35mm lens thoughts - upgrade Summarit f2.4 to Voigtlander Lanthar APO f2

[IanS_?]

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My heart says just go for it, my head is asking is there a significant difference I am going to see in most of my shots for my M10.

I mostly create intimate landscape images and sometime like 2.8 and faster for the limited depth of field snap.

Of course I know the Voigt 35mm f2 is bigger and a bit faster, the viewfinder blockage isn't a problem.

Anybody who has both and can provide some insight ?

Thanks

[hansvons]

2 hours ago, IanS_? said:

My heart says just go for it, my head is asking is there a significant difference I am going to see in most of my shots for my M10.

If this means selling the Summarit, don't do it. This lens is a gem for landscape photography on walks with a handy M. You will find out when it's too late. The difference between the Leica APO and the Voightlander APO is their performance regarding sharpness in the corners compared with the Summarit at full aperture. This difference is practically gone at f/4. Neither is notably better in CA or flaring, as the Summarit is excellent at suppressing flares. You can even shoot directly into the sun without annoying artefacts (just don't use a clear filter). Plus, its size and weight make all the difference in the field.

The caveat about lenses beyond their technical traits is that every lens renders differently; thus, taste can be the decisive factor. How you feel about that, I don't know. The Summarit, however, is not far from the 35mm APO Summicron: a modern, flawless (and thus character-free) lens with an astonishing neutral personality. Its more expensive brother with a similar lens design (one more element), the 35mm Summicron ASPH, is a character lens in comparison. If I were you, I'd do some testing. Remember that buying and selling the APO Lanthar within a month and in pristine condition will cost approximately a 14-day renting fee.

Allegedly, Leica stopped making the Summarits due to a lack of demand. The "disappointing" f/2.4 aperture (the previous f/2.5 version shared the same lens design and got "upgraded") seems to be a non-starter for many Leicaisti. This tells more about Leica's customers than about the lens. I'd never sell my copy. 

[IanS_?]

Eventually after waiting for a mint used example to become available 'on offer' (a relative term it was still expensive) I now have a Voigt 35 APO. It is every bit as good as the reviews say it is. I don't notice the viewfinder blockage so happy days ! I didn't sell the Summarit either but haven't used it since.

[odoomi]

Why should this be an upgrade? I dont think so. Keep the Leica in any case…