Summilux-SL 50 AF Speed 2022

[Chun Chang]

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Can you comment on current state of autofocus (speed and reliability) with present firmware?  I have used this lens a while ago on an original SL, early firmware and found it a bit slow relative to the Summicron-SL primes.  Now with SL2 and SL2s later firmware I find the accuracy and reliability of AF on L-mount lenses to be greatly improved with moving subjects but I have not yet tried again the Summilux-SL 50.  Thoughts?

[RBB]

It is precise but certainly not as fast as the Summicrons, for moving objects it's slow but doable (I have the 75 summicron not the 50), I use it on the SL2 and SL2s. But beware, the results are stunning 👌

[Gavin Cato]

It will never be as fast as the f/2 lenses as there is more glass to move around.

But it's totally fine. It's an amazing lens. 

[Photoworks]

you can look at the Panasonic version of 50 1.4 Lumix S PRO

it is very similar IQ, smaller lighter, and closer minimum focus distance.

 

[XRayGuy]

As others have mentioned, it is not as fast as the Summicron 50mm but it is still good.  Honestly, for anything you are shooting with a heavy 50mm f/1.4, it is more than sufficient.  After reading about the Summilux SL autofocus for months prior to purchasing one, I was pleasantly surprised when I finally got one and found it to be very capable.

[tom0511]

I second that the speed is not the problem. We all know the SL is not a sports camera system, and the Summilux is still a little slower than the Summicrons, but I find its really ok/good. Face detection works pretty good as well. Some say the Summicron is optically even better, but for some reason (bokeh/drawing) I like the Summilux even better. When I bought the Summicron 50 my plan was to sell the 50/1.4, but so far I just cant let it go.

[Chun Chang]

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On 2/8/2022 at 5:07 AM, Photoworks said:

you can look at the Panasonic version of 50 1.4 Lumix S PRO

it is very similar IQ, smaller lighter, and closer minimum focus distance.

 

I have used the Panasonic version on several shoots and generally like it but it does have noticeable audible hum to it on the SL2.  AF is quick and accurate and I do like the aperture ring.  How does the Panasonic AF compare to the Summilux-SL AF?  Similar?

[XRayGuy]

I have not used the Panasonic version but I can say that the Summilux SL AF is extremely accurate.  Honestly, I know the SL2 takes a lot of heat for its contrast-detect only AF but as long as you are not shooting sports or BIF it is extremely accurate.  Sure it is not Sony A1-level but I had a Nikon Z7 early on and the SL2 AF blows it out of the water.  When the SL2 locks on, you can feel confident you will get a good result.  Eyes and faces are very well focused with the SL2 and 50 Lux.