SL3 Rumors

[Planetwide]

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Here the specs from the Sony A7V which uses their 61mp sensor... Info only, as we do to officially know if it's the same sensor...

• 61.0MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, Sony’s highest resolution in an Alpha camera
• New AI processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition in addition to the BIONZ XR image processing engine, itself a significant upgrade from the BIONZ X
• Next-generation AF Real-time Recognition and tracking AF in still and movie modes utilizing detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems that only detect face and eye
• AI subject recognition subject types added, including animals, vehicles, and insects (Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane available)
• Faster and more precise wide-area, high-density AF system
• 8-stop image stabilization system — most effective ever offered in a Sony Alpha camera
• Continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking; silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 7 fps
• Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speed
• Focus Bracketing
• 8K 25/24p video, 4K 60p, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, all intra recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, breathing compensation
• In-body Active mode image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording (slight image crop in Active mode, Active mode not available when recording XAVC HS 8K or using a frame rate of 120 (100) fps)
• Improved heat dissipation for extended recording times
• Pixel Shift Multi Shooting subject motion correction via Imaging Edge Desktop v3.5
• Anti-flicker for stills (100 Hz or 120 Hz) and variable shutter function for stills and movies (higher than 100 Hz or 120 Hz)
• Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes
• ISO 100 to 32000, extended 50 to 102400
• 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Planetwide]

7 minutes ago, helged said:

Good point. Based on S5ii, it looks like one has to go to Sigma or Panasonic lenses to get the fastest, possible af in L-mount. Or we could se a 'new' line of fast Leica af-lenses (I don't think so, by Sigma rebranding exists and will likely continue). Currently I have Canon R5 for fast focussing and tracking; and the focus/tracking is quite impressive (for my use).

Another issue with fast af and tracking is the readout time when using the electronic shutter. SL2-S has too slow readout time for eg birds in flight, so here I am forced to use the mechanical shutter. If not, wings tend to be stretched and deformed, which I (highly) dislike. R5 is better, but still on the slow side. To the extent SL3 shares the sensor with M11/Q3, the readout time is likely on the slow side, putting limitations to the usefulness of SL3 for fast movements (using the electronic shutter). Speculations; time will tell...

The Siggy 60-600mm could be very good with the new system.

[LBJ2]

Odd man out. I'm almost feeling melancholy about the SL2 and its CDAF with DFD assist on the eve of the new SL3 with PDAF. I've enjoyed some of the highest quality images and have worked with this CDAF/DFD AF tech extensively to be able to reliably capture fast moving subjects and events. Took a bit more elbow grease and learning/practicing with AF settings and sub settings, but I made it work. I certainly feel I got my money's worth. 

I'll probably never look to any Leica SL as my BIF or sports kit and I am very okay with this as I look to my Leica kit for when I want/need the very best image quality. In my mind that's why I pay the Leica premium. OTOH, I do shoot a lot of BIF and Sports and my Sony A1 already delivers more AF, tracking and gazillion FPS performance with one quick pulse of the shutter than I need in many scenarios--but it is nice to have at the ready. I do however, find the Sony system a very different experience.

Okay. Enough with the melancholy. I know I don't have to upgrade to the SL3. Nobody does. But well you know how these things work out in the end 🤪

Edited January 28, 2024 by LBJ2

[helged]

1 hour ago, Planetwide said:

The Siggy 60-600mm could be very good with the new system.

As well as the new Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 DG DN. 

Edited January 28, 2024 by helged

[tomasis7]

1 hour ago, LBJ2 said:

I've read a few comments the SL APSH primes feel a bit faster AF than the SL primes on the current SL2/SL2S bodies. Maybe less glass/weight to move around? But I also remember some forum discussion the SL APO prime stepper motors should be fine with PDAF on par with what we experience currently. Either way, seems like we should know very soon. 

Quite logical. Weight move issue, yes. Leica SL will never compete with Canon, Nikon, Sony etc. in performance or price. Rather compete with Hasselblad and medium format. What would SL3 do? Feed more power? See below and find some quotes in the interview. The camera SL2 had issues in a long time recording with the Sigma lens as the lens drew more power. It might be a bug as well. But interesting thought for further development.

