50 ASPH vs 50 Summicron 11817 tests

[awilder]

Posted here: http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=723455 are some interesting results for fans of either lenses. Something revealed that's rarely mentioned was that published calculated MTF curves for both lenses apply only when measured at infinity but at closer distances things change for the worse, even a much as a few meters but more so for the ASPH. In this case, the contrast and resolution tests charts are at a repro ratio of 1:51 or a distance of 2.55 meters. Scenic test shots near infinity are slightly crisper across the frame with the 50 ASPH at f/2 and f/2.8, but by f/4 the difference is practically nil. At the closer distance of 2.55 meters, centrally, the ASPH is the clear winner at f/2 and f/2.8 as one would expect. However, off axis at f/2 or f/2.8, astigmatism rears it's ugly head and cuts it's microcontast (40 lp/mm), progressively blurring very fine detail as you move out, compared to the Summicron which does a better job in keeping astigmatism under control. To it's credit, the ASPH does appear to maintain a little higher level of contrast in most of the mid-field but at lower frequencies (10 or 20 lp/mm) thus giving the impression of good clarity. By f/4 and beyond (not shown) the two are very close with the ASPH slightly edging out the Summicron in the outer field in all but the extreme corner where it remains a bit soft through f/5.6. Compared to the pre-asph version which suffered much more from off axis aberration and never exceeded the Summicron in these zones especially when closer than infinity. As one gets closer still (<1 meter) the Summicron holds and advances it's lead over the ASPH as Erwin Puts also concedes in his report.

 

[dreamsandart]

The 11817 has been my favorite everyday 50mm for 30+ years. My first Leica lens, the more famous DR 50, was fine and rock solid built but heavy and limited to 1meter focus unless you happen to take the optical eyes along and took the time to use them. The 11817 was and still is ideal for what it is; a light, solid made lens with 'classic' look, a nice combination of contrast and sharpness, easy to use/live with, long focus throw, reversible clip-on hood.

I use my pre-ASPH Summilux more these days but for a compact 50 that along with my 35 Summicron takes the same 13352 polarizer / hood ( I use it in the tropics ) and 39mm filters its a nice travel lens set, never have to think of leaving it behind for size or weight. It also makes a nice 50 on the RD-1.

That is holds its only to the new ASPH is not too much of a surprise. It was designed to be very good in the close range and one of the new ( at that time ) lenses designed for higher contrast. As lenses of that 60s/70s era are known for, stopping down a couple give the best performance. Although its not a 'modern' high contrast lens, and its a few generations back in lens design, the 11817 still has the wonderful ability to surprise me with how good it can be.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[rover]

err, ummm...11817?

Sorry, in english?

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[rover]

gothcha, thanks.

 

[Ben Z]

I loved my 11817, the only reason I sold it was because it's performance was the closest to my Summilux (non-ASPH) of the 3 Summicrons I had. The 11819 is my preferred travel lens because of it's light weight, and the rigid chrome, well, it's just the quintessential Leitz lens and it looks great on my M4 😉