Traveling to Tibet in February with Leica SL2-S, which 35mm prime for documentary work?

[Adam_James]

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6 hours ago, beewee said:

These lenses all have quite different rendering. The only thing they really have much in common is the focal length. Is there a certain look that you’re going for?

The 35 APO SL and 35 APO M have a very modern rendering, clean and smooth low contrast background with a quick falloff in contrast before and after the plane of focus, and it’s bitingly sharp on the plane of focus. Technically, the 35 APO SL is optically marginally better than the 35 APO M but they’re both fantastic and it’s more down to whether you want manual/auto focus vs size.

On the other end of the spectrum, there’s the 35 Lux-R which is not going to be anywhere near as sharp or have a modern rendering like the APOs. This is more of a Mandler era look. It’s optically ‘inferior’ to the APOs but it has its own character and look so if that’s what you’re going for and you’re fine with auto-focus then it’s ‘better’ than the APOs.

The 35 Summarit-S is kind of in the middle between the two groups above. It’s a somewhat modern optical design with a rendering that’s somewhere in the between the two.

If it were me, I shoot L-mount lenses on the SL bodies and M-mount lenses on M bodies, with few exceptions.

If I’m going for a classic look with a 35mm, I’d probably go for the 35 Lux-M ASPH v1 (pre-FLE). I know it’s not on your list but that has the most pleasing modern Leica rendering of the 35 that I personally own. The only thing I don’t like about it is the focus shift because it lacks the FLE but I actually prefer the look over the v2 (FLE) version which I also own. I think the pre-FLE actually makes sense shooting on the SL2-S because of the focus shift ‘issue’ which is overcome by being able focus through the lens.

If I’m going a modern look, then I’d go for the 35 APO SL because it has auto-focus. I don’t have the 35 APO SL but I do have the 28 APO SL and it’s pretty amazing on the SL2-S. 

Whether I choose a modern look or more classic look, I think it depends more on the subject matter. For landscapes, I prefer a modern look. But for reportage and capturing more historical scenes and foreign settings that are steeped in history, I’d prefer a classic look. But everyone has their own tastes and objectives so it boils down to what kind of image you want to make.

M10 + 35 FLE:

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Thanks Beewee,

     You’ve given me lots to think about and I like your shots a lot.  I like shots that have a 3D pop to them.  I mostly want to do B/W reportage photography on this trip.  Some of the photography I look up to comes from Salgado, Na Lin, Pierrot Men.

     I guess if you ask the question, “What would you get if money were no object?”  I’d probably respond, “A mint condition Summilux-R ROM.”  Prices for that lens are through the roof.  On the practical side, it makes sense to get the 35 Apo SL.  I like the old school look though.  I’m going to make this decision at the end of July and do my due diligence in terms of research.

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[jplomley]

Without question, the 35 APO...the lens is bombproof, fast to focus, has a decent close-focussing distance and only needs to be stopped down for DOF. Wide open performance is spectacular! Have had mine since launch and its been a trouble-free workhorse on the SL and now a pair of SL2's in some pretty bad inclement weather. 100% recommended for your trip. I pair mine with the 21 APO and 75 APO and this covers all scenarios. MindShift backpack when necessary to carry it all, in part due to its excellent waist harness system. Looking forward to see some samples upon your return Adam.

[Adam_James]

1 hour ago, jplomley said:

Without question, the 35 APO...the lens is bombproof, fast to focus, has a decent close-focussing distance and only needs to be stopped down for DOF. Wide open performance is spectacular! Have had mine since launch and it’s been a trouble-free workhorse on the SL and now a pair of SL2's in some pretty bad inclement weather. 100% recommended for your trip. I pair mine with the 21 APO and 75 APO and this covers all scenarios. MindShift backpack when necessary to carry it all, in part due to its excellent waist harness system. Looking forward to see some samples upon your return Adam.

Ahhh, decisions, decisions…

[FlashGordonPhotography]

None of the above. Take the non APO SL35 Summicron.

Smaller. Lighter. Noticeably faster AF than the APO. 95% of the performance for less than half the money. And mostly unless your technique is perfect you will not see the last 5%.

Yes. The APO’s are the benchmark for modern AF lenses. But the non APO’s are more usable for travel.

Gordon

[Adam_James]

1 hour ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

None of the above. Take the non APO SL35 Summicron.

Smaller. Lighter. Noticeably faster AF than the APO. 95% of the performance for less than half the money. And mostly unless your technique is perfect you will not see the last 5%.

Yes. The APO’s are the benchmark for modern AF lenses. But the non APO’s are more usable for travel.

Gordon

Gordon,

     How do you feel about a 35mm Summilux Pre-FLE?

Adam

[FlashGordonPhotography]

3 hours ago, Adam_James said:

Gordon,

     How do you feel about a 35mm Summilux Pre-FLE?

Adam

I don’t have one anymore. I only had it years ago on my M-P. I liked the way it drew but it had focus shift and I’m not wide open all the time, so I sold it. Would be more usable on an SL body, I would think. I ended up keeping my CV 1.4 classic instead.

I will admit, as many here know, I’m a 50mm guy mainly. So I’m not in any way an authority on every 35 made. I did get a SL 35 non APO. And I tested it against the APO. As a non 35mm shooter I wouldn’t have value in that extra few percent. I do have the current M35 ‘lux and a MATE. I have not used the pre-fle 35 on a SL2 or SL3. So take my opinion as a limited one. Others will be more qualified to express the performance.

