the "focus issue" of this lens is such hysteria on this board and elsewhere. Yes, there is some focus shift wide open at minimum focus distance but it tends to go away when you back a few feet off. There are leica lenses that do exactly the same thing that nobody drones on about, so whatever. What doesnt get spoken about, which is far more relevant is that wide open, the look of this lens is absurdly overpowering. If you dont want that look, its not particularly useful wide open. Its a cool look, but its a look that isnt going away and you are completely stuck with it. I never found the lens to be particularly useful wide open and all I used it for was portraits. We all have our taste I guess. The other thing about the lens, which is rarely commented upon, is the contrast goes off the map when you get past 5.6 and further things get a real compressed look to them. The only way to really get to know the lens is to comitt yourself to shooting a few rolls at each stop so you can get a handle on all the different looks the lens has, and there are three solid distinct points of change with this lens. Its a great lens, I used it exclusively for maybe half a year and I havent touched it since I got a preasph lux. Havent sold it either but...
