What is the best (most reliable) performing lightweight reasonably fast 50 mm M-mount lens?

[shirubadanieru]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

40 minutes ago, roelandinho said:

I agree that no lens is superior to another if one does not define what “superior” means. That’s why I added the “considering what I’m looking for, see above” part.

I stated that I (ideally) want minimal focus shift, minimal field curvature, max resolution at every aperture and distance from center to edge, and minimal flare. So in this case, when I ask if a lens is “superior” than another, what I mean is “is it noticeably better in one or more of these aspects than the other lens?”. 

If you want a perfect lens, only the APO cron will do for you but too heavy. 

From that perspective the V4 is 'superior' to the rigid, but not perfect. I had the V4 & there's no way I'd ever keep it over the rigid. The rigid has:

→ amazing resolution (one of the highest from pre-asph lenses?)

→ amazing bokeh (v4 is meh)

→ amazing built quality (v4 does not come close) 

→ beautiful dreamy rendering wide open without being soft, and remaining very sharp in the center. from f4 as sharp as any modern lens across the frame

→ flare is ok for me, the v4 is not considerably better

→ both lenses have no CA, no focus shift, no distortion. At least I never noticed any.

If you want to shoot portraits at f2/2.8 & then do everything else from f4 & beyond then the rigid is an amazing choice. If you want perfection at all apertures, the v4 improves on that sense over the rigid but i wouln’t necessarily use it wide open or at f2.8 for landscape / at infinity shots.

Check some pics online from both lenses & see which rendering you prefer.

[a.noctilux]

I would repeat myself, the "sweetest" (not the best 😉) in 50mm Summicron I have/use is the 50 Th. Anniversary ( model 11615 )  which imitated the Rigid (II) while not having the infinity lock, and the large and scalloped focus ring is a joy in use. Optical cell of latest model including 8 blades aperture ( light blobs = hexagones shape )

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

non-working Leicameter MR here was a joke

[Prosophos]

The Voigtlander 50mm 1.5 (II) MC. 

It's a gem.  It gives you everything you require.  I also have the Voigt 50 APO, but have kept the 50/1.5 for its perfect size/performance/versatility combination.

The images below were all taken on film, but I have examples on digital as well.

—Peter.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

 

 

[roelandinho]

On 8/31/2022 at 12:02 PM, lebanese blonde said:

Hi,

maybe this link is useful for you - i think this is the best comparison of 50mm Leica lenses:

https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/leica-m-50mm-lens-comparison-part-1

I had the Planar on my M6 several years ago but i didn't use it that much. It`s a very nicely built lens with a flawless image quality but maybe this was the cause for me not to use it that much.

Now i've got the SUmmicron v4 (79 - '94 as mentioned above) and i am very happy. It`s great on my M6 and M240. I bought it used with a fresh CLA from Leica 6 months ago with the matching hood for 1100€. It`s very sharp but still has a lot of character in a positive way. 

 

Edit: for a short time i tested the Nokton 50mm 1.5 II. I liked the image quality and the look, vignetting is pretty strong on that lens. It doesn't have a focus tab but is very small and compact.

Thank you. From looking at the comparison you linked to it seems the Zeiss Planar is significantly wider than the other lenses I am considering. It may be too close to my 35 mm C-Biogon which has a real focal length of about 37 mm. 

The Summicron is very impressive close-up but the sample used in the review had bad infinity calibration which makes it impossible to judge performance at infinity. It also has noticeable focus shift but less so than the Planar. Not really bothersome I think. 

The Nokton f/1.5 ii good in every aspect apart from the extreme vignetting. 

Has someone compared the Nokton f/1.5 ii and a well-calibrated Summicron at various distances? 

 

[roelandinho]

6 hours ago, Prosophos said:

The Voigtlander 50mm 1.5 (II) MC. 

It's a gem.  It gives you everything you require.  I also have the Voigt 50 APO, but have kept the 50/1.5 for its perfect size/performance/versatility combination.

The images below were all taken on film, but I have examples on digital as well.

—Peter.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

 

 

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and these nice images. I especially like the first one, beautiful subject, light and colors. Have you by any chance used any of the 50 mm Summicrons for comparison? If this lens performs as good it would be a winner as it’s only 200 g, has a bonus f/1.5 and is also cheaper to buy new with warranty. 

 

 

[roelandinho]

Looking at more sample images of the Nokton f/1.5 ii it still looks a bit more vintage/glowy than I would like at f/2 and f/1.5. I also don't like what they call the "cat-eye bokeh".

