For those that use the 35/75 APO Summicron-SLs

[Dr. G]

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I recently repurchased the SL2-S as I missed the images from it.  Last time around I had the 35, 50 and 90 APO Summicron-SLs and the 50 Summilux-SL.  I rarely used the 90 but I used the 35 and 50mm lengths almost equally (I know most people don’t gap a 35 and 50).  This time around I went with the 35 and 75 APO Summicron-SLs.  I’ve never shot a 75, though, and I’m second guessing myself and wondering if I should return it for a 50 instead.  I like the idea of more background blur and subject separation but don’t know if it will be a lens I will enjoy.  I used a 50 for a very long time - I have more 50mm images across my systems than anything else, but when I bought the 35 last time I found myself grabbing it most of the time.   For those that use the 35/75 combination what do you feel you are gaining over a 50/90 combination?

FWIW, I have a Q2M because I was converting almost everything I shot under 35mm to black and white, so I do have something a little wider that fits my needs.

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[DrM]

Hi,

I use the 35/75 combo for the best of both worlds. 35 is wider and can be cropped with ease to 50. I love the 75 portrets, and those can be cropped to 90 if needed. Both crops don’t effect really the print quality for the sizes I use. Ideally would be a 21, but Leica does not seem in a hurry..

Best,

Marc

[Jeff S]

For me, using the SL 24-90 is easier and more flexible than carrying two primes and still yields fine IQ for my print needs.  I also own the 90-280, which is big but balances well and produces stunning results; well worth the occasional use for me. The SL75 is the only prime I bought early on, but it mostly sits in the shelf, despite its attributes and capability.  

We’re each different, and even our own needs and tastes can change.  The only way for you to really know is to use what you have and see what happens over time and adjust accordingly if not satisfied.  
 

Jeff

[trickness]

The 75 is a beast. Every time I use it I am reminded why I don’t need a Noctilux. It can turn everything into a dream.

The 50 won’t compress like a 75 and I think will overlap a bit with the 35. Dedicate yourself to the 75 for a bit, shoot with it solely for a few weeks if you can and it will reveal itself to you. 
 

75 is kind of an underloved focal length, and yeah it’s not as versatile as a 35 or 50. But man, this 75 SL is special. It’s a treat - use it as such!!! You’ve got a great general lens in the 35, the best 35 Leica has ever made optically.

Edited November 18, 2021 by trickness

[Gavin Cato]

I can see benefit in owning the 35/2 and the 50/1.4 - but not the 35/2 & 50/2.

I think you made a good choice with 35 & 75.

[ravinj]

8 hours ago, Dr. G said:

I recently repurchased the SL2-S as I missed the images from it.  Last time around I had the 35, 50 and 90 APO Summicron-SLs and the 50 Summilux-SL.  I rarely used the 90 but I used the 35 and 50mm lengths almost equally (I know most people don’t gap a 35 and 50).  This time around I went with the 35 and 75 APO Summicron-SLs.  I’ve never shot a 75, though, and I’m second guessing myself and wondering if I should return it for a 50 instead.  I like the idea of more background blur and subject separation but don’t know if it will be a lens I will enjoy.  I used a 50 for a very long time - I have more 50mm images across my systems than anything else, but when I bought the 35 last time I found myself grabbing it most of the time.   For those that use the 35/75 combination what do you feel you are gaining over a 50/90 combination?

FWIW, I have a Q2M because I was converting almost everything I shot under 35mm to black and white, so I do have something a little wider that fits my needs.

Well you can't "uncrop" 50 to a 35, but 35 to 50 crop is certainly very viable with the extreme performance of the SL primes. So if 35mm is something you like as a focal length, the answer is clear - 35/75 is a good combo.

I had the SL 35/50/75/90 at one point. I now have "only" 35 and 90. I just like the 90MM FL in general and SL 90 is one lens that I feel you just buy it and then decide which body to use. 

I did like the SL 75 for its rendering, but sold it since it is not a FL I use often. 

>FWIW, I have a Q2M because I was converting almost everything I shot under 35mm to black and white, so I do have something a little wider that fits my needs.

I also have the Q2 and often debate whether I need the SL 35 as cropped Q2 images are just stellar, at least until 35MM equiv. But then the SL 35 is so special that I am keeping it (I actually sold it only to buy it again).

