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Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens (Black)

BH #LE5020 • MFR #11141
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens (Black)
Key Features
  • Leica M-Mount Lens
  • Aperture Range: f/2 to f/16
  • Apochromatic Design
  • One Aspherical Element
Pairing the classic normal focal length with an optically refined design, the black 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.
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Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Overview

Pairing the classic normal focal length with an optically refined design, the black 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.

Apochromatic design employs three elements made from anomalous partial color dispersion glass, as well as two high refractive index elements, in order to suppress chromatic aberrations throughout the aperture range for increased color accuracy and clarity.
One aspherical element reduces spherical aberrations for improved sharpness from edge to edge.
A floating element is used to maintain clarity and sharpness throughout the focusing range, from 2.3' to infinity.
In addition to the apochromatic designation, this lens also pairs a Gaussian type optical construction in front of the aperture along with a design resembling the Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 behind the aperture, in order to significantly reduce distortion while also increasing overall sharpness and consistent illumination.
Bright f/2 maximum aperture benefits working in difficult lighting conditions and also affords greater control over depth of field.
Compact overall design is ideal for use in everyday shooting situations.
Manual focus design provides a minimum focusing distance of 2.3' with a maximum magnification ratio of 1:11.3.
Built-in extendable lens hood shades and protects the front element to reduce lens flare and ghosting. Additionally, the front of the lens is threaded to accept 39mm screw-in filters.
UPC: 799429111410

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
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2.455 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.8 x 7.8 x 6.4"

Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Reviews

Wrong MTF charts Listed

By Jack
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-24

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)

By Paul
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-12-11

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

By Hulusi
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2018-06-19

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!

By Brian
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-11-06

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

By HUSEYIN
Rated 1 out of 5
Date: 2017-03-13

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!

By Dingqiang
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2017-03-07

Today I finally got the exchange lens. The image quality is superb if there is no defect.

Excellent optics, great construction, small and compact

By Vincent
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-08-24

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

By Robert
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-01-03

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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Answered by: Stephen
Date published: 2021-09-19

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Asked by: Igor
No, the Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens offers no weather sealing.
Answered by: hectorm
Date published: 2023-04-16

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When can one expect this lens to arrive in stock??
Asked by: Anonymous
With Leica it is very difficult to predict when they will stock this lens. On a back-ordered Leica lens such as this one it usually takes at least 6-8 weeks to come into stock.
Answered by: Matthew C.
Date published: 2022-07-03

Does it come with a lens hood, or is it built?

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Asked by: Stephen
Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. Lens (Black) has a built in lens hood.
Answered by: Daniel
Date published: 2023-05-08

Is this Silver Anodized version constructed with ...

Is this Silver Anodized version constructed with aluminum or brass? What material is the mount part?
Asked by: Vito
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Answered by: Richard
Date published: 2022-02-08

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Asked by: James
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Answered by: Jessica G
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Is the silver version really the same weight as the black version?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Black and Silver Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH Lenses will be the same.
Answered by: Christina S.
Date published: 2022-07-03

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Why is this lens more expensive than the Summilux F1.4?
Asked by: Vladimir
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