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Field Curvature: Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH
This series shows the improvement in image quality from f/2.8 to f/8, in comparison to Leica’s giddy description:
“Its contrast and detail rendition even at full aperture set new standards among wide-angle lenses. Stopping down by just 1 to 1.5 apertures delivers maximum optical performance across the entire image field.The high levels of brilliance and plasticity are retained even in close-up photography”.
That this statement is wildly optimistic is proven visually below. Aperture f/8 (3 stops) is required to provide solid performance on the Leica M9.
Shown below is the frame as shot. Click to see the large size example.
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Diglloyd Guide to Leica is by yearly subscription. Subscribe now for about 25 cents a day ($90/year).
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Diglloyd Guide to LEICA contains in-depth coverage of Leica M system cameras and lenses, with additional coverage of Leica M Monochrom, Leica Q.
Special emphasis is placed on Leica M lenses and certain Zeiss ZM lenses.
- Make better images by learning how to get the best results right away.
- Save money by choosing the right lens for your needs the first time, particularly the Summilux/Summicron/Elmarit choice and/or Zeiss ZM.
- Make better images, a sort of “cheat sheet” saving yourself months or years of ad-hoc learning. Processing parameters are discussed and shown.
- Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to full camera resolution, plus large crops [past 2 years or so].
- Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens behavior you won’t read about elsewhere.
- Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
- Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.
Want a preview? Click on any page below to see an excerpt as well as extensive blog coverage, for example on Leica.
