Jeff S
Well-known
I'm not sure about the pre-asph version, but my 35 Summicron asph exhibits some focus shift at f4 and f5.6, exactly consistent with Sean Reid's review sample (http://reidreviews.com/reidreviews/). Therefore, at these apertures, any discussion of out-of-focus rendering becomes a bit more complex.
In any event, I've owned several 35 Summicron versions over the years, and each has served well as an all-around great lens when I want to travel light with just one.
Jeff
In any event, I've owned several 35 Summicron versions over the years, and each has served well as an all-around great lens when I want to travel light with just one.
Jeff
James (DC)
Established
I couldn't agree more. As I was reading this thread, this is exactly what I was thinking. I sold my 35/2 ASPH BP and kept the v.4, which is probably worth a little over half of the other lens. If you want to move from either lens, get the 35/1.4 ASPH, which I got for less that the 35/2 ASPH.
Harry Lime
Practitioner
Puts did a very long comparison a while back.
http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/lenses/lenses/lenses/page86.html
Scroll about halfway down.
Personally I own the v4 and a Summilux ASPH 35.
My friend owned the Cron ASPH 35 and I had a chance to shoot with it.
The Cron ASPH is brutally sharp at any stop. Seriously, you could cut yourself on these negs. I would say it's about a stop or two ahead of the v4. But from f4 on you'll have a hard time telling the two apart. The ASPH draws flat as a pancake. Distortion is close to zero. Because the ASPH is much higher corrected the transition between in focus and out is more abrupt than with the v4.
I think the biggest problem is that the v4 still is a really, really good lens.
Basically you have to choose between one lens that is exceptional (v4) and another that is superb (ASPH).
To me the biggest difference is the way these two lenses draw. The v4 is a classic design by Dr Mandler. It delivers strong contrast, but glows a little more than the ASPH. This is really beautiful in direct light with b/w film. Tonality is very creamy and rich. Bokeh is smooth with a gradual transition in to out of focus.
The ASPH has a totally modern look. High contrast, very, very sharp, very little glow around highlights. Very well defined tonality.
Think of it as the difference between Kodak TMAX-2 400 (ASPH) and Tri-X (v4).
Oddly enough the signature of the Summilux-ASPH falls right between the v4 and Cron ASPH. In terms of performance it acts like a Cron ASPH opened up a stop.
PS: Do not use the small square plastic hood on the v4. It locks in to place to stop it from rotating, but this can act as a wrench and loosen the front element. Stick to the round vented 12585 (?), that can spin feely.
http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/lenses/lenses/lenses/page86.html
Scroll about halfway down.
Personally I own the v4 and a Summilux ASPH 35.
My friend owned the Cron ASPH 35 and I had a chance to shoot with it.
The Cron ASPH is brutally sharp at any stop. Seriously, you could cut yourself on these negs. I would say it's about a stop or two ahead of the v4. But from f4 on you'll have a hard time telling the two apart. The ASPH draws flat as a pancake. Distortion is close to zero. Because the ASPH is much higher corrected the transition between in focus and out is more abrupt than with the v4.
I think the biggest problem is that the v4 still is a really, really good lens.
Basically you have to choose between one lens that is exceptional (v4) and another that is superb (ASPH).
To me the biggest difference is the way these two lenses draw. The v4 is a classic design by Dr Mandler. It delivers strong contrast, but glows a little more than the ASPH. This is really beautiful in direct light with b/w film. Tonality is very creamy and rich. Bokeh is smooth with a gradual transition in to out of focus.
The ASPH has a totally modern look. High contrast, very, very sharp, very little glow around highlights. Very well defined tonality.
Think of it as the difference between Kodak TMAX-2 400 (ASPH) and Tri-X (v4).
Oddly enough the signature of the Summilux-ASPH falls right between the v4 and Cron ASPH. In terms of performance it acts like a Cron ASPH opened up a stop.
PS: Do not use the small square plastic hood on the v4. It locks in to place to stop it from rotating, but this can act as a wrench and loosen the front element. Stick to the round vented 12585 (?), that can spin feely.
bene
Established
I actual subscribe to Reid as well. great stuff. I starting to think that the sumarit 35f2.5 is a likely contender for its size, build and draw seems pleasing to me. Its moderately priced and fits my day needs and my 35 1.2 for night works.
I'm plan to pair the zeiss 50f1.5 and with my current VC50 1.1 One classic and one modern look.
I'm plan to pair the zeiss 50f1.5 and with my current VC50 1.1 One classic and one modern look.