I stumbled on an interesting piece of the interview regarding the possibility of smaller lenses in the SL system.

 https://www.eoshd.com/interview/interview-with-stephan-schulz-leica-camera-on-the-sl2-and-filmmaking/

Q: The full frame Leica L mount lenses are all quite large. How about a range of autofocus lenses using the optics of Leica M lenses? Not so much a question, more of a request!
A: First of all I have to say, compared to Leica M lenses all autofocus lenses in the market are quite large. But we have developed the Leica APO-Summicron SL series that has reasonable size and weight, combined with outstanding and unmatched image quality and future proof extremely fast autofocus technology. Mirrorless cameras require another autofocus motor drive concept than D-SLR cameras. Final fine focus positioning is always based on evaluation of detail contrast (this is true as well for cameras with phase detection pixels). That requires drive concepts, that can instantly change the direction of movement with very lightweight focussing elements.
M lenses are mainly focussing as a whole (with some floating elements), that means it is a heavy unit. With current technology there is no fast focus performance possible with such optical concepts. So, the advantage of fast focussing for mirrorless lenses does require different optical designs for the required focus technology, because only one or two elements can be used for focussing. On the other side we can make a lens performance possible based on such concepts, that are almost impossible with more compact designs.

 

[tomasis7]

Screen tilt not likely .. I put video at particular time for 1 minute quote. 

 

[LBJ2]

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24 minutes ago, tomasis7 said:

Quite logical. Weight move issue, yes. Leica SL will never compete with Canon, Nikon, Sony etc. in performance or price. Rather compete with Hasselblad and medium format. What would SL3 do? Feed more power? See below and find some quotes in the interview. The camera SL2 had issues in a long time recording with the Sigma lens as the lens drew more power. It might be a bug as well. But interesting thought for further development.

I stumbled on an interesting piece of the interview regarding the possibility of smaller lenses in the SL system.

 https://www.eoshd.com/interview/interview-with-stephan-schulz-leica-camera-on-the-sl2-and-filmmaking/

Q: The full frame Leica L mount lenses are all quite large. How about a range of autofocus lenses using the optics of Leica M lenses? Not so much a question, more of a request!
A: First of all I have to say, compared to Leica M lenses all autofocus lenses in the market are quite large. But we have developed the Leica APO-Summicron SL series that has reasonable size and weight, combined with outstanding and unmatched image quality and future proof extremely fast autofocus technology. Mirrorless cameras require another autofocus motor drive concept than D-SLR cameras. Final fine focus positioning is always based on evaluation of detail contrast (this is true as well for cameras with phase detection pixels). That requires drive concepts, that can instantly change the direction of movement with very lightweight focussing elements.
M lenses are mainly focussing as a whole (with some floating elements), that means it is a heavy unit. With current technology there is no fast focus performance possible with such optical concepts. So, the advantage of fast focussing for mirrorless lenses does require different optical designs for the required focus technology, because only one or two elements can be used for focussing. On the other side we can make a lens performance possible based on such concepts, that are almost impossible with more compact designs.

 

I think the long time power management issue in the SL2 system might have resolved with the new/stronger BP-SCL6 battery and a recent firmware update to certify the BP-SCL6 for use with the SL2 cameras. Now even the less powerful BP-SCL4 battery performs better on the SL2. 

Agree with the idea, more smaller than APO prime SL/ASPH lenses to come. E.g., a rebadged Panasonic 100/2.8 macro. A wee bit smaller SL3 but not too small to throw the very nice SL2+ APO prime balance off, but along with more SL ASPH lenses might go a long way for the SL size and weight sensitive. 

Sadly for me, we might not see another new SL APO prime any time soon. And am confident the SL 24 APO prime was killed altogether. Who knows maybe one day we see a 135 APO prime--but also access to 21,28,35,50,75,90 SL APO primes is a very nice set of the world's best FF lenses IMO.  

Edited January 28, 2024 by LBJ2

[tomasis7]

27 minutes ago, LBJ2 said:

I think the long time power management issue in the SL2 system might have resolved with the new/stronger BP-SCL6 battery and a recent firmware update to certify the BP-SCL6 for use with the SL2 cameras. Now even the less powerful BP-SCL4 battery performs better on the SL2. 

Agree with the idea, more smaller than APO prime SL/ASPH lenses to come. E.g., a rebadged Panasonic 100/2.8 macro. A wee bit smaller SL3 but not too small to throw the very nice SL2+ APO prime balance off, but along with more SL ASPH lenses might go a long way for the SL size and weight sensitive. 

