Leica Summilux 50 f1.4 (v11891) in 2024: Full Review & Photos

[@GastonShutters]

Out of all the Summilux 50mm versions which one is your favorite and why?

[@N.Eutered]

Gotta be the original ASPH - The new hood design and close focus capacity is definitely an improvement, but I really do love the combination of having access to both ridges and a focus tab 😍 Then again, I've jet to try any of the pre-aspheric designs.

[@k.tanaka8979]

I really liked the 11891 you showed for all the reasons you list. Light, smooth, outstanding image at any aperture. But my favorite version of the 50mm 'Lux after 20+ years of using Leica M system is my current, ant the latest model, the 11728. Yes, it's slightly fatter but about the same length. About the equivalent image quality ... perhaps a bit less flare the the older model. The close-focusing design is really important to me and makes it a forever keeper for me.

[@GastonShutters]

@@N.Eutered true. I also like the pre asph ones.

[@GastonShutters]

@@k.tanaka8979indeed great lens. I own it too. Just feels a bit too heavy and chunky for edc. But I like it a lot for portrait and it has a nicer bokeh too.

[@wilfredshum3703]

Of all the 50 mm Summilux M lenses I own, including the Xenon, Summarit f/1.5, v.2 (silver & black), v.3 (silver & black), and ASPH black chrom, I like the last one the most for everyday use. I prefer the retro design of its barrel much like the v.2 in silver.

[@paulsehstedt6275]

The LUX 50 is my favourite on my MP240 or SL2-S. To improve focusing, I've screwed a 1,4 x magnifier into the eyepiece. It's also a great help when using the Summarit 2.5/90. It's a great and handy lens too. Have you ever tried a Summarit 90? Thanks for sharing and keep on rolling.

[@ABarrera]

Great images! This lens is incredible

[@GastonShutters]

Thanks man. Yeah my favorite Leica lens.

[@jameshoward9700]

Really good review buddy - practical, pacy, relevant, professional. And good timing - I was just eyeing up a 'Lux and super tempted by a black chrome. Very interested to hear you are impressed by the sharpness, even on an M11.

[@GastonShutters]

Thanks man. Yes I really love this lens. In terms of sharpness you saw me zooming in deep and there is sharpness galore with this lens even at f1.4. This lens can be had for almost more than half of the price of a new 2023 version. When shopping used. One of my favorite lenses from Leica.

[@parmanduke]

All your shared photos look amazing regardless of which lens or camera is used. That is a testament to your talent.

[@GastonShutters]

I really appreciate it !

[@KonstantinKokoris]

I'm curious about your preference for the 11891 over the version with the close focus. Where would you stand if you were going to get your first Summilux to use on a digital M and SL2-s? Would you still choose the 11891 or go with the close focus? Essentially that's what I am trying to decide for myself, is the close focus worth spending the extra money on, even if it was just for occasional use? Thanks

[@GastonShutters]

Here is the way I see it. If you want to have a single lens that is versatile and money and weight is not an issue the 2023 Lux is the way to go especially if it’s going to be used on an SL body. But for an M11 user that carry use the camera a lot the 11891 is an easier to carry lens and 0.7M is more than enough for my needs. Also if you do product photography or detail shots the 2023 may be a better option. But the 11891 can be had for less than half of the 2023. So that’s another thing to consider.

[@KonstantinKokoris]

@@GastonShutters Thanks for the insight and advice, much appreciated!

[@GastonShutters]

Anytime

[@timyass]

Great review Gatson, you really did it justice. If I could request your opinion - I'm considering this at half the price of the 2023 version. What's your experience between the two, I know you weren't so pleased initially with your newer one? Is there a difference in the ease and accuracy of focusing? Many thanks in advance!

[@GastonShutters]

Not much difference other than the close focus. The 2023 is heavier and bulkier too. Not a fan of that size much. The lens hood is even thinner and prone to dent. The extra 2 aperture blade may make bokeh more round but I shoot this lens at f1.4 or f11 so no issue for me. The price, compactness and lightweight of this lens makes the 11891 version my top option Vs the 2023 version.

