First Published September 2008

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

If you have been following the Leica M8 Review, then you already know most of the shots in the review were taken with Zeiss 50mm F2 ZM. The Zeiss ZM was intended as a temporary solution while I researched Leica M lenses. Eventually I decided on the current Leica 50mm F2 Summicron and the Leica 35mm F2 Summicron ASPH. I chose the 35mm Summicron ASPH because the M8’s 1.33x crop factor translates to a 50mm field of view. And I chose the 50mm Summicron because I prefer a thinner depth of field; however, I was unsure about the effective 65mm FOV (50mm x 1.33x crop factor) for walk-around use.

LEICA 50mm SUMMICRON BUILD QUALITY

The picture above shows the Leica 50mm Summicron on the M8. I prefer the chrome finish but it does increase the lens’ weight by several ounces. The lens balances fairly well on the M8, but the 50mm ZM felt a bit better since it was lighter. Leica 50mm Summicron’s fit and finish are very nice. The focus ring is

fairly stiff (so it the 35mm F2 Summicron ASPH) compared to the Zeiss 50mm ZM; the Zeiss’ focus ring turns very easily. On the Summicron the aperture ring steps in 1/2 stop increments; the Zeiss steps in 1/3 stop increments. The Leica 50mm Summicron has a built-in hood which slide outs about 1/2 inch. The Zeiss 50mm ZM uses an optional metal hood which attaches to the lens’ bayonet. The Zeiss hood has a larger diameter and is very visible in the viewfinder. The aperture ring on the Summicron has some wobble and could be better. Once mounted on the M8 the Summicron is very solid and exhibits no rotational play as the lens is focused. Between the Zeiss 50mm F2 ZM and the Leica 50mm Summicron, the build quality feels equally good. I preferred the focus ring on the Zeiss, but like the built-in hood on the Summicron.

LENS PERFORMANCE

Having shot around a thousand frames with the Zeiss 50mm F2 ZM, I have a good idea of its sharpness. Wide open at F2, I feel the Zeiss 50mm F2 ZM is sharper and the Summicron - or the Zeiss has more contrast, thus giving the impression it is sharper. By F4 both lenses are essentially equally sharp.

The bokeh / depth of field between the Leica and Zeiss is quite different. The Zeiss is like a square wave form, the transition from out of focus to in focus is very quick and the depth of field is more discrete. Whereas the Leica is more like a sine wave form - the transition from out of focus to in focus is more gradual. Broadly speaking, the Zeiss does a better job of isolating the subjects (which is a trait of the Planar design) and the Leica is better at capturing a large depth of field - such as a landscape.

The color from the Leica and Zeiss is also different. The Zeiss produces a more saturated, livelier looking rendition. Whereas the Leica is more subdued, perhaps more neutral. With post-processing in Photoshop, the colors and contrast can be bent either way - so the Leica can have very contrasty colors (such as the windmill above) and the Zeiss 50mm F2 ZM can have great tonality (see the Leica M8 Review or the Leica M8 Gallery for examples). If post-processing in Photoshop is okay, then either lens will work. If shooting JPEGs and you have little or no interest in post-processing, then pick the Leica if you prefer moodier colors. Or pick the Zeiss if you prefer more contrasty, saturated colors.

Both lenses have shown minor amounts of flare. This has happened when shooting sunsets and such, and the lens was pointed into the sun. Under those conditions I expect some flare. Neither lens product objectionable flare, but there were small amounts. The big question is - how much of that flare was frame the lens versus how much was caused by the IR/UV filter.

When shooting city lights at night, the IR/UV filter causes ghosting and various other reflections and anomalies. I always have the IR/UC filters on the lenses, so I can say with confidence that the flare was produced by the lenses or the filters. I am 100% sure that the filters did NOT help and either cause the flare or magnified it. Thus far I have not encountered any noticeable chromatic aberration (CA) from either lens. Likewise, I have not run into issues with veiling either.

CONCLUSION

The Leica 50mm Summicron is a nice lens - a nice lens that costs $1795 (chrome) or $1995 (black). Used prices on Ebay are much less (around $1000-$1200 depending on condition, if the lens has 6-bit coding, etc). In comparison the Zeiss 50mm F2 ZM costs $692 new at B&H Photo. After using bother lenses, I think the Zeiss lens offers a much better price performance ratio.

I sold the Zeiss ZM and kept the Leica 50mm Summicron because I wanted the complete “Leica Experience”, so hopefully the 50 ‘cron has some pleasant surprises. If choosing between these two lenses, I would base my decision on depth of field. The Leica 50mm Summicron has a deeper DOF, so it is good for landscapes and such. The Zeiss has a thinner DOF, so it will have nice background blur for portraits and such. Obviously either lens can do both, but I feel the Zeiss is better suited towards narrow depth of field shooting styles.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more image samples, see the Leica M8 Gallery.

Click here for the Leica M8 Review.

Click here for more PebblePlace equipment reviews.

The house pictured is the Waggoner Mansion, click here for more info.