wolverine
Member
I prefer color with high contrast in my photos. Generally, which lenses offer the most contrast? Leica or Ziess or CV? I am looking at the 28 and 50mm lengths in m lenses. Thanks, Frank
A question on contrast?
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Tom A
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The Leica Asph lenses are the most contrasty ones. Particularly the 35f1.4 Asph and the 35f2 Asph. The Summilux 50f1.4 is high contrast, but not as agressive as the 35's. The 75f2 Apo Asph is moderate in this aspect. The 90mm f2 Apo Asph is OK, but I never warmed to that lens - performance was a bit disappointing.
The Zeiss line is more moderated when it comes to contrast - but they have one advantage (at least with the japanese built ones) that it is consistent across the board, from the 18f4 right through to the 85f4. The Leica lenses are all over here. I havent checked the latest offerings from Leica to have an opinion on them (18f3.8/21f1.4/24f1.4 and the 24f3.8) but as they all are Asph's, the contrast is most likely bumped up compared to a more conventional lens design like Zeiss/VC.
The Zeiss line is more moderated when it comes to contrast - but they have one advantage (at least with the japanese built ones) that it is consistent across the board, from the 18f4 right through to the 85f4. The Leica lenses are all over here. I havent checked the latest offerings from Leica to have an opinion on them (18f3.8/21f1.4/24f1.4 and the 24f3.8) but as they all are Asph's, the contrast is most likely bumped up compared to a more conventional lens design like Zeiss/VC.
Dan States
Established
If you are using film the Leica 28's have the most consistent performance in the corners compared to the Biogon, but all are very high contrast lenses.
The 50's are a mixed bag as the Summicron is now a 30 year old design and does flare a bit at times. I would describe it as smooth and sharp but not with biting snap. The Planar 50 is as flare free as they get and just as high in macro contrast as anything available. The Sonnar 50 is lower in macro contrast and the ideal lens for black and white shooters.
Flare control is generally better in the Zeiss line which will affect contrast in difficult situations.
Best wishes
Dan States
The 50's are a mixed bag as the Summicron is now a 30 year old design and does flare a bit at times. I would describe it as smooth and sharp but not with biting snap. The Planar 50 is as flare free as they get and just as high in macro contrast as anything available. The Sonnar 50 is lower in macro contrast and the ideal lens for black and white shooters.
Flare control is generally better in the Zeiss line which will affect contrast in difficult situations.
Best wishes
Dan States
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