[@timyass]

Thanks for your response! I’m leaning towards it more heavily now. Loving the channel

[@GastonShutters]

Thanks man. That lens won’t disappoint. Is the best Summilux 50 with the upmost features. If size and weight is not an issue that’s the one to go for. Hopefully you’ve subscribed for more content like this one. Just dropped a new one about the Q3 LEICA Q3: Why is the KING of STREET Photography vs All Others. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWPYeqCXarhnd8k

[@MichaelBoelton]

having owned the q2 for a few years, I'm in the process of contemplating migrating from my current gfx system to the Leica M. I once read somewhere that the q is the gateway drug to the rest of Leica, which has proven true at least in my case. with Leica there are a dizzying array of lenses with the same focal length and aperture size. I'm personally looking to start my journey with an M11p and a 50mm summilux. which of the 50mm summilux lenses would you suggest that has the best of all relevant factor (image quality, weight, size, ease of focusing?

[@GastonShutters]

Q is the gateway drug. M bodies are pure hard drugs

[@camerafusion]

Great review!

[@GastonShutters]

Glad you enjoyed it !

[@Jaxplode]

I actually shoot a lot with the 35 APO. Sold my 50 Noct last year. Missing the 50 focal length. I really think about selling the 35 APO for the 50 Summilux.

[@GastonShutters]

The 35 apo is my daily workhorse.

[@IntrovertAmateur]

Haha great coincidence - got this lens this week in the mail for a very good price here in Germany. Now I’m debating myself which lens I should keep, 50mm Cron v5 or the 50mm Lux. Unfortunately for my wallet I tend to keep both, since the Lux is amazing with 1.4, but the Cron size for everyday carry is also very handy. Let’s see what I will end up 😅 Great video and pics as alsways man!

[@GastonShutters]

Congrats man. Enjoy that Lux and the Cron too. Can’t go wrong with keeping both! hahahah.

[@xiiiconcepts]

Black chrome 50mm summilux and the 75mm summilux will be with me until death do us part.

[@GastonShutters]

Hahaha bold statement that I have to agree with.

[@riswanc]

My cheat code lens

[@GastonShutters]

Hehehe

[@SterlingSmith]

Where do you find this for $1700 online? 👀

[@GastonShutters]

Right now on eBay there is one for under 1700. From Japan which is where I buy all my used lenses because of the high standard they have

[@sierragold]

Has that 3-D pop!

[@GastonShutters]

Pop for sure.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

I dont understand why you say that critical eye focus is very easy with this lens using the rangefinder. There is no difference to focus with the rangefinder between any 50mm high speed lenses.

[@GastonShutters]

Thank you for your feedback. It is probably the focal length itself as I struggle usually with 75 or 90. Also it is a lot more challenging for me with some of the other 50mm lenses that I own especially vintage glass. So my feedback was personal based on shooting daily with some of the lenses I own. Hope you enjoyed the video. Thanks

[@willkingsley6805]

i prefer the summilux III pre asph , much more character the sharp to unsharp masking is the money.

[@cyrilchapelle5455]

Agree

[@GastonShutters]

👍❤️ great choice as well

[@Ranger629]

Comparing the G master to the Leica Summilux is an unfair comparison. G Master has autofocus motors in it while the Summilux is a pure manual focus. If you want to compare, I think a fairer comparison will be with other manual focus lenses out there. The G Master itself is considered smaller compared to other brands out there.

[@GastonShutters]

I stated the above regarding the quality of the image not the technology behind the lens.

[@TRI-xe3xw]

In China, ppl nowadays prefer the vintage 50 1.4 e43 V2 and pre-a, they think 11891 doesn't have that leica character, it's more like a sony lens. But it is sold from 2004 that lecia even didn't release digital m8. I had a pre-a silver, But trade it for 11891. it is nicer with black M body.

[@GastonShutters]

Yeah it’s a clean lens. I had the V2 and the 1m mfd was an issue for me. The one that I really want to get is the V3 pre aspherical. That lens has a great balance of that vintage look with close focus at 0.7M. My next lens on the list. But agreed the 11891 is a sweet compact fast option.

[@TRI-xe3xw]

​@@GastonShutters “Don’t buy the V3. I trade it with 11891, and it has several issues. Although the lens structure is the same as the V2, the bokeh does not have the same swirl as the V2. And the V3 leaks oil, lens element separation inside can cause fogging. This is widely known among chinese players. Mine has already fogged up. it cost me around 800AUD to fix, So I just fix it in china with only 200AUD and sold it. It is not a good experience for me haha.

[@GastonShutters]

@@TRI-xe3xw​​⁠oh wow man. I didn’t know of that issue. I shot with a clean copy and I liked it. I guess I’ll re think it. Thanks for the heads up

[@cyrilchapelle5455]

@@TRI-xe3xw I own the V3 and it is a fantastic lens I prefer to the ASPH