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For a long time, choosing a 75mm lens for a Leica M body meant making a definitive choice. If you wanted the absolute best optical performance possible at this focal length, you simply had to pack a larger, heavier lens and pay the premium for it. There wasn't a real pool of alternatives. However, things have changed! 
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My Monstera subject again. Shot wide open at f/2.8, this image shows exactly why the APO Skopar is such a strong challenger. Notice the crisp contrast and biting sharpness right on the stem, along with a rich, warmth to the color that leans slightly toastier than Leica’s neutral rendering. This is also a perfect example of real world f/2.8 rendering. The background isn’t completely melted into mush, you can still see the structure of the room but the transitions are clean, polite, and completely free of harsh edges. It isolates the subject by rendering the leaf with clear, 3D pop rather than just destroyng everything behind it.
Now look at this frame from the Leica 75mm APO Summicron, shot wide open at f/2. Seeing these two images side by side reveals the exact differences we're talking about.
First, the color signature is completely different. Where the Voigtlander renders with a distinct, warmth, the Leica stays firmly in its neutral territory. The greens are cooler, and the background lighting feels more color accurate and neutral rather than cozy.
Second, that extra full stop of light at f/2 changes the entire background dynamic. The the bookshelf, the frames, and the lamp melt away significantly more than they do at f/2.8. The isolation is deeper, smoother, and has that signature buttery fall off that gives the image its undeniable 3D rendering.
It perfectly frames my dilemma. the Voigtlander gives me incredible sharpness and a beautifully warm palette in a tiny footprint, but the Leica shows its crown when it comes to smoothly dissolving the background and keeping colors perfectly neutral.
The focus is locked perfectly on the eye, rendering the eyelashes with incredible, individual sharpness. That crisp detail extends beautifully across the texture of the skin, the strands of hair near the face, and the pearl earring.
At the same time, the out of focus background drops away into a completely smooth, clean blur. There are no harsh edges or shapes behind the subject to compete for attention. I really think the black and white tones tie it all together, making the details pop against the soft background.
Not too shabby for a 700.00 lens
This image serves as a compelling demonstration of the APO Skopar, capturing this cluster of daisies by a picket fence. The lens delivers crisp sharpness and exceptional contrast on the central flower, rendering the fine detail of the petals and yellow core with great accuracy. There is a rapid and smooth transition from the tack sharp focus point into a beautifully soft background, providing awesome subject isolation. FYI, I processed all files with DXO Photolab.
The next image is a similar one I shot withthe Apo summicron
In direct comparison, this image highlights the distinctive rendering of the APO Summicron. While it matches the clinical sharpness of the previous shot on the central flower, the Summicron draws the overall scene with a different quality. Rather than completely melting the background away, it retains subtle definition in the patriotic bunting and the white picket fence, letting you clearly see the elements around the subject. The transition from the tack sharp focus point into the OOF areas is incredibly smooth, combined with a rich contrast that makes the white petals appear beautifully against the deeper tones of the background.
What makes this work is how the lens manages the deep layers of the room. The foreground leaves of my Monstera are pushed into a very soft, smooth blur that frames the scene, while the mid elementts like the titles on the book, the wooden bowl, and the textures of the lamp remain incredibly sharp and legible. It captures a cozy, detailed corner of my snug with a clean and natural perspective.
So far I am impressed.
The Skopar's micro contrast really shines through here, managing a wide dynamic range between the bright, glowing lamp and the deep shadows under the shelves without losing details in either. The OOF foreground leaves create a pleasant smooth, dark frame that leads the eye directly to the middle. Without color, the clean lines of the picture frames, the text on the book, and the distinct gray tones of the pictures on the wall become much more pronounced.
Final thoughts
After testing both lenses across a variety of real world scenarios from detailed close up's of my indoor plants to candid street work and interior shots, the Voigtlander stands out as a highly competitive option. If your goal is a clinically sharp image with biting detail right from the focal plane, the compact Skopar is an exceptional recommendation.
On the other hand, the APO Summicron remains the choice for photographers who prefer a smoother, melting bokeh that isolates the subject while maintaining a clean, balanced background. Ultimately, these two lenses are incredibly close competitors, and the choice comes down to which rendering style best suits your personal workflow. One thing is certain, the Summicron now has a truly viable contender.
For my style of photography, I still prefer the Summicron. But that isn't because it's the better lens overall; it simply comes down to the specific rendering you get from the f/2 aperture.
As noted above and repeated here, I’ve also pulled together a companion gallery of additional photos captured with the SKOPAR. Consider this a raw look behind the curtain. it’s an unvetted collection that includes the good, the bad, and everything in between, shared simply for anyone who wants a deeper look at what the lens produces
https://www.leicaimages.com/album/1600057
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.