Leica 35/2 and 50/2 SL ASPH lenses?

[huwm]

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50 minutes ago, MediaFotografie said:

...it's a dream in combination with SL2-S Reporter!

and yes, Bokeh is wonderful.

Maybe we will get a 85mm version .- because of the corresponding Panasonic lens, time will tell

 

 

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In that photo it doesn’t look that much smaller than the APO, maybe an optical effect induced by the paint job I suppose.

 

[Jeff S]

4 hours ago, huwm said:

In that photo it doesn’t look that much smaller than the APO, maybe an optical effect induced by the paint job I suppose.

 

Same diameter/filter size; 19mm shorter;338g lighter.

Jeff

[AZN]

5 hours ago, huwm said:

In that photo it doesn’t look that much smaller than the APO, maybe an optical effect induced by the paint job I suppose.

 

BH Photo-Video has a comparision table FWIW:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Leica_APO-Summicron-SL_50mm_f_2_ASPH._Lens_vs_Leica_Summicron-SL_50mm_f_2_ASPH._Lens_L-Mount_vs_Leica_Summilux-M_50mm_f_1.4_ASPH._Lens_Black_vs_Leica_Summilux-M_50mm_f_1.4_ASPH._Lens_Silver/BHitems/1500020-REG_1749922-REG_332585-USA_459618-USA

 

Edited March 15, 2023 by AZN

[Ken Abrahams]

On 3/12/2023 at 2:54 PM, Daniel C.1975 said:

@Ken: Oh, oh, I See trouble on the horizon 😄 The 35 Apo is such a great lens, especially if you have a tested used one on your camera. I am not absolutely sure that this one might not stick 

For the time it will definitely shorten the wait, and yes, that‘s a great service!

Yes Daniel the inevitable purchase based on the fact that the lens is in my possession already. I have seen its greatness. I am talking about the The 35 APO SL. But I am also waiting patiently for the 50 Summicron Asph which I thought would be my first Leica automatic focus lens.  Now it seems I will have two of them, mixed among ny beloved M lenses. I will probably write a personal review from the perspective of Manual shooter, a manual shooter ageing from the 1980's who has stepped over the precipice of automated lens function. I will write what I notice in ergonomics and focus function to enable fast captures with confidence, which has always been the way of the rangefinder.

 

 

 

[leitztozeiss]

On 3/10/2023 at 7:43 PM, TAFFY said:

Here’s the link:

This is the episode I need. I want to decide on which SL2-S bundle to get  

 

This episode sold me on the 35/2, due to the very close focus distance.

[huwm]

I’ve the Sigma 35mm f2 contemporary and am waiting for someone with experience of both it and the 35 f2 Leica to chip in.
Any takers?

[romaing]

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[TAFFY]

With regard to the current SL2/SL2S kits and Customer Appreciation discounts, these kits are on a significant discount.  I was considering getting into the SL system, I am currently an M user.  Now that there are prime lens options, not just the Vario-Elmarits in the kit I need some tips from the group. Use is for both personal and paid work (lifestyle portraits).  I want the working rig to be Prime + Zoom.  Weight matters to me for personal work. 

Currently I have an M10 with the VM28/2, VM35/1.4, ZM25/2.8, ZM35/2.8, ZM50/2, VM50/1.2.

I was considering getting the SL2S kits in either of these configurations and adding another lends from the L-mount options:

- Leica 35 or 50 ASPH non-APO + Sigma 24-70

- Leica 24-70 + 35 or 50 Panasonic  

I'd like to own at least one Leica lens and pair with a non Leica L-mount.  I gravitate towards the 35 Primes (regardless of brand) because I think I'm quite happy the M-mount 50s I have and what they can do (IQ, Focus distance).

Would appreciate your thoughts and suggestions.   Thanks in advance. 

 

[LD_50]

If you want a Leica lens I’d go with the 24-90 or one of the older Leica primes. If going with the 24-70 or the new non APO lenses I don’t see that checking the Leica box. I know many see it differently but I consider Leica being about top IQ and those lenses basically match the Sigma and Panasonic offerings. 

[TAFFY]

32 minutes ago, LD_50 said:

If you want a Leica lens I’d go with the 24-90 or one of the older Leica primes. If going with the 24-70 or the new non APO lenses I don’t see that checking the Leica box. I know many see it differently but I consider Leica being about top IQ and those lenses basically match the Sigma and Panasonic offerings. 

