image of
Related image


Scroll down to see all publications and blog posts. Not all pages are curated—search.


Newest blog posts

View all 50 related blog posts...

2024-04-14 100 Megapixels coming to a Sony A7R VI ?

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:

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

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 Aperture Series: Curved Creek, Using Field Curvature to Advantage (Panasonic S1R)

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

2017-10-12 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)

2015-12-28 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)

2014-07-30 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

2013-12-21 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

Sharpness and Blur by Optics

Blur from optical behavior or subject-related issue..

Digital Sensor Technology

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

How To Get Peak Sharpness With Perfect Focus

Focusing is more complicated than it first appears..

Depth of Field

Controlling the zone of sharp detail..

Focus Stacking Examples

Examples of Focus Stacking..

Diffraction

Getting peak performance from your lens.

Field Curvature

Zone of focus, not plane of focus.

Field Curvature (Case Studies)

Actual example of field curvature..

Understanding Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)

Understanding resolution and contrast graphs..

Astigmatism

Understanding astigmatism..

How to Test A Lens

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

Optical Behavior (Case Studies)

Illuminating examples of lens behavior..

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

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

Panasonic Lumix S PRO 50mm f/1.4

Premium fast normal lens for L-Mount..

Leica SL3

60 megapixel 3rd generation..

Leica SL2

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

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

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

Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-SL ASPH

Non-APO normal lens..

Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-SL ASPH

Fast apochromatic prime lens for L-Mount cameras..

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

Fast short telephoto lens for L-Mount cameras..

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

Fast short telephoto lens for L-Mount cameras..

Sigma SD1 Merrill

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

Nikon D850

The best becomes better..

Nikon D800E

36 megapixels in a compact full-frame DSLR..

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

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

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..

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..

Nikon 19mm f/4E ED PC-E

Ultra wide tilt/shift lens.

Landscape Photography at Wide Apertures

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

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

Bread and butter zoom lens..

Pentax SMCP-FA 43mm f/1.9 Limited

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

Pentax HD DA Limited 15mm f/4 ED

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

Pentax HD DA Limited 21mm f/3.2 AL

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

Pentax HD DA Limited 35mm f/2.8 Macro

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

Pentax HD DA Limited 40mm f/2.8

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

Canon 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

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

Canon 40mm f/2.8 STM

Canon’s tiny and lovely pancake lens..

Canon 50mm Lenses

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

Canon 85mm f/1.4L IS USM

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

Canon 85mm Lenses

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

Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS

Canon 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS .

Canon 35mm f/1.4L II

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

Canon 35mm f/2 IS

Canon’s image stabilized 35mm..

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

Tamron’s ultra wide to medium fast zoom..

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art

Fast constant-aperture ultrawide zoom..

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art

Superwide optimized zoom lens..

Sigma 24-35mm f/2 DG HSM Art

Mid-range optimized groundbreaking f/2 zoom..

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art

High performance mid-range zoom..

Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

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

Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

The fastest extreme wide angle yet..

Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s fast high performance wide angle..

Sigma 28mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Extraordinary optical efforts for outstanding performance..

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

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

Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s fast high performance normal lens..

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Sigma’s best portrait lens..

Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

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

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

Wide angle tilt/shift lens at 28mm..

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..

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!.

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AIS

Nikon’s classic high speed normal lens.

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..

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

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

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G

Nikon’s High performance normal lens.

Canon 24mm f/1.4L II

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

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G

Nikon’s fast ultra wide angle..

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

Versatile image-stabilized mid-range zoom..

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.8G

Versatile autofocus wide angle..

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..

Olympus Zuiko Auto-S 50mm f/1.2

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

Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G Macro

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

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

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

Canon EF 11-24mm f/4L USM

Extreme wide angle zoom..

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III

Is the 3rd time the charm?.

Canon EF 16-35mm f/4L IS

Canon’s compact image stabilized wide angle zoom..

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

Canon’s premium mid-range zooms..

Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.8G

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

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.4G

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

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G

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

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED

Nikon’s best-ever f/1.4 lens?.

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

Relatively compact super-telephoto zoom..

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..

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..

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

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

Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators

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

Samyang 14mm f/2.8

Ultra wide angle lens for Canon and Nikon..

