Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

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Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA
https://lavidaleica.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=25&t=484
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Author:  Double Negative [ Fri May 25, 2012 9:17 am ]
Post subject:  Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

If you check out Ming Thein's review of the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH, he compares it to the Zeiss Planar T* 2/50 ZM... The conclusion? Ridiculously close.

So... Planar @ $700 or Cron @ $7000? You decide. :)

Seems to me the problem is the sensor is now the limiting factor. Both lenses (and I dare say a lot of high-end, modern lenses) are just THAT good now. It's almost become boring to review them. Most people won't see any difference and it depends more on your technique and RF alignment than anything else. In the end, it won't make or break your image anyway.

Author:  kokoshawnuff [ Fri May 25, 2012 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

Interesting. He says the Leica is sharper, but I see things that make me think it's the other way around...this could all have to do with lens and camera calibration, but the Zeiss is good enough for 1/10 the price, too bad it has 43mm filters (a pain for a film shooting, fillter using man as myself)

Author:  Double Negative [ Fri May 25, 2012 5:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

kokoshawnuff wrote:
Interesting. He says the Leica is sharper, but I see things that make me think it's the other way around...this could all have to do with lens and camera calibration, but the Zeiss is good enough for 1/10 the price, too bad it has 43mm filters (a pain for a film shooting, fillter using man as myself)

Agreed - for the cost, the Planar really does put on a good show! You're right about the filter size though; 43mm is a bit... Inconvenient. Shared only with the Biogon 2/35. I standardized on 46mm filters early on and just picked up a B+W 43/46 step ring.

Author:  Nando [ Sun May 27, 2012 9:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

I couldn't make any of my own conclusions from this article. With all due respect, given the methods employed, I think most modern 50mm RF lens would have compared well against the new Leica lens. Really now, any properly functioning 50mm Summicron can out-resolve the digital sensor. I would like to see the new 50mm APO-Summicron tested with Adox CMS-20 or SPUR Orthopan UR. These films are capable of 400 lp/mm.

Author:  Double Negative [ Tue May 29, 2012 6:46 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

Nando wrote:
I couldn't make any of my own conclusions from this article. With all due respect, given the methods employed, I think most modern 50mm RF lens would have compared well against the new Leica lens. Really now, any properly functioning 50mm Summicron can out-resolve the digital sensor. I would like to see the new 50mm APO-Summicron tested with Adox CMS-20 or SPUR Orthopan UR. These films are capable of 400 lp/mm.

I would have to agree with you on all counts.

Author:  HiredArm [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 1:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

No surprise really. The 50 Planar is amazing at any price. It just happens to be a bargain in the Leica M-mount at ~$800 new or $650 used on average. It's the only 50 I have and with the exception of the 50 Summilux (or Noctilux if I hit the lottery) the only one I want/need.

I still don't get why this 50 costs so much personally. The 75AA and 90AA are pretty perfect as well. I can't see what's so different in any of the shots I've seen.

Author:  kokoshawnuff [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 2:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

HiredArm wrote:
I still don't get why this 50 costs so much personally.


I think Leica may be testing the top of their market. Prices will probably continue to be higher than expected for all newly introduced lenses here forward.

Author:  Double Negative [ Mon Jun 11, 2012 3:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

I'd have to agree Alex, the newest lenses don't seem to jive with similarly-spec'ed lenses already out, price-wise. Lenses like the 35 FLE or 50 AA.

Author:  Bobitybob [ Wed Jun 13, 2012 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Planar About Equal to 50 Cron AA

I'm sure its a technical genius and produces incredible images, but unless you are a die hard Leica nut with bottomless pockets I can't imagine why you would what to pay this much for a lens that you will probably never be able to fully appreciate.

If your an amateur photographer then there are plenty of more reasonably priced alternatives from both Leica and other manufactures that produce very acceptable results.

Now where that lottery ticket :mrgreen:

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