Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]At 09:41 PM 2/15/99 -0800, you wrote: >Is the 35 Summicron-R a better performing lens (wide open to 2.8) >than the 35 Summilux-R? No, the Summilux is better. But it vignettes some wide open when shot against very even backgrounds like brick walls and skies. But otherwise, stopped down, it's a better lens than the Summicron. But the special characteristic of the Summicron R is freedom from flare. I have gotten this information from several Leica reps, people who use them, and having owned two of them over the years. An absolutely awesome lens. I also saw some tests on Compuserve several years ago that ranked it behind the 35 Summilux ASPH (first version) and ahead of the Canon 35 f/2 and the Summicron M (non-asph). >Is the 35 Summicron-R essentially equal to the 35-Summicron-M >non-ASPH? Better. I remember Mike Johnston used to wax rhapsodic about this lens. And from what I've seen, he's right. I have also used the Summicron M, and have to say that if there is a difference, I'd have to say it's really insignificant for most users. >Any ideas on when the 35-Summilux-R will be made ASPH, or otherwise >updated? I have heard, somewhere, can't remember where, a rumor they might. But it's already so close to the ASPH that it doesn't make sense to do it until they get some other projects done first. I know there have been some reports here that downplay this lens. I only have the benefit of having used two of them in very difficult shooting situations, and having always loved this lens to pieces. It does the job, makes beautiful pictures, and make the Contax (much older formula) and Nikon (ditto) cousins look unsharp in comparison. Having used the 35 Summilux ASPH, I can say it really is a better lens. No vignetting to speak of. But as for sharpness and image quality, the R lens is a truly professional tool that gets the job done, and makes outstanding images. The downside of this lens is that it is big, heavy, and you need very thin polarizers if you're going to use them with this lens at all. Otherwise, vignetting is significant. I can't remember the last time used a polarizer, even though I have a 60mm one in my camera bag (for my 75 Summilux). Uses 67mm filters. I want one to complete my R system on the wide end. But have a few other lenses to get first. (21 ASPH, 100 Apo Macro, 280 2.8). Eric Welch St. Joseph, MO http://www.ponyexpress.net/~ewelch The best lack all conviction, while the worst \ Are full of passionate intensity. -William Butler Yeats [The Second Coming]