50mm f1,4 or 50mm f2...Suggestions!

[LeicaDreamer]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hallo everybody!

 

Since almost one year I bought my first Leica after 10 years with Canon...a marvellous M10 with a 28mm f2,8 and I'm more than satisfied!!!  It's very difficult to explain my feeling to shot with this Camera, but I can summarize as a "new" photograph with the child enthusiasms...

 

I would like to buy another lens and decided to go for a 50mm. If I check the technical specification and the price of the Leica lens I cannot really understand if I should go for the Leica Summilux 50mm f1,4 ASPH or for the Summicron 50mm f2...

 

Could you please explain me which are the most important differences???

 

Of course the Summilux has 1 Stop more, but do you think that this could justify the 2.000€ price more I should pay or the f1,4 has a different colour and rendering that represent a "must" in the Leica "photographic kit"?!

 

To be very clear I don't want to enter in the Leica Price Strategy, I just would like to understand better which could be the advantages (or not!) between the two lens!

 

I was renting a 50mm f1,4 in the Leica Store and was great, but couldn't test the f2 because they don't have as demo...so I'm missing the second part of the comparison!

 

Thanks in advance for your kindly cooperation!

 

Best regards

Gino

 

 

[01af]

On film or with M8 or M9, another stop of lens speed would make an important difference. With the high-ISO capabilities of the Leica M10, definitely not. So go for the Summicron-M 50 mm ... it's not only more affordable, it also shares the E39 filter size with the Elmarit-M 28 mm Asph.

 

The only weak point of the 50 mm Summicron is some inclination to flare. But then, many user of this lens aren't having any problem with that. So try it, and if you like it then don't waste any thoughts on anything else. If you don't then also consider the Summarit-M 1:2,4/50 mm ... a badly underrated lens for sure.

[a.noctilux]

Hello Gino,

 

What kind of photos do you plan to use your kit ?

 

The important thing is the results you wait for.

 

With M10, and with the ISO available, f/1.4 may not be necessary.

But if you want thin depth of field of f/1.4 there is no other way.

 

I use for years almost all of 50mm for M (I have no regret never use Apo-Summicron-M 50).

The 50mm Summicron-M depend on the version (so many !) and the last optical version "non apo"  is the most "modern rendering".

In 50mm Summilux-M after using the Asph. version (indeed very nice), now I use Pre-Asph for their "analog-organic-rendering" (I have three 50 'Lux accumulated over time).

 

As side note, lately, my favorite 50 is the cheap/light Summarit-M 50mm.

This one is the right balance of "my ideal 50mm" (small, light, tabbed, fabulous rendering with all bodies analog/digital that I use, etc.).

 

Have fun searching for the 50mm best for your use.

[albertknappmd]

what about considering a USED 50mm f/2 AA.

It is a spectacular lens and if u can obtain one, a keeper!

 

Albert        

[TomB_tx]

I've used Leica for 50 years and always preferred the Summicrons for their size, handling performance.... and price. While the current 50 Summilux Asph is a great lens, I don't like the size or the mechanical complexity of floating groups and the added potential for issues. I hear of more complaints about it needing focus adjustment or developing binding - and almost none on the Summicron. I have most versions of the Summicron (not the Asph), and while all are good the current non-asph is my favorite on digital.

However, I also now prefer the Summarit 2.5 on my M10. To my eye the images match the Summicron and I prefer the smaller size and fast focusing. The Summicron stays on my M9, while I use the M10 and Summarit most. 

[pgk]

If you don't 'need' f/1.4 then buy the f/2. If you 'need' f/1.4 you will know already. Both lenses are excellent lenses - you do not need to worry about their abilities.

[Rick in CO]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Check out: https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2014/06/comparing-rangefinder-and-slr-50mm-lenses-version-0-7/

[james.liam]

I'd offer up a different perspective. 

 

The Summicron is the last Mandler-type lens still sold by Leica; touch of glow, busier bokeh at ƒ/2, demonstrable focus shift from about ƒ/2.8-5.6. A very particular look that might or might not resonate with someone new to Leica and accustomed to the modern 28 Elmarit.

 

As an all-purpose lens a 50 Summilux ASPH, properly calibrated, has few equals. I would suggest this before venturing into the idiosyncratic.

[Martin B]

Go for a used 50/2 lens without ASPH. Save some money by not going for the latest with only very little improvement. 

[james.liam]

Go for a used 50/2 lens without ASPH. Save some money by not going for the latest with only very little improvement. 

 

 

Do you actually mean the APO?

