Leica vs Olympus Lenses

[Grego]

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Looking for some input on the Olympus 4/3 lenses vs. the Leica zoom for the Digilux 3. Can anyone compare the Leica lenses on the Digilux3 vs Olympus lenses on an Evolt? Lens resolution is paramount.

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Greg

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[rsolomon]

While i expect olympus to be good i would expect and hope leica to be better.....this IS leica's sweet spot...not cameras...lenses.

 

im wating for the new leica zoom but if it doesn;t come out shortly i'll be looking to olympus, in the mean time im also looking for the adapter to put my R lenses on the Digilux 3

[vikasmg]

Can anyone compare the Leica lenses on the Digilux3 vs Olympus lenses on an Evolt?

Greg

 

Now that IS an interesting question. From initial reviews it looks like the new Olympus Cameras may have better sensors (and/or internal software?) than the Panasonic ones. In theory it sounds like Leica lenses on an E-510 or E-3 would be a good combination.

[rosuna]

You can read this comparative (written in Spanish) by an optical engineer:

 

DSLR Magazine - Olympus frente a Leica

 

R.

[goodbokeh]

Like Leica, Olympus has microscopes in its portfolio of products. In the DSLR world Olympus lenses are second to none in optical and mechanical quality.

[zapp]

Like Leica, Olympus has microscopes in its portfolio of products. In the DSLR world Olympus lenses are second to none in optical and mechanical quality.

 

Leica-camera does not sell microscopes, quality did not suffers since the company was split in three - there is not sensible correlation between making microscopes and making cameras.

[dhsimmonds]

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The Zuiko lenses made by Olympus are incredibly good. Like all lens ranges (including Leica) some are better than others, but I would prefer a Zuiko to those from C or N.

 

There was a time when an Olympus OM series camera with Zuiko lens was the preferred option to a rangefinder Leica by many pro photographers, particularly photo journalists.

 

The new E-3 could be a stunning camera even with it's 4/3 limitations.

[Bo_Lorentzen]

Depending on how you use the lens. - the Leica zooms have "IS" in the lens, making the Digilux 3 a stabilized platform. using a lens like the 12-60 will not be stabilized on the Leica. for photography after dark I find the IS to be very useful. This might be part of the equation unless you are planning to use the lens entirely on tripod.?

 

 

Bo

[goodbokeh]

Leica-camera does not sell microscopes, quality did not suffers since the company was split in three - there is not sensible correlation between making microscopes and making cameras.

 

Yes, Leitz was split up back in the early 90's but I believe the heritage of exacting mechanical and optical standards required for microscope production still lives at Leica Camera.

[krabat]

Yes, Leitz was split up back in the early 90's but I believe the heritage of exacting mechanical and optical standards required for microscope production still lives at Leica Camera.

 

Completely agree. Leica microscopes have a superb optics.

[jdlaing]

Completely agree. Leica microscopes have a superb optics.

 

So do their Surveyors Instruments. Top of the line.

[carstenw]

I have read one review of the standard 4/3 zooms from Leica and Olympus where the Olympus came out on top, by a hair or two (fotoMagazin in Germany). This is not the kit lens from Olympus, but the pro standard zoom. Keep in mind that although Leica does superior designs, Olympus is also top-notch, and Leica doesn't manufacture these lenses themselves, to my knowledge.