Leica 50mm APO Summicron-M f/2 ASPH review

The APO line of Leica lenses is held in high regard, but does this 50mm keep up the high standards?

Leica 50mm APO Summicron f/2
(Image: © Sebastian Oakley / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

The Leica 50mm APO Summicron-M f/2 ASPH is one of Leica’s most popular lenses in its APO line-up. Its characteristics are legendary for producing exceptional sharpness, even wide-open to its full control of the Red, Blue, and Green waveform to produce lifelike images with a distinct pop that only a Leica lens can produce. This 50mm is a super lens to use, and featuring a maximum aperture of f/2 makes this the perfect partner for those who love to separate their subjects from the background or achieve outstanding images in low-light conditions.

Pros

  • +

    Compact build

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    Built-in lens hood

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    Razor sharp

Cons

  • -

    Expensive

  • -

    Aperture & focus rings are close together

  • -

    Aperture 'only' f/2

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The APO branding from Leica has always been synonymous with clarity and perfection, delivering the best results possible in a compact form factor and improving on existing designs. In short, the APO is the sign of the best of the best, but is this 50mm f/2 worth branding with the APO name – let's find out!

Leica 50mm APO Summicron-M f/2 ASPH Specifications

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Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.