p.2 #1 · R5 and RF 50 1.2 compared to Leica SL2 with the APO Summicron-SL 50mm
In my view the difference is just not significant, but I assume the Canon is cheaper(?) The bokeh at f2 is smoother with the Canon, but I do like the Summicron too: it did nice things with the textures and it held the delineation of form in the far distance better, but if you want the background to disappear more the Canon seems superior. I'd take either.
p.2 #2 · R5 and RF 50 1.2 compared to Leica SL2 with the APO Summicron-SL 50mm
Robin Smith wrote:
In my view the difference is just not significant, but I assume the Canon is cheaper(?) The bokeh at f2 is smoother with the Canon, but I do like the Summicron too: it did nice things with the textures and it held the delineation of form in the far distance better, but if you want the background to disappear more the Canon seems superior. I'd take either.
I think part of the reason the texture is slightly more pronounced with the SL2/APO Summicron-SL may have to do with the lack of anti-aliasing filter and thinner glass on the SL2 sensor.
p.2 #4 · R5 and RF 50 1.2 compared to Leica SL2 with the APO Summicron-SL 50mm
The mechanical vignetting advantage alone gives the RF the edge. Maybe a bokeh ball test? The Leica is definitely a wider FL which I prefer, but that has nothing to do with the lens characteristics themselves.
Together with the R5, I don't really see the advantage of the SL system (for this combo).
p.2 #5 · R5 and RF 50 1.2 compared to Leica SL2 with the APO Summicron-SL 50mm
Ah come on, where are all the comments about micro contrast and 3D-ness that the Leica has and the Canon lacks? . What is partly surprising is that the RF renders the scene smoother (though expected when it's stopped down). Leica system is overengineered on some aspects to appeal to those people who will pay for the ultimate quality (whether it's real or in their head). I have no doubt the Summicron is sharper than the Canon on a much higher MP camera (some lenses don't scale as well at higher MP, like the GM 135). But do we really want more sharpness nowadays? Or that the slight gain in micro contrast will make or break a picture.
Personally, I'm more into the quality of life, ease of use factor. The overall slowness of the Leica SL system really negates any IQ advantages it might have.
p.2 #6 · R5 and RF 50 1.2 compared to Leica SL2 with the APO Summicron-SL 50mm
The Canon RF 50 1.2 is an interesting lens. It gives incredible bokeh and subject separation below f/2 and at f/2 and higher, it has APO IQ from corner to corner. The RF 85 1.2 is even better, probably due to the Blue Spectrum Refractive Optics, which are inexplicably missing from the RF 50 1.2. These might be the two best f/1.2 autofocus lenses in the world right now. (Well, I say that with no knowledge of how the new Sony 50 1.2 is performing.)
. What is partly surprising is that the RF renders the scene smoother (though expected when it's stopped down). Leica system is overengineered on some aspects to appeal to those people who will pay for the ultimate quality (whether it's real or in their head). I have no doubt the Summicron is sharper than the Canon on a much higher MP camera (some lenses don't scale as well at higher MP, like the GM 135). But do we really want more sharpness nowadays? Or that the slight gain in micro contrast will make or break a picture.