Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 50mm f/2.8 II

Leica L-Mount

Review

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 50mm f/2.8 II is a unique lens that has garnered attention for its distinctive rendering and fascinating character. Designed for the Leica L mount, this lens is a modern interpretation of the classic Trioplan formula, known for its distinctive bokeh and a slightly dreamy quality to images.

Build Quality and Design

One of the first things you'll notice about the Trioplan 50mm f/2.8 II is its impeccable build quality. The all-metal construction provides a sense of durability and professionalism, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of regular use. The lens has a beautiful retro aesthetic, reminiscent of classic lenses, which many photography enthusiasts appreciate. The focus ring operates smoothly, allowing for precise adjustments, and the aperture ring is clickless, making it an excellent option for videography as well.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Trioplan 50mm f/2.8 II shines in certain situations. The unique optical design allows for a remarkably soft and round bokeh, which is ideal for isolating subjects against a blurred background. This lens performs well at wider apertures, providing a pleasing depth of field. However, it’s worth noting that the lens can exhibit some noticeable vignetting and softness at the corners when shot wide open. Stopping down often alleviates these issues, leading to sharper images overall.

Handling and Usability

On the practical side, the lens feels relatively lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for day-to-day shooting. The Leica L mount ensures compatibility with various Leica cameras, which provides photographers with excellent versatility. Despite being a manual focus lens, many users find that the focus throw is just long enough to make fine adjustments without feeling cumbersome, although those used to autofocus might find this aspect challenging at first.

Performance in Different Conditions

The lens handles different lighting conditions reasonably well, although some flaring can occur if shooting directly towards bright light sources. This can be used creatively to create a more atmospheric shot, but it may not be suitable for every situation, particularly in portrait and landscape photography where clarity is essential. Additionally, the lens does not feature weather sealing, so care should be taken in humid or wet conditions.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Excellent build quality with a retro aesthetic
• Unique and pleasing bokeh characteristics
• Precise manual focus and smooth operation
• Compact and lightweight design
• Good performance at moderate apertures

Cons

• Notable vignetting and corner softness at wide apertures
• Lack of autofocus can be challenging for some users
• No weather sealing limits use in adverse conditions

Verdict

The Meyer-Optik Gorlitz Trioplan 50mm f/2.8 II is a gorgeous addition to the Leica L mount lineup, especially for photographers seeking a lens that offers both character and vintage appeal. If you appreciate a soft, artistic rendering in your images and are comfortable with manual focus, this lens could be a fantastic choice. However, those who require sharpness across the frame at all apertures might find it less suited to their needs. Overall, it's a lens that celebrates a unique style and will certainly appeal to those looking to produce standout, creative photographs.