Pairing the classic normal focal length with an optically refined design, the silver anodized APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens from Leica is a fast standard prime characterized by its apochromatic designation. Using anomalous partial dispersion and high refractive index glasses in its design, this lens is capable of focusing red, green, and blue wavelengths at the same plane in order to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations. One aspherical element is also featured in the design, to reduce spherical aberrations, and a floating element maintains clarity and sharpness throughout the focusing range from 2.3' to infinity. This compact 50mm lens is also distinguished by its compact form factor, making it ideal for use as an everyday lens. Like all M-mount lenses, this 50mm f/2 features a manual focus design, and a convenient focusing tab for more refined control during use.
- Leica M-Mount Lens
- Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16
- Apochromatic Design
- One Aspherical Element
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Overview
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Specs
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Angle of View | 47° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 2.3' / 70 cm |
| Macro Reproduction Ratio | 1:11.3 |
| Optical Design | 8 Elements in 5 Groups |
| Focus Type | Manual Focus |
| Filter Size | 39 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 1.9 x 2.1" / 47 x 53 mm |
| Weight | 10.6 oz / 300 g |
| Package Weight | 2.55 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 11.7 x 7.4 x 6.3" |
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Reviews
Wrong MTF charts Listed
The mtf charts listed are for the regular Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH not the APO version
LeicaPO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens (Black)
This apochromatic lens, in combination with the 40 Megapixel color sensor of my Leica M10-R Digital Rangefinder Camera, produces maximum resolution of which any photographer could dream. This is the center of my photographic style. The apochromatic design focuses red, green, and blue wavelengths at the same plane and virtually eliminates chromatic aberrations. The weight of only 300 g (10.6 oz) makes it sufficiently compact to serve me as my primary every day lens, even though it is manual focus, without the convenience of auto-focus. For close-up photography a minimum focusing distance of 70 cm produces a Macro Reproduction Ratio of 1:11.3. Trying to find a true macro lens among the multitude of different Leica M lenses is quite a challenge and I have resorted to use my old analog (non-digital) Zuiko 50 mm f/2 macro lens with an adapter producing acceptable results. In summary, if your budget is not a concern, I would highly recommend the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH lens.
The Best Lens in the 35mm Format
It must be clear that none of the lens may beat 50'APO in terms of sharpness and microcontrast. On the other hand, you had better consider high fall-off at f/2.0 and exaggerated price tag. In order to preserve the budget, 50'lux would be another option not to be overlooked.
Simply Awesome!
I have owned the 50mm 1.4 ASPH lens for a number of years. For my 60th birthday, I purchased this lens for myself. The clarity and bokeh are simply amazing. So amazing, that I've sold my 28mm and 35mm, as this has become my go to lens. Yes... all the hype is true! And as usual, BHPhoto service was excellent!
Poor quality control or other issue needs Leica's attention
Wow I purchased this lens as my ultimate stop and one and only one solution. I sold my 50mm summilux and 35mm summicron to finance this baby. It arrived brand new, sealed in gray box. What a shock! There is a resistance on aperture ring between f2 and f2.8 as well as at f16. When i looked at the blades, I could not believe my eyes. Just as the other reviewer mentioned, the aperture blades are not synchronized. Are you serious? I checked the quality control signature, I am in a shock! It is either something wrong with the design or the quality control. I had all lenses, from Olympus to Panasonic to Sony. M lens quality is second to none. And once you think you are at nirvana of lenses, it is such a disappointment. Leica needs to investigate this issue to figure out what is going on. Very disappointed frankly.
Superb!
Today I finally got the exchange lens. The image quality is superb if there is no defect.
Excellent optics, great construction, small and compact
The Leica APO Summicron M 50/2 ASPH is expensive, but is simply one of the very best lenses I have ever used. It produces a bit more of the analytical look than my classics, but has more 'character' than my 'modern' 50s. Nice smooth color and value gradients. Yet, where it is in focus, it produces bitingly sharp images. First class micro-contrasts. Undetectably CA and distortions. Sharp from corner-to-corner. Built to last. Smooth operations. Does not block the M viewfinder. Nothing to complain.
The Sharpness Spoils You
I have taken photographs for over 50 years with 35mm film cameras, Canon digital cameras, a medium format RB 67 and a 5x7 Deardorff. The combination of this lens on the Leica M10 Monochrome produces images that rival a 5x7 camera, and you can carry it in one hand. Once you see the sharpness and contrast from this lens you are spoiled and other camera / lens systems seem just a bit off. Warning: whenever you're using your other camera systems you'll be wondering how much better the image could be with this lens.
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