Arctic Portrait Photography with the Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH
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!
We travelled with Quark Expeditions - embarking from the hamlet of Resolute, the second most northern settlement in the Canadian Arctic territories at 74 degrees of latitude (North) and astride the midway point of the fabled Northwest Passage. Our vessel, the Sea Explorer I, is a special small cruise ship with a hull reinforced for ice. She carried us down the East coast of Baffin Island and over the Davis Strait to Western Greenland. The nearly 2200 mile voyage took ten grueling but exciting days. Each day comprised extensive sightseeing from on board, zodiac surface water cruises and dry landings in diverse areas including volcanic rocks, granite mountains, glaciers and the ever present arctic tundra. We visited several isolated native Inuit villages in both Canada and Greenland. I used the Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH exclusively for portrait work as I was eager to either prove or dispel the lens’ nascent mythology.
I found that the lens does indeed produce consistently sharp, crisp and clear photographs with very accurate skin tones and a beautiful bokeh. The resolution at high magnification is simply extraordinary and both optical distortion and chromatic aberration are nil! The lens is relatively small for the S system, beautifully and ergonomically designed and handles flawlessly in this challenging and unforgiving environment. Being almost half the length and weight of the Summarit-S 120mm f/2.5 APO-MACRO lens, the Summicron-S 100mm f/2 ASPH is far less intimidating for intimate portrait photography.
I am a stalwart convert and my next project will entail low light photography in hopefully warmer and more hospitable climes.
