35 Summilux vs. 50 Noctilux?

[Stieglitz]

I have the high-class problem of deciding what lens to get for M8 given Leica's special offer for those who pruchased in 2006.

Currently I have the new Elmarit 28/2.8 ASPH and the Summicron 75/2 ASPH. To my thinking, the best choice would be something inbetween and also something faster --especially for me who likes available light photography.

But which of these two would you recommend and why? I'm thinking of the 35/1.4 ASPH or the Noctilux 50/1.0

Here's my quick rundown of what I perceive to be the relative merits, which makes me totally indecisive:

1. Summilux 35 --better (in fact incredible) optics and smaller but possibly too close to the 28 (a 50 is more inbetween)

2. Noctilux 50 --bragging rights with blinding speed and interesting effects due to shallow depth of field, etc. but some optical problems (vignetting etc,) compared to the 35, can be difficult to focus due to shallow DOF, bulky to the point of being un-Leica-like

Any other thoughts? The "deal" on the Noctilux is especially attractive for what can be a special purpose, almost cult lens. But aside from all the debates about it generally, which should I get?

Thanks in advance for any opinions or advice.

[Sailor Ted]

I sold my Noctilux to get a Summilux

[peter_n]

I would say get both. The 35 and 75 are a perfect two lens kit, they absolutely go together. Sell the 28 and buy the Noctilux. Then you'll be happy.

[harmsr]

Steiglitz,

What FL do you prefer more? On the M8 you are talking 35 (46) and 50 (66).

Base your decision on what works better in terms of focal length.

Then select either the 35 Lux ASPH or the 50 Lux ASPH. Forget the Nocti, unless you only want it for extremely shallow DOF and 1.0 low light shots. The 50 Lux ASPH is a MUCH better overall lens than the Nocti. I would never consider using the Nocti as my regular 50 lens.

You have a 28 (37) for a normal wide. I personally think the 50 Lux at (66) would be a better compliment than the 35 Lux at (46).

Best,

Ray

[Mike Richards]

You have essentially answered your own question.

Summilux 35 at 250 grams or Nocti 50 at 630 grams? On the M8, with 1.33 crop factor, you have a (35mm film equivalent) 47 mm with the Lux and 67mm with the Nocti. I have a 50 Lux that I use with film, and it provides a sufficiently (often excessively) shallow DOF when wide open to suit my tastes.

I believe the Nocti appeals to those who would use it wide open most of the time just to get the narrow DOF. This is not my cup of tea. For me, the Lux wins out as the classic Leica lens. You may like the Nocti better if you want the paper shallow DOF or the extra speed if you think you need it (which I doubt given the capabilities of the M8). But for general use, I'd opt for the Lux.

[Jager]

I own both the 35 Lux ASPH and the Noct. They are both very special lenses, but no question the 35 is more flexible and usable. I consider the Noct very much a specialist lens - albeit a quite extraordinary one.

Since you've already got a 28 and a 75, I'd say go for a 50 simply because that gives you a stronger 3-lens lineup. But rather than the Noct, I'd suggest a hard look at the 50 Lux ASPH. The 35, as remarkable a lens as it is, isn't really all that much longer than the 28 you already have.

But that's just looking at it from a focal length perspective. Since Leica is rewarding your 2006 purchase with a 30% discount, I'd suggest that if you were ever going to go for that Noctilux, now is the time. You can always consider springing for the 50 Lux ASHP (if you're even interested in it) sometime down the road.

Good luck, whichever you choose. That's a nice problem to have!

Jeff