zeiss Fills Out the Milvus DSLR Lens Lineup with the 21/2.8, 35/2, 50/2M, 100/2M
  7. First Look at the Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4
  8. Astrophotography Tips, Especially with Zeiss Otus 28mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

Binoculars

What to look for in a binocular, plus reviews..

  1. Zeiss Victory FL 8 X 56 T*

Understanding optics

Understanding lens performance..

  1. Understanding Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
  2. Understanding Field Curvature

Focus

Focus accuracy and focus shift..

  1. Overview Focus Accuracy

Ask Lloyd Chambers

Questions and answers on photography and computers and more..

  1. Zeiss 21/2.8 Distagon vs Leica 19/2.8 Elmarit-R

15mm f/2.8 Distagon Zeiss Interview

Q&A on the 15/2.8 Distagon with Dr. Hubert Nasse.

  1. Zeiss 15/2.8 Distagon Q&A — Optical Performance, MTF, Field Curvature

Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO Macro

A reference lens for color correction..

  1. Lens Designer Notes

Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators

Medium format Zeiss glass in Hartblei precision tilt/shift lens barrels!.

  1. Resolution chart—40/4
  2. Resolution chart—80/2.8
  3. Field shot aperture series crops—40/4

Nikon lenses

Overview and assessments of Nikon lenses.

  1. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

Leica S2 37.5 Medium Format DSLR

Leica S2 37.5 megapixel DSLR and its lenses..

  1. Reader Comments

Lenses for Leica M8, Leica M9, M*

Lenses for Leica M cameras, especially the M9.

  1. Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH 2010
  2. Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH

Nikon D200 vs D2x

Vintage 2006 comparative review of Nikon D200 vs Nikon D2x..

  1. LensEvaluations

Canon RF 14-35mm f/4L IS USM

Compact ultra-wide zoom..

  1. Shootout @ 24mm vs Canon RF 15-35/2.8L, Canon RF 24-70/2.8L: Alpine Creek
  2. Shootout @ 31mm vs Canon RF 14-35/4L, Canon RF 24-70/2.8L: Bonsai Juniper Over Beaver Pond

Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM

Fast ultra wide zoom lens..

  1. Examples: Eastern Sierra
  2. Aperture Series @ 15mm: Big Laurel at Bend in Alpine Creek
  3. Aperture Series @ 16mm: Lundy Beaver Pond and High Peaks at Dusk
  4. Aperture Series @ 15mm: Grey Mud Oozes from Cliff
  5. Aperture Series @ 15mm: Bonsai Juniper Over Beaver Pond
  6. Aperture Series @ 19mm: Trailside Juniper with Lopped Roots
  7. Shootout @ 24mm vs Canon RF 14-35/4L, Canon RF 24-70/2.8L: Alpine Creek
  8. Shootout @ 31mm vs Canon RF 14-35/4L, Canon RF 24-70/2.8L: Bonsai Juniper Over Beaver Pond

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8L IS USM

Fast standard zoom lens..

  1. Shootout @ 24mm vs Canon RF 15-35/2.8L, Canon RF 14-35/4L: Alpine Creek
  2. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Cottonwoods along Irrigation Ditch
  3. Shootout @ 31mm vs Canon RF 14-35/4L, Canon RF 24-70/2.8L: Bonsai Juniper Over Beaver Pond
  4. Aperture Series @ 43mm: Mt Whitney Fish Hatchery Building
  5. Aperture Series @ 50mm: Pine Creek Tungsten Mine, Aerial View
  6. Aperture Series @ 50mm: Alabama Hills Drainage, View to Mt Whitney

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Bread and butter all-around zoom..

  1. Aperture Series @ 31mm: Bird Bath Courtyard
  2. Aperture Series @ 37mm: Rear of Church
  3. Aperture Series @ 50mm: Mosaic

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro STM

All-arounder compact lens with macro capability..

  1. Aperture Series: Alpine Creek (EOS R5)

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

High speed portrait lens optimized for Canon mirrorless..

  1. Aperture Series: Lingering July Ice on Exfoliating Granite

Nikon Z7 Image Quality

Image quality..

  1. SHOOTOUT: Nikon Z7 + Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S vs Sony A7R III + Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 (Lower Lundy Beaver Pond)

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S

Fast ultra wide angle for Nikon Z..

  1. Shootout vs Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4S: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S

Fast wide angle for Nikon Z..

  1. Shootout vs Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4S: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

Ultra wide compact zoom for Nikon Z cameras..

  1. Examples: Night Shooting
  2. Aperture Series @ 14mm: Courtyard View to Tower
  3. Shootout vs Nikon Z 20/1.8S: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond
  4. Shootout vs Nikon Z 24/1.8S: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond
  5. Shootout vs Nikon Z 24/1.8S: Clearing Storm Over Mt Conness Eastern Ridge

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Fast mid-range zoom expressly designed for Nikon Z cameras..

  1. Aperture Series @ 24mm: MemChu Wide View
  2. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Natural Bonsai Over Beaver Pond
  3. Aperture Series @ 28mm: Mosaic
  4. Aperture Series @ 31mm: Huge Old Pine, Its Needles and Cones (Focus Shift)
  5. Aperture Series @ 32mm: Natural Bonsai Over Beaver Pond
  6. Aperture Series @ 35mm: Mosaic
  7. Aperture Series @ 43mm: MemChu Wide View

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

Mid-range zoom expressly designed for Nikon Z cameras..