Yeah I think we share a different perspective here. But thank you for the input 

[Simone_DF]

8 hours ago, TAFFY said:

- Leica 35 or 50 ASPH non-APO + Sigma 24-70

- Leica 24-70 + 35 or 50 Panasonic  

I'd like to own at least one Leica lens and pair with a non Leica L-mount.
 

None of the lenses listed above are Leica designs, the 24-70 is a Sigma rebadge, the 35/50 Panasonic rebadges. If you don't care about having a metal lens, save your money and get the originals. They are also lighter because of the polycarbonate housing.

Consider also the Sigma 35mm F2, definitely the best bang for the buck among all three.

[Chris Nebard]

In response to Taffy:

Personally, I don’t think you would go wrong with either of your options. I have the Leica 24-70 VE (bought as the kit option with my SL2-s in 2021) and it’s excellent. I’m sure the sigma will provide similarly great results. Both are renowned for sucking dust into the front element - Leica Wetzlar cleaned mine in short order and I’ve had no further trouble - but it’s largely a cosmetic issue anyway.

The 2 new non Apo Summicrons look to be great - particularly as kit options - but I already own the Sigma 35mm f2 i-contemporary which, at £550 (in agreement with Simone_DF), is unbelievable value for what I think is a high performance 35. 

I’ve travelled with the Leica 24-70 VE and the Sigma 35 (for wedding work at home and abroad) and neither has let me down - great performers. 

You have good choices, good luck with whatever you go with 👍

Edited March 20, 2023 by Chris Nebard

[Ken Abrahams]

Yes but has anyone heard of Leica’s ability to ship these products. When I purchased my package it was my mistake to see on Leica Australia page that they were “in stock”. But what I failed to ascertain is the kits ship from Leica Wholesale. Leica Wholesale are not updating local suppliers on delivery eta’s and it’s like a big black hole. 
 

I would have have gone ahead with the purchase regardless and blessed to be able to have a loaner to bridge the gap. I can’t complain but here I am waiting in my 3rd week. I have the RRS L Bracket, a new Hyperion strap, a ridiculously expensive SD card but no SL2s camera. 

Does anyone know what is going on with regards shipping SL2s Kits?

Edited March 21, 2023 by Ken Abrahams

[SoCalLeicanator]

On 3/18/2023 at 7:27 PM, LD_50 said:

If you want a Leica lens I’d go with the 24-90 or one of the older Leica primes. If going with the 24-70 or the new non APO lenses I don’t see that checking the Leica box. I know many see it differently but I consider Leica being about top IQ and those lenses basically match the Sigma and Panasonic offerings. 

I politely disagree with this statement.  I have the Sigma 24-70 2.8 and it's absolutely wonderful (albeit pretty bulky).  It renders beautifully and has plenty of magic.  There's a reason Leica chose this one to rebadge IMO.  So far, no dust, but as many have said this is a cosmetic issue and other than using a blower on the front glass I'm not going to hunt for it.  At similar aperatures it pretty much matches Sigma 35 Art lens.

I have an SL2-S and have been loving the output of my VM 35/2.5 and VM 50/2.  I am waiting for the Leica 50 f2 so would do that with the the Sigma 24-70.  One disadvantage of the SL2-S is you don't have the HUGE leeway for cropping that an SL2 or Q has so the 35 might be too wide (although I have to admit in the shots I've seen I prefer the output of the new 35 f2 to that of the 50 f2)

[Olaf_ZG]

In your case, doing life style sessions (being a ex wedding tog) I would by the 2s with leica 24-90 plus l2m adapter.

While shooting you have the m with primes, the sl with a great zoom and use  fixed m-mounts.

furthermore, as most of your lenses are very sharp, i would invest in some softer ones which are more friendly to older people, fe nokton 75 or sonnar 50.

I would skip the new or apo sl fixed lenses for lifestyle.

[LD_50]

6 hours ago, SoCalLeicanator said:

I politely disagree with this statement.  I have the Sigma 24-70 2.8 and it's absolutely wonderful (albeit pretty bulky).  It renders beautifully and has plenty of magic.  There's a reason Leica chose this one to rebadge IMO.  So far, no dust, but as many have said this is a cosmetic issue and other than using a blower on the front glass I'm not going to hunt for it.  At similar aperatures it pretty much matches Sigma 35 Art lens.

I have an SL2-S and have been loving the output of my VM 35/2.5 and VM 50/2.  I am waiting for the Leica 50 f2 so would do that with the the Sigma 24-70.  One disadvantage of the SL2-S is you don't have the HUGE leeway for cropping that an SL2 or Q has so the 35 might be too wide (although I have to admit in the shots I've seen I prefer the output of the new 35 f2 to that of the 50 f2)

What did you disagree with? You described a good Sigma lens and I wouldn’t pay Leica money for a good Sigma. I’ve only purchased Leica lenses that I thought were special and justified the cost. I currently own a Sigma and I’ve owned a lot of Nikon and a couple Canon lenses and a Sony so I’m not a brand snob.

