- Location
- Switzerland
- Name
- Matt
I'm not going to reiterate everything that's already been said and written online, but suffice to say that I already somewhat liked the first version enough to want to try the "improved" second version. I've had them both for a couple of months now and feel I can sum things up to maybe allow others to make more informed decisions. For the record, both my lenses are multi-coated.
So, here are a couple of things I found out:
To sum up: The second version is optically better and serves the purpose of walk-around lens much better, which is good news in many ways. As an artistic tool and "brush", so to speak, the frist version still holds its own. I'd find it hard to pick the one to keep - but recommend the second version to any new buyer.
M.
So, here are a couple of things I found out:
- It is true that the second version is considerably better behaved: greatly reduced focus shift, visibly less chaotic fringing - the first version adds yellow and blue to the mix of green and purple, especially when it comes to LoCA; this wild behaviour is mostly absent from the images of the second version.
- Background bokeh character is pretty similar in overall appearance, though. If anything, the slightly higher contrast and sharpness of the new version can make it appear even busier. But colour shifts are less obvious in the new version - something that can reduce the probability of nasty surprises in post.
- Yes, the new lens is slightly sharper (especially off-axis) and contrastier, even wide open. That can be useful; however, see below ...
- The first lens already delivers pretty punchy colours with solid macro contrast. Micro contrast on both lenses is below average; the new lens doesn't offer any real advantages here.
- The "character" on the first version is stronger overall, but one side effect of this is that the individual weaknesses stand out less, not more - it's all pretty quirky and messy, but it's somewhat charming (especially in monochrome), whereas the new version just tends to produce mush off-axis wide open, especially in foreground bokeh zones in the corners - which, even though it's actually *less* messy, just appears weak. So, in some ways, I tend still prefer the first version when it comes to visually assessing the results.
To sum up: The second version is optically better and serves the purpose of walk-around lens much better, which is good news in many ways. As an artistic tool and "brush", so to speak, the frist version still holds its own. I'd find it hard to pick the one to keep - but recommend the second version to any new buyer.
M.