In General, What Size Lens Has the Least Distortion?

[Tenor1]

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The question may not be accurately posed for the answer I want. After using the DLux-4 in Italy I learned the 24mm has it's issues with angle. Is either a 35mm or 55mm more foolproof? This trip was my first big outdoor use with this camera. My primary shooting is indoors at churches and aquariums.

 

I am strongly considering the new X1 model with it's 35mm lens. Pictures could be stitched when wider shots are needed plus the larger sensor would be even better for all my indoor shooting.

 

Thanks,

[miami91]

The question may not be accurately posed for the answer I want. After using the DLux-4 in Italy I learned the 24mm has it's issues with angle. Is either a 35mm or 55mm more foolproof? This trip was my first big outdoor use with this camera. My primary shooting is indoors at churches and aquariums.

 

I am strongly considering the new X1 model with it's 35mm lens. Pictures could be stitched when wider shots are needed plus the larger sensor would be even better for all my indoor shooting.

 

Thanks,

 

Carlos,

 

It's not so much the 24mm FOV that leads to distortion on the D-Lux 4, it's the 24mm FOV, in a tiny zoom design, all at a price point (for the lens) well under the $800.00 price paid for the entire camera package. In other words, compromises are inevitable, and for better or worse, Leica/Panasonic accepted some severe distortion (correctable in firmware or RAW converter) to be able to provide this package.

 

By comparison, were you to shoot the 24mm Summilux-M, or even wider lenses (21mm Summilux, Wide-Angle Tri Elmar, etc.), you'd find nearly no distortion, and extremely limited vignetting and chromatic aberration, even when shot wide open. But then again, these are much physically larger lenses that cost several thousand dollars.

 

As for the X1, we'll have to see, but given that it's a more expensive camera, and the focal length is fixed, I would expect that the lens will be a much better performer than what is present on the D-Lux 4.

 

Regards,

 

Jeff.

[miami91]

Just saw your Italy photo that you were asking advice on. If this is what you mean by "distortion", then using a high quality wide angle lens will not solve the problem. Converging verticals are a challenge regardless of the quality of your gear, and are largely caused by angling your camera up to try to fit in a large subject (building, monument, etc.). You've been given some good advice in that thread about how to avoid this when composing or how to correct in post.

 

If, however, you're more generally commenting on problems with the D-Lux 4 in wide angle settings, this has been widely discussed on the forum in the past several months, and it's a design compromise unique to the camera that one must accept (or get a different camera).

 

Jeff.

[Tenor1]

Thanks Jeff,

 

It's not a complaint or dissatisfaction at all the my DLux-4, but my lack of skill utilizing it correctly. I remember reading all the early threads but didn't really understand what they actually meant. I LOVE the camera but always preferred a fixed lens as I had with me very first Leica Mini. I don't know if I would ever get the M8 or M9 due to their weight and size. I need a camera small enough to wear around my neck while sitting down at a music stand. The DL4 is a perfect size and I love it, but the new X1 suites my needs and wants even more.

 

My other major shooting is of aquariums and I hope the X1 has a sliding-Kelvin adjustment like the DL4. I will continue using the DL4 if it does not.

 

There is SO MUCH to learn about photography and I truly appreciate the skills and help from everyone here!