3rd party lens performance on SL

[IkarusJohn]

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I'm just off a trip (a week up the North Island by motorbike and a 5 day guided tramp). For the first, I took two M cameras and 35 & 75 Summiluxes. For the second, the SL and two zooms.

 

The SL was big and heavy, but it excelled. Climbing 700 metres up to the pass and 900 metres down to the hut on day three was demanding, not helped by the SL and 90-280 zoom banging against my thigh - but it performed very well. Having used the system intensively, I'm very taken with it. I shot in M mode, with manual ISO selection and exposure simulation. Only gripes were AF (I've never been a fan of AF - manual adjustment was fine) and having to reset exposure simulation after each shot.

 

I would add the No tilus next time.

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[EoinC]

I'm just off a trip (a week up the North Island by motorbike and a 5 day guided tramp). For the first, I took two M cameras and 35 & 75 Summiluxes. For the second, the SL and two zooms.

 

The SL was big and heavy, but it excelled. Climbing 700 metres up to the pass and 900 metres down to the hut on day three was demanding, not helped by the SL and 90-280 zoom banging against my thigh - but it performed very well. Having used the system intensively, I'm very taken with it. I shot in M mode, with manual ISO selection and exposure simulation. Only gripes were AF (I've never been a fan of AF - manual adjustment was fine) and having to reset exposure simulation after each shot.

 

I would add the No tilus next time.

Sounds good, John.

OT - Where did you go on each trip?

[IkarusJohn]

Sounds good, John.

OT - Where did you go on each trip?

Rode to Wellington on Christmas Eve, then to Greytown for a few days, Napier, then Mt Maunganui (via Waioeka Gorge), and back to Auckland. Picked up my daughter, and headed to Queenstown to do the Milford with Ultimate Hikes.

 

Just back yesterday.

[vanhulsenbeek]

Ah! Fond memories of the Milford with Utimate Hikes in 2009! M9 times then. Best day: the last with 11cm's rain in the afternoon A blast! Plus: ( not unimportant) excellent choice of wine at dinner Pictures here: http://sanderva.zenfolio.com/p301833660

Edited January 15, 2017 by vanhulsenbeek

[helged]

Nuff seen, nuff said (playing around with SL+Novoflex LET/NIK+Nikon 400mm f2.8G (f2.8, ISO400, 1/1000 sec)). Note: The adapter used is the manual LET/NIK adapter, not the "automatic" SL/NIK adapter I originally wrote.

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Edited January 16, 2017 by helged

[steppenw0lf]

This is a G lens ? Or is it a typo ?  Does that mean G lenses also work with the Novo AF adapter ?

How is the speed and how is the 300 PF with this adapter ?

Edited January 16, 2017 by steppenw0lf

[helged]

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Yes, I used the 400mm f2.8G VR lens, but with the manual Novoflex LET/NIK adapter (post #165 updated).

 

The "automatic" Novoflex SL/NIK adapter should arrive any day. I will pass a word regarding how the Nikon 300mm f4 PF E-lens behaves on the SL. I have no/low expectations regarding autofocus, but time will tell... For landscapes and semi-static objects, manual focus with the SL should work well. And given the relatively small and light-weight 300mm PF (14.75 cm, 755g; the SL/NIK adapter has an additional weight of 130 g); I foresee that I can bring this lens with me when hiking, possibly with a 1.4 or 1.7 converter attached. If working to my satisfaction, this will greatly extend the use of the SL (from my perspective, that is). 

Edited January 16, 2017 by helged

[mmx_2]

Yes, I used the 400mm f2.8G VR lens, but with the manual Novoflex LET/NIK adapter (post #165 updated).

 

The "automatic" Novoflex SL/NIK adapter should arrive any day. I will pass a word regarding how the Nikon 300mm f4 PF E-lens behaves on the SL. I have no/low expectations regarding autofocus, but time will tell... For landscapes and semi-static objects, manual focus with the SL should work well. And given the relatively small and light-weight 300mm PF (14.75 cm, 755g; the SL/NIK adapter has an additional weight of 130 g); I foresee that I can bring this lens with me when hiking, possibly with a 1.4 or 1.7 converter attached. If working to my satisfaction, this will greatly extend the use of the SL (from my perspective, that is). 

