Leica Summilux-M 50mm F1.4 ASPH

A combination of the know-how of Leica's engineers and the latest developments in manufacturing technology has resulted in this outstanding standard lens. It delivers high-contrast images, with high-resolution detail, even at its widest aperture, and down to its minimum focusing distance.

Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Review

The pricey Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. is the go-to standard-angle lens for many a rangefinder shooter, and with good reason. Leica's Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. ($3,995) is a familiar lens to many rangefinder photographers. It covers a standard-angle field of view, a bit tighter than the moderate wide-angle captured by another fan favorite, the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. The Summilux is a fine performer, capturing crisp images at its maximum aperture and getting better and better as it's stopped down. It's a solid, but expensive, choice to pair with your Leica rangefinder or mirrorless camera. If you can live with an f/2 aperture, our Editors' Choice, the Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM, is a fine budget alternative. DesignThe Summilux is a compact, heavy lens. It measures 2.1 by 2.1 inches (HD), weighs 11.8 ounces, and supports 46mm front filters. It's made from anodized aluminum and available in black or silver, but the silver version costs more—$4,250. A third version of the lens, finished in black chrome, sells for $3,950, but has a slightly different design that omits the focus tab and built-in hood, and ...

Another lens that makes the Leica M camera worthwhile

I went back and forth among this lens, the 50 2.0, and the 50 2.0 APO. The APO, which costs a fortune, didn't seem to me any better than this. The 1.4 seemed to have a more special look than the 2.0. I've now tried the 1.4 for a few weeks and am glad I chose this lens. Outstanding sharpness.