Noctilux to 35mm Summilux Asph compairson

Sailor Ted

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I need a high-speed lens to round out my kit (major GAS). I already have a 50mm Summicron current version and I just sold my Noctilux (too big and heavy) so I need a high-speed lens and I want creamy OOF. Any thoughts on how the Summilux 35mm compares to its 50mm counterpart or to the Noctilux?
 
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I have the 35 Lux ASPH, the Noctilux, and the 50 Summicron (current version). The 35 Lux ASPH is a stunningly good lens. From the day it arrived almost two years ago it has been the one I've used the vast majority of the time. If I could only have one M lens, there's no question but that one would be the one. It's far sharper than the Noctilux and renders in a far more conventional way - none of the painterly, surrealist kind of look that the Noct can sometimes serve up (that's not intended as a knock against the Noct, as that look has a lot to do with its signature charm). Do be aware that a lot of folks prefer the pre-ASPH Lux for creamy, glowy bokeh.

Owning both a Noctilux (which I won't get rid of) and a Summicron 50, it's pretty crazy for me to even consider the 50 Lux ASPH. But I love the 35 Lux ASPH so much and because the 50 Lux ASPH reputedly has a signature very similar to it - that I'll probably bite the bullet and do exactly that later this year.

Bottom line, I don't think you can go wrong with either the 35 Lux ASPH or the 50 Lux ASPH.

Jeff
 
You can't go wrong with the 35 'lux asph or the 50 'lux asph in terms of quality of the pictures. But with the shorter focal length and lighter weight of the 35 'lux asph, you can shoot at very slow shutter speeds handheld without the worrying much about camera shake.
 
Thanks Magus. From everything I've seen, read, and heard, I'd agree that the 50 Lux ASPH may be best M lens of all time. It's pretty clear that Leica threw all of their considerable optical experience into it's design. All of which begs for someone like me - who likes that focal length - to seriously consider it. (And it's even available in silver!)

Best,

Jeff
 
Lately I inadvertently did a lot of pixel peeping while I attempted to adjust the RF on the M8. As a result I really saw what Leica has achieved in their latest optical designs. Based on sharpness I observed, I would say 75/2.0 and 50/1.4ASPH are about equal and second to none. Then closely followed by 28/2.0ASPH and then 35/1.4ASPH. The 50 Noctilux is not even in the same league in terms of sharpness wide open, but that's to be expected. Again this is all just my observation of sharpness at wide open apertures, and it really has nothing to do with each's signature. They are all excellent performers. Sorry this didn't really address your question on creamy bokeh.
 
If your primary desire is to have a fast lens w/the same FoV as the Noctilux w/your M8, then get the 35mm Summilux ASPH, if your priority is "creamy OOF" & flare-resistance, then perhaps you should consider the pre-aspherical 50mm Summilux. I have no personal experience w/the "new" 50mm Summilux ASPH.

Sailor Ted said:
I need a high-speed lens to round out my kit (major GAS). I already have a 50mm Summicron current version and I just sold my Noctilux (too big and heavy) so I need a high-speed lens and I want creamy OOF. Any thoughts on how the Summilux 35mm compares to its 50mm counterpart or to the Noctilux?
 
what about the 35/1.2 Nokton - heard and seen nothing less than stunning results from that lens... but then again, i'm just a lowly second gen. 50/1.4 lux user so take that suggestions for what it's worth....what would i know...? ;P
 
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