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MTF ZeissG45 vs Zuiko50
I was able finally to find and compare MTF curves for the Zeiss Contax G2.0/45 and OM Zuiko 1.8/50 lenses. The curves confirm my actual results. The resolution across the frame is consistent for the G45, and reduces for the Zuiko50, which is shown by the dashed lines. At centre, the 2 lenses are nearly identical for all f stops. The greatest difference for MTF is at 40 lp/mm, where the Zuiko is equal to the G45 at centre and then reduces towards the frame edges. Neither have charts for f8, but I would expect the MTFs to be highly comparable at this aperture. The Zuiko predates the G45, so the G45 would have the superior coatings presumably: but in real photos, I have not seen appreciable differences in colours. Where the 2 lenses are very close is in CA: these have the least amount of CA I have seen in 35mm lenses. Per the MTF, the G45 would be superior for landscapes, and the Zuiko for portraits; which is confirmed by my photos.
caveat. The Zuiko50 had many variants (from 1 to 5, and from silver-nosed to black-nosed). I cannot determine if the MTF charts apply to all variants, but likely they do. V1 Zuiko50 had 6 elements in 5 groups, was silver-nosed, and had single coating. V2-4 had 6 elements in 4 groups. V5 had the 6/4 config, black-nose, multi-coated, and changed from "F.Zuiko" to "Zuiko MC". All F.Zuiko (any with an alpha prefix) were single coated. To add to this confusion, not all Zuikos were made in Japan, and the coating formulations changed slightly between variants.
Among Zuiko fans, a debate rages over which Zuiko variant is best. Some say the V5 is best, as this is rated the sharpest and most colour saturated. Some say the V1 is best, for this lens gives the smoothest bokeh. My F.Zuiko50 appears to be a V1 and is stamped made in Japan: I prefer its bokeh over others I have seen posted, and notice no reduction in sharpness or saturation.
Thanks for reading.
MTF ZeissG45 vs Zuiko50
I was able finally to find and compare MTF curves for the Zeiss Contax G2.0/45 and OM Zuiko 1.8/50 lenses. The curves confirm my actual results. The resolution across the frame is consistent for the G45, and reduces for the Zuiko50, which is shown by the dashed lines. At centre, the 2 lenses are nearly identical for all f stops. The greatest difference for MTF is at 40 lp/mm, where the Zuiko is equal to the G45 at centre and then reduces towards the frame edges. Neither have charts for f8, but I would expect the MTFs to be highly comparable at this aperture. The Zuiko predates the G45, so the G45 would have the superior coatings presumably: but in real photos, I have not seen appreciable differences in colours. Where the 2 lenses are very close is in CA: these have the least amount of CA I have seen in 35mm lenses. Per the MTF, the G45 would be superior for landscapes, and the Zuiko for portraits; which is confirmed by my photos.
caveat. The Zuiko50 had many variants (from 1 to 5, and from silver-nosed to black-nosed). I cannot determine if the MTF charts apply to all variants, but likely they do. V1 Zuiko50 had 6 elements in 5 groups, was silver-nosed, and had single coating. V2-4 had 6 elements in 4 groups. V5 had the 6/4 config, black-nose, multi-coated, and changed from "F.Zuiko" to "Zuiko MC". All F.Zuiko (any with an alpha prefix) were single coated. To add to this confusion, not all Zuikos were made in Japan, and the coating formulations changed slightly between variants.
Among Zuiko fans, a debate rages over which Zuiko variant is best. Some say the V5 is best, as this is rated the sharpest and most colour saturated. Some say the V1 is best, for this lens gives the smoothest bokeh. My F.Zuiko50 appears to be a V1 and is stamped made in Japan: I prefer its bokeh over others I have seen posted, and notice no reduction in sharpness or saturation.
Thanks for reading.