I want a new lens.
Every time I use the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S, I’m amazed. I can’t imagine any 50mm lens surpassing it.
But, that’s that, and this is this.
While I have a lens covering the 24-600mm focal range, there’s a bias in its usage, so I want a compact lens around the standard focal length.
So, I’m currently torn between two lenses.
Light Lens Lab M 35mm f/2
This is a lens remade by a Chinese tycoon from the Leica Summicron M 35mm f/2. It seems to have very high reproduction accuracy. The original lens dates back to 1958, so there’s a significant variation in individual units, and the prices have skyrocketed, making it unrealistic to obtain.
The rendering has a slight sweetness overall while maintaining a proper balance with residual aberrations typical of old lenses at the periphery. That balance seems exceptionally excellent. In other words, I want it.
While 35mm isn’t my preferred focal length, as someone focused on snapshots, I recognize it as a challenging focal length that I must use.
Leica Summilux 50mm ASPH 4th
Since this focal length is quite common, owning multiple lenses at this length is acceptable.
I own a Leica Q2, so I’ve experienced the Summilux ASPH’s delicious focal length. In my interpretation, the Summilux’s delicious focal length is standard. I imagine the Summicron as leaning towards wide-angle.
So, I want a 50mm Summilux.
Initially, I was considering buying the first version of the Summilux, but I can’t imagine getting my hands on a satisfyingly pristine copy like the eight-element version. Hence, I’m considering the current model.
My current lenses:
- MS-Optics Apollon 36/1.3 (like new)
- MS-Optics Vario-Prasma 50/1.5 (like new)
- MS-Optics Elnomaxim 55/1.2 (excellent condition)
- NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S (like new)
- Super Takumar 35/3.5 (excellent condition)
I’ve quietly sold the malfunctioning MS-Optics Apoqalia 35/1.3. While I loved its rendering, I had to replace it due to its malfunction.
Regarding the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S:
I already consider the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S as the pinnacle of 50mm lenses, but it’s too big and heavy for situations where autofocus isn’t necessary.
During outdoor activities, it tends to become more of a fixed lens rather than an interchangeable one. Sometimes, I want to carry three single-focal-length lenses for easy use when autofocus isn’t needed, so I want a lens that is easy to use yet differentiates itself from the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S.
Regarding the MS-Optics:
To summarize, all of them are pseudo-old lenses with strong characteristics. While I’m very satisfied with their rendering, I own them as hidden gems due to their strong characteristics.
Obtaining them in good condition at regular prices is difficult, so I hastily collected them and plan to add the Sonnetar 73/1.5 (like new) soon.
Since MS-Optics lenses have their quirks, I assign them to MS-Optics. Therefore, I still desire a lightweight M-mount lens with fewer quirks for conventional use.
Why not the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
I believe selling the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S would mean selling the Z mount altogether. So, I generally don’t consider it.
Although the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S becomes more of a fixed lens during outdoor activities, its compatibility with the Z8 is too good. Hence, when I consider it a fixed lens, I have no complaints when I take it out.
Conclusion:
I can’t make any decisions until the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S arrives.
It’s a bit strange to keep adding lenses when I only have a Z8 as my main camera.
Concerns about the Light Lens Lab M 35mm f/2 are about slight variations in manufacturing precision. If I buy it, I intend to buy it from the official source, so exchange support is possible. However, I want to limit myself to a maximum of two 35mm lenses. So, I think I should wait for the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S before making a decision.
The Summilux 50mm ASPH is also a dilemma. While I do like the Leica rendering, I don’t believe its quality corresponds directly to its price. However, the Summilux I’m targeting is a limited edition, so if someone buys it before me, it might be a while before I come across it again, which is concerning.
And now, suddenly, what I’m lacking is a mid-telephoto lens in the 75-135mm range. So, the conclusion of this discussion might unexpectedly turn into the need for a mid-telephoto lens.
