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75 mm focal length is a classic one for Leica but other producers rarely decide to add such models to their line-ups, leaving a gap between 50 and 85 mm. Still, we managed to find several exceptions to that rule and most of them we included in the following chart.

It's immediately clear that Leica deals with their two full frame systems differently. Rangefinder Leica M cameras are supposed to be small, inconspicuous photojournalistic devices so they cannot be joined with big, heavy lenses. Apart from that some lenses are so huge that they would cover the viewfinder itself. That's why the APO-Summicron-M 75 mm f/2.0 is a relatively small, lightweight model but also not as optically advanced as contemporary standards dictate. In case of the Leica SL system there are no such limitations and, accordingly, there are far fewer compromises.

As a result it's clear that the optical construction of the new APO-Summicron is far more advanced that the construction of the model designed for rangefinder Leica M system. Still, the new model remains less complex than the smaller and ligher Sigma 2/65, an interesting thing to notice. It seems it's not a coincidence this Sigma was included in our resolution record-breakers list for a very long time.

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The APO-Summicron-SL 75 mm f/2 ASPH. is here evidently the biggest and the heaviest lens. It is also the most expensive. Instead you get, among other things, a short minimum focusing distance. Only the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 65 mm f/2 Aspherical 1:2 Macro is better in this category but here you deal with a macro lens that, additionally, increases its dimensions when you get closer to the 1:2 mapping scale.

In the following photo the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 75 mm f/2 ASPH. is positioned between the aforementioned Voigtlander 2/65 and the L mount version of the Panasonic S 85 mm f/1.8.

The tested lens starts with a metal mount that surrounds a black ring inside which there are contacts imbedded. Inside the ring, practically on the same level as the contacts, you find an immobile rear element of the lens, 33 mm in diameter. From this side everything looks good and the lens is completely weather-sealed.

The proper body of the APO-Summicron 2/75 is made of metal. It starts with an immobile ring on which you see a red dot, making an alignment with a camera easier. Then the ring increases its diameter and on its already enlargened part you get a focal marking '75' surrounded by ribs from two side, making your grip more firmer. On the side opposite to the focal marking you see two inscriptions: 'LEICA CAMERA WETZLAR' and 'MADE IN GERMANY'.

A manual focus ring, as wide as 49 mm, is the biggest part of the lens. The majority of its surface takes rubber ribbing. You can't find any distance or depth of field scale. The ring is a focus-by-wire construction and its movements are smooth, even, and properly damped. Running through the whole distance range in the normal setting needs a turn through an angle of about 220 degrees and it ensures high precision of manual settings. It's worth adding that you can adjust the angle value from the camera menu level.

The next part is a black, immobile ring that turns into a hood mount for a hood that you find in the accessory kit added to the lens.

The front element is 49 mm in diameter, slightly convex and immobile. The producers inform us that it is covered by AquaDura coatings that protect it from dirt, humidity and make cleaning easier. The element is hidden inside the black, matted tube about 1 cm deep. It is also surrounded by a part of the casing with inscriptions stating the name, parameters, and the serial number of the instrument. Then you find a non-rotating filter thread, 67 mm in diameter.

The construction of the lens is sealed which prevents dust and humidity from invading the interior and makes possible to shoot even in difficult conditions.

When it comes to optical construction you deal here with 11 elements positioned in 9 groups. Among them one element is aspherical in shape and some other elements are made of different kinds of special glass with anomalous partial dispersion. Inside you also find a round aperture with nine blades that can be stopped down to a value of f/22 at the maximum.

Buyers get in the box with the lens: a rear and a front cap, a hood, and stylish, hard case.