50mm sumicron apo

<p>Can someone explain why/how the "old" sumicron 50 f/2 non-apo lens is so much inferior to the new apo/ asph version? Under what circumstances does the apo/asph really make a big difference? $2200. (for old) vs. $7200 (for new) seems to imply a big deal. (Btw, I very much like my old summicron f/2 50mm and may get another for my other camera.)</p>

<p>The "<em>world's best 50mm lens</em>" (Erwin Puts) just got a lot better through "<em>optical design that achieves previously unattainable values in all technical performance characteristics</em>" (quote from Leica's website). Check the MTF curves and you will see the superiority of the Apo-Summicron 50/2 ASPH over the lowly non-APO, non-ASPH version.</p>

<p>What difference will be seen on the print?</p>

<p>Typically apochromatic lenses focus three colors (wavelengths) of light at a given plane instead of two (non-achromatic). The effects usually include a reduction of color fringing in high contrast situations. Sometimes there is also a reduction of spherical aberation due to the inclusion of an additional color over non aprchromatic lenses as well. This may or may not be noticeable in prints, depending on a variety of factors, including subject lighting, sharpness of edges in high contrast situations, and color accuracy.</p>

<p>Are you using a tripod with stationary subjects? No? May not notice the difference. But you might -- it's apparently a lot sharper in the corners.<br>

Cost-no-object lens designs result in very expensive products. The floating element requires an extra helical. The glasses are exotic. Etc.<br>

Also, German workers are really really really expensive.</p>

<p>The app lenses are over clinically sharp and lack soul. Send me one immediately and I'll show you.</p>

The only advantage I can think of might be with very high resolution sensors, but how many would pay so much for such

a small advantage? Maybe if you are doing billboards?

<p>As far as I know this the only true apo 50mm available. Logic says it's not worth it. For those with deep pockets, and those wanting a tremendous jolt of ownership pride only need apply.</p>

<p ><a name="00aaS5"></a><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=23754">Robin Smith</a> <a href="../member-status-icons"><img title="Subscriber" src="../v3graphics/member-status-icons/sub10plus.gif" alt="" /><img title="Frequent poster" src="../v3graphics/member-status-icons/1roll.gif" alt="" /></a>, Jul 07, 2012; 12:45 p.m.</p>

 

<p>As far as I know this the only true apo 50mm available. Logic says it's not worth it. For those with deep pockets, and those wanting a tremendous jolt of ownership pride only need apply.</p>

<p>Wasn't there one for the Alpa, several years ago?</p>

 

<p>Alpa Kern 50mm f/1.8 and f/1.9 Switar - read about them here: http://www.photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/003wWa</p>

<p>I`d not surprised if it is a 10-20% performance increment, in a 300-400% price increment. It is so common, but this time they have bet the lens in one card. The market will tell if they can do it again.<br>

I`d like to test it by myself. Two same printed pics, one with the new, one with the older. This time, more than ever, the usual talk became worthless to me.</p>

And remember, apochromatic lenses are a lot less useful if you only shoot B&W :-)

<blockquote>

<p>only shoot B&W :-)</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Not true, as the light a lens is focussing is not monochromatic.</p>

Like I said, <em>less useful</em>. With a non-apo lens, you might get a bit of sharpness loss, but the color shift you might see with color photographs won't be visible (obviously). And if you're using colored filters, all bets are off.

<p>Used 1.4/50As may become more affordable again... Love Leica for that effect alone!</p>