Leica Dealers report that the
new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH is now becoming available in limited
quantities. The lens was originally
announced at the Leica May 10, 2012 event in Germany. It was initially delayed due to rather complex
production requirements.
According to
Leica, “the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. lens is yet more clear
proof of Leica's leading role in optical excellence. With this new lens, Leica
engineers have successfully expanded the limits of the technically possible to
set new standards in imaging performance. It is the first lens ever to fully
exploit the capabilities of modern high-resolution camera systems without any
compromises. This lens is a new
milestone in the history of optical design that achieves previously
unattainable values in all technical performance characteristics. For instance,
there is practically no fall-off at the edges - even at full aperture - in the
MTF curves for image sharpness. Even the finest details are rendered with more
than 50% contrast - a previously unheard of value that confirms the exceptional
properties of this lens.
This enormous contrast
enables extremely sharp images with superb corner-to-corner detail rendition in
all photographic situations. At the same time, the apochromatic correction of
the lens minimises chromatic aberration on sharp edges to ensure natural
rendition of every detail. This results in outstanding pictures - even in
large-format prints. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50 mm f/2 ASPH. provides
discerning photographers with a new high-performance lens in the portfolio of
standard focal lengths.”
For more information,
evaluation and performance examples go to:
I saw that this lens sells for over 7 thousand dollars. Isn't that an absurd price for a 50mm lens?
ReplyDeleteYou might have a point if this were the only 50mm lens available from Leica. However, there are also the 50mm f/2 Summicron (non asphreric) and the 50mm f/2.5 Summarit, both of which are substantially less expensive. Especially with their lenses, Leica has always been at the forefront of what is optically and technically possible, and this lens is an example of that. It is without a doubt the best performing lens currently available from ANY manufacturer. Leica should be commended for doing this instead of being criticized. But the cost of this lens sure has brought the Leica haters out of the woodwork with all sorts of bluster, and again their arguments make little sense in view of the fact that this is not the only 50mm lens available for the Leica. Once again we have an example for criticism which is effectively no more than the photographic equivalent of penis envy.
ReplyDeleteFor a short (incomplete) video on the prodiction of Leica lenses go to:
Deletehttp://us.leica-camera.com/photography/m_system/lenses/
Are you saying that no other manufacturer is capable of making such a lens?
ReplyDeleteNot at all. However, currently Leica is the only lens manufacturer that is not mass producing their lenses. All other companies are using mass production. While this will keep prices more moderate, it is also a fact that no mass production process can offer the adherence to the tight tolerances that Leica is using in the manufacture of their lenses. Ultimately it is these tight tolerances that are necessary to obtain the higher performance level of the Leica lenses. There are several articles on this blog which address this topic.
ReplyDelete