Sharpest wide Opened? - 50 summicron (non APO) vs 50 summilux (latest versions of both)

[lct]

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1 hour ago, comptroller said:

My thoughts, if I’m not just answering the question which IMO the answer is “any APO lens is sharper”, lie for example on the thread “Show us some Karbe magic”. 

These lenses are so perfected and sharp that they end up looking like any really nice edited photo from a Sony/Nikon/Canon. IMO they end up losing all the magic. There is no magic as far as I’m concerned. Just look at the samples posted there. 
 

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The pictures one was taken with the Canon super perfect 50mm. Another with Nikon super perfect 50mm. And the other with the Summilux super APO perfected Karbe. 

The thing they have in common is they’re super sharp but also super generic. As far as I’m concerned at least. There is no magic here. Just the usual clinical look you get from modern cameras and lenses. 

I don’t see any “Leica magic” here. This is why I would steer you away from going down this path. But you want what you want so… 

Couldn't agree more. Having started out with ASPH. Leica M lenses, now they are all sold, and I only shoot non-ASPH. Leica lenses on digital M (mainly Mandler lenses). Much more soul and character to the images without the stale and clinical digital look.

[Rick in CO]

On 8/28/2023 at 12:44 PM, Huss said:

The problem is they input obviously incorrect data for the 50 Cron - at all apertures tested it shows identical results center, mid, edge.  

I have both the 50 Cron v5 and the Lux Asph, and unless I need 1.4 I just find the Cron so much more enjoyable to use.  The focus throw is lighter and shorter/quicker so it is very rapid to use.  And just feels perfect.  Both lenses are amazing optically (apart from both sucking at flare resistance) and you can (and should) rent both before making a purchase.  Or go to your local Leica Store - there is one in Boston - to try both out.

Yes, maybe the data is not correct as the lens is stopped down, but the stated open aperture value is significantly lower than the Summilux or APO Summicron.  In a previously published test the Summicron was similarly lower than the Summilux on the M9.  I don't think anyone would argue that the Summicron is sharper at open aperture than the Summilux or Apo Summicron, but there are other factors, as you point out, that one can consider.