The following chart presents a comparison between the basic parameters of the tested lens and other 2/35 class models. The slightly faster Panasonic S 35 mm f/1.8 is an exception here – it features the same mount as the Leica and can be considered its direct rival.
One glance at the chart below and you see that the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 35 mm f/2 ASPH is undoubtedly the heaviest and the biggest lens in the group. Next to it the Voigtlander and the Zeiss Loxia seem to be simply dainty. What's interesting, even the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.2 DG II, a lens over 1 EV faster aperture-wise, also available as the L mount variant, is 4 grams lighter than the Leica. The Leica stands out in this group also with its most complex optical system and the widest filter diameter but in this aspect the ordinary Summicron and the Panasonic can match it.
In the photo below the Leica APO-Summicron-SL 35 mm f/2 ASPH is positioned between two reflex camera 35 mm instruments, the Canon EF 35 mm f/2 USM on the left and the Sigma A 35 mm f/1.4 DG HSM on the right. It's obvious the Leica is even longer than the distinctly faster Sigma.
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In order to emphasize entirely different approach of Leica towards designing their f/2.0 primes we would like to show a photo of two APO-Summicron-SL lenses, the 35 mm and the 75 mm and the Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 2/50 so as fast as them aperture-wise.
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, 29 mm in diameter. From this side everything looks good and the lens is completely weather-sealed.
The proper body of the APO-Summicron-SL 2/35 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 '35' surrounded by ribs that make your grip more firmer. On the side opposite to the focal length 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 needs a turn through an angle of about 200 degrees and it ensures high precision of manual settings.
The next part is a black, immobile ring that turns into a hood mount for a hood that you find in the lens's accessory kit.
The front element is 38 mm in diameter, convex and immobile. It hides about 1 cm deep inside the black, well-matted tube. 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 13 elements positioned in 11 groups. There are as many as five aspherical surfaces put on three elements.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.
