Re: [Leica] WA infinity performance

[Alfred Breull <puma@hannover.sgh-net.de>]

Tom, 

If I speak of "unsharpness", I mean unsharpness in relation to the
performance of the 2/50 M Summicron, either the rigid chrome, or the
black, or the currrent one. Or, in comparison to the 2/35 M Summicron,
4th generation. So, maybe my usage of "unsharpness" is  a little 
unfair, since I compare the 1.4/35 asph M Summilux, to the best 
available lenses at all. And, the lens is at infinity better than
the Nikkors (1.4/35 or 2/35) - (at lower distances she is classes
better). For your decision, which 35 mm for astro objects, I've
some propositions:

First, I'd suggest, that you try the asph 2/35 M Summicron (I haven't).
The M Summicrons have always been better than the M Summiluxes, in my 
mind :), and it's possible to me, that the current M saph Summicron 
gets the cake again (can you say it in English?). 

Second, I've seen absolutely persuading results from the current 
1.4/35 _R_ Summilux (from both: Leitz, Leica). But they included 
distances below 10 meters only. Maybe that lens performs great at
infinity also.

Third, taking pix from stars is different, than usual picture taking,
since the objects are bright, small, and the background is dark blue
to very dark blue. In that situation even the Hasselbald's Planar 
2.8/80 shows very sharp images at f 2.8 (I have some nice Hale Bobs),
although it's rather "soft" at this opening usually. So, maybe the 
1.4 asph M Summilux might show pretty good results also, which are 
- - at least - far mor sharp than from your Nikkor lens.

Fourth, if I'd look for a wide angle's performance at infinity, I'd take
my most favored 50 mm (because I know it's performance, and because it's 
not too far from the 35 mm), and take some shots of far houses, trees, 
etc - objects, which consist themselves of comparable small objects 
(stones, window frames, leaves, small branches). Next, I'd take some 
shots with the lens in question, and judge from the slide comparison 
(64 or 100 ASA) next day.  

Hope, it helps.
Alf

PS I've never found any coma in my 1.4/35 asph Summilux.
- -----------------------------------

At 10:04 16.12.1997 -0900, Tom Kline wrote:
>I have a particular need for good infinity correction with fast wide angle-
to shoot the night sky, specifically the Aurora Borealis (AB). 
- --- snip
> I have been thinking seriously about the 35 lux-ASPH for this purpose but
this discussion suggests that this might not be the best lens.