Comparison Test: Leica D Vario Elmarit 14-50mm f/2.8-3.5 vs ZD 50mm f/2.0

[tomcat]

This is a comparison test between the Leica kit lens of the Panasonic L1 and the critically revered Zukio Digital 50mm f/2 Macro lens when used with the Panasonic L1. The camera was set on a tripod and the exposures were triggered by timer. The 2 lenses was compared at the focal length of 50mm and aperture settings starting from f/3.5 as this is the largest aperture the Leica can use at the focal length of 50mm.

The photos were shot in RAW and converted using the SilkyPix software that was bundled with the L1. All parameters were set at average during RAW conversion except for Exposure which was set to Auto for all shots. There is a slight difference in magnification as it seems that 50mm on the ZD 50mm is not the same as 50mm on the Leica 14-50mm.

This is the target that was used for both lenses...



And these are the results...



Not too shabby a performance from a kit zoom lens from these comparison shots, I think.

[NMSS_2]

how about some shots using oly bodies? or even differences between images from two different brands? bokeh? hope not too much to ask!

[tomcat]

By keeping the body the same, it is possible to compare the optical quality of 2 different lenses. If different bodies were used as well, it would introduce too many permutations of variables to make easy comparisons of the optical quality of the lenses.

Since both the E-330 and the L1 use the same sensor, I would imagine the image quality would be similar especially if shot in RAW. I don't have any other Oly DSLRs to use for comparison in any case apart from the E-330.

There are differences in the way different cameras respond with the same lens by the way. For example, the Leica lens seems to focus faster on the L1 in low light conditions than on the E-330.

[NMSS_2]

ok. looks like we should stick with leica lenses for pana DSLR!

[holidaydom]

Great comparasion Tom~!

Any indication on how much the Leica will cost and when it will hit our shores?

Also, how about a test between the Oly 14-54 f/2.8-3.5 and the Leica 14-50 f/2.8-3.5? - That ought to be interesting ya?

[tomcat]

Sorry, no idea when the Leica lens would be available here. Panasonic Singapore seems to be quite slow in bringing the L1 here and even when they did, they only brought in a small number.... only allocated 3 sets to each of the biggest photographic retail stores here like Cathay Photo and Alan Photo.

It would be interesting to compare the ZD 14-54mm with the Leica 14-50mm. Unfortunately I don't have one myself.

[cjtune]

The Leica lens seems to be more contrasty than the ZD 50mm macro at f/3.5.

Say, tomcat, I wonder if you have time to try out something more advanced like Imatest?
http://www.imatest.com/

[eow]

the leica kit lens seem to be sharper than the macro until at f16

[wong_se]

Originally Posted by tomcat It would be interesting to compare the ZD 14-54mm with the Leica 14-50mm. Unfortunately I don't have one myself.

Does Leica 14-50mm OIS work on the E body..?

[Blu-By-U]

In the L1, how does one set the aparture when using an Oly lens?

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by wong_se Does Leica 14-50mm OIS work on the E body..?

Yes, but only Mode 1 where the OIS would be continuously on. Mode 2 where the OIS only activates just after the shutter release in pressed would only work on the L1.

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by Blu-By-U In the L1, how does one set the aparture when using an Oly lens?

When a lens without an aperture ring, like an Oly lens, is used on the L1, the aperture could be set by pressing the [FUNC 1] button and turning the Command Dial.

[ch5800]

What the different that this make on the E body? Use up more power? Not as good in stablizing the len compared to Mode 2?

Originally Posted by tomcat Yes, but only Mode 1 where the OIS would be continuously on. Mode 2 where the OIS only activates just after the shutter release in pressed would only work on the L1.

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by ch5800 What the different that this make on the E body? Use up more power? Not as good in stablizing the len compared to Mode 2?

According to the manual, the stabilisation effect in Mode 2 is greater.

[Blu-By-U]

But drains the battery...yes/ no?

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by Blu-By-U But drains the battery...yes/ no?

It didn't say so but I think that should be the logical conclusion. Then again, any OIS whether in the body or on the lens would need energy to function anyway.

[Blu-By-U]

Wouldn't it be worst when it's on the moment the camera is on till it's off?

[tomcat]

Originally Posted by Blu-By-U Wouldn't it be worst when it's on the moment the camera is on till it's off?

Like all OIS that's in the lens eg. Canon IS lenses, the OIS can be switched off. The switch is on the lens itself. In fact, you are suppose to switch it off if the camera is monuted on a tripod where there should be no camera shake at all.

[Blu-By-U]

OIC...soli..blu did not notice there was a switch on the lens.

[drakon09]

Originally Posted by tomcat It didn't say so but I think that should be the logical conclusion. Then again, any OIS whether in the body or on the lens would need energy to function anyway.

One of my bros uses a 70-200mm L IS, and according to him, IS is an energy guzzler!