Need new 50mm - Zeiss vs Leica

[Nomad]

Reduser has a lot of information on Leica-R lenses too.

[vvvvv]

For information about different Leica R lenses, I found this site helpfull:

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica...x_Focal_Length

The forum discussions under each lens are useful when deciding what lenses to get. It´s not always so straight forward with these lenses. For example 90mm 2.8 being sharper then 90mm 2.0. etc.

[Nomad]

I own a (nearly) full set of CY lenses, but the 18mm is sometimes too slow for me at f4 and the 21mm too expensive.
So I combined them with the Sigma 18-35mm for the wide end. With a bit of diffusion on the Sig they can be matched quite well in post, color characteristics are not too far off. Leica are phantastic lenses too, but in my opinion harder to match.

[Denny Smith]

The terms Summicron and Elmarit usually correlate directly with the f/stop, thus "SUMMICRON" means the very best f/2 lens, both in optical design and a fast f/stop for a normal photography lens. The bigger difference is between lenses made befor the 1990’s and those later, which are an APO design added in then1990s. Summicron lenses are all f*2.0, and a little larger than the Elmarit, which are f/2.8.
Both optically are excellent lenses, with the Summicron being one stop faster. So the trade off is a faster lend or s smaller lighter lens.
Cheers

[Lazurits]

I'm starting to drive myself nuts because it has a 32xxxxx serial, and I'm second guessing whether I should've looked a bit longer for something over 34xxxxx. Ah well.

Hey, how are Your impressions after using Leica R glasses? I am on the fence now to start to build Leica R mini set form My Ursa mini 4.6K.
P.S. Do You think it is worth to pay extra for Summicron over Elmarit?

[mralmostpopular]

Good,choice, Leica lenses are very nice, and would be my first choice outside the 28mm f/2 Zeiss.
Cheers

I'm starting to drive myself nuts because it has a 32xxxxx serial, and I'm second guessing whether I should've looked a bit longer for something over 34xxxxx. Ah well.

[Denny Smith]

Good,choice, Leica lenses are very nice, and would be my first choice outside the 28mm f/2 Zeiss.
Cheers

[mralmostpopular]

So I ended up buying a Leica R Summicron 50mm after talking with Peter from RP Lens. It's a 3XXXXXX serial, which I understand are the better of the series. I haven't had a chance to work with them, and there aren't many cinematographers in my area that might have one to rent/borrow. I should have it by early next week, so we'll see how I like it. If it's good, I'll send it off for a cine-mod. I can't quite put my finger on it, but there was something about the Zeiss that I couldn't jive with. They look like great lenses, but it wasn't the flavor I was after.

[Denny Smith]

Yes, the 28mm f/2 is a “magical” lens, I have the ZF version and love it.
Cheers

[Howie Roll]

I don't think anyone here is questioning the quality of the CY lens but I don't think it would pair well with the 18-35mm, nor would it be a good replacement. If you want something classic/vintage to replace the Sigma look at the CY Zeiss 28mm F2.0.

Good Luck

[Denny Smith]

You do realize the Contax lenses were made by Zeiss, and are very close in IQ to the original Zeiss ZF/ZE series lenses. The Contax lenses are very nice IQ wise, loved them on my Contax cameras.
Cheers

[trispembo]

That is my feeling as well. I'm not a fan of the flatter/sharper modern look.

I've heard that the Zeiss' mix better with other lenses, but then again, I'm not sure I buy that it matters as much as it's made out to be.

If I'm being honest, the Zeiss hasn't really inspired me much. I like hearing other people's experiences, as there are many factors to consider. My thought is that whatever I get, that's the system I'm going to buy into over the next year or so. I'm leaning towards the Leica based on the samples I've seen, but the price difference is a consideration.

Yep, that's why I sold all my Canon L glass and inversted in vintage Contax, Leica, Canon FD & Mamiya Sekor-C 645. All manual. All vintage. All built to last a LONG time.

If you haven't already done so, here's probably the best resources around discussing the Contax CY & Leica-R lenses.

Contax Zeiss CY:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthr...Survival-Guide

Leica-R:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthr...n-RED-Pictures

Get on the forums and ask questions. There's loads of users of both systems that can answer any questions you have.

Ultimately, you will be creating great images with either lens system.

[mralmostpopular]

I think both the Contax CY & Leica-R lenses have a lovely character - especially on digital sensors.

I have a Contax CY 50mm f/1.4 & Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 - both with Leitax mounts. The build quality on both are excellent and made to last. Both have a low contrast look that grades a lovely organic feel. Neither are as sharp at the Sigma, but are still plenty sharp enough. For my tastes, this demand for sharper & shaper lenses is a waste of time. The character of lens is more important - and sharpness is only one character in a list of potentially many.

If you're after something that will 'feel' more organic, then either will do the job. The Contax are probably better value for money - cheaper, faster and probably just a tad sharper. Though does get a slight 'glow' when wide open - which can be magical.

BTW, I have a spare Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 I've been meaning to sell for a while. It excellent condition. Let me know if you're interested.

That is my feeling as well. I'm not a fan of the flatter/sharper modern look.

I've heard that the Zeiss' mix better with other lenses, but then again, I'm not sure I buy that it matters as much as it's made out to be.

If I'm being honest, the Zeiss hasn't really inspired me much. I like hearing other people's experiences, as there are many factors to consider. My thought is that whatever I get, that's the system I'm going to buy into over the next year or so. I'm leaning towards the Leica based on the samples I've seen, but the price difference is a consideration.

[trispembo]

I think both the Contax CY & Leica-R lenses have a lovely character - especially on digital sensors.

I have a Contax CY 50mm f/1.4 & Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 - both with Leitax mounts. The build quality on both are excellent and made to last. Both have a low contrast look that grades a lovely organic feel. Neither are as sharp at the Sigma, but are still plenty sharp enough. For my tastes, this demand for sharper & shaper lenses is a waste of time. The character of lens is more important - and sharpness is only one character in a list of potentially many.

If you're after something that will 'feel' more organic, then either will do the job. The Contax are probably better value for money - cheaper, faster and probably just a tad sharper. Though does get a slight 'glow' when wide open - which can be magical.

BTW, I have a spare Leica Summicron-R 50mm f/2 I've been meaning to sell for a while. It excellent condition. Let me know if you're interested.

[mralmostpopular]

It’s apples and cars. The Summicrons are about 3x the price, the Summiluxes are 10x the price of the CY. The CY can be declicked and Leitaxed pretty easily. I don’t remember what the focus throw was but it’s a full manual lens so it’s somewhere between auto and cinema. Long focus throw, imho, can be too much of a good thing. I have to take the hard stops off my follow focus on one of my lenses because it requires about 540 degrees of rotation from end to end.

As much as I like the CY I think you’ll be disappointed with the performance compared to the Sigma. Consider a modern lens that matches the Sigma then knock them both down with a little filtration.

Yes, I agree about long focus throw. I threw in the Sigma for comparison sake. You move a millimeter and focus changes drastically. I don't need full 300 degree rotation, but something with a little longer throw would be nice.

I'm curious as to what you mean about being disappointed with performance.

While the Sigma is a workhorse, I'm not happy with the image. That modern flat look is what's bothering me. Otherwise, I'd just grab the 50mm Art to match my 18-35mm.