Providing a classic normal-length field of view along with an impressive optical design, the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. is a bright prime lens designed for full-frame L-mount mirrorless cameras. The f/2 maximum aperture balances speed with overall weight and size, resulting in a portable form factor that can excel in available light conditions. Three aspherical elements are used to reduce spherical aberrations and distortion for high sharpness, and the lens also features an apochromatic optical design, which employs anomalous partial dispersion glass to suppress color fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and color accuracy. Multi-layer coatings also help to limit flare and ghosting for increased contrast when working in strong lighting conditions. Complementing the optics is a Dual Syncro Drive stepping motor, which delivers fast and quiet autofocus performance to suit both stills and video applications. Additionally, an AquaDura coating has been applied to the exposed elements and seals have been incorporated in the lens design to benefit working in harsh environmental conditions.
- L-Mount Lens/Full-Frame Format
- Aperture Range: f/2 to f/22
- Three Aspherical Elements
- Multi-Layer and AquaDura Coatings
Leica APO Summicron SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. Overview
Leica APO Summicron SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. Specs
| Focal Length | 50mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Leica L |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 47.2° |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.15' / 35 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.2x |
| Macro Reproduction Ratio | 1:5 |
| Optical Design | 12 Elements in 10 Groups |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 67 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.87 x 4.02" / 73 x 102 mm |
| Weight | 1.63 lb / 740 g |
| Package Weight | 3.135 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.3 x 6.7 x 6.7" |
Leica APO Summicron SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. Reviews
As others have stated; Simply the best
I was pretty nervous to pull the trigger on such an expensive lens. I already have a 50mm Summilux for the M system so apart from having good AF, this one had to really impress me for me to keep it. I was skeptical, but it is as good or better than the reviewers say it is. On my SL2-S, it rivals or surpasses the look that my Mamiya 7 gives me. At f/2, the image is sharp corner to corner with no aberrations, yet still somehow has a unique, beautiful character that I can't even quite fully understand. For me this is the best 50mm I have ever used.
Nice Bokeh and Sharp Image
Beautiful images out of the camera. Bokeh is very smooth and lovely, which is the reason to choose this lens. Nice contrast and photos look alive. Very low robotic humming sound coming from the AF system, you're not going to notice it unless you put your ear next to the camera. AF speed is fine to me from a landscape photographer's point of view when I use AF-S with joystick. I am not a AF-C (continuous tracking) person or a video person, so don't know how well that works. AF is very accurate though, so I am not complaining. The lens hood feels well built, but could be a little smoother when you slide it on. It doesn't have the tapered end on the rail of bayonet, so it's not self-guiding. You have to consciously align white dot on the lens hood and the dot on the lens to slide on properly as it is a very precision tight fit. It is an improvement over the TL lens hood in term of the amount of degree you have to twist counterclockwise before it locks (about 30 degrees). You might think that is a minor detail, but it does affect the durability of the lens hood, if the user finds the lens hood operation intuitive. Inside of the lens hood has velvet lining to cut down extra stay light. The body construction itself is very well done. I don't have Leica SL2, but I have handled one before, so I know it'll balance very well with it. It's not a light weight lens, but it feels good with Panasonic S1R I am using it with. It is a fairly expensive lens, so it does take a while to think through whether it is worth the extra cost. However, it does deliver what it promises, which is best of the class image quality.
lens hood fell apart
A brief addition to my review: I just returned from a winter in Yellowstone trip during which the metal ring of the lens hood fell off of the plastic cylinder. I spoke with Leica NJ and expect that they will send me a replacement, but, at this price, a tough one piece hood would be better than the two-piece hood. Part of the function of the hood is to protect the lens against bumps. In my case, the thing fell apart as I was putting in on the lens, but I hope they redesign this piece and offer a replacement to current owners that will not break while being affixed to the lens.
Impressive quality; no lightweight
As is typical of Leica lenses, images are sharp as a tack and color rendition is very natural. Excellent—fast and quiet—AF in good light. Slows and stutters a bit in low light on the new Leica SL 2. Manual focus ring is a bit tight for my taste, especially relative to my manual focus Leica M lenses, which are silky smooth and take only a very light touch. It is built like a tank, so it is no lightweight. However, it balances very well on the CL and, especially on the SL2. I will still use the Leica M10 or M mono and Apo 50 M for walking around a city or any time my back gives out from carrying the SL2.
Magic on the SL2
After a ton of research, I was influenced in my choice of this lens by Benj Haisch's emotional YouTube video expressing how, to him, the 50mm Summicron SL was the best 50mm he had ever used, and maybe the best lens, period, he had ever used. I am not interested in getting into an argument bout Bests but will only say that on my SL2, the lens at F2.0 is flat out amazing. I have used many 50mm in the past, including the Otus 55mm, but this Leica is just...special in its' rendering. IQ + character is all I care about in the end, and this, to my eyes, has it in spades.
Best 50mm Ever Made
By far the best 50mm ever made. Sharp as a tack with beautiful rendering
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