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35mm is one of the most popular focal lengths for small pictures because the lightweight wide angle lens can be used very universally. Leica is now expanding the APO-Summicron-M series with the bright 35mm F2 ASPH., which is optically related to the popular APO-Summicron-M 50mm f2 ASPH. lens.
According to Leica, the new Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH. lens quite literally goes one step further, by facilitating true close-up shots. Its minimum focusing distance of just 30 centimeters surpasses all previous M lenses. A floating lens element ensures exceptional rendition quality across the entire image at all distance settings.
Behind the new wide lens, there is an elaborate construction, which is also based on precise production in the Leica manufactory. Six lens elements feature anomalous partial dispersion and high refractive index glass, rendering the lens capable of focusing red, green, and blue wavelengths at the same plane to virtually eliminate chromatic aberrations. Also, three aspherical elements with a total of four aspherical surfaces are incorporated to reduce spherical aberrations, providing edge-to-edge sharpness.
The high imaging performance at close range is made possible by a floating element, which ensures consistent performance at all distances. The distance ring has a particularly large adjustment angle of 300 °, which enables precise focusing despite the extended close-up range. The rangefinder can be used to focus up to 70 centimeters. After overcoming a slight resistance, between 70 and 30 centimeters can be focused either via Live View on the screen, the Visoflex attachable viewfinder, or the Leica “Photos” app.
The new construction of the lens hood in combination with effective anti-reflective layers reduces the stray light so that even pictures against the sun and other light sources are possible. Image errors such as chromatic aberration and distortion are “almost completely corrected” according to Leica. Coupled with the extreme contrast right up to the edge of the picture, this also ensures that the APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH. has a particularly three-dimensional bokeh when the aperture is open. The almost circular aperture thanks to the use of eleven lamellas maintain this image impression even when it is dimmed.
The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH is very compact and light, so with its classic reportage focal length it is suitable for universal use on every current and future model of the M series, but also on the Leica SL2 or SL2-S is suitable.
Price and availability
The lens is now available to pre-order from specialist Bhphotovideo.com retailer. The price is $8,195.
Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm f2 ASPH Specifications
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Maximum Aperture: f/2
- Minimum Aperture: f/16
- Lens Mount: Leica M
- Angle of View: 62.5°
- Minimum Focus Distance: 30 cm
- Optical Design: 10 Elements in 5 Groups
- Diaphragm Blades: 11
- Focus Type: Manual Focus
- Front Filter Size: 39 mm
- Dimensions: 53 x 40.9 mm
- Weight: 11.3 oz / 320 g
Last week, Leica has introduced the Q2 Daniel Craig x Greg Williams Special Edition Camera, created in close collaboration with the actor Daniel Craig and the renowned British photographer Greg Williams, priced at $6,995.
