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50mm lens for the SL for my 50th - which one?


andrewteee

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Definitely a 'specialist' lens in the sense that it has a specific look. 

 

I personally find the 50 SL perfect optically, but it lacks character. I have the same issue with the new 50-Lux-ASPH-M. One reason I love my usual M set (35-lux and 75-lux) is because they just ooze character and have a real 'look' to them. 

 

To the OP, I'd say just rent a few and get an idea of what you want. The 50-SL is super great,  but for me, I don't think I could mainline it. 

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Definitely a 'specialist' lens in the sense that it has a specific look. 

 

I personally find the 50 SL perfect optically, but it lacks character. I have the same issue with the new 50-Lux-ASPH-M. One reason I love my usual M set (35-lux and 75-lux) is because they just ooze character and have a real 'look' to them. 

 

To the OP, I'd say just rent a few and get an idea of what you want. The 50-SL is super great,  but for me, I don't think I could mainline it. 

 

 

Which 35-LuxM are you referring to? I agree that the 75-LuxM is special - and one of the last M-lenses I would depart from. But I never felt the same connection with the last incarnation of the 35-LuxM (with floating elements) - a lens that I sold several years ago.

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I personally find the 50 SL perfect optically, but it lacks character.

 

I disagree. I think the 50 Summilux-SL has character, lots of it.

 

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-7sDHTJ/

 

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One more character.

 

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-7sDHTJ/

 

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Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-7sDHTJ/

 

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OK, I'm going to add something different to this discussion. Is the OP more interested in modern technical perfection or in classical rendering? In the case of the latter, I cannot recommend too highly the Summilux-R 50 f1.4 (E60 version). I have used quite a few 50s in my time, but none that produces images as beautiful as the R. It is a bit hard to find, having been manufactured in limited numbers, and pricey too, but well worth it if one is seeking the sort of gorgeous rendering that it produces. It is also very sharp when stopped down just a bit.

 

The image below was shot at f2 on an SL.

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Edited by robgo2
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I vote for 50SL too (but I didn't used the noctilux) - a wonderful lens; since FW 3 AF is very good.

Another alternative will be the Summicron-SL 50 in the future (I don't expect it this year, we will be happy when getting the long expected Summicron-SL 35)

 

 

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I'd wait a bit if I were you. As said before, the SL50 cron might be the perfect lens for you. But Voigtländer will also bring out a new 50/1.2 ASPH in the next few weeks/months. That might be a very good option as well. 

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As suggested somewhere above, wait till the 50 Summicron-SL is released and then decide. If you don’t want an M lens or need f1.4 it may be compromise between size, price, and performance.

+1. One can expect the 50SL Cron to be on par with the other SL primes. Implying outstanding optical quality. If you are more into the older Leica look, you may head for the 50 Lux-M.

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Sorry, I really don't get the "no character" dismissive. The SL lenses, and the modern M lenses too, give you a very high optical quality with maximum flexibility and minimum flaws. You can then go ahead and develop whatever personal character you like through what you photograph, how you portray it, and how you develop it in Lightroom or whichever software you prefer to use. That "no character" thing is a red a herring.

 

As for answering the OP: As usual it depends on your priorities. No doubt the SL Summilux and, I am sure, the upcoming Summicron will be the best matched and brilliant lenses for the SL that you can get. At a size and a price. For smaller size, and less cost, the M Summilux is a versatile and top notch lens (this is what I use myself). And it would leave you budget to spare for something more exotic - with character - for the fun of it  :)

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As suggested somewhere above, wait till the 50 Summicron-SL is released and then decide. If you don’t want an M lens or need f1.4 it may be compromise between size, price, and performance.

 

As time goes on, that's what I'm thinking. Wait for the Summicron-SL. 

 

I guess as one gets older our patience increases. My 10 year old daughter has ZERO patience! 

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