LeicaR10 Posted January 9, 2016 Author Share #21 Posted January 9, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Sailronin, Thanks for posting your excellent images of Death Vally NP. The images show the detail that can be had from the 120mm for landscape images. I spend a lot of time in Death Valley myself. The Mesquite Dunes are a great place at sunrise especially after a sand storm...erases the footprints. From your images, it looks like the 120mm does a excellent job at infinity for resolution. I appreciate your comments and help. R/ Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 9, 2016 Posted January 9, 2016 Hi LeicaR10, Take a look here Leica S 120mm for Landscape Photography. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
peterv Posted January 10, 2016 Share #22 Posted January 10, 2016 I can't speak for the 100mm, as I don't have that lens (I wish ...) but I can wholehaertedly confirm that 120mm is a very capable landscape lens. I have 60 x 90cm prints that do look wonderfully sharp and rich in colour and contrast. The only thing to watch out for with the 120mm (as with any longer lens) is your shooting technique, generally a lot of light is needed to get good/safe shutter speeds and apertures. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darylgo Posted January 11, 2016 Share #23 Posted January 11, 2016 On their website Leica writes "the perfect portrait lens" for the 120mm. This may be true however it doesn't preclude it's use for other purposes, and I believe this was written prior to the release of the 100mm lens. Leica makes available mtf curves at infinity and close up. Most lenses are optimized for infinity, however macro lenses can be an exception such as the Zeiss 120mm for the Hasselblad V system, and they may be optimized for closer distances. The 120mm Leica Macro has significantly greater contrast (for all intents this is resolution) at infinity than close up, making this lens perfect for landscape and for that matter portraits also. When I did a quick test of the 100mm vs. 120mm, the 100mm had softer corners, the 120mm would be preferable for landscape. If I was a portrait photographer I would use the 100mm. For landscape primarily and portrait secondarily it is difficult to beat the 120mm. Again Leica's mtf curves bear this out. For landscape the use of the 120mm and 180mm lens give me similar qualitative results, both outstanding. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted January 13, 2016 Author Share #24 Posted January 13, 2016 Peter V & Daryl Thank you for the comments about the 120mm. I went and did extensive testing of both the S 100mm and S 120mm lenses. From what I and Leica dealer staff can see in our opinion, is the 120mm is very sharp, better contrast and resolution for the images. The images all the way to the edges are amazingly sharp. The 100mm was very good, but we believe and think its better suited for portrait and fashion photography. Again, our opinions and observations. We can say too, both draw differently as well. Based on the day spent shooting, testing landscapes with both lenses I decided to buy the 120mm lens. Now if the lens focus motor doesn't die, it will be exceptional...just a tongue in cheek comment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted January 15, 2016 Author Share #25 Posted January 15, 2016 To All who contributed comments and images to this topic, thank you. I can say the S 120mm lens is superb for landscape photography. Sharp edge to edge, excellent contrast, resolution and ability to draw a landscape image very well. I am very please with the 120mm S and I feel you will too if you are thinking about purchasing the lens for this purpose. Thanks again to all who commented and those that viewed this topic. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertknappmd Posted January 15, 2016 Share #26 Posted January 15, 2016 Glad you have experienced the 120mm. Post some superb shots! Albert Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted January 15, 2016 Author Share #27 Posted January 15, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Albert! Will do...can do! Thanks for your post/comments and advice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jip Posted January 15, 2016 Share #28 Posted January 15, 2016 I borrowed the 120 from Leica Netherlands, will use it on my trip the coming months then will write an article about it... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted January 16, 2016 Author Share #29 Posted January 16, 2016 JIP, I am sure you are going to like the lens. I look forward to reading your review article. I am sure others will look forward too it as well. Thanks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bab Posted January 20, 2016 Share #30 Posted January 20, 2016 I think you need to ask which lens is better for stiching, it would seem that you will eventually stiching landscapes if you don't already and I would also inquire if the answer includes using a VR drive. That combination will change your landscape photography for ever! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted January 21, 2016 Author Share #31 Posted January 21, 2016 Bab, Thank you for the suggestion concerning stitching and VR. I do both and I am expecting superb results from the S-120mm. I just purchased the lens and have not had the opportunity to get to a scene yet to test the lens and stitching in that capacity. I appreciate your suggestions. So far the lens is superb for landscape photography. R/ Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John McMaster Posted January 21, 2016 Share #32 Posted January 21, 2016 If you can accept the size and weight of it, I cannot think of anything to complain about with this lens ;-) john Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeicaR10 Posted January 23, 2016 Author Share #33 Posted January 23, 2016 John, I agree with you. This and all the S lenses are excellent. Being a "medium format" camera certainly has its pros and cons. The size and weight being one of the cons. Not so much the camera body IMO, but the lenses are heavy. Yet, they deliver superbly. I wonder if Leica ever considered making the S lenses without the auto focus like Zeiss lenses. I wonder if there would be a market for S lenses for landscape photographers....Just a passing thought. There are other applications where a photographer using an S camera doesn't want or need AF. I suspect the lenses would cost less too. Again, thank you for your comments. R/ Mark Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS Posted June 17, 2016 Share #34 Posted June 17, 2016 120mm with 4 stitched frames 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! 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/254893-leica-s-120mm-for-landscape-photography/?do=findComment&comment=3063432'>More sharing options...
Arni Posted June 28, 2016 Share #35 Posted June 28, 2016 The 120 Macro is a wonderful landscape lens, a couple of examples are below from Death Valley National Park about 3 weeks ago. And finally a panorama of 2 120mm shots stitched together. That is well done Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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