A question of size: 35mm - Summilux ASPH or Summicron ASPH

[cameraman]

I'm looking around for a 35mm lens in the fast lane. Currently I own a Nokton f/1.2, and good as it is, I'm nor religious about it. And the size and weight is just over the top for what I want to carry around day to day.

The way I see it, I got two options here: I can keep the Nokton and get a Summicron ASPH, or I can sell the Nokton and get the Summilux ASPH. I'm a "modern lens guy", and I want a Leica, so that narrows the options.

The question is size and weight. I've tried to compare images of these two lenses, but it's hard to get a clear idea of how they compare. Is the difference in size huge? And do they both need hoods? Or can any of them be used comfortably without?

The price difference is noticable, but if I sell the Nokton that will offset some of the costs. In principle I favour a one-lens solution (less stuff to worry about), but size and weight is the major issue here.

I know they draw differently, but I can live with that. I'm not a "lens signature" kind of guy, all I want is the speed to shoot in winter time 🙂 I'm rather proficient in Photoshop, so I can make adjustments if needed. And since I'm all analog/film, I can control things through film/developer combinations if I need a special look.

Input is hugely appreciated!

 

[thomasw_]

Keep the f1,2 and get the summicron 35/2 ASPH. A killer lens combination at that focal length.....save the nokton for the really dark and dirty work ;p


The summicron at f2 and fast film will do wonders, too; some say it is sharper at f2 than the lux is at 1,4. I've had both and I couldn't tell a difference; of course this is a ribbon on the side of the smaller f2 cron. Small and compact and well built, it is just a killer, versatile lens. Both the asph cron and lux are pleasing in their OOF renditions and higher contrast in normal use, but the summicron is a beauty in terms of handling, size and compactness.

If weight is an issue, stay away from the black paint and chrome versions of the cron asph. I own a black paint model and it is a delight for me, but it is much heavier than the standard anodized AL version.

Check out image samples here:>

http://www.flickr.com/groups/m-mount/

 

[noimmunity]

all I want is the speed to shoot in winter time

Your answer is already in the question. If you need f/1.4, nothing else but the 'lux will do. If not, get the cron. Hesitation may be the sign you need to recognize the cron's speed is enough. Or it may just be part of a process of recognizing, against the staggering cost, what would really suit you.

Try shooting with the Nokton limiting yourself to f/2 and see what happens.

 

[Debusti Paolo]

keep the nokton & buy the summicron asph😀

 

[TomN]

I agonised ofver the Summilux vs Nokton, and went for the Nokton in the end. It is an absolutely beautiful lens. It is large, however it is not that big, and smaller than something like a Summilux 75mm. The Summicron is a good size, particularly if you have big hands or fingers.

 

[dof]

The difference in size between the ASPH versions of the Summicron and Summilux is something you would notice. I will add a "plus one" to Thomas' suggestion regarding the black paint and chrome versions of these lenses as they are quite heavy. There's a certain haptic joy in using them, as the aperture rings have a unique feel and the weight lends a solidity to the camera. However all this comes at a price especially when carrying several lenses.

Of the two I find the Summilux to be more prone to flare than the Summicron, although I use hoods for both. Given your preferences, I'd weigh in that the Summicron is going to be more to your liking. Image-wise, both are top of the line. The handling is going to be the selling point.

 

[cameraman]

Well, I read your advice loud and clear - and ordered the Summicron. Guess I can the best of both worlds, with the Nokton for speed and the Summicron for walkaround.

Thanks!

 

[peter_n]

Good decision. I use both but I use the Summicron more. I like the signature of the Summilux a bit more wide open but the Summicron gets used because of what Thomas says; the size and ergonomics are a big plus. You can always use fast film for the extra stop...