Leica M11 but which 50mm?

Guys I’m torn. In 3 weeks I’m going to purchase the new M11. But I am missing a 50mm from my lens lineup. Landscape, street and portraits so ideally a catch-all. Happy to pay extra for the F1.4 but perhaps those with experience could tell me if there is noticeable difference in quality (I know this is subjective) between the 1.4 and the 2.0 summicron. I can’t quite justify the .95.
Appreciate your advice. With the iso capabilities of the M11 low light shouldn’t really be an issue. I suppose I’m after maximum detail and lovely bokeh.

The Voigtlander Nokton 50m 1.2 is an excellent and versatile lens.

Just curious, where is the M11 available for order or pre-order? (I assumed it was yet to be announced but may have missed some updates)

Sjak said:

The Voigtlander Nokton 50m 1.2 is an excellent and versatile lens.

Just curious, where is the M11 available for order or pre-order? (I assumed it was yet to be announced but may have missed some updates)

Click to expand...

Thank you. Does it compare favourably to the Leica lenses?
it is yet to be announced but I have a pre order in already and a fairly reliable ETA (although no idea about stock levels).

Foto1975 said:

Thank you. Does it compare favourably to the Leica lenses?

Click to expand...

https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/Voigtlander-Nokton-50mm-1-2-Aspherical-VM-review

https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/leica-m-50mm-lens-comparison-part-4

In particular, this part of the conclusion echoes what many here have been saying about modern Voigtlander lenses:

The latest Noktons are as good as the Leicas. Period. And at a fraction of the price.

Let’s stop worshipping the Leica lenses because of their price or their heritage. They are not the top of the heap anymore and the prices don’t reflect the quality compared to the competition. The competition chooses to be price conscious and they cater to price conscious customers, but there is no compromise in quality. Just a different balance of characteristics. The Voigtlanders command respect, even more with the latest products.

Of course, some people prefer to buy from Leica only for other reasons, and that's fine too. (In addition, the "price-concious" is to be taken with a grain of salt, the Nokton 50 1.2 still costs about 1300 euro, which is anything but cheap.)

It's often an emotional purchase after all; we don't buy a rangefinder (solely) because of (often irrelevant) tech specs. Myself, I mostly have pre-WWII Leitz-glass and mid-fifties Soviet glass for my M Monochrom; technically not up to date with current offerings, but a very specific look I like, and I enjoy using this specific gear, In addition, I use a Voigtlander 40mm 1.2.

Member said:

it is yet to be announced but I have a pre order in already and a fairly reliable ETA (although no idea about stock levels).

Click to expand...

Cool, hope you will enjoy it soon!

Sjak said:

Foto1975 said:

Thank you. Does it compare favourably to the Leica lenses?

Click to expand...

https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/Voigtlander-Nokton-50mm-1-2-Aspherical-VM-review

https://www.47-degree.com/focus-shift/leica-m-50mm-lens-comparison-part-4

In particular, this part of the conclusion echoes what many here have been saying about modern Voigtlander lenses:

The latest Noktons are as good as the Leicas. Period. And at a fraction of the price.

Let’s stop worshipping the Leica lenses because of their price or their heritage. They are not the top of the heap anymore and the prices don’t reflect the quality compared to the competition. The competition chooses to be price conscious and they cater to price conscious customers, but there is no compromise in quality. Just a different balance of characteristics. The Voigtlanders command respect, even more with the latest products.

Of course, some people prefer to buy from Leica only for other reasons, and that's fine too. (In addition, the "price-concious" is to be taken with a grain of salt, the Nokton 50 1.2 still costs about 1300 euro, which is anything but cheap.)

It's often an emotional purchase after all; we don't buy a rangefinder (solely) because of (often irrelevant) tech specs. Myself, I mostly have pre-WWII Leitz-glass and mid-fifties Soviet glass for my M Monochrom; technically not up to date with current offerings, but a very specific look I like, and I enjoy using this specific gear, In addition, I use a Voigtlander 40mm 1.2.

Sjak said:

it is yet to be announced but I have a pre order in already and a fairly reliable ETA (although no idea about stock levels).

Click to expand...

Cool, hope you will enjoy it soon!

Click to expand...

So helpful. You’ve saved me a few grand, thank you! I’m sold.

Foto1975 said:

So helpful. You’ve saved me a few grand, thank you! I’m sold.

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You're welcome!

And in the unlikely case you dont like the Nokton, these have a solid resale value.

Sjak said:

Foto1975 said:

So helpful. You’ve saved me a few grand, thank you! I’m sold.

Click to expand...

You're welcome!

And in the unlikely case you dont like the Nokton, these have a solid resale value.

Click to expand...

Aces. The Nokton is literally 1/4 of the price of the Leica 1.4. Even if money were no issue at all, given the apprentice quality of the Voigtlander it’s a no brainer.

Other options that I've used with my M10R and are really good:

Zeiss 50mm Sonnar f1.5. Has focus shift at f1.5, but if the rumored M11 has an evf, then it's irrelevant. Renders amazing, colors pop and tack sharp when closed down.

