Summilux 50mm f1.4: Simply Stunning [Specifications] [Image samples]

The favorite Summilux lens of many photographers.

Reasons to buy	Cons
+ Most common focal length + Speedy + Amazing Bokeh	– Larger than the 35mm

The 50mm is probably the most common focal length. On a full frame camera like most Leicas, the Bokeh is simply stunning and perfect for portaits.

Technical data

Here’s the technical data of Leica’s dreamy 50

Specifications

Name	Data
Angle of view (diagonal, horizontal, vertical)	47°, 40°, 27°
Number of lenses/groups:	8 / 5
Focal length	51.6 mm
Position of entrance pupil:	25.7 mm
Focusing range	0.7m – infinity
Scales	Combined meter/feet graduation
Smallest object field:	271 x 407 mm
Largest reproduction ratio:	1:11.3
Setting/Function	Manual / Click-stops / half stops
Lowest value	16
Bayonet	M
Filter	E46
Lens hood	Separate, screw-on type
Length	52.5 mm
Largest diameter	53.5 mm
Weight	335 g

Lens design

Similarly designed to the 35mm the aspherical element is about in the center of the lens and the floating element is on the rear.

MTF Charts

Here’s the charts for the 50. A huge drop in the corners at 1.4 and 2.8.

Bokeh tests

If you want to see what this lens can do here is the bokeh at 1.4 followed by f2 (What you would get on a Summicron 50mm) and then 5.6

Thanks to Adam Singer

Using the Summilux 50mm f1.4

Being less wide, there are some useful genres for this lens

Landscape photography

You will not get wide angle landscapes with this but you can get some intimate photos of a place with this lens. Don’t think only wide angles are for landscapes! Here’s proof:

[1]

[2]

[1]
Marlot in Autumn(CC BY 2.0)*rboed*

[2]
Sunrise in Ingendael(CC BY 2.0)*rboed*

Also read: Best Leica landscape photography lenses

Street photography

When it comes to Leica street photography lens, the 28mm takes the cake. 28mm is THE focal length that street photographers gravitate to and the 1.4 makes it particularly suited for street portraiture.

[1]

[2]
Strolling (Explored)(CC BY 2.0)*rboed*[1]
:::STUNIKENMARKT 3/4:::(CC BY 2.0)rolle@bassfire [2]

Also read: Best Leica street photography lenses

Travel photography

Since this is more portable than the larger 21mm, this makes a great all around travel lens, the fast speeds are good for day and night and the focal length is perfect to get in those travelscapes, environmental portraits and more

[1]

[12] [2]
At rest(CC BY 2.0)*rboed* [8]
Operaen at Dusk(CC BY 2.0)*rboed* [2]

Also read: Best Leica travel photography lenses

Portrait photography

It is a myth that wide angle lenses can’t blur the background. With full frame and a fast lens, you can. So yes the 28mm can bokeh real well and blur the background and makes it possible to do great environmental portraits with silky smooth bokeh.

[1]

[2] [1] L1001968(CC BY-SA 2.0)Dennis Wu6

[2] Home Guard(CC BY 2.0)David Guyler

Also read: Best Leica portrait lenses

More about Summilux series:

Leica lenses > Summilux lenses > 21mm – 28 mm – 35mm – 50mm – 90mm