  1. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Summit View at Dusk Over Upper Conness Lake
  2. Aperture Series @ 30mm: Trail Along Lower Conness Lake
  3. Aperture Series @ 40mm: Backlit Orange Dead Pine
  4. Aperture Series @ 70mm: Conness Creek Lower Waterfall

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

Fast portrait telephoto for Nikon Z..

  1. Aperture Series: Bonsai Above Beaver Pond

Sony A7R V

5th Generation standard-setting camera..

  1. Focus Bracketing Example @ 12mm: Failure to Reach INF, Chocolate Brown Alpine Creek

Sony Alpha A7R IV

4th Generation standard-setting camera..

  1. Shootout of Sony A7R IV vs Sony A7R III: View Past Greenstone Lake to North Peak

Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM

Ultra high performance extreme wide angle..

  1. Shootout vs Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM: Backyard
  2. Shootout vs: Sony FE 12-24/2.8 GM: Mining Cabin Interior

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G

Compact ultra-wide angle lens..

  1. Aperture Series: Alabama Hills Granite Monolith, Sunrise
  2. Aperture Series: View Towards Big Pine and Eastern Sierra, Dusk

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM

High performance wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Spreading Pine and its Needles and Cones
  2. Aperture Series: View Through Pines to Mono Lake
  3. Shootout: Sony 24/1.4 GM vs Zeiss Loxia 25/2.4: Beaver-Gnawed Log by Lichenized Boulder (Sony A7R III)

Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G

High performance, high speed..

  1. Aperture Series: Deck Planks — Getting Optimal Results by Understanding Focus Shift, Field Curvature, Distortion Correction
  2. Aperture Series: Fenceline, with/without Distortion Correction

Sony FE 28mm f/2

Fast wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Snowstorm Rolls in Over Saddlebag Lake (A7R)
  2. Aperture Series: Waterfall View of Mt Conness Sub-Peak (A7R)

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

High performance mild wide-angle..

  1. Shootout vs Voigtlander FE 35/2 APO-Lanthar: Pine Creek Cliffs
  2. Shootout vs Voigtlander FE 35/1.4 GM: Patriarch Grove

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZA

Fast and gorgeous moderate wide angle Zeiss design..

  1. Examples at f/1.4, Bad Sample Lens #1, Skew/Asymmetry (Pescadero Creek, A7R)
  2. Examples: Bad Sample Lens #2, Skew/Asymmetry (A7R II)

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

Compact moderate wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)

Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA

Fast high performance normal lens of Zeiss design..

  1. Shootout: Sony FE 50/2.5G vs Sony 50/1.4 ZA vs Voigtlander FE 50/2 APO-Lanthar — Teak Bench

Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Sonnar

Compact moderate wide angle for Sony mirrorless..

  1. Aperture Series: Redwood Stump Long Exposure (Sony A7R)

Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G

High performance, high speed..

  1. Aperture Series: Backlit Deck and Backyard

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

High performance, high speed..

  1. Aperture Series: Rainstorm Over White Mountains

Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G

High performance, high speed..

  1. Shootout: Sony FE 50/2.5G vs Sony 50/1.4 ZA vs Voigtlander FE 50/2 APO-Lanthar — Teak Bench
  2. Shootout: Sony FE 50/2.5G vs Voigtlander FE 50/2 APO-Lanthar — Backlit Deck and Backyard

Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Sonnar

Compact normal lens for full-frame Sony mirrorless..

  1. Aperture Series: Creekside Forest (Sony A7R)

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Top-grade medium telephoto..

  1. Aperture Series: Church Mosaic

Sony FE 135mm f/1.4 GM

Top-grade telephoto..

  1. Shootout: Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM vs Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art (Mosaic)

Sigma FE 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Outstanding fast wide angle, DSLR optical design..

  1. Aperture Series: Hiker at Upper Conness Lake
  2. Aperture Series: Lingering Snow near Upper Conness Lake

Sigma FE 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Native-mount ultra wide angle high performance zoom for mirrorless..

  1. 3-Way Shootout @ 18mm: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  2. Shootout: Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art vs Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8: Twenty Lakes Basin, View Towards Mt Conness Drainage (Sony A7R IV)

Sigma FE 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art

Native-mount mid-range zoom for mirrorless..

  1. Aperture Series @30mm: Mining Cylinder

Sigma FE 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art

Ultra high speed native-mount moderate wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  2. Aperture Series: Rocky Creekbed at Dusk (Sony A7R IV)
  3. Shootout: Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art vs Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2: Twenty Lakes Basin, View Towards Mt Conness Drainage (Sony A7R IV)

Sigma FE 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Ultra high performance medium telephoto..

  1. Aperture Series: Campito the Feral Stallion Grazing in Blue Dusk
  2. 3-Way Shootout: Crooked Creek Canyon View to White Mountain Peak

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Highly corrected medium telephoto..

  1. Examples at Wide Apertures: Flora at Sunrise

Sigma FE 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Outstanding fast wide angle, DSLR optical design..

  1. Aperture Series: Ducks in Dana Meadow Pond at Dusk
  2. Shootout: Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art vs Sony 135mm f/1.8 GM (Mosaic)

Sigma FE 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art

Macro lens also excellent for all-around shooting..

  1. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)

Voigtlander FE Heliar-Hyper 10mm f/5.6 Aspherical III

Anything wider would be a fisheye..

