Which 50mm to Purchase

[bourne]

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I have an M10R and have been using and thoroughly enjoying my 35/2 Summicron ASPH version 2 (most current model).  I am contemplating the purchase of a 50mm lens and am debating between the summilux and the summicron.  The cost differential between these two is not an issue so I am looking for advice with respect to hands on usage and how the two lenses render.  I really love they way my 35 summicron renders so perhaps that should influence my decision.  I enjoy isolating images with wide apertures, and have been able to do that satisfactorily with my f2/35.  I also like the small size of the 35 summicron that I am using.  Would I regret not purchasing  the summilux if I purchased the summicron.  Personal experiences, opinions and all thoughts welcomed.

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[Snipe10]

I'm watching this thread as I too am wondering the same thing. Thanks for asking.

[Sonnelacht]

The 50mm you can crop out of the 35mm images easily, so I would recommend stepping up to 75mm - a perfect combo with your 35mm.

[Jeff S]

I’ve owned both the 50 Summicron v.5 and Summilux ASPH.  As with most all Leica lenses, each is fully capable. I switched long ago to the Summilux, essentially for the extra stop, even though I don’t frequently shoot wide open. It hasn’t disappointed. I consider both tiny lenses compared to my SL beasts; all is relative.  The only issue with the Summicron was having to pay attention to avoid flare, but certainly controllable. Personal preference; only way to know is to try… maybe demo or rent… but you’d likely be happy with either. 

Jeff

[S Maclean]

I have the APO 50 and the Summilux, I am probably selling the APO and Keeping the LUX.  The ONLY thing I don't like abut the lux is the weight.  The thing is a weapon.

 

[LeicaR10]

Bourne and Snipe 10,   First, as you can see there are well meaning Leica photographers that will offer their experience and ideas to include me.  I would suggest you have several options.  Second, with the 35 Summicron v2 you can certainly crop the image to look like a 50mm.  This has been suggested above and quite a viable option to consider.  Third, only you can decide what works best for your type of photography.  IMO, both the 50 Summilux Asph and 50 Summicron v5 render different. Below are three links that might help you decide what works best for you.  Last, the previous suggestion of a 75mm FL is a sound one as well.  Depending on your intended use, either a 75 Apo Summicorn or 75 Summarit works superbly.  The good news, you have choices.  I hope this helps.  r/ Mark

50 Cron Try:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=372&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32  

50 Lux Asph  Try:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=373&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32

You can also get superb results from a Leica 50mm Summarit f/2.4 lens too.  Not made anymore, but about the same price as a 50 Summicron depending on condition. I would only buy such from a reputable dealer that checks and guarantees returns for used lenses.  It is noted for its most excellent contrast and rendering. 

50 Summarit  Try:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=370&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32

PS...This site is excellent if you want to look at photographs taken wiht different Leica lenses of almost all types to include the 75mm.  

Edited January 10, 2023 by LeicaR10

[lct]

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1 hour ago, bourne said:

I also like the small size of the 35 summicron that I am using [...].

Then go for a 50 Summicron. I have both 50/2 v5 and 50/1.4 asph (right) and even the 50/2 apo but guess which i use most? The more compact i.e. the 50/2 v4 (left) but the v5 is no slouch either. 

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[Dennis]

The companion of my 35mm Summicron Asph I (v5) is the Summicron 50 v5 … Sometimes, the best partner of a Cron… is another Cron 🤗

if I would buy tomorrow another 50, it would be the CV 50/1.2 III

my2cents

 

[dpitt]

5 minutes ago, lct said:

Then go for a 50 Summicron. I have both 50/2 v5 and 50/1.4 asph (right) and even the 50/2 apo but guess which i use most? The more compact i.e. the 50/2 v4 (left) but the v5 is no slouch either. 

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Even more so, IMO even the v4 Summicron 50 is not in the same size class as the Summicron 35. I own both, and the v4 is my prefered lens. When size is important, I often take the Summicron 50 Collapsible which I see as equivalent in size. 

