Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH ii vs. Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH | Is the upgrade worth it?

[@DavidWagelmans]

Nice video. I have the old lux also for the flare. It does not only have a red flare ring but also a gorgeous rainbow ring .

[@Hdden-Beauty]

Nice comparison! I'm liking the upgrades! I think close focus is the biggest upgrade, and any extra sharpness is always great :)

[@jacobh5817]

Great comparison. The 50 Lux-M is my absolute fav lens. It renders so gorgeous wide-open and stopped-down it is tack-sharp. For now I personally don’t see a need to upgrade to the new lens. In fact, like you said, a pre-owned copy is now a good option. Make sure it’s an Aspherical version. The older ones have a very vintage rendering, that’s not to everyones taste. Next to the black and silver anodized versions of the Asph, the previous model also comes as a black chrome version with a vintage appearance and vented screw-in hood. Same optical and mech quality, just different style.

[@j.k5654]

The star on the mug at 6:39 shows that the new Lux has the upper hand. I would say it’s max 1 % crispier

[@frankcorrect6999]

Thanks for posting this. I was trying to figure out what advantages the new lens might have and you answered my questions.

[@Keith80027]

Thank you for your honest review. I will be keeping my old version and my M 240 camera because I just love using it and the quality the systems creates.

[@tofulosophy]

Great job with the comparison. Super detailed and thoughtful in your approach

[@NateHarris8]

The reason the corner sharpness is better is probably just the fact it’s actually wider in diameter. The optical design is the same but the lens is longer and wider to allow closer focus and greater corner sharpness via larger imaging circle. Bet if you threw them both on a medium format camera you could probs see it. Thanks for the vid!!!

[@allena3430]

very difficult letting go of the old lux but have them both. More usage with the new lux. this paired with my apo35 is the perfect combination for summilux magic and apo contrast

[@bubuli]

13:00 is it possible that the corners are not in the same plane of focus (or doesn't fall within the DoF) so it's actually out of focus rather than "not as sharp" as the center?

[@astrostl]

Great comparison and finding, thanks!

[@bobsykes]

Thanks! Very useful. Even over KZbin, the Starbucks cup looked to have higher contrast with the newer lens, also a little bit brighter exposure. That could also correlate with your thought that improved lens coatings is a significant area of improvement.

[@Fleet42]

I love the character of the old version but I’d love the close focusing distance on the new one. I want character in a lens not perfection unless I’m shooting landscapes or product. Great review as usual and I can’t wait for you and wifey to get to SF so cablecarguru can give you the VIP city photography experience!

[@ABarrera]

Oh man don’t worry ill be hitting you up 🙏🏼

[@phototristan]

When I want close focus, I just add a close up lens to mine, works perfectly.

[@lumenlabs2467]

I downloaded the raws (thx for providing them!) and focus is not consistent between the two comparisons. In the epcot shots the newer 50mm is focused slightly in front than the old which is why the sign in the corner (which is slightly in foreground) is a bit sharper. If you look at the background objects further away the old is slightly less defocused and sharper. I think if they were focused exactly the same they would be similar. I would try running more tests but use magnified live view and focus peaking to get the exact same focus.

[@chirag4]

I have the Silver / Brass (old) 50 Lux and love the slim profile compared to the new thicker lens

[@VintageandRare]

Thanks. Great video. Just ordered the new Lux.

[@igottheshaft]

Thanks for the comparison!

[@James-Tanner]

Great video thanks for the help

[@BrunoChalifour]

Hi Alex, thanks for your comparison. My experience is that if I want to compare current lenses they are pretty similar in the center especially closed beyond their widest aperture, so, again for me, the best way to compare lenses is to photograph a flat field (newspaper page or textured wall) at the same and widest aperture(s). These difference always appear more clearly in the corners and tell one about the care and precision involved in the designing and manufacturing of the lens. Another selective criteria is definitely one you mention and it is flare. including a light source in the frame either on the side or in the center tells a lot about a lens and its coating. Finally yes quality of bokeh may matter to some but here we are getting into a mixture of objective/subjective appreciations and most of the time the number of blades constituting the aperture is already a good indication. For the length of the video and to maximise your time I wish you had more systematically compared corners at f 1.4 and f 2, and flare. I also wish, as you announced it, that we could see a systematic side by side comparison with the three cameras. Keep the good work going. All the best.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

2:01 New lens coating?

[@winandawinters4639]

Hello Alex. I see in Lightroom that it says that you use the Summicron 50mm lens instead of the Summilux???

[@mikehenkelman2111]

here for the Leica content, but omg your star wars decor is on POINT lol :D

[@markbernstein4646]

That is the way to do a comparison. Thank you!

[@richardsimms251]

Well done discussion

[@rexgigout1472]

I like the texturing on the focusing ring, that we have on the original ASPH, which is missing, in the ASPH II. Thus far, I am holding onto my 24MP M10 and M Type 246 cameras.