I have the 21, 28, 50 and 90 APO’s as well as the non APO 35 and 50, SL 50 lux, Sigma 50 1.2 (arrived yesterday) and Sigma 50mm 1.5. I’d always choose to take my 50 non APO over the APO for travel. The difference in AF speed is enough to make that an easy decision, for me. And I’ve decided not to bother too much with M lenses on the SL3. I prefer them on an M.

Gordon

[Adam_James]

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9 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I don’t have one anymore. I only had it years ago on my M-P. I liked the way it drew but it had focus shift and I’m not wide open all the time, so I sold it. Would be more usable on an SL body, I would think. I ended up keeping my CV 1.4 classic instead.

I will admit, as many here know, I’m a 50mm guy mainly. So I’m not in any way an authority on every 35 made. I did get a SL 35 non APO. And I tested it against the APO. As a non 35mm shooter I wouldn’t have value in that extra few percent. I do have the current M35 ‘lux and a MATE. I have not used the pre-fle 35 on a SL2 or SL3. So take my opinion as a limited one. Others will be more qualified to express the performance.

I have the 21, 28, 50 and 90 APO’s as well as the non APO 35 and 50, SL 50 lux, Sigma 50 1.2 (arrived yesterday) and Sigma 50mm 1.5. I’d always choose to take my 50 non APO over the APO for travel. The difference in AF speed is enough to make that an easy decision, for me. And I’ve decided not to bother too much with M lenses on the SL3. I prefer them on an M.

Gordon

Gordon,

     Thanks for your response.  Looks like I’ll be taking a Summilux combo of 21, 35, and 90.  I have S lenses, but I’m not sure I want to be lugging them around at high altitude.  The thought of mounting ‘M’ lenses on my SL2-S makes me pretty happy…  Just have to fill the gap with something between 35-90, or get 75mm Summilux and use my 120 Apo Macro Summarit-S…

Adam

Edited June 8, 2024 by Adam_James

[jplomley]

9 hours ago, FlashGordonPhotography said:

I don’t have one anymore. I only had it years ago on my M-P. I liked the way it drew but it had focus shift and I’m not wide open all the time, so I sold it. Would be more usable on an SL body, I would think. I ended up keeping my CV 1.4 classic instead.

I will admit, as many here know, I’m a 50mm guy mainly. So I’m not in any way an authority on every 35 made. I did get a SL 35 non APO. And I tested it against the APO. As a non 35mm shooter I wouldn’t have value in that extra few percent. I do have the current M35 ‘lux and a MATE. I have not used the pre-fle 35 on a SL2 or SL3. So take my opinion as a limited one. Others will be more qualified to express the performance.

I have the 21, 28, 50 and 90 APO’s as well as the non APO 35 and 50, SL 50 lux, Sigma 50 1.2 (arrived yesterday) and Sigma 50mm 1.5. I’d always choose to take my 50 non APO over the APO for travel. The difference in AF speed is enough to make that an easy decision, for me. And I’ve decided not to bother too much with M lenses on the SL3. I prefer them on an M.

Gordon

Would like to hear your feedback on the 50/1.2 Gordon.  My copy has exceeded my expectations in spades! Some comparisons against the Leica glass would be most interesting!

[hansvons]

On 6/7/2024 at 11:47 PM, FlashGordonPhotography said:

None of the above. Take the non APO SL35 Summicron

Exactly what I would do, if I were shooting a reportage with the SL2-S in remote areas requiring lots of walking. 

BTW, the little Sigma 35mm f/2 Contemporary is no slouch either. And it has some character. Just wouldn't specialise on shooting trees against a bright sky. With a 1/6th of the APO 35mm price tag, it’s a brilliant fallback and much more.

[Adam_James]

Thanks to everyone for your responses…. After much consideration I decided on a mint condition 35mm Summilux-R Rom.  I have some S lenses, but they are pretty heavy.  Maybe I’ll take the Apo Macro Summarit-S, because it astounds me…

     I loved focusing manually with my 21mm Summilux when I went to Madagascar in September.  I want that manual focusing experience, and the lighter weight.  I’m building out a kit of 21, 35, 90mm Summiluxes.  For a more challenging environment, let’s say, Northern Nigeria, I’ll definitely take the Apo Summicron-S.  I’ll need autofocus for a trip like that.  If I can swing it, I’m going to purchase an S3 and bring that as well.  I appreciate all of the responses and your knowledge.

Cheers,

Adam

[hansvons]

16 minutes ago, Adam_James said:

After much consideration I decided on a mint condition 35mm Summilux-R Rom

You are certainly a connoisseur, Sir. Brilliant character lens, super expensive. It will hold its value, though. A great, challenging trip, BTW.

[Adam_James]

5 hours ago, hansvons said:

You are certainly a connoisseur, Sir. Brilliant character lens, super expensive. It will hold its value, though. A great, challenging trip, BTW.

I’m going to do my best.  I’ve been running for over a year.  December I do my first marathon.  I start the gym soon, and will focus on legs and back so I can carry a pack with photo equipment.  I have a nice Alpa tripod that I bring on all my trips.  That’s 8lbs by itself!  I’m going to bring the heat on this trip.  I have over 7 months to plan, buy photography equipment, eat Ramen noodles…😛. I’m sacrificing fun to buy a 90mm Summilux or 75mm Noctilux…. Not sure which one to get…

Adam