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Which to buy -- 35mm Summilux 1.4/ASPH or new Summicron 2.0/ASPH

doublev

By doublev
in Leica M Lenses

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doublev

doublev

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Hello!  I am looking to purchase a 35mm lens.  I tested a year ago the Summilux 1.4/ASPH with my M240 and i was very happy with the lens.  Right now I can purchase it with 12% off or about $4500.  Do you think this is still a better lens than the new and up and coming Summicron 2.0/ASPH which has been announced and should be available for sale soon?  The new 2.0 ASPH is coming out with a price of $2800.  

 

So the question is -- at 2.0 or 2.8 which do you think is the better lens?  If it is the summilux then I will order it right away before the discount expires.  I feel you never go wrong buying glass -- it doesnt depreciate much, so I am not worried about $4500.  But if the new technology in the summicron is superior, then I have to think hard if I really need F/1.4 .. i would be prone to wait for the new 2.0.

 

Right now I shoot only with a 50mm noctilux and I love the bokeh.  The bokeh is dreamy and the reason I never take the lens off.  But I want to get a 35mm because the 50mm starting to feel a little tight and the noctilux is heavy.  But I need a really good lens with great bokeh otherwise I will just stick with the noctilux and the 35mm will collect dust.  I have a 75mm 2.0 that i just used twice (very sad) because I found I never needed that zoom.  But again, these lens dont lose value (and i bought the 75mm in europe at great exchange rate) so i dont mind it sitting on the shelf.  but any advice is appreciated because I want to avoid making a mistake.  I know I will be happy with 35mm, but will I be happy with the bokeh and which lens will give me that dreamy noctilux bokeh?

 

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doublev

doublev

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If you have the noctilux and can afford it I wouldn't hesitate to get the summilux

 

It's sharper, more contrasts and IMHO has better handling despite being larger

 

I figure technology cant change too much for lens so that the lux is still superior.  I cant find any reviews on the new cron.  I guess it isnt very popular for some reason (everybody already has a cron or lux already i guess).  I am leaning towards the 35mm lux.  I just hope I will use it.. i know i responded in jest to the other poster about my phone but seriously sometimes ill just use my iphone instead of leica because the leica is too damn heavy with that noctilux

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CheshireCat

CheshireCat

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I know I will be happy with 35mm, but will I be happy with the bokeh and which lens will give me that dreamy noctilux bokeh?

 

 

In that case, try the Voigtlander Nokton 35/1.2 v2 wide open.

Best bokeh of any 35mm lens I have ever used (I have used all cited lenses, and more), and very Noctiluxish character wide open.

 

If you care about the size of the lens, then go for the Summilux 35/1.4.

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james.liam

james.liam

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Hello!  I am looking to purchase a 35mm lens.  I tested a year ago the Summilux 1.4/ASPH with my M240 and i was very happy with the lens.  Right now I can purchase it with 12% off or about $4500.  Do you think this is still a better lens than the new and up and coming Summicron 2.0/ASPH which has been announced and should be available for sale soon?  The new 2.0 ASPH is coming out with a price of $2800.  

 

So the question is -- at 2.0 or 2.8 which do you think is the better lens?  If it is the summilux then I will order it right away before the discount expires.  I feel you never go wrong buying glass -- it doesnt depreciate much, so I am not worried about $4500.  But if the new technology in the summicron is superior, then I have to think hard if I really need F/1.4 .. i would be prone to wait for the new 2.0.

 

Right now I shoot only with a 50mm noctilux and I love the bokeh.  The bokeh is dreamy and the reason I never take the lens off.  But I want to get a 35mm because the 50mm starting to feel a little tight and the noctilux is heavy.  But I need a really good lens with great bokeh otherwise I will just stick with the noctilux and the 35mm will collect dust.  I have a 75mm 2.0 that i just used twice (very sad) because I found I never needed that zoom.  But again, these lens dont lose value (and i bought the 75mm in europe at great exchange rate) so i dont mind it sitting on the shelf.  but any advice is appreciated because I want to avoid making a mistake.  I know I will be happy with 35mm, but will I be happy with the bokeh and which lens will give me that dreamy noctilux bokeh?

