Leica's Monster

[Mike Farley]

Whenever I speak to Leica, they tell me the SL lenses have to be big for optimum image quality.

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.co ... prime.html

[Mike Farley]

Just in case you were wondering (and I just KNOW you all were), this is what Leica's new 50 Summilux lens looks like when mounted on the SL camera. Presumably there is a lens hood to add to the ensemble as well. An inconspicuous and lightweight bit of kit, ideal for street shooting. Not.



UPDATE: I have replaced the original image, as the one I linked to initially was removed.

[Mike Farley]

Now, of course, what you are all silently asking is how does the SL/50 Summilux combination compare in size to the equivalent M set up. Question no more.



The 50 Summilux-M is already more than a decent performer and many consider to be the best lens for the M cameras. Putting one on a M (Typ240) will set you back around £8.5k, so you would expect it to be good. Well, not just good. Outstanding. The real question here is how much better is the new lens, which when attached to the camera will represent an investment just shy of £10k. That is not something which I will be investigating with my own resources, but I will certainly be interested if anyone on the forum wants to give it a go.