  1. Aperture Series: Snowy Road (Sony A7R II)
  2. Examples: White Mountains Snow and Cabins (Sony A7R II)

Voigtlander FE 21mm f/1.4 Aspherical

Fast high performance manual focus wide angle..

  1. Shootout: Voigtlander FE Nokton 21mm f/1.4 Aspherical vs Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)

Voigtlander FE 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical

Fast mild wide angle lens..

  1. Aperture Series: Oak Tree Trunks

Voigtlander FE Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4

Fast lens speed with curious rendering..

  1. Aperture Series: Sunrise Over Panamint Range

Voigtlander FE 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus wide-normal lens..

  1. Focus Shift in Landscapes, Greenstone Lake
  2. Shootout vs Sony FE 35/1.4 GM, Sigma FE 35/2 DG DN: Pine Creek Cliffs
  3. Shootout vs Sony FE 35/1.4 GM: Patriarch Grove
  4. Shootout vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (Deck and Roof)

Voigtlander FE 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus normal lens..

  1. Shootout: Sony FE 50/2.5G vs Sony 50/1.4 ZA vs Voigtlander FE 50/2 APO-Lanthar — Teak Bench
  2. Shootout: Sony FE 50/2.5G vs Voigtlander FE 50/2 APO-Lanthar — Backlit Deck and Backyard

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM

Fast extreme wide angle zoom..

  1. Shootout @ 12mm vs Sony 12-24/4G: Big Tree at Alpine Creek Bend
  2. Shootout @ 12mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 GM: Two Aspen, Lundy Canyon
  3. Shootout @ 12mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 GM: Brilliant Backlit Beaver Pond Meadow
  4. Aperture Series @ 13mm: House Under Construction
  5. Shootout @ 18mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM vs Zeiss Batis 18/2.8: First Ice on Beaver Pond, Lundy Canyon
  6. Shootout @ 21mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM vs Zeiss Loxia 21mm: First Ice on Beaver Pond, Lundy Canyon
  7. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Colorful Autumn Forest, Tenaya Canyon Streamside
  8. Shootout @ 24mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM vs Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 vs Sigma FE 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: Brilliant Backlit Beaver Pond Meadow
  9. Shootout vs Sony FE 12-24mm f2/8 GM: Backyard
  10. Shootout vs Sony FE 14/1.8 GM: Mining Cabin Interior
  11. Shootout @24mm vs Sony FE 24-70/2.8 GM II, Zeiss Loxia 25/2.4 (Deck and Roof)
  12. Aperture Series @ 19mm: Deck and House
  13. Shootout @ 24mm vs Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II (Colorado Cabin)
  14. Focus Bracketing Example @ 12mm: Failure to Reach INF, Chocolate Brown Alpine Creek

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G

Extreme wide angle zoom..

  1. Shootout @ 12mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 GM vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM: Two Aspen, Lundy Canyon
  2. Shootout @ 12mm: Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 GM vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM: Brilliant Backlit Beaver Pond Meadow
  3. 3-Way Shootout @ 18mm: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  4. Shootout @ 12mm vs Sony FE 12-24/2.8GM: Big Tree at Alpine Creek Bend

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Pro-grade f/2.8 wide angle zoom..

  1. Shootout @ 16mm: Sony 16-35/2.8 GM vs Sony 12-24/4 G: Bristlecone Pines Amid White Mountain Strata
  2. 3-Way Shootout @ 18mm: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  3. 3-Way Shootout @ 21mm: Morgan Pond

Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 ZA OSS Vario-Tessar

Comapact ultra-wide zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless..

  1. Aperture Series @ 16mm: Mosaic (Sony A7R)
  2. vs Sony FE 35/2.8: Mosaic (Sony A7R)

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Premiere mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

  1. Shootout @24mm vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM, Zeiss Loxia 25/2.4 (Deck and Roof)
  2. Shootout @ 24mm vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM (Colorado Cabin)
  3. Shootout @ 35mm vs Voigtlander FE 35/2 APO-Lanthar (Deck and Roof)

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Premiere mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

  1. Aperture Series @24mm: Mossy Maples Stately Redwoods
  2. Aperture Series @24mm: Finely Detailed Mosaic
  3. Aperture Series @28mm: Sidelit Redwoods
  4. Aperture Series @30mm: Rushing Water Loop
  5. Aperture Series @35mm: Finely Detailed Mosaic
  6. Aperture Series @50mm: Finely Detailed Mosaic
  7. Aperture Series @70mm: Finely Detailed Mosaic

Sony FE 24-70mm f/4 OSS Vario-Tessar

Comapact mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

  1. Aperture Series @ 24mm: Moots Vamoots RSL (Sony A7R)

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Wide angle to telephoto zoom with optical stabilization..

  1. Shootout @ 35mm: Sony 24-105/4G OSS vs Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 (Mosaic)

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

Extreme wide angle with 'zero distortion'..

  1. Aperture Series: Milling Lathe

Samyang FE 14mm f/2.8

Ultra wide angle lens adapted from DSLR, native E-mount, all manual..

  1. Aperture Series: Sedges and Pool(Sony A7)

Samyang FE 24mm T/1.5

Wide angle lens adapted from DSLR, native E-mount, all manual..

  1. Aperture Series: Creek Entering Pool (Sony A7)

Leica M Lenses on Olympus OM-D E-M5

Does pricey M glass deliver on mirrorless?.

