This is an update to the previous blog, Leica Announces Availability of Mirrorless Leica SL Lenses, APO-Summicron-SL 75 mm f/2 ASPH. and APO-Summicron-SL 90 mm f/2 ASPH. for Portraiture: High Speed AF System with Dual Syncro Drive™; 3D Visual Effect; Photography in Difficult Lighting Conditions; More Compact & Lower Weight.
Leica SL Lenses (left to right): Summilux-SL 50 f/1.4 ASPH., APO-SUMMICRON-SL 35 f/2 ASPH., APO-Summicron-SL 75 f/2 ASPH., APO-Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH., APO-SUMMICRON-SL 90 f/2 ASPH.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. on Leica SL (Typ 601)
Leica officially announced on August 15, 2019, an addition to the Leica SL lens family – the new Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. lens. for the Leica SL (Typ 601) full-frame, mirrorless camera.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. lens’ highlights include:
- Summicron-SL lenses are apochromatic – in short: APO – corrected
- L-Mount standard compatibility
- Autofocus system is fast, precise, and nearly silent
- Higher Contrast for greater visual depth
- Faster and more precise manual focusing
- Soft transitions into the bokeh
The following video presents In Love with Bokeh with Ivo von Renner | Leica SL:
“Bokeh is a Japanese word, meaning ‘blur’, and describes the pleasing or aesthetic quality of the out-of-focus blur in a photograph.“
You will seldom reach more ‘authentic’ image results than with the NEW Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH.
The reason is an unique combination of highest detail rendition and a focal length that gets closest to what is naturally perceived by the human eye.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH.: F2, 1/1000 s, 400 ISO, 50 mm: Photo by Janina Mock
NEWS from Leica Store Miami
Leica Camera AG has expanded the Summicron-SL lens family with another high-performance lens: the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. Its focal length makes the new SL-Lens extremely versatile and recommends it for use in almost any situation – for instance, reportage and travel photography, studio work, architectural, landscape, portrait, close-up or documentary photography. As is the case with the other Summicron-SL lenses, the APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. sets standards and takes its place as the new reference lens among the standard focal lengths. Thanks to the L-Mount standard, the APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH. is also fully compatible with cameras manufactured by other partners of the L-Mount Alliance that also use the lens mount developed by Leica.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH.: F6.3, 1/1000 s, 400 ISO, 50 mm: Photo by Janina Mock
Twelve extremely complex lens elements – three of which have aspherical surfaces – arranged in ten groups contribute to the ultimate in terms of image quality, even wide open. After all, Leica lenses fulfill the following promise: the maximum aperture is a working aperture. In view of this, stopping down is exclusively a creative imaging tool, and is not necessary for achieving better imaging performance. Natural skin tones, soft transitions into the bokeh, outstanding contrast in details and consistent sharpness from edge to edge of distortion-free images are further quality characteristics of lenses manufactured by Leica Camera, and also apply to the APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH.: F2, 1/200 s, 200 ISO, 50 mm: Photo by Janina Mock
The autofocus drive of all Summicron-SL lenses employs extremely powerful and robust stepping motors with DSD® (Dual Syncro Drive™). Thanks to these, the entire focusing throw can be traveled completely in only around 250 milliseconds. Leica Camera also takes an innovative approach in the case of manual focusing technology: Summicron-SL lenses feature a totally new manual focusing ring construction concept. In this concept, a ring magnet with alternating north-south polarization is embedded in the manual focusing ring. The magnetic field changes its polarity when the ring is turned. A sensor monitors the status of the magnetic field and sends the data to the main processor. The drive then shifts the lens to the corresponding focusing position on the basis of the angle of rotation and the rotational speed – this in turn enables even faster and more precise manual focusing.
Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50 f/2 ASPH.: F2, 1/800 s, 50 ISO, 50 mm: Photo by Janina Mock
Tech Specs
| Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) | 47.2° / 40.0° / 27.3° |
| Optical design | |
| Number of lenses/groups | 12/10 |
| Aspherical surfaces: | 3 |
| Position of entrance pupil | 63.2 mm at ∞ |
| Working range | ∞ to 0.35 m |
| Distance setting: | 120x180mm |
| Largest reproduction ratio | 1:5 |
| Aperture | Electronically controlled aperture, set using turn/push wheel on camera, including half values |
| Aperture setting range | 2-22 |
| Bayonet/sensor format | Leica L bayonet, full-frame 35 mm format |
| Filter mount | E67 |
| Finish | Black anodized |
| Dimensions and weight: Length to bayonet mount | 102mm |
| Largest diameter approx | 73mm |
| Weight approx | 740 grams |
The following video presents Phil Penman and his Leica SL:
“Follow award-winning photographer Phil Penman as he combines his passion for photography with the world of cycling in this high-speed chase for the perfect shot- fueled by adrenaline and the high-performing Leica SL.“
If the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH and the Leica SL are the right lens and camera for you, please support this site. Pre-order / Buy the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH Lens, Leica SL Camera and Accessories from our Trusted Sponsor B&H Photo-Video, the Professional’s Source, satisfying millions of customers for over 35 years (prices are in USD):