When someone says they want to buy a Leica I would only suggest it’s worth the money for certain products, and that doesn’t include rebadged offerings from other manufacturers. I’m not saying those products from other manufacturers aren’t good. 

[kobra]

2 hours ago, LD_50 said:

What did you disagree with? You described a good Sigma lens and I wouldn’t pay Leica money for a good Sigma. I’ve only purchased Leica lenses that I thought were special and justified the cost. I currently own a Sigma and I’ve owned a lot of Nikon and a couple Canon lenses and a Sony so I’m not a brand snob.

When someone says they want to buy a Leica I would only suggest it’s worth the money for certain products, and that doesn’t include rebadged offerings from other manufacturers. I’m not saying those products from other manufacturers aren’t good. 

The Leica 24-70 has advantages over the Sigma 24-70. That has been established repeatedly here and on other forums by users with personal experiences and images.

I will say that to make blanket statements that all of the recent Leica lenses that are based on other L mount lenses are merely 'rebadged' and somehow not genuine Leica or somehow not worth the cost (which is cheap in Leica $$s), is merely opinion, not fact. For one, build quality is clearly better and justifies the extra price for many.

Then, as to IQ, let the tests and images speak for themselves... which is too early to say definitively in the case of the new 35, 50 and 100-400 lenses ... at least IMHO and YMMV. 

Brad

Edited March 22, 2023 by kobra

[TAFFY]

Thanks to those who've helped me out with your inputs.  The intent jump into a new and expensive system, the Leica SL system, has made me read A LOT of reviews and forum posts to get the a good return on the money I spend.  A lot of the discussion I've come across or am reading, is whether the recent Leica products of the L-mount alliance really live up to the Leica brand since they share a lot with the Sigma / Panasonic counterparts -- we don't want to be paying a a certain amount if the value doesn't justify the cost.

But what gives me a bit of comfort is: if Leica considers these recent L mount lenses worthy to be called Summicrons for the SL line, they probably have taken steps (throughout the development to the manufacturing) to ensure that the quality of the product lives up to the name.  

IMO Leica has more to lose than the consumer for missteps in "rebadging" because if there is no material difference between Leica, then more people will favor the cheaper options over time hurting Leica commercially. 

 

[TAFFY]

9 hours ago, Olaf_ZG said:

In your case, doing life style sessions (being a ex wedding tog) I would by the 2s with leica 24-90 plus l2m adapter.

While shooting you have the m with primes, the sl with a great zoom and use  fixed m-mounts.

furthermore, as most of your lenses are very sharp, i would invest in some softer ones which are more friendly to older people, fe nokton 75 or sonnar 50.

I would skip the new or apo sl fixed lenses for lifestyle.

Yes I'm definitely getting the L to M adapter but I don't really like the heft of the 24-90 that's why it isn't in my selection set. I did own the Sonnar 50 until recently but have now moved to the 50 1.2 Nokton which is pretty nice even wide open.  I have an old Leitz-Xenon 50 1.5 I can adapt.  

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[TAFFY]

10 hours ago, SoCalLeicanator said:

I politely disagree with this statement.  I have the Sigma 24-70 2.8 and it's absolutely wonderful (albeit pretty bulky).  It renders beautifully and has plenty of magic.  There's a reason Leica chose this one to rebadge IMO.  So far, no dust, but as many have said this is a cosmetic issue and other than using a blower on the front glass I'm not going to hunt for it.  At similar aperatures it pretty much matches Sigma 35 Art lens.

I have an SL2-S and have been loving the output of my VM 35/2.5 and VM 50/2.  I am waiting for the Leica 50 f2 so would do that with the the Sigma 24-70.  One disadvantage of the SL2-S is you don't have the HUGE leeway for cropping that an SL2 or Q has so the 35 might be too wide (although I have to admit in the shots I've seen I prefer the output of the new 35 f2 to that of the 50 f2)

Thanks for sharing your inputs on the Sigma zoom.  Coming from an M system even the "smaller" 24-70 of Leica and Sigma feel large & heavy.  Trying to keep the kit as light as possible so I can carry it around without feeling like I should have taken my M instead.  Or then again maybe I'll get used to it.  But I'm happy about the release of these new SL primes because they feel quite small and handy.