Need Help! 35mm or 28mm

[fotoshock_com]

Hi friends!

I have a Leica M7 with a Summicron 2/50. I have decided to buy another len.
The options are:

1. Summicron 2/35
2. Elmarit 2.8/28

Which one will you choose?
I ask you because I won't buy another one until a year.

Sorry, my english is very bad.

Regards.

[cardinal]

Javier, well right now 35 Summicrons asph lenses are available but the 28 Elmarits asph aren't. The 35mm would be my choice but that is just me. The 35 is faster than the 28 also.

[Lucklik]

The 35 would be my choice too, but it all depends what you want to photograph.

IMHO on a 0,72 viewfinder or with glasses the 28 lines are not easy to see.
On a 0,58 viewfinder the 28mm is great.

[fotoshock_com]

Thank you for the comments!
My Leica is 0,72

I will buy the Summicron 2/35... (i think... jeje)

[abrewer]

35/2 Javier

Enjoy

Thanks

Allan

[rafael_macia]

Javier,

If you are going to have two lenses, I would recommend the 28 Summicron (or the Elmarit, if you can find it), rather than a 35. I have always felt doubling focal length made more sense than having two lenses with focal lengths so similar. 28/50 makes more sense, and adds versatility. Rather than 35/50. Just one lens ? .... absolutely a 35........
Just my thoughts.

Rafael

[peter_n]

Exactly what Rafael said. Just one lens? Get a 35. You have a 35 and you want a two lens kit? A 35 and a 75. You have a 50 and you want a two lens kit? A 28 and a 50.

28/50 and 35/75 are terrific two lens kits. I use them both depending on location/shoot.

[bill]

I am inclined to agree with Peter.

2 lens - 28 & 50 or 35 & 75 or 50 & 90
3 lens - 28 - 50 - 90 or 35 - 75 - 135

A non-Leica alternative would be to bring in the VC Nokton. I'd then go 40 - 75

Regards,

Bill

[fotoshock_com]

You are right! 35 and 50 are too similar...
I will buy Elmarit 28/2.8... but not asph. Is too expensive.

Many thanks for the comments!!

Regards

[stunsworth]

I've always liked the combination of 35 and 50, but then that probably just means I'm odd. I don't find them too close together at all.

[B&W]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

I've always liked the combination of 35 and 50, but then that probably just means I'm odd. I don't find them too close together at all.

Me too!

[luigi bertolotti]

Originally Posted by fotoshock_com

You are right! 35 and 50 are too similar...
I will buy Elmarit 28/2.8... but not asph. Is too expensive.

Many thanks for the comments!!

Regards

I completely agree: 35 & 50 too similar, 28 non asph anyway very good lenses and remember that if You do not stick for super maximum aperture You can get 28 non asph + 90 2,8 or 4 at less the money for a 28 f2... or 35 1,4 ...

[xjr]

35mm 64deg
50mm 46deg

20deg difference! No similarity at all

24mm- 35mm- 50mm 84deg :64deg:46deg

[tom0511]

depends a lot what "Look" you like and what you plan to shoot.
Dont let you guide just from comments in the forum.
If I was going for a 2 lens set I would go for 35 and 75.
28: if you dont get asph than its a 2.8, so it wont be that great for availabel light
if you get 35 you can get a 35/2.0 which is a great lens and you can do some more availabel light.
35 also gives a more compressed view
maybe also play around with the viewfinder frames before choosing a lens

[earleygallery]

There's 'correct' answer to your question is both.

But you're only buying one so it really comes down to your preference and style of photography. If you're looking for more variety in your available focal lengths then of course the 28mm will offer you that and it's ideal for landscapes, or indoor shots where space is more limited. Carry both lenses with you and I think you'll find yourself changing them over regularly.

However, choose the 35 and my guess is that you'll end up using it 80% of the time, and you'll use the 50mm almost as a short tele/portrait lens. An M and 35mm is a classic combo.

You could also look at the excellent VC 25mm 'snapshot' lens - I use one on my lllf together with the 50mm (or 5cm!). It could make a nice pairing with the 35, for times when you need that wider angle lens.

[wparsonsgisnet]

I would vote for the 28 but in the f2.0 version. This lens is very highly regarded.

The new f2.8 is smaller an intrudes on the viewfinder less, but the f2.0 is a more highly rated lens. Sorry, it's also quite a bit more expensive.

[lambroving]

IMHO a 35 is not close to a 50. For me a 50 is a short tele on an M and 35 is "normal". Save your pennies for a 28/2 when you are ready to go wider. James is right though, you will use a 35 for a large % of your shots The 50 you will then save for the details and when you need a bit more reach or to separate the foreground from the background.

[tobey bilek]

Typical when this question is asked.

Move your frames into position manually and see how it works for you. 35 is 50% wider than 50mm and I use mine much more than a 28.

i consider 24/35 almost perfect wide combo, but that`s me.

[wattsy]

Originally Posted by fotoshock_com

Hi friends!

I have a Leica M7 with a Summicron 2/50. I have decided to buy another len.

I know that the M is an interchangeable lens system but there is no obligation to own more than one lens. There has been plenty of great art made with just a 50mm lens. Why not just stick with what you have until you are absolutely sure what other lens you will need?

If you do insist on another lens, I'll join the chorus and suggest a 35mm.

[batmobile]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

I've always liked the combination of 35 and 50, but then that probably just means I'm odd. I don't find them too close together at all.

I do too. I find the 35mm Fl great and use it more than 28. It may be closer to 50, but I still find there to be quite a difference. With a 0.72 finder the 35 frames are really nice. You wont go wrong either way. After the 35, next year, I would consider a 25 or 28 (I still find 28 very different to 35 too).