[@rexgigout1472]

To better-complete my just-posted comment, above, I think it is better for me to keep using my existing Summilux ASPH, for my preferred ergonomic/haptic experience. I tend to hold the textured aperture ring, itself, rather than using the focusing tab. The ASPH II has no texturing; just the tab. The slight difference in “bokeh balls” does not seem to be enough of a difference to matter. Plus, the physical appearance of my Summilux ASPH is easier on the eyes, at least to my eyes, unlike the generic-canister appearance of the ASPH II. Aesthetics do matter, when creating. If Leica were to introduce a special edition of the ASPH II, with the vintage-look scalloping/fluting, and no focus tab, well, now, that would get my attention.

[@zimbabwe0]

@@rexgigout1472 The most significant difference is close focusing, other differences you'd never notice in day to day use. So unless you shoot a lot 0.45m - 0.7m stuff (why use a rangefinder if that's the case), the old one is by all means identical to the new one. Keep it

[@xtolr]

would be interesting to see corner performance on the lower res on sl2s 24m

[@albertma5467]

I would love to see some outdoor portraits with sun flares

[@ABarrera]

I will definitely have those samples for my review 😁

[@paulow1624]

may i ask ..what brand is your silver boba fett helmet ? pls advice..thanks

[@ABarrera]

Hasbro!

[@tashihishey34]

I was on the fence, thinking of buying a used 50 ASPH lux ver1. I did the math and figured that for a bit over a grand I could buy the latest 50ASPH.Lux brand new with Leica Guarantee. It is a big investment and requires a guarantee. Any issues, I could have it checked. Used market is a hit and miss especially for such a high investment.

[@strampy75]

I‘d like to add a point you didn’t address in your review. The bokeh balls of the new version seem to be free from onion rings. It’s nothing which would motivate me to upgrade but I thought it is worth mentioning it. For the sake of completeness it would be interesting to know whether the difference in corner sharpness decreases when the lens is stopped down. PS sorry for my English. I‘m not a native speaker.

[@marcusnz232]

I have the latest version of the 35 with the 11 aperture blades and close focus. It is very good but..I don't like the close focus implementation at all. It is far too easy to blast straight through inadvertently when in use. I also have the "old" 50 Lux and won't be changing that. Also, here in New Zealand, the price of the new one is NZ$3,000 more than the previous one.

[@sebastiang7183]

For that type of extreme flare you can't just change the coatings. Internal reflections have to be eliminated with added baffling or blackening or perhaps another trick.

[@azzalos]

Very nice job Alex, once again. Would love it if you could do the new 35mm vs the old one.

[@ABarrera]

I need to find a way to get a hold of them :)

[@Renzsu]

Still a fantastic lens, but I see no reason to upgrade. For close focus I have my Nikon Z6 and 50mm f1.8. I also doubt prices will go down on these in the used market. It was already pretty low.

[@ABarrera]

I’ve seen them drop a little more the past few weeks. You can get a great used copy for $2600

[@Edwin_Lam]

Thank you for the review. I assume the new version also has the floating element. Can you please confirm?

[@ABarrera]

It sure does!

[@riswanc]

Thanks alex, always love your comparison video, i might however stick with the old lux, since i presumably only have an improved flare resistant to my eyes but i might be wrong, i prefer close focus ability on my 35mm since it’s my day to day lenses, that’s my thoughts

[@iamkenji]

based on your pictures, i found the old lux was tiny bit more contrast in the middle. at least to my eyes. thanks for the comparison.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Good review. Had this lens in order but canceled and went for the new Summilux 35mm FLE 2 to pair with my M11M. It’s a fantastic lens, so I’m sure the new 50mm is just as good. Which is your go to lens?… if you could have only one, say for travel?

[@ABarrera]

I am a 50mm guy, lately the 50mm Summicron has been glued to my M11M

[@jimmyaspire]

Many thanks for your sharing the actual test sharing of these 2 lenses. The improvement that attracts me the most is the minimum focusing distance. I really love the old 50 lux when the aperture is fully open, in addition to the rainbow flare, there also is a pink flare, I wonder if you have seen the same flares in the new 50 lux? :)

[@ABarrera]

I will continue to test the new Lux, I haven’t tested it in perfect flare situations 😆

[@MarcS4R]

Thanks a lot Alex for the great comparison. Personally, I will keep my "OLD" LUX as I am super happy with it. will you do one with the FLE as well ?

[@ABarrera]

I would like to, need to find a way to get a hold of those lenses.

