The recently released Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH lens is reputed to create extraordinarily sharp images, capably resist the effects of flare and reliably produce both accurate skin tone gradations along with a subtle and pleasing bokeh. It equates to an 80mm medium telephoto in the 35mm universe. Furthermore, it is at present the fastest Medium Format optic, a “Noctilux” of sorts, that is ideal for both low light or narrow depth of field situations. In essence, these multiple qualities have helped proclaim it to be the ultimate portrait lens.
Does this seem too good to be true? Being skeptical, I decided to put the Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH to the test in the unforgiving Canadian and Greenlandic Arctic. The lens had to battle a variety of factors including rapidly shifting lighting conditions, very contrasty environments, along with ever-present rain, snow, wind, dust and cold. Fortunately, the local Inuit population was a pleasure photographing as they were very camera friendly!