As a moderate wide-angle prime, the APO-Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH. is almost a universal lens. Its fast autofocus, robust design and construction and exceptional imaging quality make it an outstanding lens for reportage and a convincing choice for other areas of photography such as architecture, landscapes, portraiture and studio work. It is perfectly matched to the cutting-edge SL-System and has been conceived for a long working life under professional shooting conditions.
From zero to sharp in no time at all
AF System with Dual Syncro Drive™
The autofocus system shared by the Summicron-SL lenses is fast, precise, and nearly silent. Their outstanding AF performance figures are thanks to the autofocus drive unit they both utilize. These are limited only by the mass of the glass elements moved when focusing; the speed of moving from infinity to the closest focusing distance. In order to preserve the compact dimensions of the lenses, the integration of these components must be perfectly optimized within all design constraints.
With a maximum aperture of f/2, the SL-Summicron lenses are significantly more compact than even faster lenses, but still allow photographers to work with similar depth of field. The reason for this is contrast: the area of highest contrast is incredibly sharp, while zones with lower contrast are unsharp or beautifully blurred.
In the construction of the Summicron-SL lenses, particular attention has been paid to the prevention of stray light and reflections. The optimization of the optical and mechanical design was carried out in elaborate simulations before the construction of the first prototype lenses. Unavoidable reflections are reduced to the lowest possible level by high-quality optical coatings of the lens surfaces.
Complex Electronics
For uncomplicated handling
The focusing and aperture setting functions of a SL-Summicron lens are based on a multitude of control systems and mathematical operations. The demands on the electronics are particularly high in the case of the double focusing system.
SL-Summicron Lenses feature a totally new manual focusing ring construction concept. In this concept, a ring magnet with alternating north-south magnetization is embedded in the manual focusing ring. The magnetic field changes its polarity when the ring is turned. A sensor monitors the status of the magnetic field and sends the data to the main processor. The drive then shifts the lens to the corresponding focusing position on the basis of the angle of rotation and the rotational speed.
The consistently compact dimensions, low weight, and the excellent grip and feel of the SL-Summicron lenses are particularly impressive when shooting. Thanks to the almost identical design of the Summicron-SL lenses, feeling for the MF ring is unnecessary after switching lenses and the center of gravity remains largely the same. This means that the camera always lies perfectly in the hand and makes working from a tripod much easier.
It was interesting to have a lens that auto-focused so quickly and responsively
Matt Stuart
As a moderate wide-angle prime, the new APO-Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH. is a universal lens that can find its home in the camera bag of all types of photographers. Its fast autofocus, robust construction and exceptional imaging quality make it a go-to lens for all areas of photography.
British photographer Matt Stuart got his hands on it at the Leica Store in Mayfair, London, and took it for a test shoot on the streets of the British capital. With his creativity sparked by his first impressions handling the lens, Matt shot a series on a sunny Winter’s afternoon at The Ritz. We spoke with the award-winning street photographer about the shoot and his love for 35mm lenses.
Electronically controlled aperture, set using turn/push wheel on camera, including half and third values
Aperture setting range
2-22
Lowest value
22
Bayonet/sensor format
L-Mount, full-frame 35mm format
Filter mount
E67
Dimensions and weight
Length to bayonet mount
102 mm
Largest diameter
73 mm
Weight
750 g
Constructional Details
The optical system of the APO-Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH. features a total of 13 elements, three of which are aspherical lenses for the correction of monochromatic aberration. For the correction of chromatic aberration, 9 of the 13 elements are manufactured from high-quality special glasses that can only be produced and finished with the most advanced production methods. Their particular optical property, known as anomalous partial dispersion, enables compensation for chromatic aberrations throughout the entire optical system. As a result of this, even highlights in images remain free of colour fringing.
L-Mount
A new era of creative freedom
The L-Mount marks the start of a new era of lens compatibility without compromise. Never before has one lens mount standard allowed for an almost limitless array of options in combining different interchangeable lenses with cameras featuring different sensor formats.
With the alliance between Leica Camera, Panasonic and Sigma, a collective 250 years of experience in the field of lens and camera construction will be combined into one platform. For the photographer, this opens up the chance to utilize endless variations of camera-lens combinations from the extensive product portfolios of all three manufacturers, allowing them to always find the best solution for their needs and any photographic situation.
By registering a Leica Account, you can extend the warranty on your Leica product for an additional 12 months and receive three digital editions of LFI Magazine. This offer covers all Leica cameras and lenses from the M-System, SL-System, D-Lux 8 and Q series, as well as Leica Watches.
