35mm Summicron asph versus Summilux asph?

[Ecaton]

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Does anyone have a direct comarison of the aspherical versions of the 35mm Summicron and Summilux respectively? I understand the Cron is smaller, lighter and costs less, but obviously is also the slower lens. I remember the Summilux' backfocusing discussions in this forum and thought there were also threads about some tendency to flare. But how do pictures compare they draw on the M8 sensor, especially from f1.4 to 4.0.

Generally, the comments I found so far in the internet are very positive for both lenses. However, most of these user comments seem to be rather personal opinions of enthusiastic owners. Direct comparisons of Leica'a present 35mm lenses do not seem to exist.

 

Appreciate your comments

[rosuna]

I have the Summilux 35mm ASPH and I tested the Summicron ASPH.

 

The Summilux performs at f/1.4 just like the Summicron at f/2. The MTF graphs show this. It is not equal, but very similar. Therefore, the Summilux provides a full extra stop. At the same apertures the two lenses are similar in performance, but the Summilux has a slighly different fingerprint. The Summilux has a "classic Leica look" (sharper in the center, nice bokeh), and the Summicron a look a bit more "modern Leica" like.

 

I like these lenses. I bought the Summilux for the extra stop, but it is a bigger lens and more expensive.

 

I think the Summicron 28mm ASPH the best wide-angle M lens at this moment. This 28mm Cron has a wider FoV, but the resolution and contrast is even higher than the 35mm Cron, and the rendition seems to have a better tonal gradation. Just my impression.

[Peter Branch]

I tried both lenses before I bought one for my M6ttl and had detailed discussions with Leica staff about which to choose. I ended up buying the Summicron. As has already been reported the Summilux at f/1.4 does perform, in terms of its MTF, virtually the same as the Summicron at f/2. However in reality the image of the ‘lux is slightly “softer” due mainly to a higher level of veiling glare. The ‘cron is almost distortion free whereas there is some distortion with the ‘lux which is noticeable in critical situations. The ‘cron has a somewhat lower propensity to flare.

 

Today I would probably buy the ‘lux simply because I like to have a very fast lens with the angle of view a 35mm lens gives with an M8.

 

Neither lens, very good though they are, is quite in the same league as the more recent 28mm f/2 Summicron-M ASPH.

[sean_reid]

Does anyone have a direct comarison of the aspherical versions of the 35mm Summicron and Summilux respectively? I understand the Cron is smaller, lighter and costs less, but obviously is also the slower lens. I remember the Summilux' backfocusing discussions in this forum and thought there were also threads about some tendency to flare. But how do pictures compare they draw on the M8 sensor, especially from f1.4 to 4.0.

Generally, the comments I found so far in the internet are very positive for both lenses. However, most of these user comments seem to be rather personal opinions of enthusiastic owners. Direct comparisons of Leica'a present 35mm lenses do not seem to exist.

 

Appreciate your comments

 

I'm working on one. Right now, I think that ultra-wides comparison will be done first and then the article about the 35s (three CVs, both Leicas and the Zeiss). They're both in draft right now but there's still a lot of work to do.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

[Ecaton]

I'm working on one. Right now, I think that ultra-wides comparison will be done first and then the article about the 35s (three CVs, both Leicas and the Zeiss). They're both in draft right now but there's still a lot of work to do.

 

Cheers,

 

Sean

 

Sean,

 

Thank you for the information. Considering the result of your recent 75mm comparison I might wait with a purchase decision until your review is available. Especially under consideration that I already own the (very good) 35mm color skopar classic.

 

Cheers

[dfarkas]

I use both the Cron and the Lux, and like them both (of course).

 

I use the Cron for normal, everyday shooting and the Lux for night shooting when I need the extra stop. I find the Cron to be a bit more uniform in shaprness (corner to corner) and I like the overall crisp, clean look. It is also easier to focus and next to the the new 28 Elmarit-ASPH, it is the smallest (non-collapsible) M lens. Truth is, this lens stays on my M8 about 2/3rds of the time.

 

Of course, there are some situations where the Lux is the only lens that will do, but these days I find myself a Cron fan.

 

Best of luck in your decision. The good news with Leica M lenses is that they don't really make any bad ones, just better and best. A lot comes down to personal preference.

 

David

[egibaud]

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i had back focus problem with Lux and I haven't got the problem with Cron

 

Eric