Sadly for me, we might not see another new SL APO prime any time soon. And am confident the SL 24 APO prime was killed altogether. Who knows maybe one day we see a 135 APO prime--but also access to 21,28,35,50,75,90 SL APO primes is a very nice set of the world's best FF lenses IMO.  

yeah, I believe SL will complement M and S and also Hasselblad rather than compete with them. So I don't believe in any new Summilux/Noctilux for the SL system.

350 grams for Summicron Asph is pretty nice. I want to test it for focusing and filming. I don't mind the new f2.8 and f3.5 lenses.

For instance, I like SL for the video capability and the very high iso. Also reasonable price. It is where the SL system will find its place in the market for Leica /high-end system users. I watched the interview with Karbe. He talked about Leica Cine lenses and 60mm/lines plus 50% contrast. Those who use Cine-lenses likely purchase SL. I like to think of Cine lenses as the biffed-up M lenses with their prices of 15k.

For SL3, I believe more software integration with phones and tablets. Seamless wireless and wired tethering, more video capabilities, etc. 30-second waiting from Foto apps is unacceptable.

Support external battery through USB-C. Usb4 can feed up to 250w. Improved cooling inside. 

 

Edited January 28, 2024 by tomasis7

[LocalHero1953]

1 hour ago, tomasis7 said:

Quite logical. Weight move issue, yes. Leica SL will never compete with Canon, Nikon, Sony etc. in performance or price. Rather compete with Hasselblad and medium format. What would SL3 do? Feed more power? See below and find some quotes in the interview. The camera SL2 had issues in a long time recording with the Sigma lens as the lens drew more power. It might be a bug as well. But interesting thought for further development.

I stumbled on an interesting piece of the interview regarding the possibility of smaller lenses in the SL system.

 https://www.eoshd.com/interview/interview-with-stephan-schulz-leica-camera-on-the-sl2-and-filmmaking/

Q: The full frame Leica L mount lenses are all quite large. How about a range of autofocus lenses using the optics of Leica M lenses? Not so much a question, more of a request!
A: First of all I have to say, compared to Leica M lenses all autofocus lenses in the market are quite large. But we have developed the Leica APO-Summicron SL series that has reasonable size and weight, combined with outstanding and unmatched image quality and future proof extremely fast autofocus technology. Mirrorless cameras require another autofocus motor drive concept than D-SLR cameras. Final fine focus positioning is always based on evaluation of detail contrast (this is true as well for cameras with phase detection pixels). That requires drive concepts, that can instantly change the direction of movement with very lightweight focussing elements.
M lenses are mainly focussing as a whole (with some floating elements), that means it is a heavy unit. With current technology there is no fast focus performance possible with such optical concepts. So, the advantage of fast focussing for mirrorless lenses does require different optical designs for the required focus technology, because only one or two elements can be used for focussing. On the other side we can make a lens performance possible based on such concepts, that are almost impossible with more compact designs.

 

My reading of that question is that the new designs are those already incorporated in the Apo-Summicrons, not that there will be new designs we have not seen yet (other than rebadged/re-engineered Sigma lenses). Where Schultz says M lenses focus by moving the whole lens unit, and so a redesign is needed, this was well-known years ago. The Apo-Summicrons (and most other modern AF lenses) are already redesigns that focus only with small glass elements. All lens designers have been working on the same issue since AF lenses came along.

I have never had a problem with (motor) speed and accuracy of focus of the Apo-Summicrons; the problem I find, such as it is, has been picking a face (or animal, or car) in the first place and then locking onto it as it moves around. 

Of course I would be the first to be happy if we could get smaller, faster-focusing Apo SL lenses with the same optical performance.

I think the Summilux-SL 50 is a different case. I have had this lens a few weeks now, and I suspect Leica prioritised optical quality over focusing speed (and size): focusing is slower, as if it has to move larger pieces of glass. I'm not convinced this will improve with the SL3, and I can live with it as it is, for that lenses other qualities.

Edited January 28, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[LBJ2]

16 minutes ago, tomasis7 said:

yeah, I believe SL will complement M and S and also Hasselblad rather than compete with them. So I don't believe in any new Summilux/Noctilux for the SL system.

