Partner (or substitute) for my 50 Summilux ASPH

[Charles_Summilux]

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Hello guys,

As my topic mentioned, I’m looking for a partner or substitute for my 50 Summilux ASPH.  As a long and past-time Nikon shooter with different lenses (24-70 2.8, 70-200 2.8, 58 1.4).
I hated to carry all those long and heavy lenses with me all day, so I stocked with the relatively small 58 1.4 attached on my camera. So last year I took the decision to sell all my Nikon gear and took the switch to Leica. I bought one of the few last SL body’s that were new available and treated myself also with a freshly new 50 Summilux ASPH. I love the set, but sometimes I miss a wider view.
I shoot a lot of people and children and love to document things in a artistic way. I really need a fast 1.4 lens. I’m tending to a 28 1.4 (last version) or the 35 1.4 (last version)

So a:

28 and 50 (they say It’s a classic combo)

35 and 50 (or is this combo to close to each other?) 

I really need some input from other Leica owners on this.

Thank you!
 

[hdmesa]

28 Lux. Alternatively, the Q2 would be a perfect people/children camera that easily crops to 35mm, so you get both FOV options with the Q2 – not the same as having a 35 Lux, but still nice.

Do go back and look at your old files and see what your most-used focal lengths were from your 24-70.

[Casey Jefferson]

28 summilux, especially for "artistic" way of shooting. 35 won't give you much difference in terms of the "look" besides being wider.

35mm is more like a one lens solution, you'll feel like you can replace both 50 and 28 with just one.

Edited April 20, 2021 by Casey Jefferson

[Jeff S]

The 28 Summicron M ASPH (v.1, at least) closely resembles the rendering of the 50 Summilux M ASPH, if that matters to you.

 

Jeff

Edited April 20, 2021 by Jeff S

[RoySmith]

Welcome to the forum.  Which 50mm Summilux did you purchase ? The M or the SL

I agree that the 28mm Summilux M would be an excellent partner for the 50mm Summilux M

The M lenses require an adapter - the Leica M Adapter L, but you would have that already if you are using the 50mm Summilux M.

The best partner for the 50mm Summilux SL would be one of the  Summicron SL lenses most likely  the 28mm. A 24mm Summicron SL lens is expected to released soon. Summicron lenses are f/2.  
If you really need f/1.4 then the 28mm Summilux  M with the Leica M Adapter L is a great option.

Enjoy your camera and post some photos.

Roy

 

[IkarusJohn]

Hey Charles,

If you have an SL, I'm not sure why you would use the M version of the 50 Summilux ASPH.  The 50 Summilux-M ASPH is getting on a bit.  I love mine, but there are more recent Leica 50s.  Also, SL lenses have autofocus and are weather sealed, and they're cheaper.

The 50 Summilux-SL ASPH is Leica's reference 50mm lens.  As good as the 50 Summicron-SL and APO M versions are, the 50 Summilux-SL is a fabulous lens, and if image quality is your governing deciding factor, you can't do better.  But, it is big and heavy ...

If you want an alternative to the 50 Summilux-SL (or the M version, if that's what you have), then 50 Summicron-SL ASPH is highly regarded - go to Jono Slack's site for reviews.  The SL Summicrons give a heightened plane of best sharpness, giving them the feel of an f/1.4 lens.

As a companion to your 50, I'd suggest the 28 Summicron-SL ASPH.  28-50 is a great combination, and it's the obvious choice for an SL.  Actually, any of the SL Summicrons are great choices - I was very fond of my 75 Summicron-SL, but sold out of most of my SL lenses as I realise I prefer the M system.  I have kept the 24-90 zoom as a standard lens for my SL.

If you wish to stay with M lenses (not really sure why), then the 28 Summilux-M ASPH is a great lens, and it works well on the SL.  If you then have two M primes, you could look at either the 16-35 or 24-90 SL zooms to round out your system (when you have the cash).  To be honest, though - if the SL is your only Leica camera, I'd stick with SL lenses - they really are that good!

If you like wide, then you could also consider the fabulous 16-35 SL zoom.  Not so fast, but that's less of a problem with a wide and with the ISO capabilities of modern cameras.

I'm also a former Nikon user.  My favourite combination on my F5 was the fabulous 14-24 Nikkor IFED AF-S zoom and the 180/2.8 Nikkor IFED prime.  When Leica first released the 15-35mm zoom, I thought ... meh.  Not much of a 35mm user, and the lens should have been 14-24, and faster.  Then I succumbed and bought one.  All my doubts vanished - it's a great lens.

I hope this helps your decision making.

Cheers
John

Edited April 20, 2021 by IkarusJohn

[Charles_Summilux]

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Thanks for all the input already guys!

 

3 hours ago, RoySmith said:

Welcome to the forum.  Which 50mm Summilux did you purchase ? The M or the SL.

I bought a 50 Summilux-M with the M-L adapter. I really love the classic rendering of this lens which the 50 Summilux-SL didn’t quite has. And I love the manual focus and relatively small lenses the M-line provide.

5 hours ago, hdmesa said:

Do go back and look at your old files and see what your most-used focal lengths were from your 24-70.

Mostly from 24-30mm and 50 to 70mm.

I already tending to the 28 Summilux-M... It is a bit of a pity that the silver edition was just a limited run. That is my preferred choice... Or do you guys have some inside information about that coming back?

Charles

[RoySmith]

Then the Summilux-M 28mm is ideal for you. There is a new silver one on eBay right now, but eBay always has some risk associated with it, although I bought my black one on eBay and it has been perfect. It does balance very well on the SL.

Sean Reid  (Reid Reviews) tested this lens on the SL and rated it highly.

[hdmesa]

Seller of the silver 28 looks legit with good feedback. I've had good luck with the high-volume camera equipment dealers in China on eBay – fast shipping and accurate descriptions. 

[IkarusJohn]

28 Summilux-M, good choice!

[Danner]

11 hours ago, hdmesa said:

Seller of the silver 28 looks legit with good feedback. I've had good luck with the high-volume camera equipment dealers in China on eBay – fast shipping and accurate descriptions. 

I'll echo this sentiment with Japan sellers.  I've had good luck, gear as pictured with honest descriptions, and fast shipping (some arrive quicker than from B&H).  Did this with a Bronica 6x7 kit last year.  Couldn't find it in America, got it from Japan, very happy with the outfit.

Edited April 21, 2021 by Danner

[Charles_Summilux]

Hi Guys, thanks for all the input! Yesterday I bought a new (black edition) 28 Summilux. It wasn’t in stock at the Leica shop, it will take a few days.  Can’t wait when it arrives at my home...  Here (already) a happy man! 😃 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Charles_Summilux

[Pixeleater]

On 4/19/2021 at 1:25 PM, Charles_Summilux said:

hated to carry all those long and heavy lenses with me 

M lenses on the SL is a terrific option. I have an M10-R and SL2-S and use the 28 1.4, 50 1.4 black chrome and 50 APO on both. On an SL your kit will be easier to carry. Nothing wrong with SL glass and they are great in their own right. For reach and AF I use the 90-280. Like you I prefer less weight, and manual focus on the SL2-S is a joy.

Congrats on the 28 lux, it’s a joy to use on the SL.