50mm Summilux-SL ASPH Review

[jrp]

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I'm just posing the question, not offering an answer, since I haven't yet homed in on what the lens's aimed at doing distinctively, what its comparative advantage is.  I'm sure that it is more than just a showcase lens.  The size compromise must be paying for something.

[dancook]

I'm just posing the question, not offering an answer, since I haven't yet homed in on what the lens's aimed at doing distinctively, what its comparative advantage is.  I'm sure that it is more than just a showcase lens.  The size compromise must be paying for something.

 

It's for doing what all 50mm 1.4's are for, but at the highest optical quality it can muster

[FlashGordonPhotography]

The size compromise must be paying for something.

 

It's an interesting question. Although I, probably never know the real answer.

 

There are now four 50mm lenses that, in my view, pushing toward a new design goal. Sharpness wide open across the frame AND good blur with no CA. There's the Otus, the Sigma Art, The Sony FE and the SL 50 'lux. All of these are similar in concept. Performance is relatively close (but not exactly the same). They're all pushing for wide open sharpness across the frame. They're all significantly bigger than what's come before them.

 

So why now? Why do we all of a sudden have four lenses where the designers have decided that size is no longer and issue? Is it as simple as Zeiss taking a chance and doing well with the Otus that others decided to free themselves from the design shackle of a size restriction? Could Leica make the 50SL smaller with the same performance, even if it cost more?

 

I don't mind the size of the 50, personally. So it's of academic interest only to me. As cameras get smaller again (think A7R2), why is it now acceptable to make primes so much bigger than they ever have been?

 

Is there any official Leica info on why the SL50 is the size it is from Peter Karbe or anyone at Leica?

 

Gordon

[phovsho]

Gordon

Have you used the lens much taking candid / intimate portraits? If so, How do subjects respond to the lens? Any intimidation factor you sense?

Best

M

[FlashGordonPhotography]

Not yet. I've only done some corporate work with it so far. Next wedding is end of April. Any 70-200 is significantly bigger though and we don't have any issues with those. After 30 mins people are used to our presence and just ignore the guy carrying the cameras.

 

Dan has shot at least one wedding with it. He might be more qualified to answer than me.

 

Gordon

[dancook]

One of the groomsmen joked "that's a big camera" I said all the better to see you with

 

But otherwise no other response, nothing negative about the size of the camera

 

I shot a head portrait of a friend in my lounge using the 90-280mm, very close quarters . She got over the size quickly I got a great portrait, and that's a huge lens.

[LocalHero1953]

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I think the public are used to the idea of pros having big cameras. The surprise is when they turn up with a small one, as when one turned up with a Fuji at No 2 daughter's wedding (not great photographs, though IQ was fine).

It's only us who are used to Leica Ms who see the SL as a big camera.

Edited March 25, 2017 by LocalHero1953

[LD_50]

I think the public are used to the idea of pros having big cameras. The surprise is when they turn up with a small one, as when one turned up with a Fuji at No 2 daughter's wedding (not great photographs, though IQ was fine).

It's only us who are used to Leica Ms who see the SL as a big camera.

Agreed.

 

I've shot extensively with a Nikon D4s 14-24, 24-70 and 200f2 and none of these were problems for weddings, sporting events, events, or formal shoots. People expect larger cameras for professional shots and are typically more surprised or concerned about small cameras like my Sony RX1.

 

It only takes a conversation to dispel any concern no matter the type of gear. This is the most important aspect of shooting people in my opinion, the relationship between photographer and subject.

 

I've only had issues with a large camera/lens combos when shooting street photos or in some candid shots where any non-phone camera would be noticeable.

[LocalHero1953]

I've only had issues with a large camera/lens combos when shooting street photos or in some candid shots where any non-phone camera would be noticeable.

I've just been interacting with a family group aged from 1 to 60. iPhones were much in use, but there is a minimal difference in intrusiveness/noticeableness between an iPhone that has to be held in place for 15-30 secs while focus point and framing are sorted, and an M that can be lifted to the eye and shot with virtually no delay. An SL+SL lens still looks like an offensive weapon when swung into shooting position at close range, IMO.

[Peter H]

I've just been interacting with a family group aged from 1 to 60. iPhones were much in use, but there is a minimal difference in intrusiveness/noticeableness between an iPhone that has to be held in place for 15-30 secs while focus point and framing are sorted, and an M that can be lifted to the eye and shot with virtually no delay. An SL+SL lens still looks like an offensive weapon when swung into shooting position at close range, IMO.

 

 

In my experience lots of people connect large lenses with close-up photos (understandably, if sometimes incorrectly) and that is why they are often seen as intrusive.

 

I personally feel that it's impolite to put people in a position where they may feel that they are being examined more closely than they are comfortable with, even if most of them are in turn too polite to say anything.

 

Weddings and public events are slightly different, because people expect to be photographed and understand the reasons for it, but in more open situations a different kind of sensitivity is required.

[LocalHero1953]

I heard Martin Parr talk at Format in Derby yesterday, showing a retrospective of his career. Last week I watched the BBC4 programme on Dougie Wallace, and the third BBC4 programme on British photographers, showing videos of how both those two and HCB worked. There is a talent to getting close up photos of strangers or semi strangers that goes beyond technical nous, encompassing interpersonal skills, a natural charm and a genuine liking for the human race. (Somehow I find Bruce Gilden lacking in such soft talents).

Edited March 25, 2017 by LocalHero1953

[Donzo98]

The Eagle has landed.... shot with the Q.

 

[ferdinand]

The Eagle has landed.... shot with the Q.

 

 

 

Vom Osterhasi

[Donzo98]

@ 1.4... TEST SHOTS

 

 

[phovsho]

Sorry, my question about the impact of a large lens on people was meant in the context of situations where a photographer isn't necessarily expected or formally permissioned. So was meaning street, or photographing folks who may not be expecting to be photographed.

 

I agree big cameras are expected at weddings and other professional type events - indeed showing up with an M can sometimes create a credibility gap in the minds of the great unwashed!

 

Best

 

M

Edited March 25, 2017 by phovsho

[ferdinand]

What's about the California Merlot, is it as good as the French one? 

[jaapv]

What's about the California Merlot, is it as good as the French one?

 

that is a matter of taste.

[LD_50]

Sorry, my question about the impact of a large lens on people was meant in the context of situations where a photographer isn't necessarily expected or formally permissioned. So was meaning street, or photographing folks who may not be expecting to be photographed.

 

I agree big cameras are expected at weddings and other professional type events - indeed showing up with an M can sometimes create a credibility gap in the minds of the great unwashed!

 

Best

 

M

These are the same situations where an f1.4 lens is likely not going to be used as the shallow DOF is not very useful. A smaller lens that is good with smaller apertures is a better fit.

 

The M system offers both and those lenses can be used for the same purpose on the SL.

[phovsho]

I use luxes and nocti for these situations on my M. Allows me to head off for the day with one lens and shoot like that day into night (bars, streets etc). I focus for each shot 9 times out of 10, and generally try to shoot wide open.

 

Best

 

M

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[jrp]

I suppose that the missing word is "miss"?