50mm Summarit or 50mm Summilux pre-asph?

[psychokiller]

Hi all,

Has anyone used both these lenses and have any comments on how they compare?

I am interested in performance at f2.8 for bokeh as well as at f8 for all round sharpness.

Any ideas.

Thanks.

 

[Avotius]

Oh deal, two different animals all together. As f8 most lenses are sharp enough for 99.9% of us. At 2.8....I would say the summilux as its smoothness is excellent. That said, the summarit is much smaller.

 

[DaveSee]

Very different lenses with few points of comparison; better the new summarit to the ZM plannar... that might be interesting... anyone have these to compare?

rgds,
Dave

 

[Andrew3511]

Are we talking about the new Summarit or the 1940's & 50's f1.5 one?

I have used the earlier Summarit and the pre-asph Summilux. Wide open there is no comparison. The Summarit has problematic coma and is very flare-prone (also lens hoods very hard to find) but from f2.8 on performs reasonably. The low contrast and definition at wide apertures make it popular as a portrait lens and it has a character all it's own with swirly bokeh. It is quite a bit lighter and smaller. My example had a tiny bit of haze which didn't help - it needs inspecting very carefully before purchase.

The summilux is slightly soft particularly in the corners wide open but MUCH more flare resistent and is almost up to Summicron quality by f2.8.

 

[telenous]

Are we talking about the new Summarit or the 1940's & 50's f1.5 one?

I have used the earlier Summarit and the pre-asph Summilux. Wide open there is no comparison. The Summarit has problematic coma and is very flare-prone (also lens hoods very hard to find) but from f2.8 on performs reasonably. The low contrast and definition at wide apertures make it popular as a portrait lens and it has a character all it's own with swirly bokeh. It is quite a bit lighter and smaller. My example had a tiny bit of haze which didn't help - it needs inspecting very carefully before purchase.

The summilux is slightly soft particularly in the corners wide open but MUCH more flare resistent and is almost up to Summicron quality by f2.8.

Precisely my experience with the two lenses too. The old Summarit is a very interesting lens, I use it when I want to have flare, or blazing reflections. Stopped down it is very accurate, in a pleasing way. The Summilux preasph is more of an all rounder, both because of speed and flare resistance. When I had it I thought I preferred the Summicron DR over it, but I 've seen some wonderful work with it here and elsewhere and I am slowly converting. If I were to buy one of these lenses as my sole 50 it 'd be the Lux preasph.

 

[Telewatt]

Here you can see the difference ...




at f 2,8 the Summarit is very sharp(er) but the corner are falling back...

Regrards,

Jan

I have some picture here with the Summarit.

 

[foto_fool]

I have both, and agree completely with Andrew and Alkis. If I have to sell one someday, I will keep the Summilux.

 

[larmarv916]

Ok.....I had a late "pre ASPH" Summilux and was not impressed. The new Summarit is, from images and charts ok but is not nearly as good as either of the Zeiss ZM 50mm lenses that are now out. The F2 is a realy "tour d force" and the 50 F1.5 is another talented child from the same family. Also I see either as superior to current Leica offerings in the 50mm class. I have not had the chance to shoot anything with the ASPH 50. The mission statement for your situation is the really important issue. Good Luck....Laurance

 

[Telewatt]

what is the talk about?....old 1,5/50mm Summarit or the new serie..?...😕

 

[psychokiller]

I was actually referring to the new series Summarit but now realise it is a completely different beast to the pre-asph Summilux!