350 grams for Summicron Asph is pretty nice. I want to test it for focusing and filming. I don't mind the new f2.8 and f3.5 lenses.

For instance, I like SL for the video capability and the very high iso. Also reasonable price. It is where the SL system will find its place in the market for Leica /high-end system users. I watched the interview with Karbe. He talked about Leica Cine lenses and 60mm/lines plus 50% contrast. Those who use Cine-lenses likely purchase SL. I like to think of Cine lenses as the biffed-up M lenses with their prices of 15k.

For SL3, I believe more software integration with phones and tablets. Seamless wireless and wired tethering, more video capabilities, etc. 30-second waiting from Foto apps is unacceptable.

Support external battery through USB-C. Usb4 can feed up to 250w. Improved cooling inside. 

 

Karbe interviews are the best. A very wise marketing decision to get that man on camera as much as possible! What a font of valuable information and learning. I also very much like listening to Stefan Daniel and Dr. Kaufmann as they tell the SL story and hint at Leica's future. This team has been duly rewarded IMO with the last two years of record earnings. Can't wait to see what they have done with the SL3. But also I will not be quick to buy, no more Leica preorder queues for me like I did with the M11 ( some lessons learned there ha ha) 

What Mobile and SL camera are you using that causes a 30s connect time with the Fotos app. If I have to wait 30s or more w/ my iPhone/iPad and the SL2 Fotos connect something is wrong and I need to take action. 

 

[LocalHero1953]

I suspect the power drain issue with the SL2 and non-Leica lenses was a glitch somewhere in the implementation of the L-mount protocol. There's no telling whether it was Leica or Sigma being non-compliant, or a missing factor in the L-mount protocol. From my recollection it was solved by firmware update (body or lens) long before the new batteries came in, but someone with one of the offending lenses may be able to confirm.

[tomasis7]

7 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I suspect the power drain issue with the SL2 and non-Leica lenses was a glitch somewhere in the implementation of the L-mount protocol. There's no telling whether it was Leica or Sigma being non-compliant, or a missing factor in the L-mount protocol. From my recollection it was solved by firmware update (body or lens) long before the new batteries came in, but someone with one of the offending lenses may be able to confirm.

I reacted when Stephan said "future proof extremely fast autofocus technology" in the interview. My interpretation is that dual servos are more than enough. I don't know either if Summilux will be faster once future bodies can feed more power. I assume that the higher priority is to keep people happy with 500 photos in a single battery or such.

You have to decide how to distribute battery energy in the whole system of the body. That's my speculation above. 

Edited January 28, 2024 by tomasis7

[LBJ2]

2 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

I suspect the power drain issue with the SL2 and non-Leica lenses was a glitch somewhere in the implementation of the L-mount protocol. There's no telling whether it was Leica or Sigma being non-compliant, or a missing factor in the L-mount protocol. From my recollection it was solved by firmware update (body or lens) long before the new batteries came in, but someone with one of the offending lenses may be able to confirm.

I suffered the power issues with Leica SL2 and AL APO lenses aka inability to shoot 4K or High-speed AF-C when the SCL4 or 6 battery was at about 20% or less. The new SCL6 alone did not solve this issue. When the SCL6 certification for SL2 firmware dropped so did this 20% issues for the SCL6 battery and much improved with the SCL4 battery. 

[tomasis7]

14 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

My reading of that question is that the new designs are those already incorporated in the Apo-Summicrons, not that there will be new designs we have not seen yet (other than rebadged/re-engineered Sigma lenses). Where Schultz says M lenses focus by moving the whole lens unit, and so a redesign is needed, this was well-known years ago. The Apo-Summicrons (and most other modern AF lenses) are already redesigns that focus only with small glass elements. All lens designers have been working on the same issue since AF lenses came along.

I have never had a problem with speed and accuracy of focus of the Apo-Summicrons; the problem I find, such as it is, has been picking a face (or animal, or car) in the first place and then locking onto it as it moves around. 

Of course I would be the first to be happy if we could get smaller, faster-focusing Apo SL lenses with the same optical performance.

I think the Summilux-SL 50 is a different case. I have had this lens a few weeks now, and I suspect Leica prioritised optical quality over focusing speed (and size): focusing is slower, as if it has to move larger pieces of glass. I'm not convinced this will improve with the SL3, and I can live with it as it is, for that lenses other qualities.

