Is the Leica 35mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL ASPH Worth It If It Isn't Used Often

[egrossman]

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Did you order the Sigma 35mm 1.4 or the f2?

 

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[JTLeica]

30 minutes ago, egrossman said:

Did you order the Sigma 35mm 1.4 or the f2?

 

The F2, I am attracted to the smaller style. I owned it before on an apsc Sony and loved it but hated the Sony so it went. 
 

I actually bought 4 of the lenses. The 20/35/65/90

[JoshuaR]

@JTLeica, what did you discover about the 35 DG DN vs. the 35 APO?

I’m using my new-to-me SL2-S mainly with the small-ish Sigma 35 DG DN and the 24-70. But as I spend more time with the camera, I’m coming to think that I might be willing to spring for the 35 APO—if the difference is really meaningful…..

[LeicaR10]

JoshuaRothman,   I see you asked a question on a somewhat older thread post.  I see you might have a case of GAS with lenses as well.  What it will get down too, is answering this  question:  How do you want to render the content of your photograph using a 35mm lens be it Sigma or Leica?  Only you can answer that question.  But to help, here are 2 links that will illustrate how the two lenses might render content.  r/ Mark

Sigma 35:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=4264&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32

SL 35 Apo:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=1497&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32

Edited September 7, 2024 by LeicaR10

[huwm]

yes

[thatkatmat]

To me, it's all about disposable income.

If you have the $, buy the 35 APO...Your last paragraph in your original post you eluded to using the ASPH rather than the APO to get a taste of the special lens....at least, I think that's what you were getting at. I've owned both. the ASPH is a really, really good lens, the close focus, AF speed and weight make it very attractive, ....until you try the APO..Then it's over.

I'm doing pretty well right now in my business life so I repurchased the 35 APO when I stepped back into the SL mount. If i wasn't doing as well, I might have bought the ASPH or even just stuck with one of my M 35's. 

I don't use my 35 APO all the time, but when I do, I always think I should shoot it more.

[JTLeica]

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On 9/7/2024 at 2:54 AM, JoshuaRothman said:

@JTLeica, what did you discover about the 35 DG DN vs. the 35 APO?

I’m using my new-to-me SL2-S mainly with the small-ish Sigma 35 DG DN and the 24-70. But as I spend more time with the camera, I’m coming to think that I might be willing to spring for the 35 APO—if the difference is really meaningful…..

The Sigma 35 is a stunner of a lens, no question and is amazing quality for the money.

The 35 APO is definitely better. The difference being that the APO is razor sharp corner to corner at F2, the 35 Sigma isnt, but it's still 'sharp' wide open. The APO SL lenses are a landscapers dream.

[JTLeica]

10 hours ago, thatkatmat said:

To me, it's all about disposable income.

If you have the $, buy the 35 APO...Your last paragraph in your original post you eluded to using the ASPH rather than the APO to get a taste of the special lens....at least, I think that's what you were getting at. I've owned both. the ASPH is a really, really good lens, the close focus, AF speed and weight make it very attractive, ....until you try the APO..Then it's over.

I'm doing pretty well right now in my business life so I repurchased the 35 APO when I stepped back into the SL mount. If i wasn't doing as well, I might have bought the ASPH or even just stuck with one of my M 35's. 

I don't use my 35 APO all the time, but when I do, I always think I should shoot it more.

I think this is a good way to look at leica lenses in general, if you have the disposable income and buy well you wont lose money, ever.

So it's worth the investment, especially when you can find some bargains in the current lineup. UK and US have large used markets and some camera shops really dont have a clue what they are selling, which is great for me