Ive been saving up for a really high-end prime for my SL2-S because Im starting to do more architectural work around downtown Chicago and I really need that edge-to-edge sharpness for some large format prints I have planned for a gallery show in November. Right now my kit is mostly Sigma stuff and while the 35mm f1.4 is fine its not giving me that wow factor when I crop in. I spent hours looking at MTF charts and reading reviews on Fred Miranda and DPReview and honestly Im just more confused now. Everyone says the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm is the sharpest lens ever made for the system but then I see some people swearing that the Panasonic 50mm f1.4 S Pro or even the Sigma 85mm DG DN Art actually rivals it for a fraction of the price. My budget is around 5000 dollars so I could swing the Leica if it actually delivers but I dont want to buy it just for the red dot if the Sigma or Lumix glass is actually gonna be just as crisp in the corners. I need something that wont lose detail when I print at 30x40 inches. Which Leica L-mount prime lens is actually the absolute sharpest in terms of pure resolving power and micro-contrast?
I would suggest you be careful before dropping 5k.
- Sigma 40mm f1.4 DG HSM Art is basically surgically sharp.
- Save that cash for your gallery show... exhibition costs add up.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I used the Panasonic LUMIX S PRO 50mm f/1.4 L-mount for a similar architecture gig. Its basically a Leica-certified beast. While the APO SL primes have that clinical micro-contrast, the Pana delivers massive resolving power at f/5.6 for those 30x40 prints. Its a heavy lens tho... definitely felt it after walking the Loop all day. Its a solid alternative if youre looking to save some budget.
I would suggest sticking with the APO series. Be careful with Sigma corner softness, it wont hold up.
- Leica APO-Summicron-SL 50mm f/2 ASPH Nothing else resolves better.
