LEICA SUMMICRON TL 23 mm f/2 ASPH LENS REVIEW

Introduction

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens is one of the very first lenses that was introduced with the Leica T camera which is now in its third generation. It is designed for an APS-C size sensor and offers a field of view that is close to 35mm equivalent in full frame. Therefore, owners of this lens can expect to achieve results similar to a 35mm focal length lens in full frame cameras like the Leica M10 or Leica SL cameras.

It is an autofocus lens that is both light and compact designed to provide high image quality along with an aperture of f/2 that renders the lens appropriate for the low light situation. LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens measures 1.5 by 2.5 inches and weighs only 5.4 ounces. If you wish to place filters on this lens, you can 52mm front filters.

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens is well built and can handle both manual and autofocus depending on your preference. Lens also supports the close focus photography (macro) of approximately 1 foot which is roughly about 30cm.

Operations

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens is built in such a way that the camera itself makes most of the decisions. For example, if you attempt to close focus, the camera closes the aperture to f/2.8.

This lens is best used in autofocus mode as there are no markings and hard stops at either end of the focus dial. In another word, this lens is a focus by wire design which falls in the same league as other simpler designs found in cheaper lenses with only electronic communication with the camera body.

Competition

There is a lot of competition in the price range of this lens. Strictly speaking, the lens is designed for a Leica TL / T mount cameras so not compatible with any camera outside the Leica ecosystem.

If however, you are looking to compare this lens with a lens from another system the closest competitor would be Fujifilm which both well built and renders equally good images. On the Fujifilm front the lenses choices are well developed and offer incredible value, but they don’t bear the prestigious name of Leica.

Sharpness

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens is a fast lens which can deliver excellent results at the wide open aperture, as well as offer sharpness and contrast as the iris, closes down. The optimum image quality is attained at f/5.6 and continues up to f/8 before refraction sets in.

For optimum results, you can choose an aperture setting of f/2.8 or let the camera decide on the best aperture setting based on the amount of available light.

Chromatic Aberration

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens controls chromatic aberration very well. It is best to not shoot against bright background overall the lens has some of the best lens coatings in the business for reducing artifacts and distortion.

Distortion

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens has a fair amount of distortion which is auto-corrected by the camera at the recording stage. In another word, the camera automatically bakes in the corrections that would have been otherwise left for Lightroom or other post-processing software.

How to use Leica Summicron-T 23mm f/2 ASPH. lens

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens is a compact lens. It is designed to be used in autofocus mode and prefers that the user selects the auto program for all operations to be handled by the camera itself.

Although the lens has a high degree of resolving power, the issues start to creep in at high ISO level so do remember not to shoot anything above 3200 ISO and the maximum at any time should be 1600 ISO for normal shooting circumstances.

At daytime, always manually set your camera’s ISO levels to 100 ISO for optimum clarity and noise levels.

Regular cleaning of the front lens element is recommended. It should be performed every 4 to 6 weeks depending on use.

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens should be carried in a pouch or bag and should never be banged or dropped as the delicate electronics and lens elements can be damaged.

Where to buy your LEICA Summicron-T 23 mm f/2 ASPH lens

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens is best bought online from an authorized dealer and often the online retailers have better prices due to low stocking fees. Here are the links to the best prices on LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens and other lenses mentioned in this article.

LEICA Summicron T 23mm f/2 ASPH lens

Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75mm f/2 ASPH. Lens

Leica APO-Summicron-SL 90mm f/2 ASPH. Lens

Leica APO-Vario-Elmar-T 55-135mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH Lens

Leica Vario-Elmarit-SL 24-90mm f/2.8-4 ASPH. Lens

Leica Super-Vario-Elmar-SL 16-35mm f/3.5-4.5 ASPH. Lens

Leica APO-Vario-Elmarit-SL 90-280mm f/2.8-4 Lens

Other 50mm Lenses (Recommended *)

ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/2 ZM Lens *

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.1 lens *

7artisans Photoelectric 50mm f/1.1 Lens

Voigtlander Nokton 50mm f/1.5 Aspherical Lens *