I'm also very interested in how this lens (300PF) performs outside the Nikonworld. I've used it on D800 and it's very close in performance to the old (and very good) 300 F4. I do believe that Nikon does a lot of software corretions for this lens (the PF), but I don't know (have sold my Nikonsystem by now). The old 300 f4 can be bought used for very little (600-700€) and since it has an aperture ring it works very well outside the Nikonworld.

[helged]

With the Novoflex SL/NIK adapter in place, I have run a few, quick tests with the SL - Nikon 300mm f4E PF ED VR combo. For the time being in dim indoor light, only.

 

Technically, the combo works as announced (as far as I understand): SL identifies the lens correctly (actually 302 mm in the EXIF). Good. Consequently, Auto ISO works as it should. Great. Focussing seems quite quick and it is also quite quiet. Fine. The accuracy seems ok when the sensor gets sufficient with light, but this is something that needs to be explored - so far from any conclusion yet.

 

Test image: f4, ISO 25000, 1/320 sec (handheld), with autofocus (Point) on the penguin's head. Focus spot on.

 

So far so good, but early days, obviously.

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[Jayesh Mehta]

An attack of doubt after carefully packing the adapter for return to B&H! So much for the cast die!

 

There is a good reason for doubt, which I will describe. Comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

I am going to Africa (Amboseli, Kenya) in March with Canon gear and family. Trip #5 in 6 years. 1DX bodies and some lenses (24-70/2.8L II, 70-200/2.8L II, 200/2L, 200-400/4L, 400/4 DO V1). I am not totally crazy - my son also takes photos (aranmehta.com) and is strong enough to use the 200-400!

 

This time, I am keen on obtaining some pictures that can be enlarged to a good size (40" x 60"; may be even 60" x 90"). Some of what I envisage for these enlargements can be done with normal and medium telephoto lenses.

 

Which of the following options would people consider reasonable?

 

1. Buy a Canon 5DS R and return the Novoflex adapter

 

 - 1a: with the 2 Otus lenses I have - 55 and 85.

 - 1b: forget the Otus lenses).

 

The major advantages are the ability to use the 5DS R with all the lenses and the supposedly excellent IQ of the 5DS R.

 

2. Take along the SL with the Novoflex adapter and the 2 Otus lenses (55 and 85).

 

The major advantages are not spending money on a 5DS R, the ability to focus the Otus lenses well with the SL EVF, the superb IQ of the SL, and the ability to use some of the other Canon lenses on the SL. 

 

3. Take along the SL with the Summilux 50/1.4 ASPH and the Apo-Summicron 90/2 ASPH. Return the Novoflex adapter.

 

The major advantages are not spending money on a 5DS R, a lighter kit (compared to the Otuses), and the SL IQ.

 

4. Forget the SL and the non-existent 5DS R - and rent (or buy) a Hasselblad X1D with a couple of lenses. Return the Novoflex adapter.

 

The disadvantages are that the X1D availability dates are uncertain, I am totally unfamiliar with the camera, and there will be no interaction with the Canon system at all. The obvious advantage is the large sensor.

 

Update:

 

1. Did not return the Novoflex Adapter. Decided to keep it to be able to use the ZD 15, ZO 55 and ZO 85.

 

2. Ordered the Canon 5DS R - delivery awaited.

 

3. No action on the X1D - availability unknown currently.

 

Will take the SL, 5DS R, and 2 1Dx bodies to Africa. Also the Novoflex adapter.

 

Lens selection to be determined - in addition to what is listed above (24-70/2.8L II, 70-200/2.8L II, 200/2L, 200-400/4L. May ditch the 400/4 DO V1 to save space.)

 

- ZD15 for sure.

- One or both ZOs.

- To take or not - one or more of the M lenses: 28/2 Summicron, 50/1.4 Summilux, 90/2 Summicron?

 

The trip is to Masai Amboseli where vistas are beautiful and the ability to get relatively close to elephants allows the use of shorter lenses.

 

Thoughts appreciated!

[steppenw0lf]

Just think of the heat and the heavy gear! Do you hire an "assistant" ?

How long is your trip ? Several days, several weeks ?

Leica is about "Das Wesentliche", the essential. 

[Jayesh Mehta]

Just think of the heat and the heavy gear! Do you hire an "assistant" ?

How long is your trip ? Several days, several weeks ?

Leica is about "Das Wesentliche", the essential. 

