The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 and the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 is the longer of the two lenses at 238mm. The Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 with a length of 44mm, is 194mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2's 53mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 weighs 240g, 85% (1470g) lighter than the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4's weight of 1710g.
Filter Threads
The Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 has a 39mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4:
And these are the 39mm filters that we recommend for the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2:
Lens Mounts
The Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 has the Leica L lens mount whereas the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 has the Leica M lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Leica SL3, Panasonic S5 II and Panasonic S5 II X for the Leica L Mount and Leica M11 Monochrome, Leica M11 and Leica M10 for the Leica M Mount.
Focal Range
Leica SL 90-280 mm F2.8-4 has a focal range of 90-280mm and
3.1X zoom ratio .
On the other hand, the Leica Summicron-M 50mm f2 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 50mm.