R 19mm v.2 compared to M 18mm?

[msshea]

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Hi All,

 

I posted this in the R forum, but I thought I'd cast my net here as well.

 

I bought an R 19mm v.2 a number of years ago to use with various EOS bodies and was quite happy with it. Using it on my 240, it seems a bit soft. I haven't done an exhaustive test to determine the ideal f stop, but I usually work between f/5.6 and f/11. I can improve things a bit using Nik Output Sharpener, but sometimes I don't like the results. Considering the lens's vintage, I guess this isn't surprising. I'm wondering if anyone has experience comparing it to either the Leica or Zeiss 18mm, and which of the latter lenses is better in terms of micro contrast.

 

Thanks for any input!

Merrill

[bocaburger]

Never used the M 18mm but I can't imagine the V.2 19mm R lens being soft on the M240 unless there is some odd phenomenon going on perhaps in conjunction with the adapter???

[gpwhite]

My Elmarit-R 19mm v2 and my Super- Elmar-M 18mm have very different characters on the M240, and I am very happy to use each of them in different circumstances.

 

The 19mm is faster and focuses much closer, so you can achieve a level of separation and Mandleresque twinkly OOF with it. The center sharpness is as good as anything Leica makes, and the colors are excellent.

 

The 18mm has better definition away from the center, and, by f/5.6, the SEM conveys more 3D look and nice edges in comparison to the 19mm. The 18mm is also less than half the size of the 19mm.

 

I do not shoot either lens above f/5.6, as you lose quite a bit of pop due to diffraction.

 

In sum, relative to your query, I find the two lenses have equal micro contrast, The 18mm has better edges, but the 19mm is faster and more flexible.

[alan.y]

I'm surprised to read this. I no longer have my R19 v2 with me, but it matched my A7R's sensor edge to edge at f/5.6. I'd be hard pressed to call it soft even at f/2.8.

[jaapv]

The Super Elmar 18 is virtually flare free, the R 19 not.

[gpwhite]

I'm surprised to read this. I no longer have my R19 v2 with me, but it matched my A7R's sensor edge to edge at f/5.6. I'd be hard pressed to call it soft even at f/2.8.

 

I also had good results with 19mm on A7R, before I gave up on the latter. The M240 is even better at the edges, which must be a comment on the Sony vs. Leica implementation of the sensors.

 

IMHO, the 19mm @ f/5.6 and medium distances is good at the edges, whereas the 18mm SEM is in a league of its own. Other than the lower right corner of my SEM's image, the brilliance and micro-contrast of the 18mm @ f/5.6 must be seen in prints to be fully appreciated.