I'm excited about APO Summicron development for various systems. I guess it is simpler to design a Summicron as Summilux gives a steep/45-degree light angle that creates aberrations then you have to start from scratch in the optical design. 

Im glad that we abandon thin/bokeh dof photography 😂 to obtain the feature - focus. 

[LBJ2]

42 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

My reading of that question is that the new designs are those already incorporated in the Apo-Summicrons, not that there will be new designs we have not seen yet (other than rebadged/re-engineered Sigma lenses). Where Schultz says M lenses focus by moving the whole lens unit, and so a redesign is needed, this was well-known years ago. The Apo-Summicrons (and most other modern AF lenses) are already redesigns that focus only with small glass elements. All lens designers have been working on the same issue since AF lenses came along.

I have never had a problem with (motor) speed and accuracy of focus of the Apo-Summicrons; the problem I find, such as it is, has been picking a face (or animal, or car) in the first place and then locking onto it as it moves around. 

Of course I would be the first to be happy if we could get smaller, faster-focusing Apo SL lenses with the same optical performance.

I think the Summilux-SL 50 is a different case. I have had this lens a few weeks now, and I suspect Leica prioritised optical quality over focusing speed (and size): focusing is slower, as if it has to move larger pieces of glass. I'm not convinced this will improve with the SL3, and I can live with it as it is, for that lenses other qualities.

Congrats on the Summilux-SL 50. Beautiful lens, It's on my bucket list, but since I use the M- Noctilux 50 f 0,95 I can be patient. However,  @Planetwide has more than once teased me with his mesmerizing Summilux-SL 50 images. Same as he did with some of his Summicron-SL 35 APO images. 

From what I've seen with the Summilux-SL 50, too bad Mr Karbe did not follow through with a Summilux-SL 35! For that look, I would be happy to drag around those two lenses 😁

Edited January 28, 2024 by LBJ2

[LocalHero1953]

4 minutes ago, LBJ2 said:

Congrats on the Summilux-SL 50. Beautiful lens, It's on my bucket list, but since I use the M- Noctilux 50 f 0,95 I can be patient. However,  @Planetwide has more than once teased me with his mesmerizing Summilux-SL 50 images. Same as he did with some of his Summicron-SL 35 APO images. 

From what I've seen with the Summilux-SL 50, too bad Mr Karbe did not follow through with a Summilux-SL 35! For that look, I would be happy too drag around those two lenses 😁

I've posted some early results in this thread, and this thread. (Those are just mine - some great examples from other people as well).

[SrMi]

4 hours ago, Planetwide said:

Here the specs from the Sony A7V which uses their 61mp sensor... Info only, as we do to officially know if it's the same sensor...

• 61.0MP full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor, Sony’s highest resolution in an Alpha camera
• New AI processing unit dedicated to AI-based image recognition in addition to the BIONZ XR image processing engine, itself a significant upgrade from the BIONZ X
• Next-generation AF Real-time Recognition and tracking AF in still and movie modes utilizing detailed information about human form and pose estimation to dramatically improve recognition accuracy beyond systems that only detect face and eye
• AI subject recognition subject types added, including animals, vehicles, and insects (Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane available)
• Faster and more precise wide-area, high-density AF system
• 8-stop image stabilization system — most effective ever offered in a Sony Alpha camera
• Continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE tracking; silent, vibration-free shooting at up to 7 fps
• Continuously shoot up to 583 compressed RAW images at high speed
• Focus Bracketing
• 8K 25/24p video, 4K 60p, 4K video oversampled from 6.2K without binning, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, all intra recording, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, breathing compensation
• In-body Active mode image stabilization for smoother on-the-go recording (slight image crop in Active mode, Active mode not available when recording XAVC HS 8K or using a frame rate of 120 (100) fps)
• Improved heat dissipation for extended recording times
• Pixel Shift Multi Shooting subject motion correction via Imaging Edge Desktop v3.5
• Anti-flicker for stills (100 Hz or 120 Hz) and variable shutter function for stills and movies (higher than 100 Hz or 120 Hz)
• Lossless RAW image compression and selectable RAW image sizes
• ISO 100 to 32000, extended 50 to 102400
• 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivities

We do not know, but we assume it is the 60MP Sony sensor. The list contains mostly things that are unrelated to the sensor.

