Leica Summicron-M 28mm F/2 ASPH (2023)

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Leica Summicron-M 28mm F/2 ASPH (2023) is a remarkable addition to the renowned Summicron line, continuing the tradition of excellence that Leica lenses are famous for. This compact wide-angle lens is particularly well-suited for street photography, landscapes, and environmental portraits, providing photographers with a versatile perspective and outstanding performance.

Build Quality and Design

From the moment you hold the Summicron-M 28mm F/2 ASPH, you can feel the meticulous craftsmanship that Leica is known for. The all-metal construction not only gives it a premium feel but also ensures durability for years of use. The lens boasts a sleek design that perfectly complements Leica M cameras, maintaining a lightweight form factor that is easy to carry during long shooting sessions. The smooth focus ring and well-placed aperture control make it a pleasure to use, allowing for quick adjustments without taking your eye off the viewfinder.

Optical Performance

The optical performance of the Summicron-M 28mm is exceptional. With a maximum aperture of f/2, it excels in low-light conditions while providing beautiful bokeh when shooting at wider apertures. The lens utilizes advanced aspherical elements that minimize distortion and aberrations, resulting in sharp images across the frame. Color rendition is accurate, and contrast is impressive, making it an ideal choice for capturing vibrant scenes.

One of the standout features is its minimal breathing during focusing, which is beneficial for videographers as well as photographers. Even wide open at f/2, the lens maintains clarity and detail, allowing for creative depth of field effects. When stopped down, the lens reaches impressive sharpness, perfect for capturing landscape details.

Shooting Experience

Shooting with the Summicron-M 28mm is an enjoyable experience. The lens' focal length provides an ideal perspective that feels natural for a variety of subjects, making it a reliable companion for spontaneous street scenes or composed landscapes. The compact size means it can be easily carried without adding significant bulk to your camera setup.

However, the lens does have a slight tendency to exhibit some vignetting when used wide open, especially in extreme corners. This is not unusual for fast prime lenses, and for many photographers, it lends a unique character to images. The vignetting often resolves when stopped down slightly, so it remains a non-issue for the majority of applications.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional build quality with all-metal construction.
• Outstanding optical performance with sharpness and contrast.
• Compact and lightweight design ideal for street and travel photography.
• Minimal breathing during focus, suitable for both photography and videography.
• Beautiful bokeh and color rendition.

Cons

• Slight vignetting wide open, which may not suit every photographer's taste.

Verdict

The Leica Summicron-M 28mm F/2 ASPH (2023) is truly a masterpiece, marrying exquisite craftsmanship with top-tier optical performance. Its versatile nature makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of photography styles, while its compactness ensures that it is always ready for action. While the slight vignetting at f/2 may concern some users, the overall image quality and handling capabilities make this lens a highly recommended option for Leica M mount users seeking a reliable and enjoyable shooting experience. If you're in the market for a high-performing, premium wide-angle lens, the Summicron-M 28mm should definitely be on your list.