  1. 21mm: Olympus SHG 14-35/2 vs Leica 21/3.4 Super-Elmar-M APSH
  2. 28mm: Olympus SHG 14-35/2 vs Leica 28/2 ASPH and 28/2.8 ASPH
  3. 35mm: Olympus SHG 14-35/2 vs Leica 35/1.4 ASPH FLE — 35/2 ASPH — Zeiss 35/2 Biogon

Fujifilm Finepix X100

The best compact big-sensor digital camera yet?.

  1. Compared to Nikon D3s + 35/1.4G

Nikon Coolpix A

Fixed 28mm lens with APS-C sensor free of anti-aliasing blur with wonderful color..

  1. Compared vs Sigma DP1 Merrill (Garden Tables)
  2. Compared vs Sigma DP1 Merrill (Dolls)

Ricoh GR

Razor sharp 28mm lens on APS-C sensor and outstanding usability and features..

  1. Macro Range: Lincoln Stamp
  2. Is the Ricoh GR a 28mm Leica Replacement?

Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1 / RX1R

Full frame camera in an ultra-compact body with or without anti-aliasing filter..

  1. Bokeh in General, Overall Lens Rendering Style (RX1R)
  2. Aperture Series: Sunset Bristlecone (RX1R)

Olympus M.Zuiko 7-14mm f/2.8 PRO

Wide angle zoom equivalent (14-28mm equivalent)..

  1. Aperture Series @ 7mm: Upper Dana Lake, Dana Glacier, Dana Peak (EM5 II, HighRes Mode)
  2. Aperture Series @ 7mm: Upper Dana Lake, Dana Glacier, Dana Peak (EM5 II, HighRes Mode)

Olympus Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Zoom

A high performance mid-range zoom..

  1. Shootout: 12-40/2.8 vs SHG 14-35/2 vs Panasonic 25/1.4 Summilux (EM1, Yellow Wagon)

Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8

A fast moderate wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Windows (Olympus E-M5)
  2. Compared vs Olympus SHG 14-35/2 ED (Olympus E-M5, Dolls)

Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 60mm f/2.8 ED Macro

Native Micro Four Thirds macro lens..

  1. Compared: 60/2.8 ED Macro (2 copies) vs SHG 35-100/2 ED (Dolls)
  2. Examples (Various)
  3. Field Curvature at 1:25 Reproduction
  4. Field Curvature in the Field (Building Scaffolding)
  5. Examples (Field Curvature)
  6. Graphic Visualization of Field Curvature

Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 8-18mm f/2.8-4 ASPH

Compact wide angle equivalent to 16-36mm..

  1. Examples: Trona / Panamint Area

Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH

Fast, bright and well corrected wide angle..

  1. Examples: Around the Neighborhood

Panasonic Leica DG Summilux 25mm f/1.4 ASPH Micro 4/3

A fast and lovely 'normal' lens (50mm equiv) for Micro 4/3..

  1. Compared: Panasonic 25/1.4 — Olympus 14-35/2 — Leica 24/3.8 Elmar-M (Wyman Cabin)
  2. Shootout: 25/1.4 vs Olympus SHG 14-35m f/2 (EM1, Boulder Logjam)
  3. Examples: White Mountains (Olympus E-M5, Panasonic 25/1.4 )

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Superb ergonomic design in a compact camera..

  1. 7mm Comparison: Olympus SHG 7-14mm f/4 — Panasonic 7-14mm f/4 (Garage Bikes)
  2. 12mm Comparison: Olympus SHG 7-14mm f/4 — Olympus 12mm f/2 — Panasonic 7-14mm f/4 and 12-35mm f/2.8 (Garage Bikes)

Comparisons across format.

Can smaller sensor cameras compete with larger ones on any basis?.

  1. Olympus E-M5 + 25/1.4 ASPH vs Canon 1D X + 50/1.8 II (Dolls)
  2. Pancake Lens Shootout: Olympus E-M5 vs Canon 1D X (Dolls)
  3. Shootout: Sigma DP2 Merrill vs Sony RX100 (Dolls)

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

Wide angle zoom equivalent to 15-36mm.

  1. Examples: Carrizo Plain (Fujifilm X-Pro2)

Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 for Sony NEX

Moderate wide angle for Sony NEX..

  1. Sony 24mm ƒ/1.8 Sonnar Aperture Series (Focus Shift)

Metabones SpeedBooster for Sony NEX

Use DSLR lenses at ~native focal length, and gain a stop of speed..

  1. SpeedBooster + Zeiss 35/1.4 Distagon (NEX-6, MTB)
  2. Compared: SpeedBooster + 35mm Lenses (NEX-6, MTB + Doll)
  3. Compared: SpeedBooster + 50mm Lenses (NEX-6, MTB + Doll)

Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

Outstanding ultra wide angle performer..

  1. Overview of Zeiss Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon
  2. MTF for Zeiss Loxia 21/2.8 Distagon
  3. Examples: White Mountains, First Snowstorm (A7R II)
  4. Aperture Series: Small Erratic Supporting Large Erratic (A7R II)
  5. Aperture Series (Night): Arcade View at Night (A7R II)
  6. Aperture Series (Night): Confluence of Two Shadows (A7R II)
  7. Aperture Series (Night): Construction Perimeter Fence (A7R II)
  8. Shootout: Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 vs Voigtlander FE Nokton 21mm f/1.4 Aspherical Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  9. Shootout: Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 vs Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: Twenty Lakes Basin, View Towards Mt Conness Drainage (Sony A7R IV)
  10. Shootout: Zeiss Loxia 21mm vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM: First Ice on Beaver Pond

Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon

Outstanding wide angle, superb performer..

