Great pics on this thread. I am interested in getting a Leica Summicron-R 50 f/2 version but not sure if all versions are optically the same specially 2-Cam vs 3-Cam. I know the newer ASPH are better but also much more expensive. I am looking at the ones around $450-$600 in range. Which version should I get for a DSLR / A7 / X-E2 body.
leo11877 wrote:
I am interested in getting a Leica Summicron-R 50 f/2 version but not sure if all versions are optically the same ...
I believe that there were two optical designs, and all of the models with a built-in hood were of the second design. For the purpose of adapting to other systems, the number of cams makes no difference. Hope this helps.
JonPB wrote:
I believe that there were two optical designs, and all of the models with a built-in hood were of the second design. For the purpose of adapting to other systems, the number of cams makes no difference. Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jon
So the 2nd design is optically better? Also between the 35 F/2 and 50 F/2 which one is recommended for portraits? I value color and a smoother bokeh over some loss of sharpness.
The definition of "better" depends on your particular criteria. Also, I haven't directly compared the two, so I can't say anything other than that Leica tends not to replace an optical design unless they've come out with something that is superior either optically or ergonomically. I like my 2nd generation Summicron 50, but it is only slightly superior to most--and only slighter inferior to some--other 50mm lenses. I have a particular fondness for its glow around near-focus subjects combined with its lack of color fringing in bokeh, though.
For portraiture, whether to go with 35 or 50 (or ~85 or even ~150) is more a matter of style and approach than the optics themselves. From what I've seen, a 90/2.8 will surpass a 50/2, which in turn will surpass a 35/2, in terms of high contrast and high resolution acutance. Of course, images from a 90mm will look quite different than images from a 35mm due to framing and perspective. Probably the smoothest all-around Leica that's still affordable is the Macro-Elmarit-R 60mm, which might be ideal if you're looking to do both subject isolation portraits and also subject-in-environment portraits with the same lens.
You see, the problem is that one can end up wanting every single Leica R lens. So, be careful.
leo11877 wrote:
Great pics on this thread. I am interested in getting a Leica Summicron-R 50 f/2 version but not sure if all versions are optically the same specially 2-Cam vs 3-Cam. I know the newer ASPH are better but also much more expensive. I am looking at the ones around $450-$600 in range. Which version should I get for a DSLR / A7 / X-E2 body.
The 50 with the e55 filter thread, built-in hood, and marked "Made in Canada" on the barrel are usually the most plentiful and should be in your price range. It's a wonderful lens as long as you don't mind a little shape in your stopped-down bokeh.
Thanks for the feedback and tips everyone. I'm contemplating the 60/2.8 as it's an interesting focal length, does 2:1, and should be plenty sharp enough.
I'm not made of money, but am looking for high performance for my A7R.
I'm after a 28mm too, and was contemplating the C/Y 28/2.8 (but I guess that's for another thread).
martindesu wrote:
Thanks for the feedback and tips everyone. I'm contemplating the 60/2.8 as it's an interesting focal length, does 2:1, and should be plenty sharp enough.
I'm not made of money, but am looking for high performance for my A7R.
I'm after a 28mm too, and was contemplating the C/Y 28/2.8 (but I guess that's for another thread).
C/Y has better performance/price ratio.. Leica is simply best you can buy. New ZF line isnt bad either (or ZE, depends on what adapter you want to use, Metabones should allow auto-aperture with ZE lens).
I really feel guilty of not posting here recently.
Will have to 'blame' it on my mirrorless camera. When shooting with Nikon DSLR cameras my primary lenses were Zeiss ZF.2 and Leica-R. Leica lenses were actually smaller and lighter than Zeiss so I tended to use them more often. However; things changed for with arrival of Sony A7R last year. Zeiss ZF.2 was almost entirely replaced by rangefinder lenses, which in turn are more compact comparing to Leica-R. Still, I have no plans to part with any of my R glass.
Summicron 90, Speed Booster, NEX-7.
