M-APO35/2 long review

[Jeff S]

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45 minutes ago, carlosmcse said:

 Why did you guys all come in to attack me?  the definition of fanboy. 

A gear forum is the home for fans, and an obvious place for a troller to fish.  No surprise...on either side. (Your implication, even if not stated, is that one must be an idiot to buy the Leica version).

As noted, there are some objective differences, which may or may not be relevant for a given user...size (much more difficult and expensive to build and maintain quality and production standards in a small size), close focus distance, hood design, and aesthetics.  Worth only what a buyer will pay.  Both companies make superb products.  The Voigtlander is a tremendous bargain, and many here own various models.

Live and let live.

Jeff

Edited October 10, 2021 by Jeff S

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[Jeff S]

On 5/15/2021 at 5:20 PM, TheGodParticle/Hari said:

I’ve had the lens for many weeks, and wrote an extensive review. I wasn’t going to push this out, but what’s the point of putting in the effort if it’s not going to be read and provide a point of view to whoever may be interested: 

https://www.harisubramanyam.com/reviews/LeicaM-APO35/2

Thanks, Hari, a good review of M lens options.  But the best performing 35mm Leica lens (according to Karbe, Red Dot Forum and elsewhere) on the SL2S is the SL 35 APO, with even closer MFD (.27m). weather sealing, better magnification control options, AF, and $3k less.  The clear differences are smaller size and weight, which comes at a premium, mechanical controls, and of course the fact that the M lens can also work on an M body.  Trade offs....as always.

Jeff

Edited October 10, 2021 by Jeff S

[T25UFO]

Of course you can buy anything in Thailand, like a $1 Lacoste polo shirt 😂

[otto.f]

On 10/10/2021 at 12:22 AM, carlosmcse said:

I can definitely tell you why the Leica M is the price of a GFX. It’s because nobody else makes a brass digital mechanical rangefinder entirely made in Germany by Germans.  It’s not yet another full frame plastic and magnesium Sony Fuji Canon Nikon mirrorless camera made in bulk by slave labor in China. Or in the case of the Fuji and the GFX, made with recycled parts from other manufacturers. 
 

The Leica M rangefinder is its own island. So Leica charges $8,000 for a new M body. Okay. And you can get it used for the price of a Sony. Not bad. 
 

but I am talking about lenses. Unfortunately Leica isn’t the only company making a 35/50 APO. Cosina makes them too. In house. All of it. Every component. They’re beautifully made lenses and put head to head with the Leica the differences are academic at 800%. Edited the same in terms of every day use nobody can tell the difference. 
 

so why is the Leica $8,000 more. I expect a premium from the Leica. It is a Leica after all. Labor costs are much higher in Germany. Granted. It does give you marginally better IQ. Okay. Whatever. It’s also a few millimeters smaller. Good. But does that equate to an $8,000 difference in price? Jesus Christ. 

You forgot one thing: 35cm or 50cm as the shortest distance is a lot. Especially with this quality of OOF areas from the Leica, from what I’ve seen thus far. 
And you underestimate the volume; the CV is, even without the hood (which is a mortal sin in itself), already much too long for a 2.0 all situations lens. I can sell about all my 35’s with a relevant value, even my FLE, for this one lens, which has most probably more value to me than a Q2. The 1.4 shots from the FLE are mostly below satisfaction for me, 1.7 is ok, but I might not miss the gap between 1.7 and 2.0. 
And there’s a unique selling point for Leica lenses: you have to wait a year before they are in stock at the shops, nice time to decide. 
 

Edited October 11, 2021 by otto.f