 

--The only thing "new" about the New 2.0 ASPH is the number of aperture blades (11), and probable smoother bokeh. From the design (unchanged), doesn't seem to address its other failings in digital, but I haven't seen real-life reviews yet.

 

--As mentioned above, neither the Summilux or Summicron ASPH are known for bokeh; perhaps the V.1 Summicron is best at that but not so great for color.

 

At present, if cost is no object and speed/rendering are what you're drawn to, the Zeiss 1,4/35 is well worth a look. High-contrast, saturated Zeiss colors, pleasing bokeh, a cut-above in terms of resolution and zero focus shift. Zero.You'd have to decide if the greater size, weight and particular ergonomics are to your liking,

 

As for rushing to capture the Leica discount, Popflash in Los Angeles usually has QM2 versions for quite a discount; they were rejected by the QC folks at Wetzlar for some mysterious cosmetic imperfection to the barrel. In truth, of the few I've purchased, never once found one.

 

Given the state of camera sales lately, I'd wager the discounts will be extended through the summer.

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colonel

colonel

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Pardon my ignorance. But what are QM2 versions?

 

Items which Leica have determined through quality control that there is a cosmetic issue which means they can not be sold new, but can be sold as QM2 items

 

they should work 100% fine though

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easy_action

easy_action

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In that case, try the Voigtlander Nokton 35/1.2 v2 wide open.

 

If you care about the size of the lens, then go for the Summilux 35/1.4.

 

I agree, the Summilux is approximately the same size as a current 50 Summicron i.e. balances well on a rangefinder body.

 

The Nokton 1.2 v2 is noticeably larger and heavier.

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Rus

Rus

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It is quite difficult to produce the insanely thin DOF of a 50mm at f0.95 with a 35mm at f1.4 or f2 I think. Of course, the "camera-subject-background" relations play a lot into the final result. 

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Exodies

Exodies

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Items which Leica have determined through quality control that there is a cosmetic issue which means they can not be sold new, but can be sold as QM2 items

 

they should work 100% fine though

 

 

How many people agree with this definition? Anyone have a different explanation?

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Rick

Rick

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Why not rent and compare....they'll have the new one, too....  https://www.lensrentals.com/rent/leica/lenses/wide-angle

 

Jeff

 

 

Jeff,

 

The OP wants to consider other's opinions before he makes his decisions.  So what?  What is wrong with asking opinions about a fantasy question that compares a known lens with one that isn't even available yet.  The OP wants to know which lens others here view is the best lens.  His question has nothing to do with which one he believes is better... he just wants to know which one we believe is better.  The amazing 35/1.4 or another lens no one yet owns.  

 

So, get back on track and recommend which lens is going to give the OP that "dreamy" bokeh he is looking for.  Don't confuse him with renting both lenses and making a discussion on his own.  

 

I know which current lenses of these two has the most dreamy bokeh.   I own both.  But, I don't think that is the answer he is looking for.

 

Rick

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Jeff S

Jeff S

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Jeff,

 

The OP wants to consider other's opinions before he makes his decisions.  So what?  What is wrong with asking opinions about a fantasy question that compares a known lens with one that isn't even available yet.  The OP wants to know which lens others here view is the best lens.  His question has nothing to do with which one he believes is better... he just wants to know which one we believe is better.  The amazing 35/1.4 or another lens no one yet owns.  

 

So, get back on track and recommend which lens is going to give the OP that "dreamy" bokeh he is looking for.  Don't confuse him with renting both lenses and making a discussion on his own.  

 

I know which current lenses of these two has the most dreamy bokeh.   I own both.  But, I don't think that is the answer he is looking for.

 

Rick

 

Well, because I disagree, and because I think it's just as useful for him to know that there is a source that would allow him to try out some options (with which he may be unaware).  I never wrote that he should ignore comments here, or that they aren't valuable; I gave an additional potential resource to assist in his evaluation.

 

Why do you find it useful to discount my opinion any more than yours?  I'm trying to help him in a way that has helped me in the past.  YMMV.

 

Jeff

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