50 summicron vs summilux

[FeralCoton]

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I have a 50 cron, which I like very much. Sometimes I wonder if I would benefit from the slightly faster 50 lux. aside from the weight (and price) difference is there any difference in sharpness? I've read the bokeh varies between the lenses when at the same aperture. Thoughts?

[r7photo]

Hello not a expert but owned both lenses, currently own lux on 240, in my opinion the crom on 240 to me has different signature and does better, I loved miss v5 crom, but lux is awesome as well both great but difference to me is lens signatures/ rendering

[lct]

I have both lenses as well. The 50/1.4 asph is sharper in borders and corners at f/2 and f/2.8 and its bokeh is more contrasty with more star shaped highlights around f/2.8. Otherwise both lenses are very close but the 50/2 non-apo is more flare prone and has more chromatic aberrations. All in all the 50/1.4 asph is a better lens objectively. Subjectively the 50/1.4 asph may give the feeling of a more "clinical" rendition but it is a matter of tastes by definition. 

[TomB_tx]

I've used the different Summicron models for over 50 years, and I prefer them for size, handing, and overall look to the images. They can tend to have central veiling flare in some lighting. I don't think any sharpness difference is noticible in normal situations. I don't like the added mechanical complexity of the floating group lenses like the Summilux ASPH.

[james.liam]

I have owned both, presently with the Summilux.

The size differential is to me, the least meaningful difference. Each has its own look, the extra stop does come in quite handy and I really do see the sharpness differences between the two at f2-2.8; the Summilux (from the sample I've owned) being a notably sharper lens across the frame (YMMV, as always). and with greater contrast at the widest apertures where the Summicron has a touch of the Mandler glow to it still. Some appreciable focus shift on the Summicron from f4-5.6 that I have not seen with the Summilux.

 

At f/5.6, I cannot really tell much of a difference and this is where the Summicron shines.

[charby57]

I have purchased a Summilux ASPH while i kept my old Summicron type IV Canadian with tab. 

 

The Summilux is a very splendid lens, without doubt. But I did not bound with it; the result are very good, technically better than the F2 but the handling is not as fluid, it is heavier and the lens hood is not holding in place that well. Actually, I bought an Elmar-M 50 to complement the set, and i started to use that one  lot, especially on travel. The Summilux started to be used exclusively indoors. 

 

When I tested the lens, camera mounted on tripod, my subjective rating of the three lenses was: 

 

1- Summilux

2- Summicron

3- Elmar-M

 

In practice:

 

1- Summicron

2- Elmar-M

3- Summilux

 

After few years, I ended up selling both the Summilux ASPH and the Elmar-M, to keep old faithful Summicron. My 2 cents.

 

Pierre

[Photoskeptic]

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I've had two Crons and the Lux - presently using Lux. Frankly I like the faster lens - not much difference in sharpness, but the OOF of the Lux is better. Saying that, If I had my druthers I save my $4K and stick with the last Cron I had (it wasn't the current version and I couldn't begin to tell you which one it was).

 

Incidentally, don't write off the Summarit. It's tiny, good OOF and sharp - ok, and a little slow

[TRIago]

I have a Rigid Cron. Also tried pre-asph lux and asph lux.

There's no way I'd sell my Rigid for any lux. It's so good in the center - where I care the most for a 50. I never tried the current crons, tho.

[bcdano]

I recently sold my Summilux ASPH and purchased the 50 Summicron APO. While the Summilux is a stellar performer without any doubt, I find the 50APO renders with a density that reminds me of medium format or cinema when the light is right. The 50APO has unbelievable clarity and depth from sharp to unsharp which creates a nice round bokeh effect in my opinion.   

[FeralCoton]

The APO would be stellar, but I'd be thrown out of the house. I suppose I haven't missed any shots because of the slower cron. But this is helpful to consider.

[james.liam]

The APO would be stellar, but I'd be thrown out of the house. 

 

Think of all the great street photography as a vagabond.