Hello friends! Today, I’m excited to talk about something really cool—lenses! Specifically, we’re going to dive into the Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron for Videography. Now, if you’re into filmmaking or just love capturing epic moments on video, you know how important lenses are. The right lens can make all the difference, whether you’re shooting for fun or making something professional. In this article, we’re going to compare these two fantastic lenses—how they perform, their strengths, and which one might be best for your needs. Let’s get started!
Leica R 35mm Elmarit and Summicron
So, you might be wondering, what exactly are the Leica R 35mm Elmarit and Summicron lenses? Let me break it down simply!
Leica is a world-renowned brand that’s been making cameras and lenses for decades. Their lenses are known for being super sharp, durable, and overall excellent in quality. But two of their most famous 35mm lenses are the Elmarit and Summicron. Both are prime lenses, which means they have a fixed focal length of 35mm. This focal length is perfect for many types of videography, like street, landscape, and even portraits!
But while both lenses are amazing, they have their differences. The Elmarit is an f/2.8 lens, while the Summicron is f/2.0. These numbers refer to the aperture, which controls how much light the lens lets in. In short, the Summicron is a little bit faster (meaning it lets in more light), but we’ll get into that later!
Key Differences: Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron for Videography
When comparing the Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron for videography, it’s important to understand their key differences. Although they’re both 35mm lenses, there are several factors that set them apart. Here are a few of the most important ones:
| Feature | Leica R 35mm Elmarit | Leica R 35mm Summicron |
|---|---|---|
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.0 |
| Weight | 475 grams | 510 grams |
| Depth of Field | Narrower DOF on Summicron | Slightly more depth on Elmarit |
| Light Gathering | Elmarit is slower | Summicron gathers more light |
| Price | Generally cheaper | More expensive |
Now let’s break it down even more.
- Aperture: The Summicron has a wider aperture (f/2.0) than the Elmarit (f/2.8). This means that the Summicron can let in more light, which is useful when shooting in low-light conditions, like at sunset or indoors.
- Weight: The Elmarit is slightly lighter than the Summicron, but both are fairly close in weight. So, if you’re carrying your camera around all day, you probably won’t notice too much difference. Still, for handheld shooting, a lighter lens can be an advantage.
- Depth of Field (DOF): The Summicron has a shallower depth of field because of its wider aperture. This means it’s easier to get that beautiful “blurry background” effect (bokeh) in your videos. The Elmarit, on the other hand, has a bit more depth, which might be better for scenes where you want more of the frame to be in focus.
Performance in Videography
Now, let’s talk about how these lenses perform when you’re actually out there shooting videos. Both of these lenses have been praised by videographers, but they do have some differences in how they handle real-world situations. Here are some things to consider.
- Low-Light Performance: If you’re shooting at night or in dimly lit places, the Summicron will definitely give you better results because of its wider aperture. This f/2.0 aperture allows more light to hit the camera sensor, which results in clearer and brighter images. On the other hand, the Elmarit isn’t bad at all in low light, but you might have to boost your ISO settings or use extra lighting to get the same brightness.
- Sharpness: Both the Elmarit and Summicron are known for being super sharp, especially when shooting wide open (meaning using their largest aperture). However, many users find that the Summicron is just a little bit sharper, especially in the center of the frame. The Elmarit still produces crisp images but may soften slightly at the edges.
- Color and Contrast: One thing that Leica lenses are famous for is the amazing color rendition and contrast they provide. Both the Elmarit and Summicron deliver stunning, rich colors that pop in your video. Whether you’re shooting vibrant cityscapes or dramatic, moody scenes, you won’t be disappointed.
- Manual Focus: Both of these lenses are manual focus, which is typical for older Leica R lenses. If you’re new to manual focusing, it can take some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly satisfying! The focus rings on both lenses are smooth, giving you precise control over your focus points—crucial for filmmaking.
Leica R 35mm Elmarit vs Summicron: Which One is Better for Filmmaking?
Ah, the big question: which lens is better for filmmaking? Well, the answer depends on what you need and what kind of projects you’re working on.
If you’re shooting in low-light conditions often, the Summicron is probably the better choice. Its f/2.0 aperture gives you that extra bit of brightness, and it also allows you to achieve a more pronounced depth of field, which can be great for cinematic effects. That beautiful bokeh background can really make your subject stand out!
However, if you’re mostly filming in good lighting or outdoors, the Elmarit could be all you need. It’s still an excellent performer, and its slightly smaller aperture might actually be an advantage when you need more depth of field, like when shooting landscapes or group scenes where you want more of the shot in focus. Plus, the Elmarit is often more affordable, so if you’re on a budget, this might be a great choice without compromising too much on quality.
In terms of build quality, both are sturdy, professional-grade lenses. Leica doesn’t mess around when it comes to construction, so whichever you choose, you know you’re getting something that will last a long time.
Pricing and Value for Money
When it comes to pricing, these lenses definitely aren’t cheap. Leica lenses, in general, are known for being on the expensive side, but they’re worth it because of their legendary build and image quality.
The Summicron tends to be more expensive because of its faster aperture and slightly better low-light performance. If you’re a professional filmmaker or really passionate about videography, investing in the Summicron might make sense for you. However, if you’re just getting started or don’t often shoot in low light, the Elmarit is usually available at a more budget-friendly price while still giving you excellent results.
Here’s a rough comparison of their prices:
| Lens | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Leica R 35mm Elmarit | $500 – $1,000 |
| Leica R 35mm Summicron | $1,200 – $2,000 |
Again, prices can vary depending on where you buy them, and whether you get a new or used one. Either way, both lenses offer amazing value for what they can do!
So, which one should you choose—the Leica R 35mm Elmarit or the Summicron? Well, it all comes down to your needs as a videographer. If you’re looking for a faster lens with better low-light performance and that dreamy bokeh, the Summicron is the way to go. But if you want something that’s still excellent and a little easier on the wallet, the Elmarit won’t let you down!
Both lenses are truly powerful tools that can help you capture stunning video footage. You can’t go wrong with either choice, and they both offer the classic Leica quality that photographers and filmmakers rave about. So, whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting your creative journey, one of these lenses will surely become a favorite in your camera bag!
