TTArtisan 50mm f/1.4 M vs Leitz Canada Summicron 50mm f/2 R

[steelephotography]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hello all,

 

I know this also includes the R mount lens, but I thought it was more applicable to M mount. I am interested in getting a solid manual focus lens, and I want to know if the TTArtisan lens really is the cheap Summilux everyone on YouTube says it is, or if the real (older) Leica lens is the better option. Thanks for your input!

[hansvons]

I can't say a word about the TTArrtisan lens. In its second version, the 50mm Summciron R is a lens full of character that performs above its age well when stopped down to f/2.8. It's in the same ballpark as the much more costly 50mm Summicron M V4 and V5. If you get a pristine copy, you'll get the best f/2.0 50mm of its time in terms of build quality (maybe also optically). For comparison, I prefer the Summciron R over the Summilux R, which I also own and use for video applications. Also, it's worth noting that a good Leica lens will hold its value better than any other still lens on the market. 

Edited July 1, 2024 by hansvons

[spydrxx]

Just a quick note on the 50 Summicron R. The 2nd version is noticeably an improvement on the first, but often harder to find. There used to be a good comparison of the two by Doug Herr, the wildlife photographer, but his site removed all of his Leica-R reviews 2 or 3 years ago. As for the TTArtisan I can't offer an opinion as I've never owned it. I'd forget You-Tuber reviews, as the good ones are paid rather than independent. You might want to check with your Leica  dealer, who might be in a better position to offer a comparative view.

[3D-Kraft.com]

The chance to find a direct comparison of these two lenses will be pretty small, as the similarities are only price (used vs. new), focal length and about the same weight (when adding the R-to-M adpater).

Comparing a f/1.4 to a f/2.0 lens also makes it a bit comparing "apples to oranges". I am pretty sure, with the TTartisan you will get the better lens (already using ASPH elements) with good sharpness and very smooth and silky bokeh.

My preference would be clearly the TTArtisan.

[sometimesmaybe]

On 7/1/2024 at 1:44 PM, steelephotography said:

I am interested in getting a solid manual focus lens, and I want to know if the TTArtisan lens really is the cheap Summilux everyone on YouTube says it is

not sure about the TTA being a 'cheap lux', but it's def a solid lens with good image quality. more modern ASPH rendering (see below shot wide open). it's a tad large and heavy but thats the only downside.

also unless you use liveview you won't be able to focus R lens, while the TTA is RF coupled   

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

[LarsHP]

If you want the old or retro-look, then perhaps the Summicron-R. Otherwise, the TTArtisan lens has a very good reputation. It flares and has onion ring bokeh balls. Otherwise, it's pretty solid. See the thorough review by a member of this forum here: https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/ttartisan-50mm-14-review

For use with M cameras, I'd forget about R series, except perhaps for longer ones, where you'd use a Visoflex anyway.