Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/03/18

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Subject: [Leica] 1.4/35 versus 1/50
From: imxputs <imxputs@knoware.nl>
Date: Thu, 18 Mar 99 09:41:28 +0100

It has been noted:
>I compared the results from the 35/1.4 Asph with the 50/1 Noct. What
>with all the raving about the 35/1.4 Asph, and how wonderful Leica's new
>lens designs are,I was a bit surprised to see that the Noct actually
>beats or meets the 35 at all apertures. It even meets the 35 with both
>at maximum aperture.

 The weighted score of Photodo is not relevant for practical photography. As 
they use their own (disputed by me at least) MTF values at the apertures f/4 
and f/8 all lenses with wider apertures are at a disatvantage. The 1,4/35 is 
at its height at 4 and already down at 8. The Noct is quite good at 4 and 8. 
Therefore these weighted averages for both lenses are on the same level. They 
also favor the center performance and neglect the off axis points. Again this 
works to the advantage of the Noct. At wider and more realistic apertures the 
Asph 1,4/35 is in a totally different league than the Noct.

>Does this seem to indicate that the Noct is already so good that Leica
>is unlikely to ever replace this design with perhaps some new Noct Asph?

The Noct is in its class and specs a very good lens. Speculations about future 
developments are futile.


Erwin