APO-Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH.
Broader perspectives
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.
AF System with Dual Syncro Drive™
From zero to sharp in no time at all
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.
Specialists from the areas of optical engineering, mechanical engineering and electronics worked together as an interdisciplinary team on the development of a unique lens concept based on double internal focusing. This system, comprising two especially light focusing lenses, allows the construction of particularly small and compact drive systems. While being able to work within tight space constraints, the drive motors used must maintain peak performance in all situations to be chosen for such a cutting-edge camera system.
Several contrast measurements at various focusing positions must be made before the correct direction for focusing can be determined and followed by precise focusing. In this procedure, the focusing lens elements must be moved rapidly in accordance with the speed specifications of the contrast AF system. This requires a dynamic drive system without any room for error.
In the Summicron-SL lenses, the drive units installed are extremely powerful and robust stepping motors with Dual Syncro Drive™. Thanks to these, the entire focusing range can be traveled completely in fractions of a second. This means that the Summicron-SL lenses achieve values that are among the best in the full-frame system segment in terms of speed, precision, and operating noise.
Higher Contrast
for greater visual depth
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 case of SL-Summicron lenses, this difference in contrast is considerably higher than that of conventional lenses: sharply focused objects show much higher contrast than objects that are out of focus. This means that objects “pop” more distinctly out of the foreground or background and more effectively isolate the subject. This creates a three-dimensional visual effect with very impressive depth.
Optically and Mechanically
a new standard
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.
The two autonomous focusing units must be moved in perfect synchronization and positioning data have to be analyzed at a very high sampling rate and passed on to the camera. Here, the communication with the camera is so fast that there is no perceptible delay. These are the primary preconditions for fast and precise contrast AF.
The aperture is driven by a stepping motor. Here, a special micro-step control system ensures precise and fast movements with minimized vibration.
Manual Focusing
A new experience
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 construction of the MF-ring guarantees reliable sealing against dust and water spray, provides protection against impacts and other mechanical stresses, and prevents focusing inaccuracies as a consequence of temperature fluctuations. Even after years of use, the MF-ring of a SL-Summicron lens impresses with a smooth action without play and homogeneous focusing.
Impressive
down to the smallest detail
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
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.
Proofs of performance
APO-Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH. in action
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.
Technical Data
APO-Summicron-SL 35 f/2 ASPH.
| Order number | 11 184 |
| Field angle (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) | 63,4° / 54,4° / 37,9° |
| Optical design | |
| Number of lenses/groups | 13/11 |
| Number of aspherical lenses | 3 |
| Entrance pupil position | 66.4 mm at ∞ |
| Distance setting | |
| Working range | ∞ to 0.27 m |
| Smallest object field | 120 x 180 mm |
| Largest reproduction ratio | January 1, 1970 |
| Aperture | |
| Setting/function | Electronically controlled aperture, set using turn/push wheel on camera, including half and third values |
| Aperture setting range | February 22, 2019 |
| 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 |