  1. Aperture Series: Bristlecone Logs View to Bristlecone Graveyard, Dusk Purple Sky (Sony A7R IV)
  2. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  3. Aperture Series: Spring Leaves Emerge On Riparian Tree
  4. Aperture Series: Rock Creek
  5. Shootout: Zeiss Loxia 25/2.4 vs Sony 24/1.4 GM: Beaver-Gnawed Log by Lichenized Boulder (Sony A7R III)
  6. Shootout @ 24mm: Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 vs Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM vs Sigma FE 14-24mm f/2.8 DG DN Art: Brilliant Backlit Beaver Pond Meadow
  7. Shootout @24mm vs Sony FE 12-24//2.8 GM, Sony FE 24-70/2.8 GM II (Deck and Roof)

Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon

Manual focus moderate wide angle for full-frame mirrorless..

  1. MTF for Zeiss Loxia 35/2 Biogon
  2. Aperture Series: Sparkling Sun on Lake (Evaluating Point Spread Function)
  3. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Sony A7R IV)
  4. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Sunlit Morning (Sony A7R)
  5. Aperture Series: The Storm Blows In (Sony A7R)
  6. Loxia 35/2 Biogon vs Sony 35/2.8 Sonnar: Log Cabin Mine Main Building (Sony A7R)
  7. Shootout: Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 vs Sigma 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art: Twenty Lakes Basin, View Towards Mt Conness Drainage (Sony A7R IV)

Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 Planar

Manual focus normal lens for full-frame mirrorless..

  1. Aperture Series: Pine Creek Sunlit Morning (Sony A7R)
  2. Aperture Series: Backlit Pines in Hoover Wilderness (Sony A7R)
  3. Aperture Series: Bristlecone, Earth Shadow Rises (Sony A7R)
  4. Aperture Series: Glaciated High Meadow (Sony A7R)
  5. Aperture Series: Westering Sun Strafing Glaciated Highlands (Sony A7R)

Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 Distagon

Autofocus extreme wide angle for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

  1. Shootout vs Zeiss ZF.2 18/3.5 (Pescadero Creek, Upstream)
  2. Shootout vs Zeiss ZF.2 18/3.5 (Pescadero Creek, Weathered Rocks)

Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Distagon

Autofocus wide angle for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

  1. Lens Rendering Series: Meadow View of Mt Conness East (Sony A7R)

Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2

All-around slightly wide angle/normal with close focus..

  1. Aperture Series: Mountainside near Aspendell
  2. Aperture Series: Creekside Aspen at Dusk
  3. Aperture Series: Autumn Aspen in Deep Valley
  4. Aperture Series: Ascending Aspen

Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 Distagon

Ultra wide angle lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X..

  1. Field Curvature Analysis (Alpine Creek, Sony NEX-7)
  2. Examples: Initial (Sony NEX-7)
  3. Compared to Fujifilm 14mm f/2.8 (Fujifilm X-E1, Cabin #9 Bathroom)

Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 Planar

Normal lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X..

  1. MTF (also vs Zeiss and Leica)
  2. Usage on Full-Frame Sensor for Classic Aspect Ratios (Sony A7R)
  3. Compared to Sony 35mm f/1.8 (Dolls, NEX-7)

Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M

Moderate telephoto macro lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X. Useful on full frame too!.

  1. MTF for Touit 50/2.8M
  2. Aperture Series: Down Creek (Sony A7R, 4 X 5 Crop)

Sigma dp2 Quattro

45mm f/2.8 equivalent FOV lens..

  1. dp2 Quattro vs Canon 5D Mark III (Dolls)

Sigma DP1 Merrill

28mm f/2.8 equivalent lens on APS-C sensor..

  1. Aperture: Summit Green-Brick Building

Leica M Typ 240 Usability Issues

Specific issues affecting usability..

  1. Usability: EVF in Use

Leica M Typ 240 Compared To Full Frame Cameras

Relative sharpness and performance across cameras..

  1. M240 + 50/2 APO ASPH vs Nikon D800E + Zeiss 50/2 Makro-Planar
  2. M240 + 35/1.4 Summilux vs Sony RX1R (Green Machine)

Leica M Typ 240 Compared To APS-C Cameras

Relative sharpness and performance vs APS-C cameras..

  1. M240 at 28mm vs Sigma DP1 Merrill: Native Resolution
  2. M240 + 50/2 APO ASPH vs Nikon D7100 + Sigma 35/1.4 DG HSM A

Leica M Monochrom In the Field

Field shooting the Leica MM, and comparisons..

  1. Leica MM vs Nikon D800E (Dolls, Downsampled)
  2. Leica MM vs Nikon D800E (21mm, Pine Creek Tungsten Mine)
  3. Leica MM vs Nikon D800E (28mm, Pine Creek Tungsten Mine)
  4. Leica MM vs Nikon D800E (35mm, Pine Creek Tungsten Mine)

Considerations in choosing a lens.

Focal lengths, color, weight and travel considerations. [relevant, but dated/old material].