If so, would concur but for different reasons. It is one of the hyper-specialized lenses that requires an understanding of its uses and nature; not a general lens for the newly initiated. It is, however a quantum leap from a standard Summicron at ƒ/2-2.8.

 

Beyond ƒ/5.6, the old Summicron, Summilux ASPH and 50 APO are for most subjects, indistinguishable.

Edited January 16, 2018 by james.liam

[Narsuitus]

I cannot help you with your decision; but for me, of the two lenses you mention, the f/1.4 would be my choice because I need the speed. However, I would choose a Noctilux before either.

[Martin B]

Do you actually mean the APO?

If so, would agree but for different reasons. It is one of the hyper-specialized lenses that requires an understanding of its uses and nature; not a general lens for the newly initiated. It is, however a quantum leap from a standard Summicron at ƒ/2-2.8.

 

Beyond ƒ/5.6, the old Summicron, Summilux ASPH and 50 APO are for most subjects, indistinguishable.

 

Yes, correct, this is the one I meant. 

[spydrxx]

IMHOI principal differences are obvious, price and the difference of one f stop. Both fabulous lenses, but personally I'd go for the Cron, as size and weight are more important to me since Irarely shoot wide open.

[JDFlood]

I love my Summilux but it is really heavy. This to me is the most distinguishing characteristic. Every time I am pulling lenses from my bag, I remark to myself, “wow, this one is really heavy”. I’m thinking of getting a Summicron. JD

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[DwF]

I don't think you'd go wrong with a Summicron. I recently got my MM back from Leica with new sensor, and the first thing I did to try it out was this study in the kitchen with my 50 Summicron wide-open- I find the bokeh at f2 perfectly satisfying. I also have the C Sonnar for it's affect and for extra speed.  I agree as mentioned by 01af with high iso in digital cameras that Summicron at f2 will usually suffice, and it is nice and light to carry.

 

[james.liam]

I love my Summilux but it is really heavy. This to me is the most distinguishing characteristic. Every time I am pulling lenses from my bag, I remark to myself, “wow, this one is really heavy”. I’m thinking of getting a Summicron. JD

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

 

I felt the same after a while which surprised me; camera would always tip over if placed on a flat surface. But it is predictable in its behavior and affords the extra stop or isolation when needed. Found the Summicron more reliable on film-- absolute favorite on an M6 (0.85).

[UliWer]

...

I would like to buy another lens and decided to go for a 50mm. ..

 

Unfortunately you are doomed, and you cannot hope for any relieve.

 

If you buy the Summicron you will not rest until you get the Summilux.

 

If you buy the Summilux you will feel this nagging pain  until you get the Summicron Apo Asph.

 

If you get the Summicron Apo Asph someone will lurk for you reminding you about so many Elmars.

 

If you buy an Elmar...  

 

All you can do is praising the Summarit with your loud voice to drain out the sirens whispering all those evil other names into your ears. 

[jto555]

This may sound mad but I would suggest going for one of the lenses over the other will not make any real difference to your photography. The difference between f1.4 and f2 from a depth of field perspective is small and will not ruin a photograph if you can only shoot at f2 instead of f1.4. Also, in Photoshop you can soften a background if you have to.

 

If the Summercron is the APO then the extra sharpness will only be seen by you on the screen at 100% or if you print really large and somebody walks right up to the print! It happens a lot. Most viewers of the photographs will not see any difference.

 

Buy the cheaper lens and use the £2,000 to go on a photographic holiday to Iceland. Or do a few weekend breaks to Europe and photograph portraits of people you meet. Do a couple of training days with Leica Akademie.

 

[M11 for me]

I believe that when you have not to consider filter diameters (which isthe case with you) then you will be fine with the Summicron (non APO). And if you think that you would not renounce that extra light value then make sure NOT to buy the silver Summilux version but the black one. There is a difference in weight of about 130g.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[neekon]

IMHO, after having owned a 50mm Summicron then got the 50mm Summilux ASPH then moved to 50mm Summicron APO then finally back to the 50mm Summilux Black Chrome edition, my favorite of the bunch has been the 50mm Summilux ASPH.  

Its an amazingly versatile lens, it is heavy, but well balanced.  

I have never picked up the camera nd though wow this is too heavy to use, however I also shoot with Phase One medium format so weight is subjective I guess.   

I have always loved the sharpness and quality of the images out of it, the bokeh is great, both wide open and when stopped down.  I like having my camera with at all times, so the extra stop of light is very useful when at a dark restaurant, bar or house/apt.   

It really is a jack of all trades lens, that would pair very nicely with the 28mm Elmarit.