Today, Leica has announced two new full-frame L-Mount lenses for the SL-System. The Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH and Leica Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH join the already outstanding roster of SL glass, offering more choices for SL users in the two most common focal lengths. The new lenses don't replace the existing and exceptional APO-Summicron-SL 35 and 50mm. Rather, they offer much lighter and compact alternatives with a more classic rendering.Lightweight SL LensesAt almost half the weight and 20% smaller size relative to their respective APO-Summicron counterparts, the new Summicrons clock in at a mere 400g / 13oz and just 83mm / 3.25in in length, addressing frequent requests from users for lighter weight lens options. To put the 400g weight of the new lenses into perspective, the Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH FLE II weighs only slightly less at 350g. Quite impressive considering we're comparing a weather-sealed autofocus SL lens against a manual focus M lens with a 46mm front diameter.Full FeaturedJust like the APO-Summicron-SL lenses, the Summicron-SL ASPH line features the same barrel dimensions between the two focal lengths, as well as sharing the E67 filter diameter across all Summicron-SL and APO-Summicron-SL models. AquaDura hydrophobic lens coating for easy cleaning comes standard, as does full weather and dust sealing. Silent linear drive focusing is quick and precise, equally suited for still or video applications. And despite their light weight, the Summicron-SL lenses are just as rugged as the heavier primes, with the same all-metal barrel construction and rubber focus rings. In order to lower the price point, Leica opted to manufacture these in their Portugal facility rather than Germany. Don't expect any sacrifice in quality though. This is the same state-of-the-art factory that produces all of the top-notch Leica Sport Optics binoculars and scopes.Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPHCompared to APO-Summicron-SL 35mm ASPHSL 35mm ASPHAPO-SL 35mm ASPHClosest Focus0.24 meters0.27 metersReproduction Ratio1:4.61:5ASPH Surfaces65Weight400 grams750 gramsLength83mm102mmDiameter74.5mm73mmFilter SizeE67 (67mm)E67 (67mm)Tech SpecsOrder Number11192View angle (diagonal/horizontal/vertical) Full-frame (24 x 36 mm)63.0°/53.6°/38.3°Number of lenses/assemblies11/9Number of aspherical surfaces6Position of the entrance pupil before the bayonet61.8mmFocus range0.24m to infinitySmallest object fieldFull-frame: 110 x 165mmReproduction Ratio1:4.6FirmwareLens firmware can be updated via the cameraAperture Setting/FunctionElectronically controlled aperture, setting on the camera, half or third values can also be setSmallest aperture22CoatingHydrophobic Aqua-Dura® coating on external lensesBayonetLeica L bayonet fitting with contact stripFilter threadE67 (67mm)Lens hoodMale bayonet for lens hood (included in the scope of delivery)LengthApprox. 83mm/124mm (without/with lens hood)DiameterApprox. 74.5mm/82mm (without/with lens hood)WeightApprox. 400g/444g (without/with lens hood)Scope of DeliveryLens, lens hood, rear lens cap, front lens cap, lens bagMaterialMagnesium and aluminum full-metal housing, black anodized, dust and splash water protectedSummicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH MTF ChartSummicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPHCompared to APO-Summicron-SL 50mm ASPHSL 50mm ASPHAPO-SL 50mm ASPHClosest Focus0.45 meters0.35 metersReproduction Ratio1:7.41:5ASPH Surfaces64Weight402 grams740 gramsLength83mm102mmDiameter74.5mm73mmFilter SizeE67 (67mm)E67 (67mm)Tech SpecsOrder Number11193View angle (diagonal/horizontal/vertical) Full-frame (24 x 36 mm)47.4°/40.1°/27.4°Number of lenses/assemblies9/8Number of aspherical surfaces6Position of the entrance pupil before the bayonet53.0mmFocus range0.45m to infinitySmallest object fieldFull-frame: 177 x 265mmReproduction Ratio1:7.4FirmwareLens firmware can be updated via the cameraAperture Setting/FunctionElectronically controlled aperture, setting on the camera, half or third values can also be setSmallest aperture22CoatingHydrophobic Aqua-Dura® coating on external lensesBayonetLeica L bayonet fitting with contact stripFilter threadE67 (67mm)Lens hoodMale bayonet for lens hood (included in the scope of delivery)LengthApprox. 83mm/124mm (without/with lens hood)DiameterApprox. 74.5 mm/82mm (without/with lens hood)WeightApprox. 402g/446g (without/with lens hood)Scope of DeliveryLens, lens hood, rear lens cap, front lens cap, lens bagMaterialMagnesium and aluminum full-metal housing, black anodized, dust and splash water protectedSummicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH MTF ChartPricing, Ordering and AvailabilityInitial deliveries of the new Summicron-SL lenses will start soon for a price of $2,195 for the 35mm and $1,895 for the 50mm. As with any major Leica launch supply will likely be limited for a while. If you are interested in ordering the 35mm or 50mm Summicron-SL, you can do so at Leica Store Miami by clicking the buttons below, calling 305-921-4433 or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you are interested in trading in any other Leica equipment towards the purchase of the lens, you can note it during the pre-order process. Order the Leica Summicron-SL 35mm f/2 ASPH Order the Leica Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH 4 Responses Jamie February 9, 2023 Can’t believe Leica actually did this! Amazing!!! Now they just need to make a constant aperture 16-35. Also do a summicron 28 & a 90 summicron!! Reply Stephen February 11, 2023 The close focus on the 35mm makes it particularly useful. I could see this as a good choice for those of us that have only the 24-70 zoom. One stop faster and half the weight with similar reproduction ratio and an affordable price. Reply Jay February 20, 2023 Is this a Leica design and manufacture thru and thru? Or a rebadged/tweaked Panasonic/Sigma design? Not that there’s anything wrong with it (in a Jerry Seinfeld voice). Reply Dan April 1, 2023 Thanks for this great article. However, In my humble opinion, your phrase “don’t expect any sacrifice in quality” is missleading, because we all know, it is nowhere near the performance from the APO lenses, as the image look is softer (more Canon-Like) and neither color, sharpness nor booked come close to their big APO-Brothers. Also the sounds is more like a Canon, not a Leica. These are excellent starting lenses for people new to Leica, and imho it is amazing they reloaded them, and but any experienced Leica shooter will miss the punch of the famous Leica microcontrast (which come at a price) in their images for sure. ReplyLeave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Δ
Jamie February 9, 2023 Can’t believe Leica actually did this! Amazing!!! Now they just need to make a constant aperture 16-35. Also do a summicron 28 & a 90 summicron!! Reply
Stephen February 11, 2023 The close focus on the 35mm makes it particularly useful. I could see this as a good choice for those of us that have only the 24-70 zoom. One stop faster and half the weight with similar reproduction ratio and an affordable price. Reply
Jay February 20, 2023 Is this a Leica design and manufacture thru and thru? Or a rebadged/tweaked Panasonic/Sigma design? Not that there’s anything wrong with it (in a Jerry Seinfeld voice). Reply
Dan April 1, 2023 Thanks for this great article. However, In my humble opinion, your phrase “don’t expect any sacrifice in quality” is missleading, because we all know, it is nowhere near the performance from the APO lenses, as the image look is softer (more Canon-Like) and neither color, sharpness nor booked come close to their big APO-Brothers. Also the sounds is more like a Canon, not a Leica. These are excellent starting lenses for people new to Leica, and imho it is amazing they reloaded them, and but any experienced Leica shooter will miss the punch of the famous Leica microcontrast (which come at a price) in their images for sure. Reply