  1. Analysis of 35mm Lens Choices

Leica 16-18-21mm f/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s ultra wide angle zoom lens..

  1. General Notes on the 16-18-21 Tri-Elmar
  2. MTF: 16-18-21/4 Tri-Elmar-M ASPH
  3. MTF vs 21/3.4
  4. Aperture Series, 16mm: Cattle Chute at Sunset (M240)

Leica 18mm f/3.8 Super-Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s widest prime lens..

  1. Examples: Saddlebag Lake (Leica M10)
  2. Aperture Series: Wyman Cabin Exterior (M240)

Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fastest and widest lens..

  1. MTF: 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
  2. Comparison: Leica 21/1.4 Summilux-M vs Zeiss 21/2.8 Distagon on D3x
  3. Examples: Leica 21/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Bristlecones)
  4. Comparison: Leica 21/1.4 vs Leica 21/3.4 (Interior)
  5. Comparison: Leica 21/1.4 vs Leica 21/3.4 (Rockfall)
  6. Comparison: Leica 21/1.4 vs Leica 21/3.4 (Water Tank)

Leica 21mm f/3.4 Super-Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s best-performing 21mm..

  1. Leica 21/3.4 vs Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 (M240, Picnic Table)

Leica 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fast wide angle..

  1. Notes: 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
  2. MTF: 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
  3. Examples: Yosemite and White Mountains (M9)
  4. 24/1.4 vs 24/3.8 (M240, Frontlit Bristlecones)
  5. 24/1.4 vs 24/3.8 and Zeiss 25/2 Distagon (M240, Barcroft Green Machine)

Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH

A discontinued but excellent 24mm..

  1. MTF: 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
  2. Field Curvature: Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
  3. Field Curvature: 24/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH vs 24/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH

Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH

Leica’s best-performing 24mm, and with a flat field..

  1. MTF: 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH
  2. Field Curvature: Leica 24/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH vs 24/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
  3. Aperture Series: Lone Pine Peak and Mt Whitney Sunrise from Alabama Hills
  4. Aperture Series: Ancient Tree Trunk at Lone Pine Lake
  5. Aperture Series: DeChambeau Ranch House (M240)
  6. Aperture Series: Wyman Cabin Exterior (M240)
  7. Aperture Series: Black Pumice on Sand Moonscape (Leica M10 Monochrom)
  8. Aperture Series: Sunstar Over as yet Unfrozen Beaver Pond (Leica M10 Monochrom)

Leica 28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fast 28mm..

  1. MTF for Leica 28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH
  2. Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek, Late Dusk (M240)
  3. Aperture Series: Church At Night (M240)
  4. Aperture Series: Post Office Boxes (M240)
  5. Aperture Series: Inner Quad, From Under the Oaks (M240)
  6. Aperture Series: Backlit Snowy Meadow (Leica M10 Monochrome)
  7. Aperture Series: Waning Sun on Aspen Winter Wonderland, Lundy Canyon (Leica M10M)
  8. Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Lone Pine Peak and Mt Whitney (Leica M10-R)
  9. Aperture Series: Big Laurel by Alpine Creek (M11)

Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (pre-2016)

Leica’s widest lens utilizing built-in frame lines..

  1. MTF: 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH
  2. Compared: 28/2 Summicron vs 28/2.8 Elmarit (M9, Death Valley, Leadville)

Leica 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH (2016)

Tweaked 2016 redesign..

  1. Focusing Behavior in Live View vs Predecessor

Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH (pre-2016)

Leica’s smallest and lightest M lens with superlative performance..

  1. MTF: 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
  2. Aperture Series: Cell Towers at 10,600' (M240)

Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (2010 FLE)

Leica’s superlative and most natural lens for the M..

  1. MTF: Prior version vs 2010 Summilux-M 35mm /1.4 ASPH
  2. Aperture Series: 35/1.4 — Tile Rooftops Aerial
  3. Assessing Field Curvature— Green Paint (M240)
  4. Examples: Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH (Yosemite)
  5. Compared: 35mm f/1.4 Summilux vs 35/2 Summicron vs Zeiss 35/2 Biogon (M9P, Cabin Sink)
  6. Compared: 35mm f/1.4 Summilux vs 35/2 Summicron vs Zeiss 35/2 Biogon (M9P, Cabin Exterior)
  7. 35/1.4 Summilux vs Zeiss 35/2 Biogon (M240, MTB)
  8. Compared: vs Zeiss ZM 35/2 and Sony 35/2.8 (Sony A7R, Red Barn)

Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

High performance moderate wide angle..

  1. MTF for Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH

Leica’s f/2 35mm for the M..

  1. MTF: 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH
  2. Comparison 2: Leica 35/2 Summicron-M vs Zeiss ZM 35/2 Biogon
  3. Comparison 3: Bitingly-sharp Zeiss 35/2 Biogon vs Leica 35/2 Summicron

Leica M 50mm Lenses

Six models to choose from..