[@benoitpiret9065]

yea its exactly that. beside the blades, its the new coating. I didnt get my new 50 lux yet but from what I saw with the 35 FLE, the new one has the same charasteristics. also has slightly less chromatic aberrations. I wonder which will be next... 28? 50 noct? :D

[@ABarrera]

If they could reduce the purple fringing and get close focus on the Noct 🤯

[@cyrilchapelle5455]

I prefer the rendering and character of the Leica 50 summilux pre-ASH v3 (I own the 50 Lux)

[@sc1]

can you do a review of the Q3?

[@ABarrera]

Stay tuned 😉

[@CreativeLeadershipwithDaniel]

Would the outcome be about the same between the 35 luxes?

[@ABarrera]

I believe so since the optical formula has not changed.

[@swampscott2670]

I’m new to Leica (coming from Canon). I made it a point to find a like new old version in chrome. I wanted the brass and extra heft. I see nothing in this test (or others) that would change my mind.

[@bonevchannel]

Thanks Alex, I will keep my old Lux ASPH. No impressed by the new lens. Plus the defects in the corner are effects for blur 😉

[@jonathanhuynh43]

Excellent Review. i will keep my old version.

[@abhishekbanerjee3214]

Will the new lux have sun flare like the old?

[@ABarrera]

It will still flare yes

[@abhishekbanerjee3214]

@@ABarrera thank you

[@jean-pierrek1529]

You may want to look at Jono Slack’s review of the new lens to see that there are optical differences between the new and old lux. The word “optical formula” can be misleading in this context.

[@S4ran39]

Damn KZbin! I instantly REGRETTED SELLING my "old lux" and I'll be buying a replacement copy ASAP as I'm already seeing the V1 prices going back up. That said, thanks for a very informative video, but I'm with everyone on the Leica M forums preferring that old lux character & handling. The old lux just has that classic feel whereas the new lux feels like a compromise, like it's trying to be all things to all shooters instead of a dedicated M lens. The old lux just feels RIGHT. It's the subtle stuff that makes or breaks a lens for the strict M shooters and I'd put money on the original version becoming a classic.

[@shawnj8765]

The two generations of lenses have the same formula but have slightly different lens elements. The different lens corrects for corner sharpness. Coating doesn't improve resolution. Coating doesn't bend light. Glass does.

[@dell-tone6472]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@Stickybutton]

The old lux seem to have a blend of the vintage and modern look. The new one seems rather clinical. I am shopping for another Summilux and I will probably just save some cash with the old model.

[@ABarrera]

They share the same optical design, they should render the same for the most part.

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I bought the Voigtlander 50mm f1.2 on the back of the launch. If money was no object yes I’d have the Leica, but the old Lux is the design classic, bar the strange bokeh

[@ABarrera]

I love the Voigtlander 50mm 1.2. It’s an incredible lens

[@jeffreytotaro7051]

MoonSwatch?

[@ABarrera]

Sure is :)

[@Kevon420]

I love the new features of the Version 2 50 Lux but the removal of the focus ring sucks and overall the look of the new lens barrel is so ugly, like some awkward stretching of the 50 APO and 35 FLE design.

[@TheVFXbyArt]

0:48 Giggitty! 😂

[@slothsarecool]

The latest summilux designs are worse IMO, the 35mm square is such a cool look, and the old 50 as well

[@nocommentnoname1111]

Disappointing you did not include the Sony shots.

[@jasongold6751]

I did not mark like/dislike! My screen shows the right image, the logo on cup, less sharp! Who else? I had the very original Summilux 50mm f1.4. I was unhappy with it's look compared to 50mm Summicron! I preferred my Takumar 50mm f1.4. -on a Pentax Spotmatic. Go figger! Maybe it's me, never liked the Noctilux 50mm f1.0. (prototype test). I prefer a SLR for use..

[@swcblad]

close focus!

[@oshanefa]

I have 50 lux black chrome for 5.5k which has honestly shitty image everywhere out of center ( and before buying ive tried 2 other copies to make sure ill get the best ) . on top of that crazy CA , hosting , flares loss of contrast . then few months after L released this one - went to buy - it was defective no focusing right . got another copy - went to test old and new - and guess what - both are shitty in same way . if you place any thing AS ONE SHOULD in 1/3 of frame it would NEVER become sharp no matter f1.4-4 . same with infinity . end up buying 50apo , again first was defective , second one better but still focusing mechanism is junky . 50apo is very good but it still has lotsa CA ( more than newer GM lenses ) and NO sun resistance . if sun hits lens - you screwed - no amount of dehazing , clarity or boosting contrast would safe the shot . yet its sharp corner to corner though NOT as 35apo . word of advise - I can see it from your vid as from others - when perusing photographs he has to turn off IN APP lens correction - and also go to details and decrease to ZERO AUTOmatically applied sharpening and noise red . THEN one would see real lens capabilities . . cheers @georges_angeles

[@willkingsley6805]

sorry i pretty much prefer pre asph the new leica lenses give me more sony vibes. A beautiful photo is not only about sharpness. like its the only religion but it sells........