I wanted to ask how many Leica photographers out there switched from the older 35mm summicron to the new aspheric version. If so, what are your observations regarding the new lens compared to the previous one and are you happy with the ASPH lens.

Thanks tjg

-- tjg (tgallagher10@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001

Answers

I tried the newer 35 mm Summicron ASPH and to be perfectly honest... I didn't like it. I am currently using the older Cron. If you absolutely MUST have the best performance at f2.0 then get the lens (although you will be lugging around a lens that weighs just as much as the 35 Summilux!!!). The 35 ASPH also has slightly better flare control but this is un-noticeable unless you shoot at weird angles to direct sunlight or at night. In all other respects the older non-ASPH "whumps" the newer lens. Its lighter, its shorter, its got better BOKEH, and its cheaper. I'm not saying that the ASPH Summicron is a bad lens.... far from it. But if you have the money to spend on that kind of weight then you can spend some more on a Summilux, not take a weight penalty, and get a full stop to boot!!!

Cheers,

-- John Chan (ouroboros_2001@yahoo.com), February 01, 2001.

I've had a second version Summicron and a pre-ASPH. I found both to be unacceptably soft at 2.8 and 2.0. I like to shoot wide-open a lot, so I tried the ASPH. At 2.0 it's a revelation - tack sharp, no flare, wonderful contrast. Yes it's heavier than the pre-ASPH, but once it's on a body I find it acceptably small. The only lens I have that is smaller is the 50/2.0. The ASPH also gives very "massive" feeling 3D images at all apertures.

John's comment about forking out a bit extra and going for the Summilux is well taken, though. It's a bit heavier and a bit bigger but the performance at 1.4 is astonishing.

-- Paul Chefurka (chefurka@home.com), February 01, 2001.

Tjg

I haven't used the pre asph version. I can however like Paul certainly vouch for the current lens. It is a stunning performer at f2 and f2.8, sharpness and contrast are superb. It feels great on the camera. The current Summilux is reported also to be a fantastic lens but of course it is about $700 dearer. If you are willing to spend that kind of money for the extra stop, and a lot of people are, then go for it.

Have you checked out this site? http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/leicahome.html

-- matt veld (mahv@xtra.co.nz), February 02, 2001.

I own the 35/2 ASPH and a 1973 model Canadian 35/2. At the largest 2 apertures the ASPH provides more contrast and some slight increase in fine detail rendering away from the center. When I travel light I usually use the Tri-Elmar for 90% of my shots but the older 35 comes along for night shots with Portra 800. The ASPH might be a better choice but the older lens is just that much smaller and lighter that it goes unnoticed in my pocket until I need it.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 02, 2001.

I use the f2 asph version, and it is simply stunnig! I have not owned the pre-asph version, but a shooting buddy does. IMO, the two lenses are very similar in performance EXCEPT for flare control, which is far superior (almost non-existant) in the asph, and open at f2 or f2.8 where the asph is noticeably sharper. As to the question of is the asph worth the the extra weight and money, the answer is really up to you -- how do you shoot, what are your specific needs, and how much do you want to spend?

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), February 02, 2001.

I too can attest that wide open, the newer Asph lens is sharper than the older version, yet at the same time the older lens is preferable. Especially in portraits, the newer lens is sometimes so sharp as to be unflattering. I traded my older Summicron to aford the new, and don't regret the purchase a bit, but there are times, when shooting portraits, that I'll pick my old 50 Elmar just to get some of that great roundness of tonality. But the sharpness (for most things), as well as the incredible flare control, do make it, in my opinion, the best 35mm on the market.

-- Bob Todrick (bobtodrick@yahoo.com), February 02, 2001.

I am new to this forum. Could someone tell me what's BOKEH which I always find in the posting ? TIA

-- Chew (chewhm@pop.jaring.my), June 14, 2001.

Chew,

Bokeh is a Japanese term for the "look" of the out of focus part of the photo. Many people feel it is as important as the sharp rendering of the main subject. When all is said and done...it is mostly an opinion, although some lenses are universally liked, such as the 35mm pre-aspheric Summicron. For more information, and a long read go to the website below. Read through all of the letters at the bottom and you will see that many opinions don't match. It is personal to a degree.

http://www.smu.edu/~rmonagha/mf/bokeh.html

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), June 14, 2001.