Just about 3 months ago, I posted the unboxing video of this lens that I've bought used from an internet forum. I was so excited, because of the endless praises it had received, with some even touted it to be the "best 50mm lens ever made". Now that I've had ample time to use it almost everyday, I feel that I can finally make a judgement and share some of my thoughts on this lens.
There's an old saying: "Good, fast, or cheap -- pick any two." While it may hold true for most things, I believe the 50'Lux could well be the exception to that rule. Although it isn't exactly cheap, it is certainly affordable, or obtainable, if you really think you want it and willing to save for it. With a max aperture of f/1.4, it definitely fulfills the name that it was given ("summi" = maximum, "lux" = light), and it's only bested by the Noctilux ("nocti" = night) in the Leica line of 50mm lenses. Just how good is it?
There's an old saying: "Good, fast, or cheap -- pick any two." While it may hold true for most things, I believe the 50'Lux could well be the exception to that rule. Although it isn't exactly cheap, it is certainly affordable, or obtainable, if you really think you want it and willing to save for it. With a max aperture of f/1.4, it definitely fulfills the name that it was given ("summi" = maximum, "lux" = light), and it's only bested by the Noctilux ("nocti" = night) in the Leica line of 50mm lenses. Just how good is it?
It's so good, that it makes its price tag seem cheap. There are plenty of technical reviews out on the internet about this lens, so I won't attempt to regurgitate the same truths. Since 50mm is my favorite focal length, I have tried quite a few other 50mm lenses before. With each previous lens, there's always something more that I desired from the lens. However, I'm truly 100% satisfied with the 50'Lux that I no longer have any desire to even look at another 50mm lens. It's got plenty of speed to allow me to take shots in a low-light situation, and still maintain the sharpness shooting at the maximum aperture (which I do all the time). I have noticed some CA (chromatic aberration) when shooting wide-open, but it's not as bad as some other lenses that I've seen. If you look through my gallery pictures, then you'll know that this 50'Lux is practically glued to my M9. The bokeh is creamy and pleasing.
Ergonomically, the black version I own is made of lightweight aluminum (instead of brass in the chrome version), it's light and balance well on the M9. The focus throw is about 1/3 of the circle, as you can see from the image above, from 0.7m to infinity. When using the concave focus tab with my index finger, I can easily reach both end of the focus range. Perhaps the built-in pull out hood will leave something to be desired, but I find it convenient and have not noticed any problems with flares.
Other Leica lenses have been marked as APO (apochromat, like the latest 50mm APO Summicron), and FLE (floating element, like the 35mm Summilux ASPH FLE), because that's the only way to distinguish the lenses from their predecessors. You will be happy to know that this 50'Lux is both of the APO and FLE design. Many will say that they prefer the old lens rendering from the designs of Dr. Walter Mandler, instead of the more clinically modern designs by Peter Karbe, current leader of the Leica Optical Design Team. However, you'll find the 50'Lux still retain some of the old-world look while producing amazing sharpness, and that's probably why it's crowned the "best 50mm lens ever made". It's a lens to own for a lifetime, for sure.
Final note: if you wish to shoot wide-open during day time, consider buying a ND-filter, which I have already documented [HERE].
Other Leica lenses have been marked as APO (apochromat, like the latest 50mm APO Summicron), and FLE (floating element, like the 35mm Summilux ASPH FLE), because that's the only way to distinguish the lenses from their predecessors. You will be happy to know that this 50'Lux is both of the APO and FLE design. Many will say that they prefer the old lens rendering from the designs of Dr. Walter Mandler, instead of the more clinically modern designs by Peter Karbe, current leader of the Leica Optical Design Team. However, you'll find the 50'Lux still retain some of the old-world look while producing amazing sharpness, and that's probably why it's crowned the "best 50mm lens ever made". It's a lens to own for a lifetime, for sure.
Final note: if you wish to shoot wide-open during day time, consider buying a ND-filter, which I have already documented [HERE].
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