[Stuart Richardson]

2 hours ago, tomasis7 said:

I stumbled on an interesting piece of the interview regarding the possibility of smaller lenses in the SL system.

--------------------------------------

 On the other side we can make a lens performance possible based on such concepts, that are almost impossible with more compact designs.

 

I was without an M for a long time since I sold my M10 not that long after I got the SL2. More recently I found a good deal on an M10M that I wanted to use for travel work and as a lightweight kit for hikes. I have a number of M lenses still. I was kind of curious so I took some photos using the EVF to focus with the 50mm 1.4 ASPH and 35mm Summilux FLE. I then took some with the SL2 and 35mm and 50mm APO Summicrons which have been my main work kit since 2020. To be honest, it was a mistake. The APO Summicrons and SL2 are so much better that I find it kind of shocking. Obviously "better" is subjective. I am talking about sharpness, micro contrast, freedom from aberration and edge to edge uniformity. For some people better is going to mean uncorrected spherical aberration that gives a beautiful glow. I like those lenses too, but not for my general purpose work.

I have been using the APO Summicrons so I know they are absurdly good, but using these M lenses again, it makes me really appreciate just how fantastic the SL2 and these lenses are. The 35mm and 50mm are both sharper across the frame at f2 than either the 50mm or 35mm M lenses are at any aperture. And they achieve that with a half press of the shutter to snap into focus, where I could only achieve the peak sharpness on the M lenses with using the EVF to gently rock it back and forth until it was just right. And that had to be done at every aperture, as there is enough focus shift that peak sharpness migrates slightly at each aperture (at least with the 35mm FLE and 90mm APO, both of which I tried). Anyway, I know this is not as significant in most real world use, and that some people do not care in the slightest. I just found it an interesting exercise and reminder. I also tried my 45mm S lens from when I was still using the S series, and to be honest it was also outclassed by the 50mm APO, which was again, sharper at f2 than the 45mm was at any aperture. They are just supernatural lenses, and the gap between them and most more normal lenses is only going to grow as the bodies get higher in resolution.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica L-Mount

[John Smith]

12 minutes ago, Stuart Richardson said:

I was without an M for a long time since I sold my M10 not that long after I got the SL2. More recently I found a good deal on an M10M that I wanted to use for travel work and as a lightweight kit for hikes. I have a number of M lenses still. I was kind of curious so I took some photos using the EVF to focus with the 50mm 1.4 ASPH and 35mm Summilux FLE. I then took some with the SL2 and 35mm and 50mm APO Summicrons which have been my main work kit since 2020. To be honest, it was a mistake. The APO Summicrons and SL2 are so much better that I find it kind of shocking. Obviously "better" is subjective. I am talking about sharpness, micro contrast, freedom from aberration and edge to edge uniformity. For some people better is going to mean uncorrected spherical aberration that gives a beautiful glow. I like those lenses too, but not for my general purpose work.

I have been using the APO Summicrons so I know they are absurdly good, but using these M lenses again, it makes me really appreciate just how fantastic the SL2 and these lenses are. The 35mm and 50mm are both sharper across the frame at f2 than either the 50mm or 35mm M lenses are at any aperture. And they achieve that with a half press of the shutter to snap into focus, where I could only achieve the peak sharpness on the M lenses with using the EVF to gently rock it back and forth until it was just right. And that had to be done at every aperture, as there is enough focus shift that peak sharpness migrates slightly at each aperture (at least with the 35mm FLE and 90mm APO, both of which I tried). Anyway, I know this is not as significant in most real world use, and that some people do not care in the slightest. I just found it an interesting exercise and reminder. I also tried my 45mm S lens from when I was still using the S series, and to be honest it was also outclassed by the 50mm APO, which was again, sharper at f2 than the 45mm was at any aperture. They are just supernatural lenses, and the gap between them and most more normal lenses is only going to grow as the bodies get higher in resolution.

The 35mm Apo-Summicron-M comes close. It is telling that it is Peter Karie’s favorite lens at the moment. Rumor has it that Leica will be introducing another lens in March or April, probably on par with the 35mm.

[JohnathanLovm]

1 hour ago, John Smith said:

Rumor has it that Leica will be introducing another lens in March or April, probably on par with the 35mm.

Meanwhile I hoping is the Sigma’s Vario-Summicron-SL 28-70 f/2.0. It’s been a while since we saw the patent.