Summilux SL 50, handling and macro

[polycarp]

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Currently, the only lens i own is a 24-90, will the SL50 feel similar in terms of weight and handling? 

I do know that the 24-90 has some macro capabilities, is the SL50 capable of doing macro?

[Olaf_ZG]

I have both, and though I don’t measure grams, to my feeling, the lenses are the same on the camera (size/weight). I use the lux for portraits only, the zoom is for all other stuff and a portrait if I don’t carry the lux.

without adapter, you won’t be able to come close enough for macro work.

[tom0511]

I would say the same, feels about comparable weight eventhough the 24-90 feels a bit longer.

 

[Hanno]

The 24-90mm weighs 1,140g has a reproduction ratio of 1:3.8 and a MFD of 0.30 meters vs the Summilux SL 50mm’s reproduction ratio of 1:10, weight of 1,065g and MFD of 0.60 meters. 

 

 

Edited September 18, 2024 by Hanno

[LocalHero1953]

Summilux feels heavier to me because it's smaller🤷‍♂️.

Edited September 18, 2024 by LocalHero1953

[ALScott]

I have both, 24-90 and 50 lux, and grabbed one thinking it was the other more than once.  I now purposefully look at which one I pick up to be sure it's the one I want.  I did shoot some "macro" shots with the lux of my wife's orchids and it did all I wanted it to do.

Edited October 22, 2024 by ALScott

[Ivar B]

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There may have been some more improvement with the SL50 over time, but you will find that the 24-90 has faster autofocus. 

[Dr. G]

On 9/18/2024 at 2:47 PM, Olaf_ZG said:

I have both, and though I don’t measure grams, to my feeling, the lenses are the same on the camera (size/weight). I use the lux for portraits only, the zoom is for all other stuff and a portrait if I don’t carry the lux.

without adapter, you won’t be able to come close enough for macro work.

I tried the fotodiox extension tube with the Summilux SL and was never happy with the results.  I don't own the 24-90 anymore, but it could definitely get closer.

If I were looking for a macro solution, I would just go with the Panasonic Lumix 100 mm f/2.8 macro.  It's a stellar lens (and that's coming from someone who owns the 21, 35, 50, and 75 APO Summicron-SLs and the 50 Lux SL).

[Hanno]

With a MFD of 60cm and a reproduction ratio of 1:10, I am not sure how the Summilux SL 50 would be a good choice for macro photography, unless I am missing something.

I am not doing much macro, but I understand that macro lenses would at least go for 1:2 and ideally 1:1 reproduction ratio and MFD of 30cm. 
 

You would be better off with the Summicron-SL APO 50mm with 35cm MFD and 1:5 reproduction ratio though still not ideal.

Edited November 14, 2024 by Hanno