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24mm Summilux versus Elmarit


skimmel

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I have been debating about this choice for a while (for when I get my M9).

 

Meanwhile, I did a Test Drive with Dale Labs (who I can recommend very highly for their great service!!!). I tested both the 24 summilux and 24 elmarit on my M8. (I will post a reference to this thread on the M9 forum since there's been discussion about these lenses there).

 

Now, this is not as carefully done as, say, Sean Reid's tests, but I wanted to see for myself how these lenses draw and how they are to work with.

 

First, some impressions, then some pics next.

 

Elmarit: what a great lens! Perfect size for the M8. Doesn't block too much of viewfinder. I find the picture quality to be outstanding -- really nice contrast and colors. For my way of shooting (a lot of low light) the f/2.8 is a bit limiting, but I found I could handhold down to about 1/10 second (with propping my arm on something).

 

Summilux: Larger, of course. Not anything that would trouble me (although it doesn't quite fit in my typical walk around camera bag when on the M8 body). The size only becomes more obvious in comparison to the elmarit. Does block a fair amount of viewfinder. This won't be a problem on M9 since I'll use external viewfinder. I miss the focusing tab that's on the elmarit (and on all of my other lenses). I sometimes found that I reached for the focus ring but grabbed the aperture ring instead. Doubt this would be an issue over time with practice. Love the shallow depth of field you can get with it (examples to follow). It seems less contrasty than the elmarit -- that's neither good nor bad, just is.

 

Pics next.

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Now some pics.

 

These were all done on the M8, on tripod, White balance via WhiBal card. Only post processing is to apply "portrait sharpening" in Lightroom to add back to the sharpening in RAW.

 

First the 28mm elmarit, starting at 2.8 and working up (4.0, 5.6, 8.0).

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Now the Summilux starting at f/1.4 (then 2.0, 2.8, 4.0, 5.6, 8.0).

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And lux at 8.0 (didn't fit in last post)

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Here's both lenses at f/2.8 to more directly compare.

 

Elmarit on top.

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OK. Here's one with just the lux, just to show DOF differences. these are, in order, 1.4, 2.0, 2.8 (hand held)

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3 more, again for DOF with Lux (1.4., 2, 2.8). I like how you can separate out the background with the 1.4

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The age-old question: Which is best, strawberry or chocolate ice cream? These are different focal lengths and drastically different speeds. You could just as well ask, which is best, a 1:3.5 50mm or a 1:2 90mm lens? The obvious answer is another question: Best for what?

 

The old man from the Age of the Zeiss 21mm Biogon (1954)

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The age-old question: Which is best, strawberry or chocolate ice cream? These are different focal lengths and drastically different speeds. You could just as well ask, which is best, a 1:3.5 50mm or a 1:2 90mm lens? The obvious answer is another question: Best for what?

 

The old man from the Age of the Zeiss 21mm Biogon (1954)

 

I believe they were both 24 mm and the quote of 28 mm was a typo.

 

I really liked my 24 f/2.8 on my M8. It really is a great performer if you don't mind the slow aperture. I can't imagine anyone would be disappointed with the optical qualities.

 

I was curious, were the shots at f/2.8 both exposed identically? The f/2.8 lens seems a bit more contrasty as you said.

 

Best,

 

Bill

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Money no object....which is rarely, I'd still go elmarit....the size/focus tab and outstanding quality are all reasons to buy it......money an object, well the elmar is another one of those 'wee stoaters' as we say in Scotland....small, sharp and cheap (relatively)....for outdoor daytime work, its all you'll need

 

Just my 0.02p worth

 

The Elmar 3.8 is next on my hit list !

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I believe they were both 24 mm and the quote of 28 mm was a typo.

 

Yes, it was a typo in that one spot.

 

 

I was curious, were the shots at f/2.8 both exposed identically? The f/2.8 lens seems a bit more contrasty as you said.

 

Best,

 

Bill

 

I don't have the originals with me right now but the exposure should have been the same. The contrast difference is something I've seen in many other shots as well so I suspect it's related to the lenses themselves.

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skimmel, can I ask you the 1.000.000.000€/$/£ question ?

 

I would greatly appreciate the shot of these two lens, outside, with a busy background, at 2.8. For example the mailbox one would be great.

 

Im considering a 2.8 Elmarit but I'm pondering about the Summilux as well.

 

cheers

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skimmel, can I ask you the 1.000.000.000€/$/£ question ?

 

I would greatly appreciate the shot of these two lens, outside, with a busy background, at 2.8. For example the mailbox one would be great.

 

Im considering a 2.8 Elmarit but I'm pondering about the Summilux as well.

 

cheers

 

Unfortunately, I didn't do the mailbox with the 2.8 lens (and had to send lenses back already). Below is the closest I got. Top one is the 24/1.4 at 2.8 and bottom is the 24/2.8 at 2.8. Not a great comparison but best one I could find from my limited testing time with the lenses.

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