Which 50mm to go with Leica Vario SL's 24-90 and 100-400

[ALScott]

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I am getting close to getting the lenses I wanted.  I have the 100-400 and may have found a 24-90 to buy.  I have always had a 50 in all my years of shooting as part of my kit.  Initially I thought I would just let the "50" of the 24-90 serve that purpose.  After researching and reading here and everywhere I really think I will be happiest with a prime 50.  Question is which one the Lux, which I am leaning toward, the APO or now Sigma 1.2?  I know it will not be the same but I wonder if the 24-90 will be close enough to the APO that I should go with the Lux to have a lens that is distinctly different from the other.  Also, now there is the Sigma but it's brand new so not much info on it from everyday users.  Also, in my years as a working photographer I only ever had one lens literally fall apart on me, a Sigma 28-70/2.8.  Now that was over 20 years ago but none of my metal built Canon L's ever did that and still haven't as I still have them today.  I know polycarbonate materials and the like have come a long way but still that sticks in my mind.  Either 50 APO or Lux will be purchased used. 

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[LeicaR10]

ALScott,  Your question as to which SL 50mm lens to get, you might get a responds like this..."Well...It depends on what you want to do with it".  If you are looking for a unique rendering when shooting wide open or close to it, the SL 50 Summilux is a cross between a M 50 Noctilux and M 50 Apo Summicron.  If you want crisp, detailed photographs at f/2.0...then get the SL 50 Apo Summicron.  The difference in rendering when the two lenses are used wide open or close to wide open are quite amazing.  Also note the SL 50 Summilux will use the same size filters if you use them as your other two SL lenses.  The 50 Apo Summicron filter size is 67mm.  In addition, the size and weight of the 50 Summilux is what turns some SL photographers off.  If using the SL 50 Summilux or 24-90 Vario Elmarit lenses on the SL3, it is reported both lenses focus faster than on the SL2 and variant. In the meantime, to help you decide what might work best for your genres of photography, check out these two links of photographs taken with each lens. Last, the good news for you...both lenses are superb and your sole choice and decision to make.   r/ Mark

Try:   https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=374&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32

Try:  https://onfotolife.com/lens_sample_photos?lens_id=4184&page=1&focal_min=0&focal_max=800&aperture_min=0&aperture_max=32 

Edited April 21, 2024 by LeicaR10

[ALScott]

thanks LeicaR10.  I will be using these on a SL3 one day...  The 50's use would be street and portraits.  Not sure that I just want "sharp" photos out of the whichever 50.  I think I could get that well enough for my needs from the 24-90.  Neither link works unfortunately.  I have looked over the thread about the Lux and the images in it are amazing to me.  Whether they are tight portraits or street shots.  Coming into all this after such a large time gap in all my photo gear everything appears crazy sharp to me.  I got a Q3 and it sent me down the path to the SL family.  I can't believe how sharp it is and how much I can crop.  I just prefer not to crop a ton and need longer lens options of the SL.

[LeicaR10]

ALScott,  You will find both SL lens to be exceptional.  If you are using the lenses for street and portraits, the SL 24-90 will work just as well.  If you want  images that have a unique rendering I would suggest the SL 50 Summilux.  You can also save some money and get a M 50 Summilux-Asph v1 and use a M to L adapter.  It will give you nearly same wide open effect or try a used M 50 Nocitlux.  Perhaps make a trip to a local Leica dealer or authorized dealer and try the different 50mm lenses yourself before you buy.

Last the photograph site occasionally goes offline for maintenance.  It worked fine when I copied the links for my reply last nite.  You can also try:  www.onfotolife.com   (If using a VPN, I suggest suspending it to gain access)   The site is free and has numerous Leica and other brands lenses and cameras with hundred of photographs.  It will give you a very good idea how the different lenses render a scene.   r/ Mark

Edited April 21, 2024 by LeicaR10

[FlashGordonPhotography]

For street I’d choose the non APO 50mm Summicron. Not as perfect by noticeably faster AF. The Sigma *i* DGDN is also great but with less weather sealing (lens mount only) than the Summicron. I have both the ‘lux and APO and the two *lesser lenses*. The former are spectacular but the latter two are my choice for street and travel.

Also much lighter. Makes the SL3 feel nimble.

Gordon

[Dr. G]

This is a tough question to answer.  I have had the 50 Lux since I had my original SL.  I picked up the 50 APO a few years ago as I needed a lens that was able to focus closer than the Lux.  When stopped down to f/2, the Lux is nearly as good as the APO, with the APO being very slightly sharper and having a touch more contrast.  The Lux is obviously much bigger and heavier as well.  Yet I still take the Lux with me 90% of the time.  The only time I take my APO is if I need the close focusing ability or am planning to convert my images to high contrast black and white.  (all of the APO lenses excel at this).  FWIW, the kit I usually carry is 21 APO, 35 APO, 50 Lux and 75 APO.

[Donald M]

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I decided to buy the Sigma 50mm f1.2 alongside my 24-90: a (much) faster lens compared to the zoom, for portraits, but also general use, with a beautiful bokeh. I compared it to the Apo and Asph and decided that for me it is the perfect alternative for a still reasonable price. It is not the lightest lens and is a fine complement to the 24-90 which gives me pictures I can’t make with the 24-90. 

[SJH]

Personally I do love the Leica SL APO’s but for 50’s now I’ve also bought the Sigma 50mm 1.2 and frankly it’s spectacular. Lighter and much faster AF than the Summilux SL 50mm 1.4, much as I adore my Leica SL lenses this lens form Sigma has knocked it out of the park. Take a look at the reviews online and you’ll see that for many in the E mount world they prefer it to Sony’s reference 50 1.2.

You can buy this lens and the Leica non APO 50mm f2 APSH for less than the Leica SL 50 1.4 or APO, makes you think!! You then have a great 50 for travel and a spectacular 1.2 for when you need that aperture. 

[kkcsm]

I assume you mean the Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG DN | Art?  I don’t see a sigma 50 1.2 in the lineup.

Edit:  I see it now on the sigma-global site, it’s not on the l-mount site.

Edited May 26, 2024 by kkcsm