Leica SL: Evaluation of Focus Shift at 90mm for Leica 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit-SL
Related: image stabilization, Leica, Leica 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit-SL ASPH OIS, Leica Elmarit and Elmar, Leica Elmarit-SL and Elmar-SL, Leica Lenses, Leica M, Leica SL lenses, Leica SL Typ 601, optical focus shift
See my Leica SL wishlist at B&H Photo.
The Leica SL has one lens option, the Leica 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit-SL ASPH. In many ways it is a super premium lens. Well...
I experienced consistent problems in the field with both autofocus and focus shift. Both issues are extremely serious in that they destroy image quality.
This studio evaluation confirms my findings. I deem it alone worth the price of Guide to Leica for anyone considering the Leica SL.
Leica SL + 24-90mm f/2.8-4 Vario-Elmarit-SL: Focus Shift and Autofocus Evaluation at 90mm
Includes images from f/4 - f/8 including actual pixels.
UPDATE: I’ve added a second series from f/2.8 - f/11, this time using manual focus to ensure sharp eyes to start with. Combined with the AF example, the practical value of the operational behavior is even higher.
This is not a one-off issue: Ming Thein found the same problem in his review of the Leica SL.
This study is at a reproduction ratio of 1:16.3 as determined my measuring the subject. It corresponds to a loose head and shoulders portrait, thus it is a critical operating distance. Since the 24-90mm focuses down to 1:3.8, this is a far greater distance than its closest focusing capability.
LEICA SL (Typ 601) + VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8-4.0/24-90mm ASPH. OIS @ 90mm
[low-res image for bot]
