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Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH vs Zeiss Carl Distagon T1.4 35 ZM

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Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH

Wideangle Prime | Leica M

Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH
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Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM

Standard Prime | Leica M

Carl Zeiss Distagon T1.4 35 ZM
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Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two lenses with different focal types: Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH for the M Mount is a Wideangle Prime lens with a 35mm focal range and a max aperture of F2 whereas the Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM for the M Mount is a Standard Prime lens with a 35mm focal range and max aperture of F1.4.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the next section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH Key Specs

  • 35mm Focal Range
  • F2 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 39mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Leica M Mount
  • Weight: 320g.
  • Diameter: 53mm
  • Length: 41mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.3m

Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM Key Specs

  • 35mm Focal Range
  • F1.4 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 49mm
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Leica M Mount
  • Weight: 381g.
  • Diameter: 63mm
  • Length: 65mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.7m
  • Max Magnification: 0.06x

What type of photography are the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH and Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitAverageAverage
TravelAverageAverage
StreetExcellentExcellent
WeddingAverageAverage
Walk AroundAverageAverage
VloggingGoodGood
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good

Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM is the longer of the two lenses at 65mm. The Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH with a length of 41mm, is 24mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM also has a larger diameter of 63mm compared to the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH's 53mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH weighs 320g, which means it is 61g (16%) lighter than the Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM which has a weight of 381g.


Lens Mounts

Both the Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH and the Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM has the same Leica M lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Leica M lenses are Leica M11, Leica M10 and Leica M Typ 262.

Focal Range

Both lenses have the same focal range of 35mm but while Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH has the fastest aperture of F2, the Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM's widest aperture value is F1.4.

Reasons to choose Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH over Carl Zeiss Distagon T1.4 35 ZM

Diaphgragm Blades 11 vs 10 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Weight 320g vs 381g 61g lighter
Diameter 53mm vs 63mm 10mm smaller in diameter
Length 41mm vs 65mm 24mm shorter
Filter Thread 39mm vs 49mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.3m vs 0.7m can focus closer to the subject

Reasons to choose Carl Zeiss Distagon T1.4 35 ZM over Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH

Max Aperture - Wide 1.4 vs 2 Wider aperture at wide end
Max Aperture - Tele 1.4 vs 2 Wider aperture at tele end
Max Magnification 0.06x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH and Carl Zeiss Distagon T1.4 35 ZM
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Depth-of-Field Scale Yes vs Yes Depth of Field scale to assist focusing
Aperture Ring Yes vs Yes able to adjust the aperture on the lens
Common Weaknesses of Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH and Carl Zeiss Distagon T1.4 35 ZM
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Autofocus No vs No Slow and less accurate focusing
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Leica APO-Summicron-M 35mm F2 ASPH vs Carl Zeiss Distagon T1,4/35 ZM Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Leica Zeiss
Lens Type Prime Prime
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Lens Type Wideangle Prime Standard Prime
Lens Mount Leica M Leica M
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 35mm 35mm
Image Stabilization No
Colour Black -
Zoom Method No Zoom No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock No No
Zoom Ratio 1.0X 1.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2 F1.4
Min Aperture F16 F16.0
Aperture Ring Yes Yes
Diaphragm Blades 11 10
Optics
Optical Elements 10 10
Optical Groups 5 7
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.3m 0.7m
Max Magnification - 0.06X
Autofocus No No
AF Motor Type No AF None
Full Time Manual Yes N/A
Focus Method Internal -
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale Yes Yes
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 320g 381g
Diameter 53mm 63mm
Length 41mm 65mm
Materials Aluminum metal barrel, metal mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 39mm 49mm
Hood Supplied Yes -
Tripod Collar No No
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