You can't go wrong with any SL prime, so it is a matter of FLs you prefer.

[Virob]

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Maybe all you need is the 35? With the resolution of this SL2, the 35 easily crops to 50. Sounds like you don’t care for anything  much longer.

Alternatively,  the Q2 (or 28 summicron) + 50 for the SL2, might fit you better.
Another option  could be the 35 + Sigma 65/2. I’m sure the Leica is optically better, but better to have a fantastic lens you use than a superb lens that doesn’t get used.
Im liking the Q2+SL2/65 combo myself, and waiting for the 21.

 

 

 

[aksclix]

I got the 24-90, 90-280 and the 75 SL that I recently purchased used.. 75 is good and if I need a 90 or longer I'll go for the 90-280..

you can most always take a step forward between you and your subject and not always backward.. so a 75 should trump the 90 for those reasons I'd think.. whereas with a 35 you lose a lot of coverage.. you can easily get to a 50 with a step forward but you can't really get that landscape you want that wont fit in a 50  

[chris_tribble]

I have the 35 and 75 - but mostly use the 24-90 because it’s so boringly good!

The way I’m feeling at the moment is I’ll stick with my old but loved 35 Summicron asph on the M10-R (can’t / won’t afford the M35 APO) as this is the length for me on RF. I’ll then keep the 75 for portraiture, the Leica zooms (24-90/90-280) until hell freezes over, and consider the SL35’s future post pandemic (if and when they ever happens!)

 

Edited November 20, 2021 by chris_tribble

[Tailwagger]

2 hours ago, chris_tribble said:

I have the 35 and 75 - but mostly use the 24-90 because it’s so boringly good!

The way I’m feeling at the moment is I’ll stick with my old but loved 35 Summicron asph on the M10-R (can’t / won’t afford the M35 APO) as this is the length for me on RF. I’ll then keep the 75 for portraiture, the Leica zooms (24-90/90-280) until hell freezes over, and consider the SL35’s future post pandemic (if and when they ever happens!)

 

Right there with you. I too own the 35 and 75.  If I ever get off my butt, the 35 will get traded for a 24-90, perhaps the 24-70. Keeping the 75mm as its one of my all time favorites.  If I had it to do all over again knowing what I know now, I would have bought zooms (Sigma 14-24, Leica 24-90 and Lumix 70-200 (which I own)) and left primes solely to the M.  The SL, IMO, neither lends itself to lugging around a second body nor to carrying the requisite primes.

[LBJ2]

On 11/17/2021 at 1:12 PM, Dr. G said:

I recently repurchased the SL2-S as I missed the images from it.  Last time around I had the 35, 50 and 90 APO Summicron-SLs and the 50 Summilux-SL.  I rarely used the 90 but I used the 35 and 50mm lengths almost equally (I know most people don’t gap a 35 and 50).  This time around I went with the 35 and 75 APO Summicron-SLs.  I’ve never shot a 75, though, and I’m second guessing myself and wondering if I should return it for a 50 instead.  I like the idea of more background blur and subject separation but don’t know if it will be a lens I will enjoy.  I used a 50 for a very long time - I have more 50mm images across my systems than anything else, but when I bought the 35 last time I found myself grabbing it most of the time.   For those that use the 35/75 combination what do you feel you are gaining over a 50/90 combination?

FWIW, I have a Q2M because I was converting almost everything I shot under 35mm to black and white, so I do have something a little wider that fits my needs.

From what I've read, I think the 35 and 50 are the most common FLs and many do gap 35, 50. Seems the typical FL kit universally and one I often recommend when asked. 75mm FL however, is not a typical FL and you may just need time to adjust particularly if you are replacing with your long time 50mmFL view of the world. 

Personally, I went with 35,50,90 and that has me in a happy place. IMO the SL 35/APO is a must have for this system even if recently I tend to use the 50mm more bit that changes based upon what I am shooting more or less. But as a general purpose walk-around, I like 50mm. 90mm FL is close to my favorite 100mm FL so I'll always own a 90mm where no100m is available. 

But I also see/know many others gapping 35, 75 and they are very happy too. At a minimum it is a logical gap and does save cost of a third lens for the alternative 35/50/90. I don't think we can go wrong either way. These SL APO primes are truly all in a pinnacle league of their own and we can be assured to see consistently great results with these lenses as long as we do our part.