There are even APO aspects to its design, though it's not designated as such. The use of FLE increases optical performance at closer ranges and combats focus shift (something the former Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH struggled with) and comprise the last two elements of the lens. Like the latest Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH "FLE" this lens has Floating Lens Elements as well, though they're not mentioned as a distinguishing feature since there is no non-FLE ASPH version preceding it.
The new ASPH version derives its name by the use of an aspherical element (the fourth one in the middle). This effect, as well as the susceptibility to veiling flare give them what is affectionately called "the Leica glow." It's the differences such as these that will really determine what the "best 50mm lens" is for you - both are excellent lenses - but vary in their technical vs. They're "sharp but gentle" in their rendering. Generally they offer a lower contrast image that's sharper in the center and softens slightly towards the periphery. It's worth noting at this point that the pre-ASPH Summilux lenses have their own following - some prefer the older, more "classical" rendering of these lenses as opposed to the more modern and "clinical" look that ASPH lenses bring to the table. While the design works well up to about f/2 (witness the Summicron-M 50mm f/2) it becomes quite strained at f/1.4. They pushed the limits of the traditional double-gauss design. The optical design remained largely unchanged for 43 years and these lenses are collectively nicknamed the "pre-ASPH" Summiluxes. The latter had been one of several 50mm Summilux versions dating back as far as 1961 (or 1959 though not as a Summilux).
#Leica 50mm summicron m variants update#
The Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens was introduced in 2004 (ironically the same year that Zeiss introduced their C Sonnar T* 1,5/50 ZM and Planar T* 2/50 ZM lenses) and is a radical update to the previous Summilux 50mm f/1.4 lens. We're going to review it anyway and explain why this is so. Without question, it belongs to a very exclusive group at the top of the heap. However, when looking at this lens from a technical, optical and mechanical standpoint - you'd be hard-pressed to counter a statement such as that, as it ticks off just about every technological checkbox available in modern lens design. Of course, the "best" of anything really depends on your definition of same. If your native language is Russian, our colleagues at the Leica Russia Blog have posted a translated review for your reading pleasure!ĭepending on who you ask, the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens is often described as "the best 50mm lens in the world" (Leica even makes that claim outright).
#Leica 50mm summicron m variants full#
The following graphs were gleaned from the Leica-provided datasheet (PDF) for this lens:Ī full review of the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH lens, including specifications, performance charts, overview, sharpness and vignetting tests as well as sample images and links for further research. Its wide-ranging versatility also makes it a top choice in assembling a Leica M lens outfit. The properties of this lens not only make it ideal for any photo situation demanding a handy all-rounder with the natural image angle of the 50 mm standard focal length, but also for available light situations, selective-focus shots, and even fine art photography - usually the preserve of much larger formats. This is made possible by a number of factors including the use of a floating element, special glass types with unique refraction properties, and elements with aspherical surfaces.
It delivers high-contrast images, with high-resolution detail, even at its widest aperture, and down to its minimum focusing distance.
The Leica description for this lens A masterpiece: The best 50mm f/1.4 everĪ combination of the know-how of Leica's engineers and the latest developments in manufacturing technology has resulted in this outstanding standard lens.
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