My view on 50mm options (handling and size) is this:

1) Want to try something even better than the Summicron 35mm? Try the Elmar 1;3.5/50 collapsible LTM with adapter. It is mostly for outdoors, but it feels like a bodycap when mounted and collapsed. Small and light. Sharp enough to rival modern designs. And a special character on top. Wide open you can get about the same separation as with the Summicron 35.

2) Same form factor as the 35?

• The  Elmar M 1:2.8/50 Collapsible. Modern, hyper sharp, ideal for landscapes and with the cropping capabilities you have like 50mm - 100mm digital zoom.
• The Summicron 1:2.0/50 mm collapsible. Definately a nice vintage look and feel. A bit softer wide open, but really sharp when stopped down. Still very smooth and nice look. If you want a digital cropped portrait lens, this one could be close to perfection. Take your time to find a good sample and then immediately put a filter on. The front lens is soft as chalk.

3) Slightly bigger, but still really comfortable to use?

• Summicron 1:2.0/50 v4 and v5
  The same optical performance. The built in hood of the v5 is handy if you like shooting always with hood.
  I like the v4 as it is smaller and the hood stays in my pocket most of the time.
• Summicron 50 - M or even Summarit 50 if you prefer the modern look more

4) Bigger and heavier (everything is relative)

• Summilux 1:1.4/50 (ASPH or pre-ASPH)
  Of course a very good lens, even wide open. Harder to focus wide open. At short distance DOF gets really small.
  It has no focusing tab,  handling feels different.
  Certainly not pocketable mounted on the M. 
• other brands...

Of course there are non Leica alternatives too. They mostly end up in category 4 AFAIK
So which one is the best for you? Only you can balance pro and con’s.
I like to spread my bets, so I have several vintage 50mm options, even the Summilux one. It is a very nice lens, but if it was my only 50mm it would not be ideal for me.
 

[S Maclean]

I just did this little excercise for my own sake.  I have the APO Cron and the Lux 50.  I was tending towards selling the Cron and keeping the lux.  But now I am not so sure.  In any event these are casual low light comparisons. Light overhead.  All pics taken at ISO 1600 1/180, from the same distance.  No tripod, just on desk so there is  slightly different framing.  The performance of both lenses is superb. The light balls are rounder on the APO. Sharpness on non scientific terms pretty much equal.  I made it a non artistic image on purpose so as to focus on the IQ. The images are taken at the same focusing range.  Not the minimum focusing range though because surprisingly the lux was focusing a little closer than the APO.  I don't have the exact distance though.

Ill Start with the Summilux at 1.4 since there is no comparison to that against the cron. Arguably a tad overexposed, notice the shape of the light balls in the back.

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Next The Lux @2 

versus the APO @2

Lux at 2.8

Apo 2.8

Lux at 4

APO at 4

Lux at 5.6

APO 5.6

 

And now for kicks I am adding a twist.  CV Nokton 35mm 1.2. Because it has a closer focusing range it is actually interesting to see a similar composition abd see how it behaves. 

Same Speed and ISO. I didnt think about it but of course the luminosity is much more apparent on the CV becasue the main object is not black, so it is reflecting much more light.  Either way it does have some value to see how a 900 35 mm competes with two of the best lenses in the world at 50.

1.2

1.4

2

4

2.8

5.6

 

Sorry i mixed the uploads on the CV so the 4 is coming up before the 2.8.  I corrected the numbers.

I don't mind the 1.2 cv shot ebing overexposed because I just wanted to keep the ISO and speed equal for all. no matter what.  Obviously if you take expose right on the more open shots for all lenses results will be more pleasing.  But for the sake of comparison this is better I think.

On the 50's The APO ends up being warmer, more elegant and smoother on the bokech (the very dark bokeh but for what can be evaluated). Sharpness is pretty much comparable.  I wonder how it would compare to the non APO.  But clearly the Luc (i know...also an APO) is a huge contender to the APO for a fraction of the price.