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..

Medium Format Magazine

Articles written for MediumFormat.com..

Schneider Kreuznach LS 35mm f/3.5

Wide angle 24mm equivalent for Phase One XF system.

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

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

Schneider Kreuznach LS 80mm f/2.8

Compact normal 54mm equivalent for Phase One XF system.

Fujifilm GFX100S/100 Comparisons

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

Adapting Other Lenses to Fujifilm GFX

Adapting lenses delivers degraded results in most cases..

Fujifilm GF 20-35mm f/4 R WR

Compact wide angle.

Fujifilm GF 23mm f/4 R WR

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

Fujifilm GF 30mm f/3.5 R LM WR

Compact wide angle.

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

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

Fujifilm GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6

Compact wide angle.

Fujifilm GF 45mm f/2.8 R WR

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

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

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

Fujifilm GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR

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

Fujifilm GF 55mm f/1.7

State of the art normal lens..

Fujifilm GF 63mm f/2.8 R WR

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

Fujifilm GF 80mm f/1.7 R WR

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

Fujifilm GF 110mm f/2 R WR

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

Hasselblad X2D 100C

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

Hasselblad XCD 21mm f/4

18mm equivalent..

Hasselblad XCD 30mm f/3.5

25mm equivalent..

Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f3.5-4.5

Normal lens equivqlent to 53mm..

Hasselblad XCD 38mm f/2.5 V

Normal lens equivqlent to 32mm..

Hasselblad XCD 55mm f/2.5 V

Normal lens equivqlent to 45mm..

Hasselblad XCD 65mm f/2.8

Normal lens equivqlent to 53mm..

Hasselblad XCD 90mm f/3.2

Medium format telephoto lens, 74mm equivalent..

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

Wide angle zoom for Pentax 645..

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

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

Rolleiflex Hy6 Mod 2 Medium Format System

Lens performance at 80 megapixels..

Leica S2 37.5 Megapixel Medium Format DSLR

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

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

Extreme wide angle with ultra high performance..

Leica 45mm f/2.8 Elmarit-S ASPH

Moderate wide angle with low distortion..

Milvus 15mm f/2.8

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

Milvus 21mm f/2.8

The classic 21/2.8 Distagon improved..

Milvus 25mm f/1.4

Highest performing 25mm from Zeiss ever..

Milvus 35mm f/2

Classic design in the latest Milvus build..

Milvus 85mm f/1.4

Outstanding build and optical quality in a medium tele..

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..

Optical Performance

Sharpness and rendering..

15mm f/2.8 Distagon

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

18mm f/3.5 Distagon

A brilliant, but also colorful character..

ZF.2/ZE 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

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

25mm f/2 Distagon

Ultra high performance with a fast aperture..

25mm f/2.8 Distagon

A gem with unusual close-focus..

28mm f/2 Distagon

An artist’s drawing tool..

35mm f/1.4 Distagon

Strokes of a master..

35mm f/2 Distagon

Balance and poise..

50/1.4 Planar vs 50/2 Makro-Planar

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

50mm f/2 Makro-Planar

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

Otus 28mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

Fast high performance APO wide angle..

Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon

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

Otus 55mm f/1.4 APO-Distagon Rendering Style

Rendering style, bokeh and beauty..

Otus 85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar

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

Otus 85mm f/1.4 APO-Planar Rendering Style

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

Otus 100mm f/1.4 APO-Sonnar

Razor sharp with gorgeous bokeh..

100mm f/2 Makro-Planar

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

135mm f/2 APO-Sonnar

Beautiful bokeh, razor sharp, superb color correction..

Zeiss LensSpire Articles

Articles written for Lenspire.ZEISS.com..

Binoculars

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

Understanding optics

Understanding lens performance..

Focus

Focus accuracy and focus shift..

Ask Lloyd Chambers

Questions and answers on photography and computers and more..

15mm f/2.8 Distagon Zeiss Interview

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

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

A reference lens for color correction..

Hartblei 40/80/120mm SuperRotators

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

Nikon lenses

Overview and assessments of Nikon lenses.

Leica S2 37.5 Medium Format DSLR

Leica S2 37.5 megapixel DSLR and its lenses..

