APO 50 Summicron-SL vs. APO 50 Summicron-M

[Chaemono]

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We all know by now, that the SL Summicrons ooze optical excellence. They are free of aberrations, don't flare, have smooth bokeh behind and in front of the plane of focus, and achieve contrast so high at the point of focus that there is no need to stop them down for sharpness. The introduction of the APO 50 Summicron-M in 2012 augured the path of optical perfection the Karbe team would embark on and the SL primes represent the culmination of this obsession. It should, therefore, not be a surprise, that the much smaller and lighter APO 50 M holds its own when compared to the its L-mount sibling, as it was designed with the same philosophy in mind. The APO 50 Summicron-M is virtually free of chromatic aberration (one can see a tiny bit on the BMW logo in the first pair), the APO 50 SL has none. Neither lens flares, and both have smooth bokeh, the M version a tiny bit more buttery behind the point of focus perhaps. Which lens is sharper? Well, the APO 50 Summicron-M is amazingly sharp wide open, the APO 50 Summicron-SL is insanely sharp. It only makes a difference if one crops a lot. One can see the difference in sharpness in the last of the three pairs in the link. As far as contrast behaviour is concerned, contrast drops equally fast initially with both lenses and then fades smoothly as one moves away from the point of perfect focus, based on what I can see so far. The APO 50 Summicron-M, therefore, achieves the same depth rendering as the SL Summicrons, IMO 

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-n4jJqg/

M10-P + APO 50 Summicron-M

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S1 + APO 50 Summicron-SL

Edited September 1, 2019 by Chaemono

[Chaemono]

Less compressed JPEGs here: https://www.smugmug.com/gallery/n-n4jJqg/

M10-P + APO 50 Summicron-M

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

 

S1 + APO 50 Summicron-SL

[ajmarton1]

That may be true but the AF in complex and low lighting was a big issue with the 50mm f1.4 Summilux. The AF was also very slow. Hopefully, those issues have been addressed in the new lens.  

[Chaemono]

I can’t tell about AF performance because I don’t have an SL to use it. I’m waiting for the SL2 to compare.

[tom0511]

So whats your conclusion?

[Chaemono]

Don't pressure me, I get headaches. My conclusion is get a collapsable 1955 Summicron, If you can. If not, stick with the APO 50 Summicron-M and complement it with its L-mount sibling  for when it rains and your eyes are tired. If you crop the heck out of your images and don't own an M, you might want to consider selling both, the collapsable Summicron and the APO 50 M, and investing in two APO SL Summicrons, one for your low res, one for your high res body.