Hi, I already have a 50mm lux latest version, I am thinking of getting another 50mm cron, does that make sense? I have the 50mm cron is better and sharper than the lux. Thank you all!

-- Mitchell Li (mitchli@pacbell.net), March 23, 2002

Answers

This is a compromise everyone has to make. Sure, the Cron has a reputation for meing "marginally" better at f/2, f/4 and f/5.6.

So do you sacrifice speed for "marginally" improve resolution? That choice is yours my friend. There is also a slight weight difference too. But if you are considering both, I think it is a little silly, unless you are wanting to be a collector, eith now or at a latter date. Or you may just have the handy cash to throw around.

Practically, I'd say stick with your Lux.

-- Kristian (leicashot@hotmail.com), March 23, 2002.

I have seen some mint condition 50mm cron on Ebay for around $500, assume it is a good deal, how big is the difference between the cron and the lux from f2 up in picture qulity?

-- Mitchell Li (mitchli@pacbell.net), March 23, 2002.

Mitchell:

I found that the 50 'Cron was not significantly better than my new- version 50 'Lux was at f2 or above -- a tiny bit better at f2 and f2.8 maybe, but not significantly so. IMO your money would be better spent on a different focal or film.

:-),

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), March 23, 2002.

Ditto to what Jack said. I have the lastest 'lux and my experience is that by f/2.8 the 50mm 'lux and 'cron look pretty much the same but the 'lux has that extra stop and better bokeh.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), March 23, 2002.

i like my cron a lot, but frequently wish i had the lux... i would also recommend buying a different focal lenght. If you are going to have two lenses of the same focal lenght with Leica M's the only two that make sense to me are the 50noct and 50cron, in regards to all other focal lenghts i think it wouldn't make sense to double up (except maybe thin tele-elmarit adn 90APO... but with that combo i think a TE with a 75lux would make more sense).

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), March 23, 2002.

darn it that should be length, not lenght... i guess i am quicker on the draw with with the H.

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), March 23, 2002.

hi Mitchell

I once has both current 50 lux and a pre-current 50 cron with focusing level. Yes, the 50 cron seems to be sharper but I found the 50 lux a better lens for me. Besides the additional 1 stop, it offers a 'creamer' bokeh and i love to take portraits when it wide open at f1.4

cheers!

may the lux b with u!

-- luxman (ericssan@yahoo.com), March 24, 2002.

oh.. silly me, I meant 'creamier' bokeh.

-- luxman (ericssan@yahoo.com), March 24, 2002.