Author Topic: Lens Test - Olympus OM, Schneider, Olympus MFT, Panasonic MFT (Read 4868 times)

peterb666 · « **on:** March 11, 2010, 01:39:56 AM »

Lens Test - Olympus OM, Schneider, Olympus MFT, Panasonic MTF

Here is my test of the following lenses:

Olympus OM 50mm f/1.4

Olympus OM 50mm f/3.5 macro

Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 40mm f/1.9 Robot mount (24x24mm format)

Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6

Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7

Panasonic Lumix G.Vario 45-200mm f/4-5.6

Tests were done at maximum aperture and f/5.6. The 40mm and 50mm lenses at a distance of 0.75m. The Panasonic 45-200 at its closest focus of 1m. The 20mm Panasonic was moved in to give a similar field of view as the 45-200 when set to 60mm at 1m.

This is the image from the 40mm lens...

Test at maximum aperture (wider than f/5.6)

1. Olympus OM 50mm f/1.4

2. Olympus OM 50mm f/3.5 macro

3. Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 40mm f/1.9

4. Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7

5. Panasonic Lumix G.Vario 45-200mm set to 51mm and f/4

... in a few minutes, the f/5.6 shots

peterb666 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 11, 2010, 01:50:33 AM »

Here are the f/5.6 shots...

Tests at f/5.6

6. Olympus OM 50mm f/1.4 @ f/5.6

7. Olympus OM 50mm f/3.5 macro @ f/5.6

8. Schneider-Kreuznach Xenon 40mm f/1.9 @ f/5.6

9. Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm set to 42mm and f/5.6 (maximum)

10. Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f/1.7 @ f/5.6

11. Panasonic Lumix G.Vario 45-200mm set to 51mm @ f/5.6

12. Panasonic Lumix G.Vario 45-200mm set to 60mm @ f/5.6 (maximum)

adash · « **Reply #2 on:** March 11, 2010, 02:33:53 AM »

You have done a wonderful job!
I suggest that this topic is made sticky and be always available as a reference for everybody visiting the forum.

peterb666 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2010, 05:11:59 AM »

Thanks Adash.

I just fixed a couple of typos.

Some of the observations are:

The old Schneider (circa 1953) is very sharp when stopped down and gives nothing away to the more modern lenses. Do note that this is an uncoated lens so that statement doesn't always hold true when shooting outside.

The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is a stunning little lens.

The Pansasonic 45-200 aquits itself very well. The 60mm shot is top class. Truely amazing for a relatively cheap zoom lens.

The 14-42 Olympus lens is not the best at 42mm and f/5.6. It probably needs to be closed down a stop.

The 50mm OM f/1.4 is still a bit soft at f/5.6 but should be adequate for a portrait lens.

The 50mm OM f/3.5 macro does reasonably well at f/3.5 but is not noticably improved at f/5.6. Mabybe an extra stop would help here too.

ratobuhler · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2010, 08:46:32 AM »

Excellent evaluation. One of the best technical posts I have seen on this forum.

Many thanks peterb666.

shtang8 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2010, 10:52:30 AM »

peterb666, Thanks for such a good analytical test. Panasonic 20mm seems to win hands down.

Finder · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2010, 11:10:20 AM »

It also seems like the camera is applying processing to the native m4/3 lenses.

frelwa · « **Reply #7 on:** February 21, 2012, 06:53:01 AM »

Quote from: peterb666 on March 11, 2010, 05:11:59 AM

The Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 is a stunning little lens.

It certainly is, and it's worth reviving this old topic to remind us all of that. (See images in OP). Thanks, Peter.

lisandra · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2012, 05:56:20 PM »

Quote from: Finder on March 11, 2010, 11:10:20 AM

It also seems like the camera is applying processing to the native m4/3 lenses.

its an olympus body sooo, I dont think so

lisandra · « **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2012, 05:56:50 PM »

now Im completely convinced to get the 20

voyager · « **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2012, 07:12:06 PM »

My this is an old thread!

lisandra · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2012, 06:17:10 AM »

I had not seen it, it has completely convinced me to get a 20. I'm on 3 eBay auctions. I'll pay anybody 250$ right now! Am i being unreasonable?
I'm just not gonna fork over 400$ for it

MochiFX · « **Reply #12 on:** April 01, 2012, 10:59:03 AM »

The 20mm fluctuates in price a lot, it's a lot higher these days now, esp on ebay

ratobuhler · « **Reply #13 on:** April 01, 2012, 11:28:50 AM »

Great job. Many thanks. Check me on this but I believe the Schneider Xenon is a Planar under license from Zeiss.

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2012, 11:53:09 AM »

From Wikipedia

Xenon

Designed in 1925 by Tronnier, it is an asymmetrical derivative of the classical double-Gauss design.

40 mm f/1.9
50 mm f/1.5 - made for Leica M39/Screw Mount ca.1942-1947
50 mm f/1.9
50 mm f/1.8
50 mm f/2.0 1954-1957
17 mm f/0.95
25 mm f/0.95

I think many companies used (and still do) "Zeiss" inspired optical formulas though.
Not sure if they Paid Zeiss to use their designs though. More Research is needed on my part.

Em5 Pete · « **Reply #15 on:** April 01, 2012, 12:03:57 PM »

I believe the 1st Leica 5cm f/1.5 was also a Xenon design, before the Sonnar 5cm f/1.5 Leitz lens.

My early Canon FL 50mm f/1.4 is also this design (the Sonnar was a similar design 6 elements in 4 groups)
The Planar was a later design with 7 elements to improve Contrast and edge sharpness at wider f/stops like f/2.

Which came 1st? Don't know

voyager · « **Reply #16 on:** April 01, 2012, 02:40:52 PM »

Quote from: MochiFX on April 01, 2012, 10:59:03 AM

The 20mm fluctuates in price a lot, it's a lot higher these days now, esp on ebay

Try used forums, it's around $250 now.

Lens Test - Olympus OM, Schneider, Olympus MFT, Panasonic MFT