Q3 43 Apo Summicron vs 50 Apo Summicron

[Richard K]

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Those of you that have both, could you comment on their performance?

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Miltz]

Spoiler… the 50mm is probably going to be slightly better in the corners if you pixel peep. The 43mm is pretty sick for its size.

[SrMi]

4 hours ago, Richard K said:

Those of you that have both, could you comment on their performance?

Summicron-SL or M?

[Richard K]

Summicron-SL or M?
Either 😁

[Dr. G]

I have the 50 APO Summicron-SL and the SL3.  I also have the 21/35/75 APO Summicron SL lenses and the 50 Summilux-SL.  For what I shoot, the 43 on the Q3 43 is just as good, but I don't look at extreme corner sharpness.  I know Hugh Brownstone compared the Q3 43 to the 35 APO Summicron-SL and the 35 did a little better.  But that lens is still the best Leica has made and it slightly edges out the 50 APO SL in performance (although you'd probably never be able to tell by looking at images unless zooming in).  

So am I selling my 35 & 50 APO?  Not both of them.  I have my 50 APO up for sale and I'm keeping the 35 for two reasons.  First, for any kind of commercial work I still prefer the SL3 and a 21/35/75 kit is pretty complete.  Second, I can't bring myself to sell "the best lens Leica has ever made," even if I find myself using it less now.  

[hoolyproductions]

I just got my Q3 43 but would not dream of selling my 50mm SL lenses (I have the APO and ASPH SLs). Regardless of quality the ergonomics/customisability of the SL2 is (for me) on a completely different level than a Q camera. SL will continue to be my 'main squeeze' and Q3 43 when I want/need to travel light.

[Likaleica]

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I did this comparison with the 75 apo summicron m on an M10-P and the 43 cropped to 75 for portraits.  Tested at f/2.  Q obviously nailed focus every time.  I, on the other hand... not so much.  However, the bokeh was so much more beautiful on the m lens.  Haven't tried the 50 apo m yet - good idea.  Good project for tomorrow.

[stephenmick]

I can't speak to the 50 APO, but based on my completely non-scientific experience, the 35 APO SL outperforms the Q3 43, but not by a massive margin. It seems to be a bit sharper in the corners, and I'd say it has slightly "cleaner" separation of subject and background at f2. But again, it's just what my old eyes seem to notice. 

[Likaleica]

Today compared the Q3 43, at 43mm crop, to the M10-P with 50mm Apo-Summicron-M.  ISO 100, f/2, variable shutter speeds.  As with the 75mm, the Q pretty much nailed focus all the time.  I did not pixel peep resolution, but both lenses were plenty sharp (when I got it right on the M).   The bokeh between the two lenses was very comparable, as would be expected since they are close to the same focal length.  Qualitatively, I liked the bokeh better on the Q, even with the slightly shorter focal length.  It appeared to be smoother.

Of course, there are many qualitative differences with respect to handling - weight, heft, haptics, manual focusing vs. iAF, shutter sound (nearly none with the Q), etc.  Two different experiences, both luscious.  The M system is more versatile in many ways, and the SL system even more versatile.  

I'm not doing a lens review here, just looking at differences that matter to me and sharing my impressions.

[JTLeica]

On 10/9/2024 at 12:49 PM, Richard K said:

Summicron-SL or M?
Either 😁

They are totally different lenses. The SL being significantly better.

To my eyes the 43mm is better than the M lens by some way and maybe just shy of my 35 or 75 SL APO. 

Edited October 11, 2024 by JTLeica

[Dr. G]

9 hours ago, JTLeica said:

They are totally different lenses. The SL being significantly better.

To my eyes the 43mm is better than the M lens by some way and maybe just shy of my 35 or 75 SL APO. 

The APO 75 SL is the reason I would never consider selling my SL3.