Summilux35/1.4 ASPH vs. Summicron 35/2 ASPH I have read some review on web about these lens, but I want to know more like actual user review. As far as I know, At f2, these lens are almost same in quality & performance, only difference is price and one f-stop brightness. Is it really worth to get more expensive Summilux35/1.4 ASPH than Summicron35/2ASPH? If there is no quality difference, I would like to get more compact Summicron35/2ASPH. Please share your opinion... Thanks again. www.welcome.to/studionaki

-- NHP (sn4396@prodigy.net), November 20, 2000

Answers

I have both - the Summicron for a couple of years now, and the Summilux since the middle of the summer. Except for that one extra f-stop I prefer the Summicron. It's lighter, more flare resistant, and the bokeh is smoother. However, the Summilux is just as sharp, and that extra f-stop is just so nice after dark. 1.4 is usable on the Summilux, too - the lens is sharp and contrasty, so you need have no fear about cranking it open.

So, if you're a hard-core available-light junkie the Summilux is the way to fly. However, the Summicron is just excellent at 2.0, and with Supra 800 in the camera there's not a lot you can't shoot with it.

Just be careful about one thing if you get the Summilux. After looking at the results from some after-dark photo shoots, you'll start hearing a little voice asking, "I wonder what a Noctilux would be like?"

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), November 20, 2000.

I agree with Paul, why buy an f stop you will not be using. Both are wonderful lenses but if you are happy with a f2.0, save the money for film. I use the Summilux Asph and am deleriously happy. No smiley....I am serious!

Cheers

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), November 20, 2000.

Like others have said, it's worth it if you use it. I live in an interesting neighborhood - an especially interesting neighborhood after dark! - and the Summilux is obviously the best choice for me. That said, I'd love to have the Summicron too, for daylight and light weight. However...

"I wonder what a Noctilux would be like?"

I just feel victim to that question and got a Noctilux. It's the same issue as the Summilux vs. Summicron question but more so: you *really* need to need the f/1 ability. It's a huge lens. The whole package is still much smaller than an SLR 'though.

Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), November 26, 2000.