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I have the SL50 and I never use it due to it's weight. Plus, I don't like the SOOC jpg renders although working the raw does fix this. To me, while the lens is near technical perfection, it's missing the "Leica glow". Photos SOOC look ultra modern and contrasty to the point where shadow and light look as if they are missing some dynamic range - tho the raw file is not. It comes down to personal taste as some may prefer this type of modern lens look. I suspect i'll be trading mine in for the smaller 50SL cron when that comes out just to lighten the load.

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I have the SL50 and I never use it due to it's weight. Plus, I don't like the SOOC jpg renders although working the raw does fix this. To me, while the lens is near technical perfection, it's missing the "Leica glow". Photos SOOC look ultra modern and contrasty to the point where shadow and light look as if they are missing some dynamic range - tho the raw file is not. It comes down to personal taste as some may prefer this type of modern lens look. I suspect i'll be trading mine in for the smaller 50SL cron when that comes out just to lighten the load.

 

Trade in value will always be less than sale value if you can find someone who wants to buy one. Where are you located?

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... or get that "cheap" second hand 24-90 and wait for the 50mm Summicron SL APO that will come on the market during the second half of 2018.

For me personally the 50mm SL Summilux is too big and too heavy.

You will love that Summicron and you will not be disappointed if that 50mm is of the same quality as the 75mm :-)

John

 

p.s. 2100 Pounds for a 24-90 I have never seen before. Excellent price for an outstanding lens

 

 

I agree with "satijntje"! The Vario is an outstanding performer - the SL-50 Apo as an addition will be not only relatively compact and speedy but also, regarding IQ, "heavenly" (as all SL native lenses). Not to forget: you can set the focus point exactly and permanently(!) on the eyes, which is essential for off-centre focussing... 

Edited by panoreserve
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One important feature of the 50SL lux is the weather sealing. I love going out with just the camera and lens and not worrying about moisture. I use the 130cm Harry Benz Brogue SL strap cross body...

I do the same thing except I also put some clothes on. I find just the strap cross body draws too much attention. Plus, the moisture can get uncomfortable after a while.
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Greg

 

I own the 0.95 Nocti, 50APO, 24-90 and 75 SL Cron. They are all great, but the 50 SL Lux is the best of the lot IQ wise, and with the recent firmware update the AF works well.

 

Sure, it’s big, but if you’re shooting it you can be confident you’re shooting Leca’s best glass, and you have AF and weather sealing, and when you nail it with the 50 SL the output is gorgeous.

 

On the other hand, I know that much of your excellent work is shot at a depth of field that includes the background, and the 24-90 focuses faster, is more versatile and gives you OIS.

 

Handling wise, the SL Crons are much more comfortable and if you’re not shooting models I do find the size of the lens can influence how some portraiture subjects behave... the zoom and the 50SL are both in the “that’s a big lens pointing at me” camp. Size wise the SL Crons are just that little bit less of an attention grabber.

 

If you’re on the fence, I’d definitely try and visit a store to handle the lenses before committing. It may be worth holding out for the 50 Cron.

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The 50 SL is amazing... best lens I have ever used. I don't mind the weight. I like it so much... my 24-90 hasn't been on my camera in months. I even have thoughts of selling the 0.95 Noctilux. I got a great deal on mine... LNIB perfect condition... $3800.00 USD.

 

If you don't need need 1.4... wait for the Summicron. I love shooting wide open... and love the extra stop.

 

GREAT LENS!!

Edited by Donzo98
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If you don't need the shallow depth of field go for the 24-90mm, otherwise go for the 50mm.

 

Also remember that the OIS of the 24-90mm can make you gain 3.5 stops if needed and is much more versatile.

 

Both are unfortunately heavy...

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Sure, it’s big, but if you’re shooting it you can be confident you’re shooting Leca’s best glass, and you have AF and weather sealing, and when you nail it with the 50 SL the output is gorgeous.

On the other hand, I know that much of your excellent work is shot at a depth of field that includes the background, and the 24-90 focuses faster, is more versatile and gives you OIS.

For the kinds of purrpose I want to press it into action for the size is less of an issue but where I want something smaller I could always acquire a cheap Zeiss ZM 50mm. The point about DoF is well made though; I do prefer to stop down a little an incorporate the background a little as part of the composition. From that point of view I might well be better placed to wait for the 50'Cron but then again, shooting a full length portrait at f/1.4 does still render the back ground a little.

