Contrast sensitivities to one- and two-dimensional luminance patterns were compared in a two-alternative forced choice (2AFC) experiment. Space-averaged luminance was also manipulated. Statistical analyses revealed a main effect of stimulus dimension (p < .05) and no effect of space-averaged luminance. The main effect of stimulus dimension was explained in terms of an on-center, off-center receptive field model combined with watershed spatial vision behavior at spatial frequencies below 1 cycle-per-degree (cpd). The non-significant result for space-averaged luminance was explained by the limited range of manipulation of the variable. Two-dimensional luminance patterns were suggested as ideal patterns for reconciling grating-based spatial vision research with spatial vision behavior in an ecological context. Future research directions are suggested.