Leica's f/2 Summicron lenses have traditionally delivered excellent performance at a reasonable (for Leica) price tag. The Summicron-M 50mm f/2 sells for a mere $2,295, and even the current version has been on the market for enough time so that used examples are available for much less. So why does the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. ($7,195 list)($8,995.00 at Amazon) cost more than three times as much? Quite simply, it's as close to perfect as any that I've shot with. It's sharp from edge-to-edge, even at f/2, shows no distortion, and is completely free of chromatic aberration. It's very expensive, and chances are that you don't need a perfect lens for your camera, but we're awarding it an Editors' Choice award based on its exemplary performance. Like most rangefinder lenses, the APO-Summicron-M is quite small. It measures just 1.9 by 2.1 inches (HD), but is a bit heavy at 10.6 ounces. Its density is in part due to its all-metal construction, but you can't discount the ...
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 50mm f/2 ASPH. is as close to a perfect lens as I've ever used, but it costs more than the latest digital M.
Insanely sharp from edge to edge; No distortion; Apochromatic design; Compact; Built-in hood
Expensive; Manual focus only