Author Topic: Leica 25mm f/1.4 costs less than $1000... (Read 4258 times)

popo · « **on:** June 07, 2011, 10:19:30 AM »

...so claims 43rumors
http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-leica-25mm-f1-4-costs-less-than-1000-more-compact-than-the-45mm-macro/

How much less than $1000? How much is the Leica name worth?

In APS-C scope, the closest spec lens might be the the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, and I'd allow a small premium for Leica. It looks worse if you compare against full frame 50mm f/1.4 lenses.

Pete · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2011, 10:46:18 AM »

Ahh, a full frame Lux is $3700.00 new, So a lens made by Panasonic with Leica Requirements on IQ and Build isn't bad.

lisandra · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2011, 03:41:59 PM »

Ill pay 800$ for a leica lens

voyager · « **Reply #3 on:** June 07, 2011, 11:51:19 PM »

Heh, I was going to ask how much less than $1000 as well.

adash · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2011, 12:41:30 AM »

Quote

the closest spec lens might be the the Sigma 30mm f/1.4

Do NOT buy this lens. I mean the Sigma 30/1.4.

Panther · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2011, 04:14:15 AM »

Quote from: lisandra on June 07, 2011, 03:41:59 PM

Ill pay 800$ for a leica lens

So would I....I already am enjoying my 45mm f/2.8...

popo · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2011, 08:43:58 AM »

I'm not against a premium 25mm f/1.4, but I think they should have done a mainstream one first as a priority. Something in the price ball park of a 50mm f/1.4 on SLR or the Pana 20/1.7 is where it should be first.

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4, I am aware it has mixed reviews depending on the intent of the user, but to me the weak border performance is not a major issue in wide open shallow(er) DoF usage which surely is its main reason for existing. I'd even get the Canon EF 50mm f/1.0 if a used copy pops up again. Missed a chance earlier. I know it has no sharpness wide open but that is not the point!

adash · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2011, 08:46:09 AM »

Quote

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4, I am aware it has mixed reviews depending on the intent of the user,

Man, I was not pleased by the sharpness of some of my lenses before I saw Sigma 30/1.4@1.4. Since then I love all of my lenses!

popo · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2011, 08:57:18 AM »

Ok, that might just be the infamous Sigma sample variation coming into play! Admittedly I've not experienced one, but the central region should not be anything to complain about.

On a similar note, I use a similar trick with a 300mm f/2.8. I get that out for a play whenever I think anything else is big and heavy! I don't after that...

adash · « **Reply #9 on:** June 08, 2011, 09:34:04 AM »

Quote

but the central region should not be anything to complain about.

On the contrary.

Quote

I use a similar trick with a 300mm f/2.8. I get that out for a play whenever I think anything else is big and heavy! I don't after that...

Is this an L series? I know they are very heavy (but also very good).

popo · « **Reply #10 on:** June 08, 2011, 09:42:12 AM »

Quickly re-scanning reviews of the Sigma 30mm f/1.4, I am reminded of the low contrast that can afflict it wide open, which can take more work.

As for the 300mm f/2.8, it doesn't matter if it's L or not (even though it is), any decent refracting lens that spec isn't going to be small or light!

adash · « **Reply #11 on:** June 08, 2011, 09:44:57 AM »

"L" are sharper, better corrected, with more lens elements for the purpose and thus they should be even heavier.

popo · « **Reply #12 on:** June 08, 2011, 09:51:19 AM »

Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L USM - 2.9 kg (one I have made in 1987!)
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM - 2.6 kg
Canon EF 300mm f/2.8L IS USM II - 2.4 kg
Sigma 300mm f/2.8 EX DG HSM - 2.4 kg

Not much in it between them... anyway, enough off-topic-ness! But it does offer a little insight into why sometimes I might want something a lot smaller...

adash · « **Reply #13 on:** June 08, 2011, 10:31:23 AM »

I grabbed my sister's ultracompact once and got confused. I could not accept this thing as a camera.
Enough off-topic indeed...

