Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Leica M
Article Index
Introduction
Analysis
Sample Images & Verdict

Page 3 of 3

Sample Shots

The following sample shots were taken with a Leica M9 and RAW-converted via CaptureOne.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window).

Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/360s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/500s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/500s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/750s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/750s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/3000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/750s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/4000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/360s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.0
Exposure 1/4000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/5.6
Exposure 1/360s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1500s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure 1/125s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1500s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/4.0
Exposure 1/1000s
Make Leica Camera AG
Model M9 Digital Camera
ISO Speed 160
Focal Length 50.0mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Exposure 1/4000s

Verdict

The Summicron-M 50mm f/2 is an impressive lens. It shows very good resolution across the frame wide open, and excellent sharpness when stopped down to f/4 or f/5.6. Distortion is no issue at all.
Vignetting is fairly pronounced wide open. When 6-bit coded, the camera reduces vignetting considerably, however one should be aware of the drawbacks of this approach regarding noise. CAs are well under control, as is bokeh fringing.
Bokeh is a bit nervous wide open, but improves by stopping down slightly. For smoothest image bur, one shout set the lens to f/2.8 or f/4 (if the subject allows). Unfortunately, background highlights already form polygons at this aperture setting.
The build quality of the lens is truly excellent, as you'd expect from a Leica lens. It's a joy to use.
The only real drawback of the lens is its rather hefty price (for a normal prime). Apart from that: highly recommended!
Optical Quality:    
★★★★★
Mechanical Quality:
★★★★★
Price/Performance:
★★★★★

Click here for an explanation of our star ratings


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