Lenses for Leica M8, Leica M9, M*

Lenses for Leica M cameras, especially the M9.

Nikon D200 vs D2x

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

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

Compact ultra-wide zoom..

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

Fast ultra wide zoom lens..

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

Fast standard zoom lens..

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L USM

Bread and butter all-around zoom..

Canon RF 35mm f/1.8 Macro STM

All-arounder compact lens with macro capability..

Canon RF 85mm f/1.2L USM

High speed portrait lens optimized for Canon mirrorless..

Nikon Z7 Image Quality

Image quality..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S

Fast ultra wide angle for Nikon Z..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S

Fast wide angle for Nikon Z..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

Ultra-wide fast zoom..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

Ultra wide compact zoom for Nikon Z cameras..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8

Ultra-wide zoom lens..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S

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

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Ultra-wide fast zoom..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S

Fast portrait telephoto for Nikon Z..

Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S

Fast portrait telephoto for Nikon Z..

Sony A7R V

5th Generation standard-setting camera..

Sony Alpha A7R IV

4th Generation standard-setting camera..

Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 GM

Ultra high performance extreme wide angle..

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G

Compact ultra-wide angle lens..

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM

High performance wide angle..

Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G

High performance, high speed..

Sony FE 28mm f/2

Fast wide angle..

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 GM

High performance mild wide-angle..

Sony FE 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZA

Fast and gorgeous moderate wide angle Zeiss design..

Sony FE 35mm f/1.8

Compact moderate wide angle..

Sony Planar T* FE 50mm f/1.4 ZA

Fast high performance normal lens of Zeiss design..

Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA Sonnar

Compact moderate wide angle for Sony mirrorless..

Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G

High performance, high speed..

Sony FE 50mm f/1.2 GM

High performance, high speed..

Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G

High performance, high speed..

Sony FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA Sonnar

Compact normal lens for full-frame Sony mirrorless..

Sony FE 85mm f/1.4 GM

Top-grade medium telephoto..

Sony FE 135mm f/1.4 GM

Top-grade telephoto..

Sigma FE 14mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Super-fast ultra-wide astrophotography lens..

Sigma FE 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Outstanding fast wide angle, DSLR optical design..

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

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

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

Native-mount mid-range zoom for mirrorless..

Sigma FE 35mm f/1.2 DG DN Art

Ultra high speed native-mount moderate wide angle..

Sigma FE 85mm f/1.4 DG DN Art

Ultra high performance medium telephoto..

Sigma FE 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

Highly corrected medium telephoto..

Sigma FE 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

Outstanding fast wide angle, DSLR optical design..

Sigma FE 70mm f/2.8 DG Macro Art

Macro lens also excellent for all-around shooting..

Voigtlander Z 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus wide-normal lens..

Voigtlander Z 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus normal lens..

Voigtlander Z 65 f/2 Macro APO-Lanthar

Ultra high grade macro all-arounder..

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

Anything wider would be a fisheye..

Voigtlander FE 21mm f/1.4 Aspherical

Fast high performance manual focus wide angle..

Voigtlander FE 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical

Fast mild wide angle lens..

Voigtlander FE Nokton Classic 35mm f/1.4

Fast lens speed with curious rendering..

Voigtlander FE 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus wide-normal lens..

Voigtlander FE 50mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

High-grade manual focus normal lens..

Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM

Fast extreme wide angle zoom..

Sony FE 12-24mm f/4 G

Extreme wide angle zoom..

Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM

Pro-grade f/2.8 wide angle zoom..

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

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

Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G

Wide range zoom aimed at bloggers..

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II

Premiere mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM

Premiere mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

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

Comapact mid-range zoom for Sony full frame mirrorless.

Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS

Wide angle to telephoto zoom with optical stabilization..

Venus Optics Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D

Extreme wide angle with 'zero distortion'..

Samyang FE 14mm f/2.8

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

Samyang FE 24mm T/1.5

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

Leica M Lenses on Olympus OM-D E-M5

Does pricey M glass deliver on mirrorless?.

Fujifilm Finepix X100

The best compact big-sensor digital camera yet?.

