Leica 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL Aperture Series: Natural Bonsai Above Beaver Pond (Panasonic S1R) [updated with reader comments]
Get L-Mount lenses at B&H Photo.
This aperture series looks at imaging performance from f/2 through f/8 on the Panasonic S1R in Multi-Shot High-Res mode. It was shot before understanding the unstable focus behavior, but is still impressive nonetheless. It is less about analysis than about showing off the potential of the Leica 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH for ultra high resolution imaging.
In diglloyd L-Mount Mirrorless:
Leica 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL Aperture Series: Natural Bonsai Above Beaver Pond
Images at up to 125 megapixels. The lighting was lousy, but the detail and freedom from digital artifacts is spectacular.
Jason W writes:
Even though I consider myself openly hostile to Leica's antics, the High Res Bonsai image on the 75mm f2 APO is the definition of excellence in draw style. Smooth while still being detailed. It's what I always liked about large format and it's a look different look vs the Zeiss lenses. A lot of Leica stuff I see looks frothy but this is superb.
DIGLLOYD: indeed, the Leica 75mm f/2 APO Summicron-SL ASPH and the Leica 90mm f/2 APO Summicron-SL ASPH I can say without an reservation whatsoever (but speaking optically only!) two of the finest lenses I have ever used. I expect the same of the Leica 35mm f/2 APO Summicron-SL ASPH, which I am eager to test, but my order/loaner at B&H has been back-ordered a long time. Perhaps it will show up in August with a little luck, or if Leica is reading this and cares to send me one.
I have several concerns about Leica SL lenses: the unstable focus issue discussed in Unstable Focus: Orange Pine Tree Trunk is a concern, but I now know how to deal with it as explained in Panasonic S1R: Notes on Focusing in HighRes Mode.
A key concern about Leica SL lenses , and based on too many credible sources telling me incroyable things about Leica S build quality as well as my own experience, reliability over time should be a concern, particularly internal parts and AF motor, which necessarily implicates service response time and cost, and warranty. I can see pending $5K on a Zeiss Otus which should last forever barring physical damage, but Leica SL lenses make me frown with reliability concerns. I would like to see the quality of of the Leica SL internal parts are (teardown), and I’d like to see at least a five (5) year full warranty along with US facilities for rapid turnaround (or a loaner while being serviced).