Maybe I should again consider getting the APO-Lanthar: optics are precisely what I'm looking for, easy to buy new with warranty (and cheaper than Leica), also better flare resistance than the (APO-)Summicron. The weight is not ideal but still ok. I just hope I'll be able to tolerate the size. 

Edited September 2, 2022 by roelandinho

[Prosophos]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

2 hours ago, roelandinho said:

 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and these nice images. I especially like the first one, beautiful subject, light and colors. Have you by any chance used any of the 50 mm Summicrons for comparison? If this lens performs as good it would be a winner as it’s only 200 g, has a bonus f/1.5 and is also cheaper to buy new with warranty. 

 

 

I've owned and used over 10(!) different 50mm lenses from Voigtlander, Zeiss, and Leica and would pick the 50 1.5 (II) as the most balanced with respect to size/weight/performance/speed.  Specifically, it offers the best combination of features at the expense of some trade-offs that are necessary to pack in so much goodness in a small package.

For example, the bokeh can indeed have that cat's eye appearance in the periphery (as does the much more expensive Noctilux 0.95 I used to own) but it is always smooth and much more controlled than most 50s.  And you don't get the Ninja star appearance that you get with the 50mm Summilux ASPH at stopped down apertures.

I have recently purchased the Voigt 50 APO as well, and as much as I really like it, I could not part with the 50/1.5 (II) because I still need a 50 that is faster than f/2.  And as you point out, the APO is larger... it's not too large but large enough that it doesn't "disappear" as much in use.

My choice for close-up performance, or wide open shooting -- especially for portraiture, would still be the 50mm Summilux ASPH however.

In the end, there is no one perfect lens, just preferred lenses for specific applications.

—Peter.

[Printmaker]

The current 50 Summicron (type 5) is a wonderful lens. Sharp, nice contrast, light and small. Never disappoints and looks good on an M. This little lens pairs nicely with a 28 Elmarit ASPH and compliments a 90 Elmarit M, or a 135 Tele-Elmer or APO for a compact travel kit.

[Stein K S]

On 9/1/2022 at 12:59 AM, Jeff S said:

First post.

Jeff

Ooobs… missed that 😉 Thanks!

[28framelines]

17 hours ago, Prosophos said:

The Voigtlander 50mm 1.5 (II) MC. 

It's a gem.  It gives you everything you require.  I also have the Voigt 50 APO, but have kept the 50/1.5 for its perfect size/performance/versatility combination.

The images below were all taken on film, but I have examples on digital as well.

—Peter.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

 

 

We’re any of these shot wide open? My question is mostly because I feel like I just don’t notice vignettes as much on film, and the “extreme” vignetting on that first photo doesn’t seem bad at all

[shirubadanieru]

On 9/2/2022 at 7:04 AM, a.noctilux said:

I would repeat myself, the "sweetest" (not the best 😉) in 50mm Summicron I have/use is the 50 Th. Anniversary ( model 11615 )  which imitated the Rigid (II) while not having the infinity lock, and the large and scalloped focus ring is a joy in use. Optical cell of latest model including 8 blades aperture ( light blobs = hexagones shape )

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

non-working Leicameter MR here was a joke

I can take it from you no problem hehe : p 

[a.noctilux]

On 9/3/2022 at 9:54 AM, shirubadanieru said:

I can take it from you no problem hehe : p 

I'll keep it for a while, sorry.

One 11615 is on sale here, 5,400€

https://www.french-camera.com/leica-50mm-summicronm-chrome-ref-11615-50-ans-summicron-code-etui-notice-papiers-coffret-neuf-boite-xml-245_379-15255.html

coded, strange

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

   

 

[vanGeist]

You should keep in mind that the Zeiss 50 Planar is based of the 45 Planar for Contax G. The focal length will be somewhat wider than the Summicron.

 

[6bit]

On 8/31/2022 at 11:10 AM, rramesh said:

I would suggest the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton Vintage Line II Aspherical. It's small, < 200gm and a decent performer. It would be my choice if and when I sell my Summilux 50.

Agree. I would choose this over the Zeiss any day of the week. 

[lct]

43 minutes ago, vanGeist said:

You should keep in mind that the Zeiss 50 Planar is based of the 45 Planar for Contax G.

Would you have any link about this? Just curious as the first Planar 50 i've used was from the sixties.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

[astrostl]

On 8/31/2022 at 10:10 AM, rramesh said:

I would suggest the Voigtlander 50mm f/1.5 Nokton Vintage Line II Aspherical. It's small, < 200gm and a decent performer.