Voigtlander 50mm APO f2: it's 90% Leica' 9k lens. Really good lens. Might be too sharp for portrait photography.

Ttartisans 50mm f1.4: can't beat it for the price. If you feel empty pockets after the M11, I highly recommend you start with this one.

Is your source on the M11 release reliable? Do you know the specs?

Foto1975 said:

Guys I’m torn. In 3 weeks I’m going to purchase the new M11. But I am missing a 50mm from my lens lineup. Landscape, street and portraits so ideally a catch-all. Happy to pay extra for the F1.4 but perhaps those with experience could tell me if there is noticeable difference in quality (I know this is subjective) between the 1.4 and the 2.0 summicron. I can’t quite justify the .95.
Appreciate your advice. With the iso capabilities of the M11 low light shouldn’t really be an issue. I suppose I’m after maximum detail and lovely bokeh.

Click to expand...

Well, in my case, I bought a pre-owned Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, from a nearby Leica dealer, because I very much wanted to produce images with its visual signature, with the primary subjects being people. I test-shot with this lens, at that camera store, with pre-owned M9 and Type 240 cameras, that were available at the store. I knew what to expect, from the lens. Had I wanted to shoot landscapes, I would have chosen a different lens, probably one of the Summicrons.

Leica’s best “quality” f/2 Summicron-M 50mm, the APO-Summicron 50mm ASPH, costs more than the f/1.4 Summilux-M 50mm ASPH, so, one actually pays more than the Summilux price for the best-optically-corrected APO-Summicron-M 50mm ASPH.

I simply did not want the best-optically-corrected 50mm lens, for images of people. I wanted that signature look, provided by the Summilux-M 50mm ASPH.

I did buy a landscape lens, at the same time I bought my Summilux, and my M10, but, it was 85mm, and, for a different system, the Nikon F mount. ;-) I had budgeted for a Nikon “super-telephoto,” for chasing birds and wildlife, but was in the process of healing, after a left shoulder injury, so, knew that I would not be hand-holding a super-tele/DSLR combo, anytime soon. The new M10, the pre-owned Summilux, and the F-mount Zeiss landscape lens cost about as much as some of the super-telephoto lenses we were considering.

--
By accident of availability, I learned to use Canon and Nikon DSLRs at the same time. I love specific lenses made by both Canon and Nikon, too much to quit either system. Since 2018, Leica-M has been my “mirror-less” system. I am, certainly, not an expert.-M

Later, I acquired a pre-owned Summicron-M 50mm, with the same optical element formula as the current Summicrons, but with an earlier barrel design. If I wanted to shoot landscapes, with a 50mm, this one would, arguably, be the better choice, depedning upon one’s creative vision.

Then, I added a pre-loved Elmar-M 50mm, which is f/2.8, with the collapsing barrel, which allows an M10 to become a pocketable camera. My sample is the chromed brass version, and quite sharp.

By the way, in this time of chip shortages, and other global disruptions, I would not be too sure about an M11 announcement, anytime soon.

--
By accident of availability, I learned to use Canon and Nikon DSLRs at the same time. I love specific lenses made by both Canon and Nikon, too much to quit either system. Since 2018, Leica-M has been my “mirror-less” system. I am, certainly, not an expert.

Foto1975 said:

Guys I’m torn. In 3 weeks I’m going to purchase the new M11. But I am missing a 50mm from my lens lineup. Landscape, street and portraits so ideally a catch-all. Happy to pay extra for the F1.4 but perhaps those with experience could tell me if there is noticeable difference in quality (I know this is subjective) between the 1.4 and the 2.0 summicron. I can’t quite justify the .95.
Appreciate your advice. With the iso capabilities of the M11 low light shouldn’t really be an issue. I suppose I’m after maximum detail and lovely bokeh.

Click to expand...

Sorry to throw a monkey wrench into your decision but why not consider the 35mm APO, one of the best lenses ever.

My mouth is watering over the combo

Foto1975 said:

Sjak said:

The Voigtlander Nokton 50m 1.2 is an excellent and versatile lens.

Just curious, where is the M11 available for order or pre-order? (I assumed it was yet to be announced but may have missed some updates)

Click to expand...

Thank you. Does it compare favourably to the Leica lenses?
it is yet to be announced but I have a pre order in already and a fairly reliable ETA (although no idea about stock levels).

Click to expand...

I own a Voigt Nokton 50 f/1.2 that I use on a CL. I think it is so good that I sold my Leica-M 50 f/1.4 ASPH with no regrets. I have never used any of the Leica Noctiluxes, but I feel no desire to go in that direction, especially considering the cost. On the upcoming M11, the Nokton should be great, but no one will know for sure until it is put to the test.