 

Let me put it this way.  the difference between them is not quite reflective of the price.

The CV is outstanding. Period. I dont have a CV 50 nokton but it sure must be great. I do have a 75 cv Nokton and it is a beauty. But, as I said before, the 35 Nokton renders like a 50.

Edited January 11, 2023 by S Maclean

[S Maclean]

I should add all are untouched.  So the small tonal variations can be easily corrected in LR etc

[spydrxx]

There is so much written on the comparison of the two that my adding a recommendation is like heaping petrol on a fire. In my experience, as a former owner of both 50s and the 35 Summcron ASPH, I found all to be too bitingly sharp for my liking. Having said that, if that is what you like, and you need the extra stop - the answer is simple, the Summilux is for you. If you don't need the extra stop and smaller size and/or lighter weight are important - it is the Summicron. IMHO it is easy to overthink the issue of selection until you factor in your shooting habits and preferences.

[M11 for me]

vor 18 Stunden schrieb S Maclean:

I have the APO 50 and the Summilux, I am probably selling the APO and Keeping the LUX.  The ONLY thing I don't like abut the lux is the weight.  The thing is a weapon.

 

Do you have the silver one? I made that "mistake" as I did not know that there is a difference in weight . . . For lightweight I found a Summarit. That is then the 50mm that I usually take with me.

Edited January 11, 2023 by M11 for me

[S Maclean]

4 hours ago, M11 for me said:

Do you have the silver one? I made that "mistake" as I did not know that there is a difference in weight . . . For lightweight I found a Summarit. That is then the 50mm that I usually take with me.

Yeah, I do.  I think the black is also heavy compared to the crons.  It still balances well on use so I am not too worries personally.

[Robert Blanko]

I have the Lux and the (Apo)Cron which I use for different purposes. If I were in your shoes, I would take the Lux. It's a very versatile lens with a wonderful bokeh and stopped down you would IMHO not notice less sharpness than with a (non-Apo) Cron in practice.

Or take both... 😉

[Huss]

23 hours ago, lct said:

Then go for a 50 Summicron. I have both 50/2 v5 and 50/1.4 asph (right) and even the 50/2 apo but guess which i use most? The more compact i.e. the 50/2 v4 (left) but the v5 is no slouch either. 

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I too have the v5 50 Cron, and the Summilux Asph.

One thing that no-one has mentioned is the Cron handles better.  The focus action is quicker and smoother which makes it just so slick delightful to use.  The Lux is an FLE so there is more going on in there when you focus and you can feel it.

The smaller size also means there is less intrusion in the VF, which is nice.

 

[lct]

28 minutes ago, Huss said:

One thing that no-one has mentioned is the Cron handles better.  The focus action is quicker and smoother which makes it just so slick delightful to use.  The Lux is an FLE so there is more going on in there when you focus and you can feel it.

The focus throw of the 50/2 v5 is a bit longer than that of the 50/1.4 aph so it takes in theory more time to focus, let alone that it has no focus tab. 50/2 v4 and 50/1.4 asph have more or less the same focus throw and both have a focus tab so the comparison is less easy between them. I would say the 50/2 v4 is the winner due to its smaller size and weight but the 50/1.4 asph is very close as far as my copy is concerned as it has a smooth focusing action since an overhaul at Wetzlar. 

[mediumformula]

I have the 50 Lux Asph, 50 Cron v4, and the 50 Summarit 2.4.   All are great lenses.  For digital use, unless you know you really want to utilize that 1.4 depth of field and look that the Summilux provides, I would go with the Cron or Summarit because they are lighter weight and more compact and both also provide acceptable subject isolation and glow at wide open.  The v4 and v5 Summicron apparently have the same optics.  I chose the v4 because it is smaller and lighter than the v5 and it also has a focus tab which I prefer.  If you primarily shot on film I would recommend the Summilux due to he faster aperture, but for digital, I wouldn't worry about that.

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