Nikon Coolpix A

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

Ricoh GR

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

Sony Cybershot DSC-RX1 / RX1R

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

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

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

Olympus Zuiko 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO Zoom

A high performance mid-range zoom..

Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8

A fast moderate wide angle..

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

Native Micro Four Thirds macro lens..

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

Compact wide angle equivalent to 16-36mm..

Panasonic Leica Summilux 12mm f/1.4 ASPH

Fast, bright and well corrected wide angle..

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

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

Olympus OM-D E-M5

Superb ergonomic design in a compact camera..

Comparisons across format.

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

Fujifilm XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS

Wide angle zoom equivalent to 15-36mm.

Zeiss 24mm f/1.8 for Sony NEX

Moderate wide angle for Sony NEX..

Metabones SpeedBooster for Sony NEX

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

Zeiss Loxia 21mm f/2.8 Distagon

Outstanding ultra wide angle performer..

Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4 Distagon

Outstanding wide angle, superb performer..

Zeiss Loxia 35mm f/2 Biogon

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

Zeiss Loxia 50mm f/2 Planar

Manual focus normal lens for full-frame mirrorless..

Zeiss Batis 18mm f/2.8 Distagon

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

Zeiss Batis 25mm f/2 Distagon

Autofocus wide angle for Sony full-frame mirrorless..

Zeiss Batis 40mm f/2

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

Zeiss Touit 12mm f/2.8 Distagon

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

Zeiss Touit 32mm f/1.8 Planar

Normal lens for Sony NEX or Fujifilm X..

Zeiss Touit 50mm f/2.8M

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

Sigma dp2 Quattro

45mm f/2.8 equivalent FOV lens..

Sigma DP1 Merrill

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

Leica M Typ 240 Usability Issues

Specific issues affecting usability..

Leica M Typ 240 Compared To Full Frame Cameras

Relative sharpness and performance across cameras..

Leica M Typ 240 Compared To APS-C Cameras

Relative sharpness and performance vs APS-C cameras..

Leica M Monochrom In the Field

Field shooting the Leica MM, and comparisons..

Considerations in choosing a lens.

Focal lengths, color, weight and travel considerations. (relevant, but dated/old material).

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

Leica’s ultra wide angle zoom lens..

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

Leica’s widest prime lens..

Leica 21mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fastest and widest lens..

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

Leica’s best-performing 21mm..

Leica 24mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fast wide angle..

Leica 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH

A discontinued but excellent 24mm..

Leica 24mm f/3.8 Elmar-M ASPH

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

Leica 28mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s fast 28mm..

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

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

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

Tweaked 2016 redesign..

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

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

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

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

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

High performance moderate wide angle..

Leica 35mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH

Leica’s f/2 35mm for the M..

Leica M 50mm Lenses

Six models to choose from..

Leica 50mm f/0.95 Noctilux-M ASPH

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

Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M ASPH

Leica’s superlative normal lens..

Leica 50mm f/1.2 Noctilux-M ASPH

Modern iteration of a classic design..

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

High performance but flawed 50mm normal lens..

Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-M

Leica’s compact low-distortion normal lens..

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

Leica’s medium tele for Leica M..

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

Leica’s compact 90mm for the M..

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

Compact lens for portraiture or similar..

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

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

Zeiss ZM 15mm f/2.8 Distagon

Notes and examples..

Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon

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

Zeiss ZM 35mm f/2 Biogon

All around razor sharp performer..

Zeiss ZM 50mm f/2 Planar

Pleasing and relatively inexpensive normal lens.

Voigtlander Ultron 21mm f/1.8

Fast high performance wide angle..

Voigtlander M 28mm f/2 Ultron

Compact performer..

Voigtlander M 35mm f/2 APO-Lanthar Aspherical

World-class performer for Leica M..

Voigtlander M 50mm f/1.1

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

ALLVIEW Cameras

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



Blog posts, reverse chronological

2024

2024-04-14 100 Megapixels coming to a Sony A7R VI ?

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

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 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

diglloyd Inc. | FTC Disclosure | PRIVACY POLICY | Trademarks | Terms of Use
Contact | About Lloyd Chambers | Consulting | Photo Tours
RSS Feeds | X.com/diglloyd
Copyright © 2022 diglloyd Inc, all rights reserved.