Leica R 35mm F2 vs F2.8: Compare Lenses for Your Needs

Hey everyone! Today, I want to share my thoughts on two incredible lenses from the Leica R system: the Leica R 35 F2 Vs 2.8. As a photographer who’s been using Leica gear for years, I’ve had the chance to work with both of these lenses extensively, and I know how important it is to understand their differences when choosing the right one for your needs. In this article, I’ll break down everything from their build quality to their performance in various conditions, so you can make an informed decision.

Choosing the right lens can make all the difference in your photography, especially when it comes to prime lenses like these. Both the 35mm F2 and 35mm F2.8 offer unique advantages, and depending on whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street photography, one might suit you better than the other. Let’s get into it!

Leica R 35 F2 Vs 2.8 Comparison

Comparison Table: Leica R 35mm F2 vs. Leica R 35mm F2.8

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick comparison of the key specifications to help you see the differences at a glance:

Feature	Leica Summicron-R 35mm F2	Leica Elmarit-R 35mm F2.8
Focal Length	35mm	35mm
Maximum Aperture	f/2	f/2.8
Minimum Aperture	f/16	f/22
Lens Construction	9 elements in 7 groups	7 elements in 6 groups
Angle of View	64°	64°
Closest Focusing Distance	0.3m	0.3m
Filter Size	Series 7	Series 6 + 14160
Weight	510g	310g
Dimensions (L x D)	61 x 68mm	40 x 63mm

Build Quality: Built to Last

When it comes to build quality, both the Leica R 35mm F2 and F2.8 are true workhorses. The F2, being a Summicron, has a reputation for being one of the best-built lenses in the R system. It’s made with high-quality metal, and the focus ring is smooth and precise—perfect for quick adjustments in fast-paced situations like street photography. At 510g, it’s heavier, which gives it a premium, solid feel but might be a bit much for some.

The F2.8, on the other hand, is lighter at just 310g, making it more portable, especially for all-day shoots or travel. Despite being lighter, it’s still constructed with high-grade metal and feels robust. Both lenses are designed to resist dust and moisture, and with proper care, they can last for decades. I’ve used both in harsh conditions—rainy streets, dusty markets—and they’ve held up beautifully.

One thing to note about the F2.8 is that it comes in different versions. Later versions, starting with serial number 2517857, have improved contrast and less flaring compared to earlier ones, as noted in discussions on MFLenses. If you’re buying used, check the version for optimal performance.

Optical Performance: Sharpness Where It Counts

Optically, both lenses are exceptional, but they cater to slightly different needs. The Leica R 35mm F2 is renowned for its remarkable center sharpness, even when shot wide open at f/2. The corners are a bit softer at f/2, but they sharpen up nicely when you stop down to f/4 or f/5.6. This makes it ideal for portraits or product photography, where you want maximum sharpness in the center of the frame.

A user on DPReview praised the F2 for its unmatched center sharpness and contrast, though they noted that other 35mm lenses might outperform it in edge and corner sharpness. I’ve found this to be true in my own work—when shooting a subject in the center, the F2 delivers stunning clarity.

The Leica R 35mm F2.8, while not as wide open, delivers consistent sharpness across the entire frame, even at f/2.8. This uniformity is great for landscapes or architectural photography, where you need everything from foreground to background to be tack-sharp. Both lenses are well-corrected for distortion, with minimal distortion even at the edges, which is typical for Leica optics. Vignetting is present in both, especially wide open, but it’s not excessive and can add a pleasing aesthetic in some cases.

Bokeh and Depth of Field: Creamy vs. Controlled

Bokeh is where these two lenses really differ. The Leica R 35mm F2, with its wider f/2 aperture, produces a smoother, creamier bokeh that’s perfect for portraits. It beautifully isolates your subject, creating a dreamy background that doesn’t distract from the main focus. I’ve used this lens for wedding shoots, and the way it renders out-of-focus areas is just magical—it’s like the background melts away.

The Leica R 35mm F2.8, with its smaller f/2.8 aperture, produces a slightly harsher bokeh. While still pleasing, it doesn’t have the same level of creaminess as the F2. However, this can be an advantage in situations like street photography or documentary work, where you might want to retain some detail in the background for context. The i35mm review describes the F2.8’s bokeh as having a “pointillist abstraction” at close distances, which adds a unique character.

In terms of depth of field, the F2’s shallower depth requires more precision in focusing, while the F2.8’s deeper depth of field makes it easier to keep more of the scene in focus. This makes the F2.8 more forgiving for genres like street photography or group shots.

