stevem7 Posted February 2, 2007 Share #1 Posted February 2, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) I was testing three lenses today - 50 cron, 5- Noct and Zeiss Sonnar ZM 50 - Took this test shot of a rose.. Which shot to you has the most pleasing look? Noct was at 1.4, the ZM was at 1.5, and the cron at F2 I know what my preference is, just wondering what others think. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/15096-which-pic-is-more-pleasing/?do=findComment&comment=159550'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 2, 2007 Posted February 2, 2007 Hi stevem7, Take a look here Which pic is more pleasing?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
rafael_macia Posted February 2, 2007 Share #2 Posted February 2, 2007 The first shot has the most "snap" for me. Which shot is which lens? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rsolomon Posted February 2, 2007 Share #3 Posted February 2, 2007 i also like the first one Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevem7 Posted February 2, 2007 Author Share #4 Posted February 2, 2007 1st lens is the cron, 2nd is the Zeiss, 3rd is the Noct - I also thought the 1st had more snap, and was sharpest. I also liked the Noct shot for its "look" - I felt the ZM was the worst of the 3. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twom4 Posted February 2, 2007 Share #5 Posted February 2, 2007 I prefer the 3rd for its soft smooth look. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bono0272 Posted February 2, 2007 Share #6 Posted February 2, 2007 I like the third one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted February 2, 2007 Share #7 Posted February 2, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) To be honest, the test isn't completely valid. The 'cron shot is at a smaller aperture, so its hardly surprising that it has a touch more 'snap'. The second flower is obviously slipping out of focus on the other two. FWIW, I slightly prefer the Noct version, but not perhaps the size and weight of the lens. I am surprised by how mediocre the Zeiss looks here though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted February 2, 2007 Share #8 Posted February 2, 2007 Fair point Tim, but it depends how you look at it. If the test was to see how each lens performs at it's full aperture then it is valid. Bottom line is that for me, and from the sound of it for others as well, the ZM disappoints. Would have been interesting to see the VC Nokton included in the lineup to compare. The Summicron offers slightly more DOF (of course) and, I think, suits the subject better. The shot has a more "finished" look, and certainly pops (for me) Regards, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest maddin Posted February 2, 2007 Share #9 Posted February 2, 2007 Considering this to be a test: #1 but all of them appear to blueish. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
@bumac Posted February 2, 2007 Share #10 Posted February 2, 2007 First one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted February 2, 2007 Share #11 Posted February 2, 2007 Fair point Tim, but it depends how you look at it. If the test was to see how each lens performs at it's full aperture then it is valid. Morning Bill - true, but untrue, as the Noct was at f/1.4 rather than full ap. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted February 2, 2007 Share #12 Posted February 2, 2007 Morning Bill - true, but untrue, as the Noct was at f/1.4 rather than full ap. D'oh... For some reason I was thinking Summilux. You are absolutely right (dammit ). So. To be valid the test needs to be either all shot at f2, or all shot at their respective maximum apertures - f2, f1.4. f1.4. Each proves something different though. Regards, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom0511 Posted February 2, 2007 Share #13 Posted February 2, 2007 1st lens is the cron, 2nd is the Zeiss, 3rd is the Noct - I also thought the 1st had more snap, and was sharpest. I also liked the Noct shot for its "look" - I felt the ZM was the worst of the 3. I recognized immedially the Noctilux to be #3, and I like it the best I guessed right for #1 to be the cron and #2 the Zeiss. I like the Zeiss shot least. Another great lens for something like this is the 50lux-asph. sharp but smooth bokeh. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnwolf Posted February 2, 2007 Share #14 Posted February 2, 2007 The bokeh is at least half the story here, and I like the third best for its stronger contrast and color variations. Although it's not a fair comparison because the exposure is different than the first two. John Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted February 2, 2007 Share #15 Posted February 2, 2007 This is not what RF Leicas do best. Repeat the test with some typical reportage pictures. I would not pick a lens based on this. My vote is the first one. But then I love my new 50 2.8 whick stays sharp close up and far and has smooth bokeh. Same with 90 4.0 Macro Elmar. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest flatfour Posted February 2, 2007 Share #16 Posted February 2, 2007 3rd one Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
derek_stanton Posted February 2, 2007 Share #17 Posted February 2, 2007 I like the sharpness of the two Leica shots, but the Sonnar bokeh is better than both. If i had to choose one, i'd take the Noct. Best blend of a 'crisp' flower and smooth surrounding areas. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dav Posted February 3, 2007 Share #18 Posted February 3, 2007 1 - 3 - 2 in that order. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmr Posted February 3, 2007 Share #19 Posted February 3, 2007 Yahooo.... Leica Lens Wins by a "Pleasing" Mile! Amazingly different footprints. And for different taste, but still fantastic Leica lens for different occasions. Next to greatness, ZM just falls short. For the price and performance of a ZM, it is not that bad. Tom.... Ahhhhh 50 Lux Asph. Another great lens and that is a very nice shot. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimF Posted February 3, 2007 Share #20 Posted February 3, 2007 I just wandered over to Luminous Landscape, where appeared recently a look at three Zeiss ZM lenses (the 15mm/2.8, 21mm/2.8 Biogons and 50mm/1.5 Sonnar). There was some criticism made of the quality of the Zeiss lens when used at maximum aperture, as in the example in this thread. A question was sent to Zeiss, and they responded as here (which is at the foot of the original piece, so it can be read complete by those who've not seen it yet). Reading between the lines though does suggest to me that a picture of a rose is not the best test of this lens's capabilities, and (wearing a "purist's" hat) maybe colour film is not best suited to it at all? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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