Lightweight 35mm for SL2

[NightPix]

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When I’m doing serious shooting I take along whatever gear I need which, for the SL2, means a pretty heavy load of camera and lenses. For casual travel or around town, I like to carry something lighter, so I usually just put my 35mm summicron-m on the SL2. Sometimes I find myself getting lazy and wish I had a light weight autofocus 35mm instead. But which one? The Leica 35 f/2 SL apo and Sigma 35s are fairly heavy, which leaves me with the Leica 35 f/2 (non-apo) and the Panasonic Lumix 35 f/1.8 as possible choices. The Leica is likely an upgraded version of the Panasonic and of course costs more. (I have also considered getting a used Q2 as another option, but it’s a lot cheaper if I can get away with just getting a lightweight 35. On the other hand, I don’t want to waste money on a lens I won’t end up liking.) I’d appreciate any thoughts on how these two lenses might perform for the casual shooting application I mentioned. Thanks!

[Virob]

Don’t rule out the sigma 35/2. About the same weight as the Leica non-APO, smaller than the Leica or Panasonic and from all the reviews, sharper as well. I like mine, but have not compared it to the other 2.

[Ken Abrahams]

I know the 50 Summicron SL non Apo is pretty great for walking around streets as AF lenses go. The 35 Summicron would also be similar. Of course the 35 SL APO is outstanding and worth its weight, one of my favourites and then the M Summilux 35 is brilliant. The 35 AF Sigma F2 is okay, I have tried it a few times but I put it back in the filing cabinet. 
The 35 M Summicron ASPH is great, small and very good on the SL cameras but not getting much use at the moment. 

 

 

Edited November 23, 2023 by Ken Abrahams

[NightPix]

4 hours ago, Ken Abrahams said:

The 35 M Summicron ASPH is great, small and very good on the SL cameras but not getting much use at the moment. 

I really like the 35 summicron-m on the SL2. I use the combo all the time. It’s light, makes great pictures, and there’s plenty of room to crop if needed. I used to keep the 50 summicron-m mounted on the SL2 but sometimes I found myself too close for the shot I wanted. The 35 lux is overkill for my everyday casual shooting. 

Edited November 23, 2023 by NightPix

[Biotar]

vor 14 Stunden schrieb NightPix:

I used to keep the 50 summicron-m mounted on the SL2 but sometimes I found myself too close for the shot I wanted.

That's why i always use a close focus adapter.

[Ivar B]

On 11/23/2023 at 7:44 AM, Virob said:

Don’t rule out the sigma 35/2. About the same weight as the Leica non-APO, smaller than the Leica or Panasonic and from all the reviews, sharper as well. I like mine, but have not compared it to the other 2.

I agree fully with this. I tested the 2/35 Sigma on my Panasonic S1R, and you would have to be extremely critical if this lens should not satisfy your needs. It comes close to the 1.4/35 DG DN in performance, but then again you add a lot of weight. 

[thatkatmat]

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The 35 SL cron non APO (made in Portugal) is an outstanding lens as well. It might use the same optical formula as the Panasonic, although, I've never tried the Pana. It does however share the same construction and build qualities as other SL lenses and mine is optically wonderful with very close focus and smooth bokeh. I had the Sigma f2 and 1.4 as well as the APO which is overkill for me and just settled with the non APO Leica.

[huwm]

I've had the Sigma 1.4 and 2 and the SL non apo 2 but have settled for the Panasonic 1.8 version.

All these are more than good enough, especially the Sigma 1.4 but in the end I went with the one that was most light weight and properly weather sealed.

I don't really find the plastic v metal an issue and I think the Panasonic fits 'naturally' with the SL2 S for a considerable cost saving too.

[Pelu2010]

Hi, 

the smallest 35 to me is the 7artisans L mount 1:5.6. 

 

it has a very nice flare and if processed looks good. 
 

it’s not a premium lens, but it turns the Sl2 and Sl2s into something very very light. 
 

and you don’t need an af. I just put it on infinity and the rest is history. 
 

Cheers