mark-b
Well-known
I nearly airbrushed my kitchen wall with fresh coffee when I read that the 50mm Summicron is bested only by the 45mm Carl Zeiss Planar. Tell me this is (or isn't)....true?
What's better than a 50mm Summicron?
- Thread starter mark-b
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thomasw_
Well-known
I guess it matters what the criteria are for determining the best in show. I think the current summilux 50/1,4 asph is a better all-round lens than the current summicron. But if you use "signature" as a criteria, then, indeed, the question is much harder to answer for there are objective functional characteristics which can be used to determine that a certain lens is better for 'this' or 'that', but the whole subjective and personal taste of 'rendering' just isn't easy to answer in a true or false format. I can entertain the idea that there are certain objective criteria such as geometric forms or arithmetic ratios by which we can determine whether one lens or another 'renders' more perfectly or delightfully or sublimely et cetera; but I find that my apprehension of such things is rather limited. I mean by this that although I am not satisfied with an easy relativism in aesthetics, I am not sure either that aesthetic matters and questions such as 'which lens rendering is best' are answerable without at least some sort of subjective element. ///my.2.cents.canadian
Dave Wilkinson
Veteran
mark-b
Well-known
I'd like to see that comparison test, who did it, and the parameters.
Vickko
Veteran
Better than the 50mm Summicron?
Better than the 50mm Summicron?
Only another 50mm Summicron.
Check out Irwin Puts' tests.
I think he once suggested that a particular Canon 50mm FD lens was better than the Summicron. Maybe only folklore.
...Vick
Better than the 50mm Summicron?
Only another 50mm Summicron.
Check out Irwin Puts' tests.
I think he once suggested that a particular Canon 50mm FD lens was better than the Summicron. Maybe only folklore.
...Vick
edodo
Well-known
the summicron with the short focus throw is one of the best RF lens! Whats better may only be subjective taste (like the konica equivalent wich is cheap, so if cheap is better to you then go with this etc....)
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
With the quality of glass available today, "better" is so subjective, it requires a set of criteria (also subjective) in order to qualify what "better" means.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
If you're talking about lenses in general, how about a 50/2 Planar for a Contarex? If you're talking for a Leica M, I don't think you can get much better than a Summicron -- then again, why bother?
mark-b
Well-known
Only another 50mm Summicron.[/quote said:
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
The 50 Summicron is "bested" only by the 50 Summilux ASPH.
KM-25
Well-known
South Col or North Col route? If the North, did you bypass the Politz ladder and and do the 5th class free climb?
😀
Tim Gray
Well-known
I think the 50 ASPH Summilux is a better lens. It might not be quite as sharp up close at f/2 as the summicron, but it's nearly there. It's also nearly as sharp at f/1.4, goes to f/1.4, and is more resistant to flare.
I know some people say the bokeh is crummier than non-ASPH lenses, but I think the 50 ASPH has pretty smooth bokeh. I had a 50 Summicron for a while too. It's bokeh was neutral to me. Nothing to write home about, but nothing objectionable either. Then again, I don't really get all worked up by good bokeh, so I guess it was decent 😀
I much prefer the 50 ASPH to the Summicron. The *only* two problems with it are it's price and slightly larger size.
I know some people say the bokeh is crummier than non-ASPH lenses, but I think the 50 ASPH has pretty smooth bokeh. I had a 50 Summicron for a while too. It's bokeh was neutral to me. Nothing to write home about, but nothing objectionable either. Then again, I don't really get all worked up by good bokeh, so I guess it was decent 😀
I much prefer the 50 ASPH to the Summicron. The *only* two problems with it are it's price and slightly larger size.
kdemas
Enjoy Life.
It all depends on what you mean by "better". To be clear, I have the latest generation summicron, a wonderful lens and fantastic all around performer.
What might be "better"?
So what I'm saying is... it all depends on what you need. The Summicron is a great all around lens. Currently the C-Sonnar is my personal favorite (or flavor of the day).
Kent
ps- I have all the lenses above (no Summilux) plus many more 50s and at one time or another I have thought all were "the best". If the Anistigmat from the O-Series was in M mount it would take the prize 🙂
What might be "better"?
- A new Summilux or ZM Planar 50 if you want razor sharpness
- A Heliar 50/3.5 if you want huge bench test scores
- A ZM C-Sonnar if you want a nice retro look
- A Noct if you're shooting by candle light
So what I'm saying is... it all depends on what you need. The Summicron is a great all around lens. Currently the C-Sonnar is my personal favorite (or flavor of the day).
Kent
ps- I have all the lenses above (no Summilux) plus many more 50s and at one time or another I have thought all were "the best". If the Anistigmat from the O-Series was in M mount it would take the prize 🙂
adavis47
Well-known
The sound of my daughter laughing.
KenD
Film Shooter
Better... for what?
literiter
Well-known
Yes, I'd like this clarified too.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
You ain't lived until you've shot a few rolls through a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor on your Leica. On the other hand I exchanged some emails the other night with a British woman who just loves the look of her old 50mm f/2 Summar. The best lens is the one that gives you what you want. What do you want?
Krosya
Konicaze
For me? - M-Hexanon, of course ! 😉
CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
The G45 Planar is better, in my eyes. As was the 50 Summilux-ASPH. And possibly the Zeiss ZM 50/2 Planar. And, even if it wasn't 'better' sharpness-wise, i probably preferred the pre-ASPH Summilux. After all those, for some reason, i currently have a current 50mm Summicron. But, that's not an 'endorsement.' It's just the odd sequence of things. I'm actually considering selling the Summicron. I'd probably rather have a C-Sonnar AND a Nokton instead.
Al Kaplan
Veteran
If you can live with f/3.5 there are those who will swear that the 50mm Micro Nikkor is the sharpest lens ever produced in Leica (thread) mount. The Swiss made Macro Switar was supposedly made in Leica mount in a limited run and some have been converted from Alpa mount. Some people claim it'll beat any 'cron. Of course if your composition stinks, the lighting is horrid, exposure is off, timing leaves a bit to be desired, you don't focus on the proper place in the photo, choose the wrong f-stop, etc., etc. it doesn't much matter what lens you choose. You'll just be chasing your tail.
