The tried and well-proven optical design of this lens provides for a perfection of picture quality extending all the way to the extreme corners of the
The tried and well-proven optical design of this lens provides for a perfection of picture quality extending all the way to the extreme corners of the image field even at full aperture, as well as outstanding contrast throughout, at all apertures, even at close distances. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 brings only a minimal increase in contrast. Distortion is extremely low and practically invisible. Its well-balanced design makes this ideal standard lens an outstanding choice in terms of all criteria, including image quality, speed, size, weight and price. It is also available in combination with the LEICA M7 as part of the entry-level set.
I had used this lens when I had a M6. I have to say while a great lens, better than any Japanese SLR lens, it did not offer the magical "Glow" I have read so much about. I have an old 40/2 Summicron for a CL that I liked better. While many here have given high scores, some have not given high remarks that match the scores and I find that strange. I also note some stating they have used a Contax G and do not reference their fine Zeiss lenses, so doubt the veracity of those statements; Leicaphies are true zielots!
In honesty, while the 50/2 is an excellent lens, I find the 45/2 Panar for the Contax G to be sharper, crisper with better colors and Bokoh; heresy in Leicaland, but true for many who have used both systems.
Strengths:
Excellend lens, good bokeh, sharp
Weaknesses:
A touch flat when compared to Zeiss glass,
Not legenday sharp as some claim
Outstanding lens and the best 50 mm lens in the Leica stable concerning the aperture/performance-ratio. Also one of those Leica M lenses with the best price/performance-ratio. Sharness is best, crisp rendition of details, small and convenient, built like a swiss chronograph.
I use the previous version with the same optical formula and the separate lens hood. This lens is cheaper at the same optical performance and is better protected from flare.
Strengths:
Performance, build-quality
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
R 4/35-70, M 2/90 Apo, R 2,8/100 Apo, R 2,8/70-180 Apo
Nice, sturdy lens that to me has lived up to its reputation. I got a new one in exchange for an old Summicron, and while the difference are really negligible, the results in DOF are better in the new. It's, in sum, a very handy, workhorse kind of lens.
Strengths:
Superb DOF. Haven't experienced the famed Leica "glow" with mine, but it's a very confortable thing to work with.
Weaknesses:
Can't find any.
Similar Products Used:
Contax G1, Canonet, Konica Auto S2 and other cameras.
Rating Reviewed by: Fred (Unregistered User)
(Expert)
Review Date February 6, 2003
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 4 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 2.00 of 5,
1 votes
Review 4 of 19
Price Paid:
$760.00
from ebay
Summary:
The finest quality lens I have ever owned--no play in the mechanism, superb, jewel-like finish. Oh, and it takes great pictures, with fine color rendition and sharpness.
Strengths:
The best build quality. Some other brands such as Contax come close with their pro equipment, but none equals Leica.
Rating Reviewed by: chris tremlett(Unregistered User)
(Casual)
Review Date November 12, 2002
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Visitors rate this review 3.67 of 5,
3 votes
Review 5 of 19
Price Paid:
$0.00
Summary:
Sorry guys (reviewers below) but my 50 summicron - while ok - doesn't provide me with the '3D thrills etc.' mentioned by some of you. It's a v. good lens but mine at least seems not especially better than my nikon (stopped down atleast). Ultimately, I prefer results from my 50mmf2,8 elmar.
Strengths:
build quality overall performance
Weaknesses:
mine did not live up to expectations and does not outperform my elamar in terms of overall pic quality
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