  1. 50mm 4-way Comparison (M240, Wagon)
  2. 50mm 4-way Comparison (M240, Pellegrino Bottles)
  3. Compared: Noctilux, Summilux, APO-Summicron, Zeiss Planar (M240, Bristlecone)
  4. Compared: Noctilux, Summilux, APO-Summicron, Zeiss Planar (M240, Tioga Cabin #9 Chair)
  5. Compared: Noctilux, Summilux, APO-Summicron (M240, Wyman Canyon Cabin)
  6. Compared: Noctilux, Summilux, APO-Summicron (M240, Green Paint Bldg)
  7. 50/2 APO vs Noctilux (M240, Orange-Bark Pine Tree)
  8. Shootout (Aerial): Leica 50/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH vs 50/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH
  9. Sony A7R: Noctilux, Summilux, APO Summicron, Zeiss 50/2 Planar (Red Barn)
  10. Ray Angle and Rangfinder Lenses: Leica 50/2 APO vs Zeiss 50/2 Planar (Wyman Cabin, Sony A7R)
  11. Noctilux vs Summilux vs Nikon 50/1.2 (M240, DeChambeau Barn)

Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH

World’s fastest 50mm full-frame lens..

  1. MTF: 50/0.95 Leica Noctilux-M ASPH
  2. Field Curvature: 50/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH
  3. Leica 50/2 Summicron vs Leica 50/0.95 Noctilux
  4. Examples: 50/0.95 Noctilux (Wide Aperture Landscapes)

Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s superlative normal lens..

  1. Examples: 501.4 Summilux-M (Variety)

Leica 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH

Modern iteration of a classic design..

  1. MTF for Leica 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH

Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

High performance but flawed 50mm normal lens..

  1. MTF: 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH
  2. Examples: Yosemite Erratics and Granite (M240)
  3. Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Mt Whitney Range (Leica M10-R)
  4. Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Lone Pine Peak and Mt Whitney (Leica M10M)
  5. Aperture Series: Sulfur Mine Processing Gear (Leica M10M)

Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M

Leica’s compact low-distortion normal lens..

  1. Examples: 50/2 Summicron Aperture Series (Golden Gate)

Leica 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH

Leica’s medium tele for Leica M..

  1. Aperture Series: Two Aspen (M240)

Leica 90mm f/2.4 (2.5) Summarit-M

Leica’s compact 90mm for the M..

  1. 90/2.4 Summarit vs 90/2 APO-Summicron: Green Lichen Barn Exterior (M240)
  2. 90/2.4 Summarit vs 90/2 APO-Summicron: Pescadero Creek Grass and Moss (M240)

Leica 90mm f/2 APO-Summicron-R ASPH

Compact lens for portraiture or similar..

  1. 90/2 APO vs 100/2.8 APO-Macro: Barcroft Blue Building (M240)

Leica 100mm f/2.8 APO-Macro-Elmarit-R

Superb all-around macro and general-purpose lens..

  1. Aperture Series: Electrical Substation (M240)

Zeiss ZM 15mm f/2.8 Distagon

Notes and examples..

  1. Examples: Night, Creek, Buildings

Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon

Fast and ultra high performance moderate wide angle rangefinder lens..

  1. MTF for Zeiss ZM 35/1.4 Distagon
  2. Field Curvature for Zeiss ZM 35/1.4 Distagon, Mirrorless Cameras vs M-Cameras
  3. Examples at ƒ/1.4 in Eastern Sierra and White Mountains continued (M240)
  4. Examples: Quaking Aspen Variety (M240)
  5. Aperture Series: Mosaic (Panasonic S1R)
  6. Aperture Series: Locomotive at Laws Railroad Museum (Nikon Z7)
  7. Aperture Series: Old Mining Engine (Nikon Z7)
  8. Aperture Series: Redwoods and Ferns (M240)
  9. Aperture Series: Backlit Redwood Grove (M240)
  10. Aperture Series: Rocky Hillside (M240)
  11. Aperture Series: Exfoliating Granite and High Cloud Sun Drama (M240)
  12. Aperture Series: Rusty Barn (M240)
  13. Aperture Series: Green Lichen on North Side of Barn (M240)
  14. 6-way Shootout: ZM 35/1.4 vs 35/2 and 35/2.8, Leica 35/1.4 and 35/2, Voigtlander 35/1.2 (Wyman Cabin, M240)
  15. 6-way Shootout: ZM 35/1.4 vs 35/2 and 35/2.8, Leica 35/1.4 and 35/2, Voigtlander 35/1.2 (Aspen Trunk, M240)
  16. 6-way Shootout: ZM 35/1.4 vs 35/2 and 35/2.8, Leica 35/1.4 and 35/2, Voigtlander 35/1.2 (Pine Creek Morning, M240)
  17. Aperture Series: Spotlight on Dark Side of Dunes Summit (Leica M10 Monochrom)
  18. Aperture Series: View to Southern Dunes Spur from Eureka Dunes Summit (Leica M10 Monochrom)
  19. Aperture Series: Frosty Creek to Snowy Mountainside, Lundy Canyon (Leica M10-R)
  20. Aperture Series: View Over Alabama Hills to Lone Pine Peak and Mt Whitney (Leica M10-R)
  21. Aperture Series: Tenaya Canyon Creekbed Pool (SL2)

Zeiss ZM 35mm f/2 Biogon

All around razor sharp performer..

  1. Zeiss ZM 35/2 Biogon vs Leica 35/1.4 FLE (Dolls, Focus adjusted Biogon)

Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2 Planar

Pleasing and relatively inexpensive normal lens.

  1. MTF: ZM 50mm f/2 Planar

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f/1.8

Fast high performance wide angle..

  1. Aperture Series: Wyman Canyon Lower Cabin Exterior (M240)
  2. Compared: vs Leica 21/3.4 SEM and Voigtlander 21/4 (M240, Wyman Cabin Interior)

Voigtlander M 50mm f/1.1

A slightly slower, but smaller and lighter alternative to the Noctilux, at 1/10 the price..

