By David Farkas, LeicaStore Miami
The Leica SL System
continues to grow and mature. Two and a half years since the SL (Typ 601)
launched, Leica’s focus is now on expanding the lens lineup. The 24-90 and
90-280, the first two SL lenses, are the first zooms that I’ve used which offer
Leica prime lens quality at every focal length in their respective ranges.
Flexible, incredibly sharp and just an all-around solid performer, the standard
zoom pairs perfectly with the SL body. Not surprisingly, the SL and 24-90 has
been my go-to combo for most of my photographic pursuits these past two years.
For those needing longer
reach, the 90-280 puts even the sharpest Leica R prime tele lenses to shame.
Yes, even the legendary ones. And with autofocus, auto aperture, image
stabilization and full weather sealing to boot. You can read my full review
here. Rounding out the zooms, the just-introduced 16-35 could prove to be the
finest wide angle zoom ever made – truly a landscape photographer’s dream. With
these three zooms, the SL will cover 16-280mm, enough for the vast majority of
photographers.
But, many Leica shooters
have been looking for more than just a range of zoom lenses, even if they offer
unparalleled performance. And while I personally don’t find the sizes of these
lenses objectionable for the capability they offer, many are yearning for
something lighter and more portable. Many SL users want primes, and small ones
at that.
The 50 f/1.4 Summilux-SL
came out last year and set a new standard for a normal lens (Full review
here).Tack sharp with gorgeous bokeh. But, no help in the size department. The
50 Lux shares the same 82mm front diameter and voluminous lens barrel as the
zooms. Clearly, Leica can’t just keep rolling out gargantuan lenses, no matter
how exceptional.
Summicron-SL Range
At the last Photokina,
Leica answered the call. They showed off mock-ups for a range of new f/2
Summicron-SL primes. Starting with 35, 75 and 90, the Crons all share the same
barrel dimensions, sporting a much more reasonable 67mm front filter size. But
even with the reduction in size, no sacrifice would be made on image quality.
Quite the opposite, in fact.
Sitting down with PeterKarbe, the head of optical design, I learned that this new range of lenses
would raise the bar with regards to optical performance. Again. The
Summicron-SL lenses would represent the best prime lenses Leica has ever made.
In his words, “These primes redefine everything. They are simply amazing in
terms of total optical performance, as well as mechanical. Fast autofocus. Next
level image quality.” No small statement.
Peter Karbe, Head of
Optics for Leica Camera AG
Peter has made similar
claims since we started discussing lenses over a decade ago, and I’ve come to
accept remarks like this not merely as hyperbole or marketing speak. The
Super-Elmar Ms, the 50 APO M, the entire line of S lenses, the SL zooms – all
exemplary. No matter how impossible it seems, the optics department just keeps
cranking out ridiculously good glass, one right after the other. Maybe it’s
something in the water…or beer…in Wetzlar. Regardless, I’m not complaining.
So, when I was able to get
my hands on one of the first 75mm f/2 APO-Summicron-SL lenses, I was ready and
raring to see if the resulting images matched up to the promises. The short
answer: yup. The long? Read on.
The APO-Summicron-SL 75mm
f/2 ASPH
Squeezed into the confines
of the relatively small 67mm diameter barrel is a revolutionary new optical
design consisting of 11 elements in 9 groups with one aspherical. The
aspherical element corrects monochromatic aberrations. And to earn its APO
moniker, all elements are made of special glass types, the majority of which
feature anamolous partial dispersion, correcting all chromatic aberrations.
Focus on Focus
Good glass is only as
capable as the ability to achieve accurate focus. Here, attention was paid to
both autofocus and manual focus systems. Like all Summicron-SL lenses, the 75
gets Leica’s new Dual Syncro Drive mechanism. Two extremely lightweight
focusing elements, weighing a mere 10g apiece, get their own high-precision
stepper motor. Linked together in a complex control system, the motors move the
focusing elements in perfect sync, cover the entire focus range in milliseconds
and maintain exacting accuracy even with rapid acceleration and braking. The
internal focusing system is particularly advantageous in the close focus range,
where this portrait lens really shines.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/125th @ f/2.2, ISO 3200
On the manual focus side,
the 75 offers fantastic drag and feel. Like all SL lenses, the focus ring is
fly-by-wire, meaning there is no mechanical linkage between the ring itself and
the focusing mechanism. But fear not. Leica uses a magnet with alternating
north-south magnetization embedded in the focus ring and detects even the
slightest changes in polarity for an extremely fluid and responsive focus feel.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/500th @ f/2, ISO 100
Size, Weight and Balance
Despite its relatively
compact dimensions, the 75 is dense at 720g (1.6 lbs), especially towards the
mount end. And not in a bad way. Anyone familiar with Leica will immediately
recognize that sensation of confidence that comes with knowing that no corners
were cut in the making of this lens. All metal construction, packed with exotic
glass, heavy-duty motors and fully weather sealed, the 75 exudes pure quality,
inside and out.
