LENS REVIEW: LEICA 50mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-M ASPH
This particular Leica 50mm is a very special lens, with a difficult position in the lineup. There are precisely five (5!) different options currently offered by Leica at this focal length, but one might say that this Summilux is the best all-around option. In terms of price, the lens sits squarely in the middle of the lineup, but it is the second highest-performing lens in terms of maximum aperture (namely f/1.4 vs. f/0.95 of the famous Noctilux).
Another factor to consider is that the 50mm APO shares a maximum aperture of f/2 with its stablemate, the classic 50mm Summicron.
To save you reading a long review, I can safely say that this lens is the way to go if you don't mind the price tag. Roughly speaking, the price points of $2k, $4k, $7k, and $11k are the main lenses that Leica offers in 50mm. I have used all of them and they are all excellent.
LEICA 50mm SUMMILUX-M ASPH (yes, it also comes in black)
LEICA M (typ 240) & LEICA 50mm f/1.4 SUMMILUX-M ASPH
Technical Notes: Product images for this review were taken with the Leica X Vario (any photos of the lens or camera) and the example images were taken using the equipment being reviewed. In this case, the Leica 50mm lens on a Leica M (typ 240) camera. All of my images are processed in Adobe Lightroom from Leica DNG raw files and I have slightly adjusted them to my own personal preferences unless I indicate otherwise in the caption.
All images ©2014, Benjamin Traves