  1. Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.1 — Field Curvature (Towers)
  2. Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.1 — Field Curvature (Pond)

ALLVIEW Cameras

ARCHIVAL MATERIAL. Terrific backup bodies or even primary body for M-mount lenses..

  1. Shootout: Leica M9 vs Sony NEX

Blog posts, reverse chronological

2023

2023-03-22 Reader Comment: Fujifilm GF Lens Performance

2023-03-14 Lens Sharpness, and Why Optical Focus Shift is the #1 Suckiest Lens Compromise

2023-03-01 Sony FE 20-70mm f/4G: Should Arrive in a Few Days for Testing

2021

2021-05-02 Essay and Reader Comments: Sony A1 vs Fujifilm GFX100S: Real Achievable Capture Resolution, Effort Level, Enjoyment (UPDATED, v2)

2021-03-29 Sony FE 24mm f/2.8G: for Best Results, Understand the Optical Behaviors (Aperture Series: Deck Planks)

2021-02-26 Reader Comment: “had I read your article before, I surely could have spared money and disappointment before buying”

2021-02-16 World’s Best 35mm Lens? Voigtlander FE 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar for Sony Mirrorless and Leica M Coming in April

2020

2020-07-17 Leica M10-R and Leica M10 Monochrom: 40-Megapixel Sensor, but Nil New Design Thinking —  with essay by Roy P

2019

2019-11-22 Making Sharp Images: Case Study: Major Sharpness Gains via Ideal Focus with Lenses having Peripheral Forward Field Curvature (Pine Creek High Peaks)

2019-07-08 Reader Comment: Zeiss Loxia 21/2.4 and Voigtlander FE 21/1.4:

2019-05-04 Reader Comment: Zeiss Milvus 35mm f/1.4 and “Not found anywhere else is the level of relevant information you provide”

2019-05-04 Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-SL ASPH: Impact of Field Curvature, Grassy Meadow (Panasonic S1R)

2019-05-04 Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-SL ASPH Aperture Series: Curved Creek, Using Field Curvature to Advantage (Panasonic S1R)

2018

2018-10-19 Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF Aperture Series: White Aspen, Late Dusk

2018-10-19 Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2 CF Aperture Series: Mountainside near Aspendell

2018-09-24 Sigma FE 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art Aperture Series and Field Curvature and Focus Shift Analysis: Lingering Snow

2018-08-30 Nikon Z7: Optical Design vs the Large-Diameter Z-Mount and Short 16mm Flange Focal Distance

2017

2017-10-12 Nikon D850: Mine Also Has a Problematic Flange Focal Distance (way past infinity mark).

2017-09-29 Nikon D850: Apparent Build Tolerance Error in Flange Focal Distance vs Optical Viewfinder, Causes Major Focus Error with Manual Focus Lenses and Focus Confirmation

2017-06-15 Shootout: Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art vs Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR: Cerro Gordo Bunkhouse (Nikon D810)

2015

2015-12-28 Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Aperture Series: Pescadero Creek (Canon 5DS R)

2015-12-13 Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Aperture Series: Field Curvature Assessment

2015-10-22 The Irrational Aim of f/1.4 Lenses

2015-04-07 Canon 24mm f/1.4L II: Field Curvature (Metreon)

2014

2014-07-30 Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM A vs Nikon 50/1.4G and 50/1.8G (Nikon D810)

2014-07-24 A conversation with Ming Thein on the Pentax 645Z and Nikon D810 and More

2013

2013-12-21 Supporting the Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon on the Sony A7R

2013-08-03 Leica 35mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH: Field Curvature and Focus Shift on a Planar Subject

2013-08-01 Field Curvature of the Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon with Focus Bracketing

2013-07-25 MTF vs Field Curvature and Tips for Optimizing Focus

2013-07-13 Field Curvature with the Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH

2013-06-29 Which 50mm Lens for Leica M?

2013-06-28 Leica 50mm f/2 APO-Summicron-M ASPH vs 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH

2013-06-08 Choosing a Leica M 50mm Lens

2013-05-28 Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 Distagon: Field Curvature

2013-05-23 Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 Planar: Reader Question on Field Curvature (and field curvature in general)

2013-04-26 Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon: Field Curvature, MTF, Focus (Mosaic)

2013-01-16 Reader Comment: Field Curvature

2013-01-15 Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Distagon: Field Curvature, MTF, Focus (Mosaic)

2012

2012-11-17 Olympus Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 ED Macro — Confirming Field Curvature In the Field

2012-11-14 Olympus Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 ED Macro — Field Curvature Assessment

2012-09-04 Canon 24mm f/2.8 IS: Field Curvature and Color Fringing Study

2012-07-18 Zeiss 25mm f/2 Distagon Field Curvature Study (Yosemite, Tioga)

2012-02-07 Nikon D800 / D800E — Lens Requirements for 36 Megapixels

2011

2011-11-21 Supposing a 36 Megapixel Nikon DSLR Arrives... What About Lenses and Technique?

2011-03-20 Comparison and Analysis of Field Curvature for Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon

2010

2010-07-08 Hasselblad user examines Leica S2 pre-review coverage

2009

2009-01-31 Comparing lenses — field curvature

2009-01-17 Canon 5D Mark II and optics

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