Once mounted on the
camera, the combination balances beautifully, aided by the somewhat rear-heavy
balance in the lens. This shifts the center of gravity almost perfectly to the
lens mount. The fusion of the tank-like SL and solid 75 yields a very
comfortable shooting experience.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/1,250th @ f/2, ISO 100
Taking the 75 out for a
spin
I didn’t have a lot of
time to test. Between a family ski trip and co-leading a 10-day winter Iceland
workshop, I’d only have a weekend with the new lens. And, writing this review
would have to wait until I was back home for a while.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/640th @ f/2, ISO 100
I took my 11-year-old
daughter Sophia with me for an impromptu photo shoot. We strolled around
downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Riverwalk in the afternoon, snapping images along
the way. I was curious to see how the lens handled strong backlighting, deep
contrast, busy backgrounds, and artificial lighting at night. And a sometimes
quick-moving kid.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/1,000th @ f/2, ISO 400
For most people, 75mm is
an ideal portrait focal length, and the 75mm APO-Summicron-SL is a stunner for
portraits. The minimum focus distance of 0.5m works for even the tightest head
shots, showcasing the Cron’s astonishing resolving power and luscious bokeh.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/400th @ f/2, ISO 400
The 1:5 reproduction can
pull double duty for near-macro applications as well. I was able to quickly
grab close up shots as we were looking for portrait shooting locations.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/400th @ f/2, ISO 400
The lens works equally
well for longer distance shots where you want to get some subject-background
separation, or clean up a slightly busy scene.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/4,000th @ f/2.2, ISO 100
I also managed to sneak in
some of my usual detail shots, which the 75 SL excelled at. The edge-to-edge
sharpness captured even the finest details and textures with stunning
precision.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/250th @ f/4.5, ISO 200
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/1,000th @ f/8, ISO 100
Image Quality
No surprises here. The
resulting images more than live up to the hype. The 75 APO SL manages to
produce images with technical perfection and, simultaneously, a gentle realism.
The closest analog for the rendering of the lens is that of a high-end cine
lens, like the Leica Summilux-C line, which cost in excess of $40,000. Each.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/10,000th @ f/2, ISO 100
Out of focus areas are
bokeliscous. Buttery smooth falloff. The look varies based largely on what’s
behind your subject. Darker backgrounds will be rendered more lusciously.
Lighter ones more airy.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/400th @ f/2, ISO 100
At close focus and with
defined illumination sources in the background, you’ll be rewarded with big,
round balls of light and color. Approaching minimum focus, the effect becomes
more pronounced.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/125th @ f/2, ISO 2000
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/160th @ f/2, ISO 1600
Back off a little from
your subject and the result will be a little more natural, with the bokeh
taking on a more subtle note.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/125th @ f/2, ISO 2000
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/160th @ f/2, ISO 1000
The focus plane is
stunningly sharp and crisp. Contrast is perfect. Subjects pop off the
background with a defined three-dimensional presence, the manifestation of the
compressed sharpness curve that Peter Karbe and I spoke about at the last
Photokina.
New sharpness gradient is
an interesting way to see how the 75 SL achieves such three-dimensionality
I couldn’t see any
chromatic aberrations whatsoever, under any circumstance. Distortion is either
non-existent or unnoticeable in any of my samples. Edge-to-edge sharpness, like
so much Leica glass these days, is there for the taking.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/320th @ f/8, ISO 100
Compared to the
APO-Summicron-M 75mm f/2 ASPH
Just like in my 50Summilux-SL review, I shot a series of head-to-head comparison tests in studio
to see how the 75 SL performed versus the well-loved and inarguably awesome 75APO-Summicron-M. Both f/2 lenses. Both 75mm. I shot the lenses on a tripod-mounted
SL in studio, with daylight balanced 98 CRI LED Fresnel lights shot through
diffusion, providing accurate and even illumination. I autofocused the SL lens
using single point AF-S and used the 100% focus aid to dial in manual focus on
the M lens. To account for any focus shift, I reacquired focus at every
aperture. All images had exactly the same settings applied in Lightroom and
both had lens profiles applied in camera, the M lens through the 6-bit
detection on the M adapter and the SL lens via native support.