Low Light Performance: When Light is Scarce

In low light conditions, the aperture difference becomes crucial. The Leica R 35mm F2, with its f/2 aperture, lets in twice as much light as the F2.8. This means you can shoot at lower ISOs or with faster shutter speeds, resulting in cleaner images with less noise. During a recent indoor shoot without flash, I kept my ISO at 800 with the F2, while with the F2.8, I had to bump it up to 1600, which introduced more noise.

The F2.8 is still usable in low light, especially with modern cameras that have excellent high-ISO performance. But if you’re shooting in very challenging conditions—like dimly lit concert halls or nighttime street scenes—the F2’s extra stop of light can make a significant difference. It also allows for faster shutter speeds, which helps freeze motion and reduce camera shake.

Handling and Ergonomics: Comfort and Control

Both lenses are a joy to use, but there are differences in handling. The Leica R 35mm F2 is slightly heavier and feels more substantial on larger camera bodies like the Leica R8 or R9. Its weight gives it a premium feel, and the focus ring is incredibly smooth and precise, making it easy to nail focus quickly. This is especially useful for fast-moving subjects or when shooting handheld.

The Leica R 35mm F2.8, being lighter and more compact, is easier to carry around all day. Its smaller size makes it less fatiguing for long shoots, and it balances well on smaller or lighter camera bodies. The focus ring on the F2.8 is also well-damped but might feel slightly less responsive compared to the F2. That said, it’s still very user-friendly, and the clear markings make it easy to adjust focus accurately.

Value for Money: Beyond the Price Tag

While I won’t mention specific prices, it’s clear that the Leica R 35mm F2 is the more premium option due to its wider aperture and superior low-light performance. If you frequently shoot in challenging lighting conditions or need that extra shallow depth of field for creative control, the F2 is worth the investment. It’s a lens that will push the boundaries of what you can achieve with your photography.

The Leica R 35mm F2.8 offers incredible value for its performance. It’s a high-quality lens that’s more accessible, making it a great choice for photographers who want excellent optics without breaking the bank. If you don’t often shoot in very low light or need extreme bokeh, the F2.8 is a fantastic option that won’t disappoint. Since both are vintage lenses, their availability and condition can vary, so buy from reputable sources and check the lens’s history if possible.

Personal Experience: Real-World Use

As someone who’s used both lenses extensively, I can say that each has its place in my kit. The F2 has become my go-to for portrait sessions. The way it renders skin tones and the beautiful bokeh make my subjects stand out in a way that’s hard to achieve with other lenses. During a wedding shoot last year, the low light in the venue was challenging, but with the F2, I captured sharp images with a lovely background blur, even without flash.

For street photography, I often reach for the F2.8. Its lighter weight means I can carry it all day without fatigue, and its consistent sharpness allows me to capture detailed scenes from corner to corner. I remember one shot of a busy market where the F2.8 let me capture the entire scene with clarity, from the foreground vendors to the background architecture.

Both lenses have also proven their durability. I once dropped the F2 from a low height onto concrete, and aside from a small scratch on the hood, it was completely fine—still focusing smoothly and sharply. That’s Leica build quality for you! I’ve also used both for video projects. The F2’s wider aperture is great for creating a cinematic look with shallow depth of field, while the F2.8’s even illumination is beneficial for scenes where I need more in focus.

Conclusion and Decision-Making

So, which one should you choose? It really depends on your photography needs. If you often find yourself shooting in low light, need that extra stop of aperture for creative control, or prefer the creamier bokeh for portraits, then the Leica R 35 F2 is the way to go. It’s a lens that will elevate your photography in challenging conditions.

However, if you’re looking for a high-quality 35mm lens that’s more affordable, lighter, and still delivers exceptional performance, the Leica R 35 F2.8 is an excellent choice. It’s versatile and will serve you well in a variety of situations, from street photography to landscapes.

Ultimately, I recommend trying both lenses if possible—perhaps by renting or borrowing—to see which one feels better in your hands and suits your shooting style. Both are incredible lenses, and the choice comes down to your specific needs and preferences.

FAQ

1. Which lens is sharper?
Both are very sharp, but the F2 has superior center sharpness wide open, while the F2.8 offers more consistent sharpness across the frame.

2. Can I use these lenses on modern mirrorless cameras?
Yes, with adapters, you can use Leica R lenses on systems like Sony E, Fujifilm X, or Nikon Z (Leica Wiki). Autofocus and other features might not work.

3. Are there significant differences between the versions of these lenses?
Yes, for the F2.8, later versions (serial numbers starting from 2517857) have improved contrast and less flaring. The F2’s versions are generally consistent optically.

4. Which lens is better for video?
The F2’s wider aperture is better for low light and shallow depth of field, but the F2.8’s consistent sharpness is great for scenes needing more focus.

5. Do these lenses have any quirks or known issues?
Like all vintage lenses, some copies might have sticky apertures or focus issues, but they’re generally reliable. Check condition when buying used.