SUMMARY
Benj Haisch evaluates the 16-year-old Leica 35mm Summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH lens on the 60MP Leica M11, noting its better balance compared to other lenses for all-day shooting. While not clinically sharp wide open at f/1.4, its vintage bokeh character is fully exposed on the high-resolution sensor. The lens performs sharply when stopped down to f/5.6 or f/8. Haisch compares it to the Light Lens Lab 35mm f/1.4 II, positioning the Summilux between vintage and modern rendering, and suggests Voigtlander and 7Artisans as alternatives for those on a tighter budget.
TAKEAWAYS
The 16-year-old Leica 35mm Summilux-M f/1.4 ASPH is tested on a 60MP sensor.
The lens offers better physical balance on the Leica M11 than some alternatives.
Wide open, it exhibits vintage bokeh; stopped down to f/5.6-f/8, it resolves sharply.
Alternatives like Voigtlander and 7Artisans 35mm lenses are also mentioned.