[LRflex] Re: Leica 180 APO versus Nikkor 200

Folks -

I haven't owned either of these lenses but I just did another  
comparison in which I was quite surprised by the results so far...

Last week I picked up a 105mm f2.5 Nikkor (F mount, 2nd version w/ 
multicoating and large rear element.)  Yesterday I compared it to my  
1st version 90 2.8 Elmarit R (both wide open at about 2 meters) over  
a large part of the center of the imaging circle (as seen by the  
sensor on my Canon 20D.)  Both lenses are considered to be some of  
the best examples of old-school (non-APO non-aspheric) design applied  
to the "longish focal length/modest aperture" category for small  
format cameras.  (Actually the Leica seems to be a long-focus design  
and the Nikon a true tele, for what it's worth.)  And, in fact, both  
lenses show a similar profile as displayed in various published MTF  
graphs (measured at infinity focus, although both lenses are also  
reputed to offer very good imaging at closer focussing distances.)

Thing is, in my quick & dirty testing, I'm quite surprised at the  
graphically visible superiority of the Elmarit, which just plain  
looks beautiful at 100% pixel viewing.  I suppose the Nikkor could be  
a bad sample and everything, but still it's kindof shocking, the  
difference.  If I get around to doing a more rigorously controlled  
test I might post a coupla shots, but truth be told I really kinda  
have no patience with home "lens testing" and would much rather be  
out shooting pictures.

Bob Palmieri



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