For the first round, I
tried shooting from around 1.5m (5 feet). This is a common shooting distance,
especially for portraits. You might notice that the 75 M image has slightly
more magnification than the 75 SL. The 75 M specs show an actual focal length
of 74.8mm, so my guess is that the 75 SL is slightly shorter than 75mm. This
isn’t uncommon for lenses, and certainly no cause for concern. But in a
head-to-head match-up the differences become apparent.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL
75mm ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 1.5m)
Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm
ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 1.5m)
Taking a look here at
100%, the fine filaments of the yarn have more crispness and smoothness when
viewed through the 75 SL. There is more apparent contrast in the details, but
the scene doesn’t look contrasty. I think this is an important distinction to
make, as the technical nature of the new SL glass doesn’t get in the way of an
overall pleasing look. Another take-away is that even though the 75 SL is at a
slight disadvantage due to a few less pixels on the subject from the same
distance, it still outresolves the M lens.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL
75mm ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 1.5m) – 100% Crop
Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm
ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 1.5m) – 100% Crop
For the second round, I
moved in closer, to 0.7m, the minimum focus distance on the 75 APO M. Here,
we’re looking to examine close focus performance. As expected, both lenses do
quite well. Both the floating element design of the M lens and the dual focus
elements of the SL lens optimize close range quality.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL
75mm ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 0.7m)
Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm
ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 0.7m)
Again, looking at 100%,
the SL is pulling ahead in pure sharpness without giving up any subtlety in the
falloff to out of focus.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL
75mm ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 0.7m) – 100% Crop
Leica APO-Summicron-M 75mm
ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 0.7m) – 100% Crop
The third round was a solo
one, as I wanted to get the highest reproduction ratio possible by moving in to
0.5m, mimimum focus distance for the SL lens. The 75 SL turns out amazing
detail resolution and the falloff gets even silkier, but the 75 M lens can’t
focus this close.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL
75mm ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 0.5m)
Leica APO-Summicron-SL
75mm ASPH @ f/2 (Distance: 0.5m) – 100% Crop
We can see this
performance difference by comparing the MTF charts for both lenses
side-by-side. The SL lens is pulling an incredible 80% contrast wide open at 40
lp/mm, while the M lens is at a very respectable 60%. Stopped down two stops,
the 75 SL is still putting up slightly better numbers, clocking in at more than
80% contrast.
Bottom line: the 75 SL is
noticeably sharper that the legendary 75 APO M, and can focus 20cm, or roughly
8 inches, closer. The 75 M by no means puts in a poor performance here. Rather,
the SL lens just pushes the bar that much higher from what could be described
as a reference-level optic in the venerable M lens. This follows a similar
theme from the results I analyzed from testing the 50 Summilux-SL and the
90-280 SL versus their legendary manual focus counterparts, the 50
APO-Summicron-M and the 180 APO-Elmarit-R.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/640th @ f/2, ISO 100
Final Thoughts
If the 75 SL is any
indication of what’s to come, the SL lens line might very well set the standard
for the very best in optics from Leica. Fine details are resolved with
precision. Out of focus rendering is silky smooth with cinematic bokeh.
Contrast and color are spot on. Challenging lighting is readily handled.
Distortion, color aberrations vignetting are nowhere to be found.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/160th @ f/2, ISO 800
And, while I didn’t have a
chance to test the 90 APO SL yet, just judging from the MTF charts, the 75’s
slightly longer sibling appears to be slightly superior in the sharpness
department, but at this point, we’re splitting hairs. Both lenses are truly
reference class, and class-leading at that. Besides their stellar imaging
capability, the new line of Summicron SL lenses finally come in a size that SL
users have been clamoring for.
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/1250th @ f/2, ISO 100
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/640th @ f/2, ISO 100
Now that both the 75 and
90 are available, which would I recommend? Well, they’re the same exact size
with just a small difference in weight. Both lenses are sharper than just about
anything out there, including their M and R counterparts. My advice is simple.
Get whichever focal length you are most comfortable with. As much as I’m a 90
shooter myself, I had a great time rocking out the 75.
So, yeah. You can’t go
wrong with either. Now, Leica, how about that 35 Cron?
Leica SL (Typ 601) with
APO-Summicron-SL 75mm ASPH
1/8,000th @ f/2, ISO 100
For other articles on this blog please click on Blog Archive in the column to the right
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To comment or to read comments please scroll past the ads below.
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