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RE: [OM] 50/1.2 vs the Noctilux

Subject: RE: [OM] 50/1.2 vs the Noctilux
From: "Will von Dauster" <vondauster@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 1999 09:23:51 -0800
Hi Folks,

Skip Williams asked about the 50mm f1.2 Zuiko, and specifically how it
compares to the Leica Noctilux.

I agree with the earlier replies calling the Zuiko f1.2 an excellent lens.
It is my default lens for the OM-3, produces images that are quite sharp but
with a rather smooth, nice "look" to them - not the more "brittle" sharpness
that one might get with, say, a Tessar design like the current Leica 50mm
f2.8. Its Bokeh is wonderful.

As for the comparison to the Noctilux; I have tested the Noctilux for a
local Leica dealership here in Denver, and in my experience it has simply no
competition at f1 or 1.4 (including Canon's 50mm f1, a HUGE lens, btw). The
Noctilux is a unique lens optimized for shooting wide open in very low light
conditions. There is some light falloff at the corners wide open, and the
depth of field is about paper thin, but it is otherwise very sharp at f1.
The 50mm f1.2 Zuiko is not in the same league wide open, but in my
experience, neither is any other high-speed 50mm.

Of course, the Noctilux also costs about 8-10 times as much.

I'm not sure the Noctilux is as good an all-around performer as the Zuiko:
the Zuiko is simply wonderful at f4-f8. The Noctilux's relative performance
drops off a bit stopped down.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Will von Dauster

"Patriotism is the virtue of the vicious" - Oscar Wilde


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