I own many 50s and this would be my default recommendation too - if one likes the bokeh (gets really swirly with foliage wide open).

[vanGeist]

Am 18.9.2022 um 15:06 schrieb lct:

Would you have any link about this? Just curious as the first Planar 50 i've used was from the sixties.

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

There was a comparision years ago in a some photo forum between the ZM Planar 50, the Contax G Planar 45, a Summicron 50 and another LTM 50, if I remember correctly. The images from both Planar lenses were virtually indistinguishable from each other. I'm sorry, but I can not provide a link as this was years ago.

However the Rockwell mentions this issue in his review of the ZM 50 Planar,too. https://www.kenrockwell.com/zeiss/zm/50mm-f2.htm#spex 

»(…) the actual focal length is a little shorter than 50mm (…).

Unlike when comparing many 50mm lenses where differences in actual focal lengths are minor, this lens makes images that look like it might actually be closer to 45mm.«

[Chimichurri]

On 8/31/2022 at 3:42 PM, roelandinho said:

Hi all, 

I am looking for your input on what is the “best” performing 50 mm M-mount lens given certain restrictions (see below). I currently use the 50 mm f/3.5 Heliar and would like a faster lens. I am shooting color negative film and want a sharp, reliable lens to maximize the rather limited resolution potential 35mm film. 
 

The lens I am looking for *must* satisfy all of the following conditions: 

- max aperture: at least f/2

- weight: no more than 250 g

- good flare resistance is important (I don’t want to waste my film)

- the lens should be native M-mount, so no adapters should be necessary

I am currently looking at the Zeiss planar and the newest Voigtlander Nokton. Are there other lenses I should consider? Which one has the most reliable performance? 

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience. 

Well. I’ve shot

1) 50f2 Planar: sharp and a lot of contrast. no issues with flare. I don’t like the colors, it’s too much contrast for me, and the sharpness is too harsh for me. But this is all subjective to my personal liking. It’s a small very sharp lens. And it does great in B&W.

I don’t like the focusing ring. It’s sort of a known thing with this lens that it isn’t super smooth. It’s workable and accurate though.

2) Nokton 50f1.5 II: not as sharp as the Planar. No issues with flaring or focus shift. It’s f1.5. Beautiful warm colors. Super tiny and light. Focusing is super smooth, but the ears of that aperture ring can drive you mad.

3) Apo-Lanthar 50f2: The IQ is perfection from f2. It has no optical flaws except for some vignetting wide open. It’s built like a Rolex. It’s too big and heavy for me for an f2 and for the M. I would rather use this on an SL. But in terms of IQ if you want perfection then this is the one. 

Perfection isn’t all that is cracked up to be though..

4) Cron 50f2 v4 or v5: There’s a lot here because this lens isn’t perfect. At an angle, if you point the camera up and the light enters the lens, you get flaring. It looks like a soft light coming from the top. The hood helps some. You can almost predict when it happens but it’s nothing I encounter often. Maybe 1 out of like 50 photos.  And I can always tell when it’ll happen.   

It’s not pin sharp at f2. Gives you a beautiful soft glow. It slowly improves and by F8 is like the APO.

For me the perfect was the Summicron because it Let’s me be more expressive. 

If you want perfection go for the APO-Lanthar

If you don’t want to carry that thing around then you can go for the Planar. Although it has that strong “Zeiss look” and the sharpness could be too much and too harsh for people’s skin. 

If you want tiny and overall good performer then look no further than the Nokton 50f1.5 II MC.

After using all those my personal choice was the 50 Cron. All those little imperfections just make it magic. Just really pretty pictures. And lovely to use. I always had an itch like nothing was quite right until I bought the summicron. I stopped desiring any other 50mm lens since. 
 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

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

Edited October 24, 2022 by Chimichurri

[cboy]

No mention of the LLL elcan 50mm f/2? Time will test the reliability of the replica lens. But it renders nicely and its quite compact. Hope future manufacturers will make more compact 50s

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Rick]

"What is the best (most reliable) performing lightweight reasonably fast 50 mm M-mount lens?"

In your title post, I am not sure what the "most reliable performing" lens would be... or what that means.  I own five Leica 50mm lenses and they are all "reliable."  So I am not sure which one I would recommend.   

Given your "conditions" listed in the body of your post, you then ask, Which one has the most reliable performance?  So, I am not sure how to help you because, I am not sure what you mean by reliable in this context.

I'd like to help... What do you mean by reliable?