50mm Summilux ASPH - QUESTION

[ChicagoMatthew]

Hey Y'all

I am looking to get the 50mm Summilux ASPH but am hesitating based on this review I read on Street Silhouettes. (link below) Basically, he says the lens design is 14 years old and he expects a newer summilux that is better suited to digital (vs film) to come out. I suppose that makes sense, but I don't see how the design could change that much.. maybe some coatings?

https://www.streetsilhouettes.com/home/2018/4/12/leica-50mm-f14-summilux-m

Thanks,

Matt

 

[Fjäll]

I would doubt a newer iteration of the Summilux would necessarily improve in quality but rather render a different look. I wouldn't think it would be worth the price difference regardless. The current version is still one of the most praised 50mm lenses as far as I'm concerned. On what camera are you planning to use this lens?

 

[Beemermark]

How good is good? The current Summilux (which I unfortunately sold) is the best normal lens I ever used.

 

[ChicagoMatthew]

I would doubt a newer iteration of the Summilux would necessarily improve in quality but rather render a different look. I wouldn't think it would be worth the price difference regardless. The current version is still one of the most praised 50mm lenses as far as I'm concerned. On what camera are you planning to use this lens?

I agree, but I am no expert... which is why I am hesitant to jump into it if there is just going to be a newer version.

I am going to use it on the 240 and the m10.

 

[sepiareverb]

I have a 50 Summicron built-in hood version that rendered the finest files on the M9. That's a very "dated" lens design. Looking at the MTF charts for the new version of the 35/2 ASPH compared to the older one it appears that the changes were only to the barrel and hood. Not sure that there is much improvement possible in the Summilux ASPH, and regardless, I don't know that we'd ever be able to tell.

 

[aizan]

if a new version of the 50mm summilux is made, i’m sure it will be significantly more expensive and only marginally improved. i’d just get the current asph now, since prices are only going up.

 

[telenous]

if a new version of the 50mm summilux is made, i’m sure it will be significantly more expensive and only marginally improved. i’d just get the current asph now, since prices are only going up.

Basically, this. Leica lenses hardly need an update, they are so good. But updating them stokes the fires of consumer anxiety and gives a reason for an updated (more expensive) price tag. If I wanted one, I'd get a 50/1.4 Asph. now, even if a new one was to be introduced soon.

 

[presspass]

Don't overlook the pre-aspheric 50 Summilux. Sometimes the earlier lenses with less contrast work better on digital - they give more shadow detail and don't block highlights as much. But they don't give the satisfaction of owning the latest version.