Priaptor said:

Foto1975 said:

Guys I’m torn. In 3 weeks I’m going to purchase the new M11. But I am missing a 50mm from my lens lineup. Landscape, street and portraits so ideally a catch-all. Happy to pay extra for the F1.4 but perhaps those with experience could tell me if there is noticeable difference in quality (I know this is subjective) between the 1.4 and the 2.0 summicron. I can’t quite justify the .95.
Appreciate your advice. With the iso capabilities of the M11 low light shouldn’t really be an issue. I suppose I’m after maximum detail and lovely bokeh.

Click to expand...

Sorry to throw a monkey wrench into your decision but why not consider the 35mm APO, one of the best lenses ever.

My mouth is watering over the combo

Click to expand...

i mainly shoot 28mm and have never really got on with 35. I have a 28 and 90 so the 50 seems the best choice to fill that gap. I’ll pair the Nokton with the M11 and if we don’t get in will reevaluate and probably buy the Leica 50/1.4

i am so excited for this camera…

eliehbk said:

Is your source on the M11 release reliable? Do you know the specs?

Click to expand...

yes and yes. But for obvious reasons can’t say more, sadly.

Without a doubt, I would pick the 50 APO as the best 50 in my collection of twelve 50's in my stable. It's good enough to consider downsizing some of the others.

Also looking forward to the new M11, but have no idea how far down the list I am. The Leica folks do a pretty decent job procuring and distributing products, so the camera will come as soon as it comes.

A counter-question, silver or black chrome for your M11? Will you get a 50 that matches?

Eric Boe said:

Without a doubt, I would pick the 50 APO as the best 50 in my collection of twelve 50's in my stable. It's good enough to consider downsizing some of the others.

Also looking forward to the new M11, but have no idea how far down the list I am. The Leica folks do a pretty decent job procuring and distributing products, so the camera will come as soon as it comes.

A counter-question, silver or black chrome for your M11? Will you get a 50 that matches?

Click to expand...

black. 100%. Stealth mode!
the APO is like 6.500€ dude… ouch.

Foto1975 said:

black. 100%. Stealth mode!
the APO is like 6.500€ dude… ouch.

Click to expand...

"Cameras come and go but lenses are forever."

:-D

-Dave-

OP might also consider the newly announced 50 f/1 with FLE.


There is much demand for the anticipated M11 but supply constraints will mean many of us waiting until late 2022.

Generally speaking there are some Voigtlander lenses that are very high quality. I have owned and adored many. For the Leica customer money is not the issue. It is finding the lenses that resonate with you. Leica does this exceptionally well and why people use them.

SUPER-ELMAR said:

OP might also consider the newly announced 50 f/1 with FLE.

https://www.dpreview.com/news/89715...st-ever-full-frame-lens-the-nokton-50mm-f1-vm

There is much demand for the anticipated M11 but supply constraints will mean many of us waiting until late 2022.

Generally speaking there are some Voigtlander lenses that are very high quality. I have owned and adored many. For the Leica customer money is not the issue. It is finding the lenses that resonate with you. Leica does this exceptionally well and why people use them.

Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure that there are many Leica customers who do have spending limitations. It's true that the decision to buy into the Leica system implies a certain level of wealth or at least a willingness to make sacrifices elsewhere, but many of us are happy to have excellent alternatives to Leica lenses that are almost indistinguishable in quality. Also, we are dealing with the law of diminishing returns. The extra bang for the buck gets smaller and smaller at higher price levels. This is certainly true in photographic and audio-visual gear, automobiles etc.

In any event, it's good to have choices.

Foto1975 said:

Eric Boe said:

Without a doubt, I would pick the 50 APO as the best 50 in my collection of twelve 50's in my stable. It's good enough to consider downsizing some of the others.

Also looking forward to the new M11, but have no idea how far down the list I am. The Leica folks do a pretty decent job procuring and distributing products, so the camera will come as soon as it comes.

A counter-question, silver or black chrome for your M11? Will you get a 50 that matches?

Click to expand...

black. 100%. Stealth mode!
the APO is like 6.500€ dude… ouch.

Click to expand...

I own a very old 50 f/1.5 LTM and the latest 50 Lux ASPH. I like them both very much. You do not want a Noctilux as your only 50. It is way too specialized, and you can see on ebay how many folks buy and use it for a couple of years and then sell it when they realize that.

But the 50 Cron APO is my very favorite lens in the entire world. The one I'd choose if Dr. Kaufmann said: Bags, I really like you. Come to Germany and pick out a lens.

There are times--and that's all you can ask for--when that lens is utter magic. The fall-off is so gentle and subtle and yet so pronounced that it tells an entirely different story than any lens I've ever seen. The VC 50 Cron APO is lovely and brilliant, but I haven't seen a single photo taken with it yet that has that same magic.

I once passed up one at $5k US, and that remains my biggest purchase (or lack thereof) regret in photography.

BTW, forgive me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you answered the question of whether you have an M11 reserved for you to purchase. Because if you don't already have one assured, it will likely be at least another 6 months before they're available. That's the case with Leica in good times, even without the chip shortage.