35mm summilux M

[felix5616]

I hope this is not a stupid question but when one refers to a pre asph 35mm summilux M lens does it refer to any 35mm summilux M lens that is not an asph or a specific version?
when considering sharpness and contrast how do the 35mm summicron ASPH
and a 35mm non asph summilux compare?
i am looking for a 35mm lens with excellent sharpness. i shoot mostly B+W, but occassionally shoot 35mm.
any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[maddoc]

The 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH and 35mm Summicron-M ASPH are totally different regarding sharpness at full aperture. If you are looking for a lens delivering best performance at full aperture, forget about the 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH. The only choices you have is the 35mm Summilux ASPH (expensive) or 35mm Summicron-M ASPH (cheaper but one stop slower).

 

[felix5616]

Thank you for the information. I am trying to decide which 35mm lens to get.
I am interested in sharpness and contrast.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

The 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH and 35mm Summicron-M ASPH are totally different regarding sharpness at full aperture. If you are looking for a lens delivering best performance at full aperture, forget about the 35mm Summilux-M pre-ASPH...

I would agree. It was once expressed to me that, wide-open, the 35mm pre-asph approaches the sharpness equal to that of the bottom of a Coke bottle. A bit strong perhaps, but it is quite soft.

... The only choices you have is the 35mm Summilux ASPH (expensive) or 35mm Summicron-M ASPH (cheaper but one stop slower).

Well, not exactly. There is the pre-asph Summicron (vs. IV), the 35mm f/2.0 Zeiss ZM (a very good performer in its own right); for speed, there is the CV 35mmm f/1.4 Nokton (very inexpensive with good performance), and many others.

 

[Ken Shipman]

Out of curiosity I did a Summilux side-by-side test once. Not even close. Some people like the pre-ASPH, but not I. At least not wide open. ASPH all the way.

 

[WoolenMammoth]

If you are looking for a sharp lens at full aperature, you will be bummed if you get a pre-asph 35 lux. If you are looking for an awesome lens at full aperature, nothing delivers quite like the pre-asph 35 lux. Everyone has their own idea of what awesome is.

 

[maddoc]

If you are looking for a sharp lens at full aperature, you will be bummed if you get a pre-asph 35 lux. If you are looking for an awesome lens at full aperature, nothing delivers quite like the pre-asph 35 lux. Everyone has their own idea of what awesome is.

Much better said than me ! 🙂