 

Good point about Leica - and that's my philosophy walking around (M9P or SL + 50/1.4 or 28/2). However, in Africa, to ensure getting the right pictures, the essentials tend to be voluminous. Here is a link to some of the pictures:

 

https://500px.com/jayeshmehta/galleries/grumeti-serengeti

 

This trip is 7 days. No assistants. Driver, guide, our own vehicle, and family (1+3).

[ropo54]

Good point about Leica - and that's my philosophy walking around (M9P or SL + 50/1.4 or 28/2). However, in Africa, to ensure getting the right pictures, the essentials tend to be voluminous. Here is a link to some of the pictures:

 

https://500px.com/jayeshmehta/galleries/grumeti-serengeti

 

This trip is 7 days. No assistants. Driver, guide, our own vehicle, and family (1+3).

 

Wonderful photos of your safari and Jerusalem.

Thanks,

Rob

[Joshua Lowe]

Anyone tried the Zeiss Planar T 50 f2 on the SL?

I have a 24-90 on the way and I am seriously considering selling my APO Summicron 50.  I don't use the APO very often and would like to free up the cash.  But I'd still like a 50mm prime for my M6 as well as the SL.  It's been a while since I checked 50mm lens comparisons but IIRC the Planar T outperformed the Summicron 50 f2 and wasn't that far behind the APO.

[ski542002]

Anyone tried the Zeiss Planar T 50 f2 on the SL?

I have a 24-90 on the way and I am seriously considering selling my APO Summicron 50.  I don't use the APO very often and would like to free up the cash.  But I'd still like a 50mm prime for my M6 as well as the SL.  It's been a while since I checked 50mm lens comparisons but IIRC the Planar T outperformed the Summicron 50 f2 and wasn't that far behind the APO.

Hello Josh. Purchased new a number of years back, the Planar ZM 50 F2 for my M9, then M240 and now using on my SL. Fantastic lens, even wide open. Especially for the price, it can't be beat.

[steppenw0lf]

The simple Summicron-R 50 is my favorite. It is of high IQ (I do not believe that it has been "outperformed", anybody can write that. Many tests have shown the opposite.) And it is very affordable. I prefer it to the M because it offers rather close focusing and the size is perfect for SL.

And I prefer Leica lenses, especially when they are not more expensive than others.

 

Sooner or later it will be replaced, but only for a SL macro lens of 50 or 60 mm. (Which could take some time/patience.)

Edited February 1, 2017 by steppenw0lf

[ropo54]

Anyone tried the Zeiss Planar T 50 f2 on the SL?

 

I have a 24-90 on the way and I am seriously considering selling my APO Summicron 50.  I don't use the APO very often and would like to free up the cash.  But I'd still like a 50mm prime for my M6 as well as the SL.  It's been a while since I checked 50mm lens comparisons but IIRC the Planar T outperformed the Summicron 50 f2 and wasn't that far behind the APO.

 

I'm new to the SL, but have a Zeiss planar and it is superb. Quite inexpensive on the pre-owned market, as you may know.

A couple of examples follow:

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[ropo54]

And, another w the Zeiss planar

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[ropo54]

And, another with the Zeiss planar taken at my local Leica store.

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[blacksinner]

go for the Voigtlander 35 1.7 Ultron, it's a steal 

 

yes i agree... 

 

Hello all, new to the forum and new Leica SL owner (currently being shipped). I've opted for the versatile 24-90 Leica lens, but feel that in some occasions the size might become and impediment to take the camera out, so i want to buy a small 35mm lens. My ideal choice would be the 35mm 1.4 Summilux but the price is too high, so i've been searching and came across the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm 1.2 ASPH (also an M-Mount). Question: has anyone had any experience with this lens? Any input is appreciated.

 

PS: Other 35mm lens suggestions are welcome.

i have both voigtlander 35mm f1.2 and f1.7 and been using it for years. i absolutely love it. the f1.2 i actually sell it and buy it again because i miss it so much. those two lenses has different rendering. the f1.2 has very smooth bokeh same as summilux rendering but without the sharpness and the 3d look. the f1.7 it is very sharp and has lovely characteristic. i intend to buy summilux in this month, i'll compare those 3 lenses.

 

you can see on my flickr album it has all lenses i've ever tried. click here https://www.flickr.com/photos/103080346@N05/albums

 

cheers