Pete · « **Reply #14 on:** June 08, 2011, 12:34:47 PM »

The thing with Leica branded lenses is that the Optical Specks must meet minimum Leica IQ standards. It may even be a partnership in lens design.
Leica does not make them (we know that), but, you can expect stealer performance compared to Leica Lens in general.
The price being under 2/3rds of a Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux for a FF camera is a good deal, knowing you are getting a highly corrected lens that will give your years of great use and retain resale value for many years. One of the reasons to buy High Grade Lenses, if you can.

Panther · « **Reply #15 on:** June 08, 2011, 02:21:59 PM »

Quote from: M5-User on June 08, 2011, 12:34:47 PM

The thing with Leica branded lenses is that the Optical Specks must meet minimum Leica IQ standards. It may even be a partnership in lens design.
Leica does not make them (we know that), but, you can expect stealer performance compared to Leica Lens in general.
The price being under 2/3rds of a Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux for a FF camera is a good deal, knowing you are getting a highly corrected lens that will give your years of great use and retain resale value for many years. One of the reasons to buy High Grade Lenses, if you can.

And here's the irony....
Most people say to invest in glass.....but then when you talk about getting a Leica/Panasonic, they think you're crazy!

popo · « **Reply #16 on:** June 09, 2011, 03:55:22 AM »

The problem isn't the glass as such, but the branding. Leica for sure, and Zeiss too, I think are trading more on their name than their performance. In like for like comparisons they're as good as the Canon or Nikon lenses, yet often have a significant price premium.

khjohansen · « **Reply #17 on:** June 09, 2011, 07:53:34 AM »

...And the Voigtlaender Nokton??

Panther · « **Reply #18 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:11:25 AM »

Quote from: khjohansen on June 09, 2011, 07:53:34 AM

...And the Voigtlaender Nokton??

Heh, heh, heh...good comment

Pete · « **Reply #19 on:** June 09, 2011, 09:50:12 AM »

Quote from: popo on June 09, 2011, 03:55:22 AM

The problem isn't the glass as such, but the branding. Leica for sure, and Zeiss too, I think are trading more on their name than their performance. In like for like comparisons they're as good as the Canon or Nikon lenses, yet often have a significant price premium.

Well, I don't think so, Zeiss does have the ZM Leica mount line made by Cosina, but at a higher build quality than the Voigtlander lens line.. And the Optical formulas are Zeiss, not Cosina. The Zeiss performance is right up there with C/N lenses. I'd say also, if Zeiss did make them, you would see a higher price in the ZM line. But by keeping most lenses between $800.00 to $1300.00, they are quite competitive with the Leica at at least 2x-3x the price.

Don't know about the SLR line (ZF, ZC) though.

popo · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2011, 09:12:19 AM »

Updated FT5 rumour now says it'll cost less than we thought: http://www.43rumors.com/ft5-leica-25mm-1-4-size-ft3-cheaper-than-we-all-thought-3/

That could reduce it from far too expensive to merely expensive. Still not enough to tempt me.

Panther · « **Reply #21 on:** June 10, 2011, 03:42:27 PM »

Quote from: M5-User on June 09, 2011, 09:50:12 AM

Well, I don't think so, Zeiss does have the ZM Leica mount line made by Cosina, but at a higher build quality than the Voigtlander lens line.. And the Optical formulas are Zeiss, not Cosina. The Zeiss performance is right up there with C/N lenses. I'd say also, if Zeiss did make them, you would see a higher price in the ZM line. But by keeping most lenses between $800.00 to $1300.00, they are quite competitive with the Leica at at least 2x-3x the price.

Don't know about the SLR line (ZF, ZC) though.

You've got my vote here!

lisandra · « **Reply #22 on:** June 10, 2011, 05:17:36 PM »

if the 50mm come anywhere near the resolution of the 45mm, less than 800 is a bargain

voyager · « **Reply #23 on:** June 10, 2011, 05:58:02 PM »

If this lens is less than $700, I can't imagine how much it will sell.

asterinex · « **Reply #24 on:** June 13, 2011, 01:55:28 AM »

I think 1.000 dollars for a lens is expensive and will only be bought by the pros (or freaks

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Author Topic: Leica 25mm f/1.4 costs less than $1000... (Read 4258 times)

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