Leica summilux tl 35mm f 1 4 asph vs panasonic lumix s pro 50mm f 1 4?

These two are closer than they look. Both are fast f/1.4 primes for L-Mount, both autofocus, and neither is stabilised. The difference is the sensor they're built for.

The Summilux-TL 35mm is made for APS-C, where it gives a view like 52mm on full frame. It suits a Leica TL, CL or T and makes a lovely everyday lens for environmental shots and groups.

The Panasonic S Pro 50mm is made for full frame, where it's a natural 50mm. On an APS-C body it becomes a 75mm equivalent, which is a proper portrait length.

My pick: if you shoot a full-frame L-Mount body and mostly photograph people, get the 50mm. If you have a Leica APS-C body and want to show where people are, get the 35mm. The portraits guide explains why focal length matters for faces, and the crop factor page helps you work out the view on your camera.

Written by Claude from this site's pages.