 

Thanks to all the other comments; they are very helpful. And thanks for not ripping me to bits. I would have deserved it!

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I think the SL is better and I haven't put any other 50 on my SL since it arrived. However I think you need to be in a position to have both and move on the one you love a bit less. If you sell the M to buy the SL you'll have buyers remorse as you won't be able to compare and make the choice that works best for you.

 

Gordon

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The reason I gave up on the SL was weight, The reason I gave up on the M system was bad eyes, I ended up with a CL system that is fantastic for me, the AF is a blessing, the weight of the camera with 4 lenses is not as heavy as the the SL with 24-90.

 

What I am saying is, it is YOU that make the decision, the best decision that benefits YOU. It is fine to ask advice and get opinions but everyone will have a different opinion to you about what to do, they can only suggest what THEY would do, and obviously, that doesn't really help you out a lot.

 

The 50mm Lux is a beast lens, heavy, with great IQ (the M lux will offer same IQ thereabouts) can you handle the extra weight? will you need a kit of AF lenses native to the SL? those are your questions to answer.

 

May I suggest you visit your local Leica store and fill up a bag of the kit you would like and see if you fancy carrying it around all day?

 

I decided the IQ, for what I do, was acceptable from the CL, the AF is wonderful, the lenses light enough with fantastic IQ, I can carry my Billingham with CL + 4 lenses without issue. I also own the Q that also fits into the same bag. Granted, that sounds like a big old bag of bits to lug around too and you would correct to think that, however, it is not as heavy as an SL kit with the similar lens selection, I'd need a suitcase on wheels.

 

Happy shopping, do it for yourself.

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It can take a long time to explore and decide what lens you have an affinity for. After all you did take a long time to come to this perspective. If you have a good deal, just get it but don't give up on your M. It will always have a place and a style that made your pictures you. Why give up a good teammate? Its the sum of the game that you are aiming.

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Greg, I am almost certainly older than you, and I wear glasses with progressive lenses. Yet I find manual focussing of the SL to be remarkably easy and fast. The trick, which you undoubtedly already know, is to use one of the camera's focusing aids, either peaking or magnification or the two combined. Unless you are doing action photography, there really is not much advantage to autofocus, IMO. Weather sealing is another matter, but I have taken my kit out in light rain without any problems. Even in those conditions, I cover the lens under my jacket to keep water drops from accumulating on the front element. As for heavy rain, I don't want to be out in it anyhow, because I don't like getting soaked.

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I have the 0.95, M 50 APO, 24-90 and the SL 50. I agree it's easy to manually focus an M lens on the SL, even the 0.95. However, the 3.1 FW upgrade changed the way I use 50mm and I sincerely appreciate the speed at which I can get in-focus and high quality images with the SL50 at any f stop. I'm a big fan of how the 0.95 renders but haven't even used it since I got the SL50. Granted, weight and size is not an issue for me (yet).

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I think it is an exceptional lens. Recently I compared it to the Zeiss 50 Milvus 2.0 on my SL and specially the bokeh of the Leica SL50 is so smooth, color is excellent and sharpness /detail as well.

I have to say I dislike the size though. I might - in the future - exchange it with a Summicron SL (if it will be available in 1 or 2 or 3 years).

Even if the Zeiss Otus might be as good (or slightly better??? I have not used it) - AF is so usefull for a sharp fast lens.

Edited by tom0511
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There is one for sale on eBay (USA) for $3700 now, if anyone is interested.

 

 

Such a poor listing though.

 

Doesn't inspire confidence at all. Stock pic. No description. From Brooklyn, NY.

 

All bad signs... BUT... the place has good feedback.

 

I wonder who the seller is. I live 40 minutes away.

 

I have one... but if someone is interested, I would help to check it out for a forum member.

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That's conspicuously cheap but I can't see the listing so it's a moot point.Sti 2 least expensive this morning:

Great price. It is still posted.  Here's the link and if Don (Donzo) is still willing to check it our for you I'd take advantage of his graciousness.

 

Good luck with the search, Greg.

 

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Leica-Summilux-SL-50mm-f-1-4-ASPH-Lens-11180/273121932265?hash=item3f9755f3e9:g:bzoAAOSwTmJassRL

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