Sigma I Series Primes vs Leica M Lenses on SL2

[Archiver]

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From online reviews, the Sigma 50mm f2 is sharper and has better image quality than the Panasonic 50mm f1.8, which is surprising, as the Panasonic is an excellent lens, and is the base of the Leica Summicron SL equivalent. Given how well the Panasonic performs, I'm a bit loathe to directly compare it with my much loved Summicron M 50 v5 on the SL2S, as I'm afraid it the Panasonic will be better!

So if the Panasonic 50 is sharper/better than the Summicron M 50, then the Sigma 50mm f2 may be better on a L mount body than the Summicron 50. Mind you, I enjoy using the Summicron M 50 on the SL2S because it is so small and easy to handle. This thread might prompt me to make direct comparisons. Or not!

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[LD_50]

25 minutes ago, Archiver said:

From online reviews, the Sigma 50mm f2 is sharper and has better image quality than the Panasonic 50mm f1.8, which is surprising, as the Panasonic is an excellent lens, and is the base of the Leica Summicron SL equivalent. Given how well the Panasonic performs, I'm a bit loathe to directly compare it with my much loved Summicron M 50 v5 on the SL2S, as I'm afraid it the Panasonic will be better!

So if the Panasonic 50 is sharper/better than the Summicron M 50, then the Sigma 50mm f2 may be better on a L mount body than the Summicron 50. Mind you, I enjoy using the Summicron M 50 on the SL2S because it is so small and easy to handle. This thread might prompt me to make direct comparisons. Or not!

Which reviews test both the Sigma 50 f2 and the Panasonic 50 f1.8?

[Archiver]

1 hour ago, LD_50 said:

Which reviews test both the Sigma 50 f2 and the Panasonic 50 f1.8?

This video:

and watch this, too

 

[carlosgavina]

10 hours ago, jaapv said:

The forum does not compress but the first image you see is a compressed thumbnail; to view the sharp image you must click on it. You posted a minuscule JPG here. 

The forum is doing something. I uploaded an image that is around 800kb, at 3800 x 1728, and the image that loads after clicking on the thumbnail is 400kb at 2480 x 1124. So around half the information because of compression etc. I've used the attachment feature that shows up at the bottom when replying to a topic. Would it be better to just upload somewhere else and include it here somehow?

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[carlosgavina]

Alex Barrera's video — second video posted by @Archiver — has RAW samples in its description.

[jaapv]

1 hour ago, carlosgavina said:

The forum is doing something. I uploaded an image that is around 800kb, at 3800 x 1728, and the image that loads after clicking on the thumbnail is 400kb at 2480 x 1124. So around half the information because of compression etc. I've used the attachment feature that shows up at the bottom when replying to a topic. Would it be better to just upload somewhere else and include it here somehow?

The original image can be found here in its full resolution for anyone interested.

Left image on the forum, right image I uploaded:

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!

Maximum size is 2480 px. Please read the uploading instructions 

We require to keep linked images to the same size. This is not a hosting site. It is correct to publish a link to a full res image as you have done, but not to embed it. This is an international forum. Not everyone has 5G or fast Internet. 

[carlosgavina]

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@jaapv gotcha ya, makes sense.

[Archiver]

Sigma 50mm f2 vs Leica Summicron 50 SL

 

[Stuart Richardson]

That is a pretty scathing indictment of the Leica versions of those Panasonic lenses. It is hard to ignore that B&H is currently selling that lens for 248 dollars in a Panasonic body shell, and 2195 in a Leica body shell. Meanwhile the 50mm Sigma (639 dollars) seems much closer to the 50mm APO Summicron SL than it either of the other two. If you just want a good 50mm prime, it is hard to ignore the 248 dollar version of the Panasonic. It seems ludicrous to buy it at 2195 in the Leica version. Either save up for the true state of the art with the 50mm APO Summicron, or just get the Sigma.

[Archiver]

6 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said:

That is a pretty scathing indictment of the Leica versions of those Panasonic lenses. It is hard to ignore that B&H is currently selling that lens for 248 dollars in a Panasonic body shell, and 2195 in a Leica body shell. Meanwhile the 50mm Sigma (639 dollars) seems much closer to the 50mm APO Summicron SL than it either of the other two. If you just want a good 50mm prime, it is hard to ignore the 248 dollar version of the Panasonic. It seems ludicrous to buy it at 2195 in the Leica version. Either save up for the true state of the art with the 50mm APO Summicron, or just get the Sigma.

My Panasonic 50mm f1.8 came as a free offer when I purchased my S5 a few years ago, and those videos show me there is no point in getting the Leica branded version. My SL2-S came as a secondhand bundle with the 35 SL for a very decent price, so the 35 slot is filled, too. Getting back to the original topic of M lenses vs Sigma primes, my guess is that the situation between the Sigma 35mm f2 and the Summicron M 35 on SL cameras would be similar, especially as wider lenses aren't quite as good with the SL series as they are on M bodies. I feel that you don't shoot M lenses on SL bodies because you want maximum sharpness, you do it for size/weight savings, and lens character.

[davidmknoble]

Going back to the OP, one of the great things about the SL system is the inter connectivity of lenses.  So, the idea that an M lens works on the SL, IMHO, is great for cross body work.  I can take an SL for digital and an M with film and share the lenses.  I did that in 2017 in Italy and took the 35 summicron ASPH, the 50 Noctilux and a 90 APO with the SL and an MP film camera.  

There are typically lenses that do better than others, so it seems to make sense to buy the one to get the most mileage out of.  If you use an M camera, then maybe an M APO 50 or 35 works on both systems and provides great images.  If no M, then likely using the L compatible lenses is a better choice?

[colonel]

On 2/14/2025 at 3:55 PM, o2mpx said:

Looking for feedback: the Sigma primes(F2 and smaller) are light weight, small form factor, autofocus. How are they compared to equivalent(roughly) Leica M lenses on a SL2?

Know M lenses vary greatly in focal lengths and apertures and direct compare isn’t possible, so looking for comments if in general trade offs on IQ overrode benefits with Sigma’s auto focus, ability to view/shoot wide open, weather resistance etc. 

The best lenses for any system are the ones made for its mount

qed