TL Lenses v M Lenses

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We all got excited when new TL lenses were announced. 35mm Summilux-TL delivers a 50mm FOV (52.5mm if you want to split hairs over the exact 1.5 crop factor effect). I have a 50mm Summilux-M lens, but if the implementation of the Leica Q

s manual-by-wire is on TL lenses as well, then it might be time to double down on the TL system. I like the 50mm Lux-M on the T with it's effective 75mm FOV, and the 50mm 'Lux-SL could be an interesting one-for-one replacement for me Lux-M if the cost is comparable. 

 

SL not an option - budget mainly, but it's just too big a camera for a non-professional like me.

 

The whole issue of the M-mount's longevity vs. the T mount got a lot of traction, but with the SL now renaming it the L mount, I think the argument of T / TL lenses becoming obsolete is now a moot point. 

 

For the T owners who do not have an M but use M lenses, what's the vibe on this forum for pairing the T with TL lenses now that there is a lot of options available?

 

PS - anyone got a pic of the SL 24-90mm zoom lens on a T? Just to see it and not have to imagine it... 

[Guest]

I use T and M lenses on my T, and I am itching for a 50mm FOV prime lens for my T. For now, I am renting a 35mm Cron or Lux -M when I need s fast lens with a 50mm FOV. Results are fantastic and focusing is easy with the EVF.

 

I, for one, am holding out to await the upcoming 35mm Lux-TL instead of picking up a 35mm Cron or Lux-M.

 

Reasons are:

- Price ($2,000 USD) is a lot less than M lenses

- AF is now fast enough with 1.43 firmware and AF is more convenient than MF (usually),

- Imoroved auto white balance with T lenses

- Autoexposure mode(s) flexibility (& bracketing) with TL lenses, and

- Technology advances as time marches on. In a recent interview; some Leica honcho indicated they are designing their TL lenses to a higher standard (60lpi) to have even greater resolution than the current M standard of 40lpi.

 

I therefore am fine to commit to the TL lens line and to sticking with an APS-C sized sensor.

 

I expect the TL lens build quality will be good - although not up to the M lens high standard, but I do not foresee a problem here.

 

While I love the compact size of the M lenses, I look forward to the convenience (and accuracy) of the TL lens autofocus and these other benefits.

 

I also look forward to a T2 body one day, with even faster and more reliable AF. The TL lenses focus even faster on the SL - indicating their improved capability on a next-gen body.

 

Before the SL was introduced, I was instead leaning towards acquiring more M lenses. (I have and love the 50mm Cron-M). I do now feel Leica is committed to the TL line which has swayed my direction.

 

I hope this is helpful.

 

Cheers

DGP

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[jdlaing]

I use T and M lenses on the T. I never thought the T was going to be obsolete. I'm patiently waiting for the new lenses to be released. They all work well albeit differently.

[Hunebed]

I may be lagging behind, but  although i love the rendering of the m-lenses, the dof often catches me out. First of all, the most impressive shots i get are with m- lenses. It seems the crop-factor is hard to work with as the evf is too positive of the result. Often not enough in the field of view is sharp. I am afraid the the same accounts to Sl lenses. 

[gbealnz]

I'll sit with Hune here, I had the T for quite a while with just a small selection of M lenses, and nothing flash or expensive. My best images are with them, and nothing I've taken so far with the T18-56 leads me to believe it is better. Yes it's more convenient, A/F, and the likes, but deep down I feel I could live with just the M-T adapter, and my M lenses, alongside the M6 (in the same bag).

 

If Leica took a leaf out of Fuji's book, and produced an A/F 35mm f1.4, like the XF35, I'd be in heaven. Somehow I fear they won't though, they seem hell-bent on building a monster, like the forthcoming 35/1.4. And to me that negates any use the T is. It's a perennial chestnut for me, I loathe the way Sony and Zeiss are headed, their lenses are bigger than Texas, and I can see TL lenses doing the same thing.

Gary

[Belle123]

So far am sticking with my M lenses on the T.  Besides the great results, they are more compact.  I don't need autofocus, and more in tune with manual.  But I also realize for those new, to pick up M lenses for the T is crazy expensive.....at least for new lenses.  The secondary market is a good place to pick up some and the likely will hold value.

 

I am hesitant to buy the T lenses yet.  They are darn expensive for cropped lenses.  Only reason I see is to get the auto stuff.  But you are stuck with a lens really only useful on the T.  Makes no sense to me to put a cropped lens on the SL.  If the T2 becomes a higher resolution camera, then I might be a buyer.

[Guest]

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I'll sit with Hune here, I had the T for quite a while with just a small selection of M lenses, and nothing flash or expensive. My best images are with them, and nothing I've taken so far with the T18-56 leads me to believe it is better. Yes it's more convenient, A/F, and the likes, but deep down I feel I could live with just the M-T adapter, and my M lenses, alongside the M6 (in the same bag).

 

If Leica took a leaf out of Fuji's book, and produced an A/F 35mm f1.4, like the XF35, I'd be in heaven. Somehow I fear they won't though, they seem hell-bent on building a monster, like the forthcoming 35/1.4. And to me that negates any use the T is. It's a perennial chestnut for me, I loathe the way Sony and Zeiss are headed, their lenses are bigger than Texas, and I can see TL lenses doing the same thing.

Gary

 

I hope it doesn't turn out that way, I thought with the 23mm it hadn't, and I sincerely hope the 35/1.4 won't be appreciably heavier and bulkier otherwise I would agree with you.

[JPP1]

I hope it doesn't turn out that way, I thought with the 23mm it hadn't, and I sincerely hope the 35/1.4 won't be appreciably heavier and bulkier otherwise I would agree with you.

Dimensions:    2.76 x 3.03" (70 x 77 mm) without hood

Weight:      15.10 oz (428 g)

 

Slightly bulkier and heavier than the 11-23 and a hood similar to the one of the 55-135.

 

That made me pass. I was lucky enough to get a nice used Lux 35 FLE last week. So far, so good.

 

 

Jean-Pierre

[SirPiet]

I have now preordered the 35 1.4 with my dealer here in Germany. Somehow the "reference" claim teased me enough to try it myself.

[JPP1]

I have now preordered the 35 1.4 with my dealer here in Germany. Somehow the "reference" claim teased me enough to try it myself.

The only way to stop the itching. 

 

Here is a view of it mounted on T and SL http://www.reddotforum.com/content/2015/10/new-tl-lenses-coming-soon/