Review on Zeiss Normal Sonnar Rangefinder Cameras by Wendy Dorea

With a Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M aspherical lens costing almost 4K and the fact that it's been almost completely sold out for over a year, this lens is the next best thing. You can sell 5000 or more on Ebay for a Leica 50mm f/1.4, or you can save enough $$$ to buy 2 used M8s, or the lion's share of the $$$ needed to buy an M9 only by buying this lens . The lens is durable, feels good and heavy in the hand. There is no pocket, something is lame. Any lens costing more than a few hundred dollars should at least come with a basic case to protect it from scratches and other minor table damage. In any case, this is an easy fix and not a major stumbling block. The front and back are good. With a silver ring around the front, this lens looks great on both silver and black Leicas. Voigtländer also makes this type of lens and it's a wise choice. They also make silver but black just looks better and always looks clean. Black also reflects less light and is easier to conceal. I just got it for the extra 1/2 stop and believe me it makes a huge difference compared to the Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron. In a perfect world and with unlimited money, I know the Leica 50mm f/1.4 Summilux-M Aspherical is the best choice. I've seen comparison photos online, but unless you're the most uncompromisingly techy photographer, please just get this lens. The shallow depth of field at full aperture is amazing and the focus points are great. I've read about focus issues, but I tested it outside with some vegetation and what I focused on was spot on. The bokeh looked great to me, and I've read that the aperture was made a certain way for nice bokeh. It looked great to me. Nothing more to say. I'll add more as I play around, but I'm very, very happy with this lens and I think it will easily last me the rest of my life.**** Some will say the bokeh is rich and not that creamy and soft like others. Lenses like the Leica mentioned above. This is true, but this is personal preference and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's aesthetic and subjective at best. Some people love dreamy images while others are crazy about ultra clear images. Some people want super smooth bokeh and pay 5-10k for it, while others like me are just happy to have a lens that's 1/5 the price and still looks good. This lens is for people who want to shoot in available light and wide open. The results are amazing. If you don't need to shoot at night, at dawn, at dusk or in low light, choose the Leica 50mm 2.0 or the Zeiss 50mm 2.0. I have a Leica and it's a fantastic lens. Remember that lentils are variations on wine. Some experts or experienced people can tell the difference and will happily pay for a $200 bottle, while most people will be happy with a $15-$30 bottle at best. Each variant of the standard 50mm prime lens produces different results. So now I have 2 50mm lenses for my Leica. One day I'd love to get my hands on the 1.4 Summilux-M, but for now this lens will do. I've even read reviews where people gave up 1.4 Summilux-M in favor of this one. Finally, it's a good little compact too, and I've heard that the Leica is heavier and chunkier. All pleasant viewing. Happy shooting.