Fun little test

[Csacwp]

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I'm still torn between selling my aspherical lenses and switching entirely to Mandler era designs, so today I did a quick, simple test of two of my favorite lenses, the 75 Summilux at f1.4 and the 90 Apo-Summicron, both mounted on the SL and shot at 100 ISO, handheld.  Here's a link to two full sized jpegs... I'd appreciate your thoughts.  It should be relatively easy to figure out which lens is which, but I was surprised at how similar they are.  

 

https://we.tl/WcX5OuOH2z

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[lct]

You mean they have both a red dot? Just kidding but one is forgiving for small wrinkles and the other is sharper, which is hardly surprising if you did an f/1.4 vs f/2 comparo BTW. 

 

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[Csacwp]

By f/4 they were indistinguishable in terms of resolution and micro-contrast, although the bokeh of the 75 lux was still arguably nicer (no double lines).  At f/2 the 75 lux is still not quite as sharp as the 90 apo, but at f/2.8 it is very sharp and has a fair amount of micro-contrast.  I think the larger difference is in the overall rendering.  The focus of the lux fades slowly and gently into the background, making the subject appear integral to the photo.  The contrast is lower, and there is a subtle glow to the highlights around the edges of her hair.  To my eyes, the face/nose look slightly more rounded and 3D.  The 90 apo has higher contrast, more saturated colors, and focus that dramatically falls off, creating greater separation between the subject and the background.  It is a more jarring, modern look, though some might prefer it.  I'm quite torn between both renderings... we are spoiled to have so many great options from Leica.

Edited January 30, 2018 by Csacwp

[pico]

By f/4 they were indistinguishable in terms of resolution and micro-contrast, although the bokeh of the 75 lux was still arguably nicer (no double lines).

 

That makes all the difference to me. Summilux wins.

.

Edited January 30, 2018 by pico

[Csacwp]

I don't disagree... and honestly, had I stood back further with the lux and shot it at f/2, I imagine the photos would have been almost identical with the exception of the focus falloff.

[phongph]

Hi Csacwp!

I think M75 Lux and 90 Apo will compliment together between old design and mordern len. IMO, I just do not like the hash bokeh of M90 Apo.

I have got M75 Lux, M50 Apo, M35 Lux with M10 & SL 601. I intend to trade M50 Apo for SL90 Apo!

Have a good day!

Thanks!

[B-A-C]

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Do what you have to do...but do not sell a 50 Lux ASPH...the best lens Leica makes today.