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Leica S2

Conclusions

The S2 delivers outstanding detail with its world-class S lenses. The S lenses are clearly superior to Leica M lenses (Leica M9), which have strict design limitations (namely size). Contrary to Leica marketing claims, the S lenses are not all “devoid of imaging errors” (though the 120mm qualifies), but if I could have the same quality on Nikon or Canon, I’d be ordering them right now.

I am doubtful that there exist better lenses out there in the medium format world, though there are likely some that approach similar performance. That’s my best prediction, based on working with hundreds of lenses of multiple brands, including Zeiss, Canon, Nikon, Leica M/R/S, Schneider, Rodenstock, Coastal Optics, Fuji, on various formats. An aperture series shows clearly that diffraction already begins diminishing quality at f/8, with an obvious loss of micro contrast at f/11— this is a clear sign of an outstanding lens. For more on diffraction, see Making Sharp Images.

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Diglloyd Medium Format covers medium format camera systems, including the Hasselblad X1D and Fujifilm GFX.

These systems are hugely expensive, so make the right choice for your own needs (full frame vs medium format).

In-depth lens evaluations covering behaviors not likely to be found anywhere else, based on real-world field shooting.
How to configure menus and buttons and best operating practices, gotchas and how-to.
Real world examples with insights found nowhere else. Make sharper images just by understanding lens and camera behaviors.
Jaw-dropping image quality found nowhere else utilizing Retina-grade images up to 100 megapixels filling up to 5K display, plus large crops.
Aperture series from wide open through stopped down, showing the full range of lens performance and bokeh.
Optical quality analysis of field curvature, focus shift, sharpness, flare, distortion, and performance in the field.