Bourbon & Bokeh

The Leica Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens affixed to the Leica Q3 is revered for its exquisite bokeh, a quality that significantly enhances the aesthetic appeal of photographs. Bokeh refers to the quality of the out-of-focus areas in an image, especially how smoothly and pleasantly these areas are rendered. The Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens excels in this aspect due to several key factors.

First, its wide maximum aperture of f/1.7 allows for a shallow depth of field, making it easier to isolate subjects against beautifully blurred backgrounds. This large aperture allows more light into the lens, creating creamy, smooth transitions between the in-focus subject and the out-of-focus background.

Leica Q3 28 mm | ISO 640 | f/1.7 | 1/50 second

©2025 Eric Wells Hatheway

Second, the aspherical (ASPH) elements in the lens design play a crucial role in minimizing optical aberrations and distortions. This results in sharper images with more consistent quality across the frame, even when shooting wide open. The aspherical elements also contribute to more uniform, rounded out-of-focus highlights, often described as “buttery” or “dreamlike,” which is highly desirable in portraiture and artistic photography.

Additionally, Leica’s renowned lens craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure that the Summilux f/1.7 ASPH produces bokeh with a unique character. The smoothness, lack of harsh edges, and pleasing rendition of light points make images feel more lifelike and immersive.

Photographers value this exquisite bokeh because it adds an emotional and artistic dimension to their images, drawing attention to the subject while creating a visually captivating background. This distinctive quality is why the Leica Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens is so highly sought after and cherished in the world of photography.