Compare Lenses With the Leitz Cine Lens Test Tool

Lens News

by Heath McKnightToday

Leitz recently spent time testing their lenses and released the Cine Lens Test Tool on their website. Cinematographers and filmmakers will be able to compare up to four Leitz lenses at a time with footage shot during the tests. Let’s take a closer look.

Established in 2007, Leitz is a sister company to Leica that manufactures premium cine lenses for film and television. They carry eight different lines of prime and zoom cine lenses, including the LEITZ PRIME, LEITZ ZOOM, HUGO, and others. 

Leitz Cine Lens Test Tool – details

The company tested seven different sets of Leitz lenses using a Sony VENICE. It was directed by Jay Holden with cinematography by Kaity Williams. The lens sets tested include LEITZ PRIME, LEITZ ZOOM, ELSIE, HUGO, SUMMICRON-C, SUMMILUX-C, and THALIA.

Leitz categorizes their lenses into three distinct families:

• Performance: The lens’ primary design parameters include edge-to-edge consistency and overall quality.
• Character: Cine lenses with ‘extra personality.’ This includes a more centered and rounded frame. 
• Legacy: These lenses utilize Leica’s photographic optics and cine-style housings.

Each lens was filmed with the same testing methodology:

• Camera: Sony VENICE 2
• Recording Format: Open Gate 3:2 8.6K
• LUT: Sony REC 709
• White Balance: 3200
• No color grading or sharpening 
• Scene lit to T4, internal ND filters used, and occasional ISO adjustments
• Presentation: 1920 x 1080

The scene is essentially the same for each lens test: Two actors investigate a crime scene in a high-rise apartment at night, dusting a wine glass for fingerprints. It ends with a flashlight being shone into the lens. 

Comparing lenses with the Leitz Cine Lens Test Tool

Using the Cine Lens Test Tool on their site, you can select the lens (such as the LEITZ PRIME), focal length, and T-stop. The accompanying footage can be played and analyzed. Up to four lenses can be added and compared by clicking the plus icon. It’s an easy and educational tool to use.

For comparison, I chose the LEITZ PRIME, LEITZ ZOOM, ELSIE, and SUMMICRON-C. The focal length for all four lenses is 35mm at T2.8. The resulting footage differs between lenses, particularly the LEITZ PRIME and ZOOM. The SUMMICRON-C has more fall-off at the edges along with a vignette, plus there is a larger flare when the flashlight is shined into the lens. The PRIME and the ZOOM have a different look despite both being 35mm and T2.8. The ZOOM isn’t as close, and a deeper focus is in the background. 

The Cine Lens Test Tool is a good way to compare the different lenses and the three families – Performance, Character, and Legacy. It’s a good starting point to see what the resulting footage will look like with a specific lens.

For any possible future tests, filming outside in daylight would add more options when comparing the seven sets of lenses.

Visit the Leitz Cine Lens Tool on their website to get started comparing their different lenses. Additionally, learn more about their lenses here.

Are you using Leitz Cine Prime or zoom lenses for your shoots? What are your thoughts regarding the Leitz Cine Lens Test Tool? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!