50 Summicron-SL ASPH (non-APO) vs 50 Summilux-M on SL2-s

[lldd]

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Has anyone who has both of these lenses compared them when shot on the SL2 or SL2-s?  I own the Lux for my M10-r, am thinking of adding an SL2-s, and am not sure which direction to go with a 50mm lens.

[Guest]

Very different rendering, the Summicron-SL ASPH is 'modern', Summilux-M is 'opinionated' (bokeh and transition of contrast, edge sharpness).

They serve a different purpose and are not generally interchangeable, in my opinion.

If you are looking for 50mm options, have you considered -

1. APO Summicron-M 50mm - to be used on both systems? A perfect complement to your Summilux ...
2. Panasonic Lumix Pro 50mm f/1.4 - better than the Summicron-SL ASPH in almost every way (other than size) at a similar price, and preserving f/1.4? 'Certified by Leica', whatever that means.
3. Summilux-SL 50mm - if the rendering of the Summilux-M appeals to you, the SL version takes it a bit more in a Noctilux direction (= more 'drama'), with much improved technicalities? Used prices are pretty cheap for a Leica lens, as many people do not appreciate the bulk and weight of that lens.
4. APO Summicron-SL 50mm - some would argue that this is the true benchmark, and anything else you buy along the way you will sell eventually, and end up here regardless?
5. 'Do nothing' - use your Lux with adapter on the SL and only change when you have a compelling event?

[lldd]

mzbe - Thanks for the suggestions and insights.  I should have added more info above.  I'm looking for an autofocus 50, and I'm between the new ASPH Summicron and the APO Summicron.  While I love the look and rendering of the SL Summilux, for me that's a down the road lens if I gel with the SL system.  I only raised the Summilux-M since I have it and know how it renders, etc.  The ASPH Summicron has the advantages of quiet autofocus, light weight and wallet friendliness (relatively speaking).  If it's anywhere near as good as the Summilux-M (knowing it won't be a Lux and that "good" isn't very specific), it might be a starting place.  If not, then I'll probably end up with the APO.

I hadn't considered anything L-mount outside the Leica brand.  I've had mixed results doing that with my M.  Perhaps it's time to consider those as well.

[Guest]

1 hour ago, lldd said:

mzbe - Thanks for the suggestions and insights.  I should have added more info above.  I'm looking for an autofocus 50, and I'm between the new ASPH Summicron and the APO Summicron.  While I love the look and rendering of the SL Summilux, for me that's a down the road lens if I gel with the SL system.  I only raised the Summilux-M since I have it and know how it renders, etc.  The ASPH Summicron has the advantages of quiet autofocus, light weight and wallet friendliness (relatively speaking).  If it's anywhere near as good as the Summilux-M (knowing it won't be a Lux and that "good" isn't very specific), it might be a starting place.  If not, then I'll probably end up with the APO.

I hadn't considered anything L-mount outside the Leica brand.  I've had mixed results doing that with my M.  Perhaps it's time to consider those as well.

Thanks for the additional background info. The SL Cron ASPH is a fine and reasonable lens, and on technical measurements better than the M-Lux (excluding f/2 vs. f/1.4). The other ones on my list above are all 'superlative' in some way = potential keepers on your journey.

Given that the Cron ASPH is a lens of convenience (based on your additional info) - have you considered getting the 'original' version instead - Sigma 50mm f2 DG DN? If you are being reasonable 😉 why not go all the way and keep some money in the bank to splurge later on one of the fancier 50s or other desirables?

[Ken Abrahams]

LEICA SUMMICRON-SL 50mm F/2 ASPH. When I use this lens it's usually walk around shoots because it's so light. I used it on a tripod here to see what it could do. The file was processed in my usual way with sharpness added at the end in camera raw. It was a cloudy day with plenty of shadows on the subject so I reduced the grain (of the SL2) in Camera Raw as well as sharpening. It is pretty good I thought.

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[Simone_DF]

The SL Cron ASPH Is just a rebadged Panasonic. Save your money, grab the original Panny lens for 350-500€ rather than the 4x priced copy, and keep your Lux M.
Alternatively, Sigma has you covered with the f/2 and f/1.4 50mm

[WvE]

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I got the SL Cron 50 ASPH with the SL2-s. Very happy with it, it's light, the AF is fast and silent and it's beautifully made. It really fits the SL2-s. Optically, it's more than enough for me, especially as a to-go lens. I also use the M Lux sometimes, but it's nice to have an AF lens on an AF body and I also feel that the SL Cron is optically more adjusted to the SL2-s than the M Lux is.

[schaffi]

I tried the SL Summicron 50mm ASPH, the Lumix S 50mm 1.8 and the Sigma Contemporary 50mm 2.0 with S5 and SL2-S.

Now i use the Sigma, it ist lighter and cheaper than the Leica and and in my opinion better IQ then both.

It also has an Aperture Ring and quit and fast AF.

Here you can see my Picture Gallery from the Contemporary 50mm 2.0, all with Panasonc S5

https://www.flickr.com/photos/134578386@N06/albums/72177720307847845/

 

Edited January 6, 2024 by schaffi

[lldd]

I have been under the impression that what makes the look of many Leica photos special are the lenses.  Perhaps that's incorrect.  But the "look" is part of the reason I've stuck with Leica for years.  Will going outside of the Leica brand for lenses impact that look?  I've seen some Leica comparisons with Sigma lenses, and while in a couple of instances the Sigma was sharper, the two lenses handled color and light differently.  Subtle, but it's the totality of those subtleties that in the end differentiates the Leica images.  Or have I just been drinking too much Leica vodka?  Before noon.  Again.

[schaffi]

vor 1 Stunde schrieb lldd:

I've seen some Leica comparisons with Sigma lenses, and while in a couple of instances the Sigma was sharper, the two lenses handled color and light differently. 

Maby other Leica Lesnes, but the SL Summicron is verry simmelar to the Panasonic S 50mm in IQ.

In this videos are some samples (5:50 min)

 

[Ken Abrahams]

The video is a fair and honest review of the two lenses. the Panasonic loses sharpness in some cases and the Leica is a stronger metal construction. If I was going to use the lens in my normal way I would definitely choose the Leica brand. If I was shooting in an environment that was consistently dusty, wet and dangerous to my equipment then it's easy to re purchase the Panasonic at the price. But would the cost in sharpness of my images in some scenarios be a worthwhile sacrifice? I would say no because the better lens gives me confidence that I am squeezing the bestest image quality possible for that particular environment.  

[Simone_DF]

9 hours ago, lldd said:

Will going outside of the Leica brand for lenses impact that look? 

No.

Moreover, with digital, the sensor has also to be factored in. Take a photo with the M10, M10R and M11 using the same lens, and you’ll see different results.