Jump to content

SL 50 Lux / 75 Cron... or twiddle thumbs for SL 50 Cron?


JamesBarry

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My eye sight is not improving, photograph for a living but sadly think that I may have to give-up my trusted M9 and 50 Lux in exchange for an SL 'portrait' prime....

 

Have owned my SL for a couple of years now with 24-90 as well as a Sigma 12-24 Art (exclusively for internal property shoots)

 

Having read all discussion on here relating to the SL 50 Lux and SL 75, it is difficult to know whether to wait for the much anticipated 50 Cron.. whenever that maybe.. or go with one of the two mentioned?

 

I would be interested to know from those members who own either lens and/or are possibly waiting for the 50 Cron 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Here is a test shot with the 75 SL @ F2. Minimally cropped.

 

The 75 and 90 SL's are INSANELY good. If you don't need 1.4... the 50/F2 should be incredible as well.

 

 

75Test.JPG

Edited by Donzo98
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I own both.

Here is my tip:

if you prefer 75mm over 50 get the 75 Cron

if you prefer 50 and want/need 1.4 f-stop and can live with size/weight, get the 50/1.4

if you like 50 and f2.0 is fast enough, get the 50/2.0

 

My personal feeling: the 50/1.4 is a great lens but if portability is important yo you I would rather go with one of the f2.0 lenses.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Since you have a zoom with ois your question could be reformulated as “which narrow apertures do I need?” (F1.4-3.5 / 50mm, F2-4 / 75mm), assuming that weight is not a factor.

 

Yep, fair enough.  The question in my head is whether the new 50 Cron will be so close in rendition to the Lux, as suggested for the 75/90.. in which case the 50 or 75 Cron would be the answer as lighter/smaller although this is not a major factor for me.

Link to post
Share on other sites

I prefer the focal length 50 mm compared to 75 mm (although I own the 75 Lux M). For this reason, for the SL system, I bought 50SL and 90SL.

In my opinion the 50SL summicron will have a different character from 50SL Lux.

See you which focal length you prefer!

In any case, with any of these fantastic lenses, you will always be satisfied!

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Meaning Gordon... am I mad getting rid of the 50M?!

You aren't mad but it doesn't hurt to buy a dumb adapter for $50 and see how you like it on the SL. If I were in your shoes I'd wait until all options (including the 50/2 SL) are available. You'd certainly be able to make a better decision then.

Link to post
Share on other sites

You aren't mad but it doesn't hurt to buy a dumb adapter for $50 and see how you like it on the SL. If I were in your shoes I'd wait until all options (including the 50/2 SL) are available. You'd certainly be able to make a better decision then.

 

Ok, thanks.  I do have the M adaptor so occasionally use the 50 lux on the SL.  I'm finding fast and flexible focusing for portrait shoots more and more hit and miss due to eye sight so am looking for a 'more reliable' hit rate in AF.  This is not to say the M can work wonders using the SL EVF..

 

It's not knowing when the 50 Cron will become available that has prompted this post!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, thanks.  I do have the M adaptor so occasionally use the 50 lux on the SL.  I'm finding fast and flexible focusing for portrait shoots more and more hit and miss due to eye sight so am looking for a 'more reliable' hit rate in AF.  This is not to say the M can work wonders using the SL EVF..

 

It's not knowing when the 50 Cron will become available that has prompted this post!

Who is to say that AF will compensate for your eye sight shortcomings, unless you solely want to rely on the camera AF capabilities and hope for the best.  I hope it works for you.

 

Here is an illuminating story; Back in March last year i acquired as good as new SL601 plus spare battery for about 2/3 of the new price, i think 2 year warranty is just expiring now.  I was told by the London dealer that previous owner, who was his regular, had age related eyesight issues and couldn't use SL with native 24-90mm AF lens? 

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Ok, thanks.  I do have the M adaptor so occasionally use the 50 lux on the SL.  I'm finding fast and flexible focusing for portrait shoots more and more hit and miss due to eye sight so am looking for a 'more reliable' hit rate in AF.  This is not to say the M can work wonders using the SL EVF..

 

It's not knowing when the 50 Cron will become available that has prompted this post!

Well given that you shoot with the 50 LUX-M now, I'm assuming you prefer 50mm over 75mm for portraits?

 

So the natural choice would be the 50SL, but it's AF is slow and it's heft comparable to the 24-90.

 

The 75SL will have a similar DOF wide open to the 50SL. AF is fast and size/weight is much more manageable. But are you OK with 75mm?

 

With the upcoming 50/2 SL, you will lose the DOF control of the aforementioned lenses. I'm guessing IQ will be indistinguishable from the other excellent primes.

 

If you're OK with a full-frame equivalent F2 prime, what about a CL + 35/1.4? You could even use that lens on the SL, albeit with only 10.3 megapixels.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

If you're wondering whether the 75 Summicron-SL renders like a Summilux, the answer is 'no.' 'No' as far as the blur of the OOF areas wide open is concerned that is. How could it, it's an F/2 lens. What does Peter Karbe mean here then: https://www.reddotforum.com/content/2016/09/setting-a-new-standard-with-leica-sl-lenses-a-discussion-with-peter-karbe-at-photokina-2016/?

 

Let me quote:

 

DF: So, jumping right in, how good are these new prime lenses, the 35, 75 and 90 Summicrons that will be coming out over the next year? 

PK: These primes redefine everything. They are simply amazing in terms of total optical performance, as well as mechanical. Fast autofocus. Next level image quality.

PK:...We’ve tightened and raised the curve, so that f/2 will offer a look that is similar to f/1.4. It is very unique and special. And, at the same time, will offer greater sharpness at the point of focus. The contrast of in focus and out of focus will be more pronounced, which produces a very 3D effect.

 

I think what Peter Karbe means is a special look that is very pronounced with the 50 Summilux-SL and that some have described as depth rendering. The new SL Summicrons have this from what I have seen with the 90 and the 75 but it could be that the shorter the focal length gets the less of an "f/1.4" look these lenses show because of the lower ratio between focal length and aperture.

 

While the 90SL is strictly a portrait lens, the 75SL can be used as a general walk around lens, too, IMO. And I must admit, even if the depth rendering is not as pronounced as with the 50 Summilux-SL, the 75 Summicron-SL is the best lens for it's size and weight I've seen. It creates a very modern look with beautiful colors. The blur is nice, although at times not quite as smooth as with the 75 Summicron-M to my eyes. If you find yourself cropping your 50 images a bit, then the 75 Summicron-SL might be just right for you. Someone was kind enough to lend it to me. I will give it back.

 

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nW5Qwt/

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited by Chaemono
Link to post
Share on other sites

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nW5Qwt/

 

75 Summicron-M

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nW5Qwt/

 

75 Summicron-SL

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Link to post
Share on other sites

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nW5Qwt/

 

75 Summicron-M

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-nW5Qwt/

 

75 Summicron-SL

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...