Ken Durling wrote:
It seems like many manufacturers, Canon, Tamron, Sigma, even Vivitar,
make prime 100mm-range macro lenses that everybody raves about as
being ultra-sharp. Is there something inherent in the design
parameters of one of these lenses that allows this ultimate sharpness?
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Hi Ken,
Most of the lenses you are referring to are Macro lenses. The majority
(Leica included) are modified Macro-Planar designs which offer excellent
resolution edge to edge. Macro lenses are design to photo a flat subject
were as regular lenses are for 3D subjects. Not that couldn't use a macro
for 3D subhects (flowers, etc.) but their intended design was for flat copy
work. In the end it comes down to what resolution do you consider sharp, and
at what price. The Leica Apo Elmarit Macro R is about the best there is but
its pricey. You can get a Schneider Makro-Symmar with resolution that will
astound in medium format or a Zeiss Makro-Planar but again at a Kings
ransom. For the money, and for individual's needs the lower end
Vivitar/Cosina work well. Is it as sharp as the Tamron, or Leica R? No. But
sharp enough and at a fraction of the price.
Kind of like comparing the 70-200mm F2.8 L to a 70-200mm F4 non-L.
Sometimes good enough is sharp enough.
Peter K
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