rcoles Posted November 21, 2009 Share #1 Posted November 21, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Which Leica kit would be best for general photography. 35 f/2, 50 f/2 and 90 f/2.8 or 28 f/2.8 50 f/2 and 90 f/2.8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 21, 2009 Posted November 21, 2009 Hi rcoles, Take a look here Best M9 3-Lens Kit. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
luigi bertolotti Posted November 21, 2009 Share #2 Posted November 21, 2009 Perennial question... to which the universal answer is "depends on your style" ... given that "general photography" means anything one can imagine... But, when I think by myself of M9, which I haven't yet, and consider that I have M8 and like it a lot, I have clear in my mind that, generally speaking, M9 wiil give me also a M8 frame, by cropping; and this HAS an impact on my possible choice about a light 3-lenses set : personally, I think it could be 21-35-90... a set I liked a lot at film's times, and which will give me also 28-50-120 M8-like. Of the two set you quote, I think that the 35-50 duo is de facto a sort of duplication, in "general photography" terms... of course, things can be different when one considers that, for instance, extreme luninosity is almost tied to 50 (0,95-1, and 1,1 from CV), but this is out of the "general" concept. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jager Posted November 21, 2009 Share #3 Posted November 21, 2009 I'd go with the first, for the M9 or film M's. I'd go with the second on the M8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tgray Posted November 21, 2009 Share #4 Posted November 21, 2009 It's personal. I'd go for 28, 50, and 90. A lot of people would go for 35, 50, 90. Depends on how wide you want your wide and how close you want your lenses spaced. If I could have only one lens, it'd be a 28. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norsk Posted November 21, 2009 Share #5 Posted November 21, 2009 Hallo, I would take 24, 35 and 90 mm, or for the 24 a 21 mm lense! I always think: 50 mm is to small - 35 better. With the Zeiss ZF (SLR-lenses) 25 and 35 mm I take about 60 % of my pictures! Maybe instead of the 90 also a 75. Now, I have a 85 mm lens on my SLR. And when I have only one with me, then my Zeiss ZF 2/35 mm. On film, but I think that will be equal, or ? Greetings Heinz Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elgenper Posted November 21, 2009 Share #6 Posted November 21, 2009 One practical consideration here is whether you can see all finder frames. FWIW, when I got my M2, I acquired all 3 focal lenghts it could handle (35, 50, 90), and ended up leaving the 50 at home most of the time. At that time, I used contact lenses, so I could get to the eyepiece without obstructions, Now, after ordering my M9, I´ve taken out the M2 for some "preliminary drill", and found I can´t see the full 35 mm frame any more on that camera (now I use varifocals). From my short trials with a demo M9, it seems I might just manage the 35 frame, but the 28 one is just too wide to see properly. In any case, I´ve planned to start using my three "oldies" with the M9 until I see which (if any) of them needs an upgrade, and which ones I would carry on a daily basis. Thorsten Overgaard´s site has shown that older lenses can work great even with a M9, so I hope for the best... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
noah_addis Posted November 21, 2009 Share #7 Posted November 21, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) My favorite combo with the M9 is turning out to be 28/2, 35/2, 90/2. The 28 and 35 seem close but they have very different character. The fact is that I have been using the 35mm for nearly everything and just using the other two when I need something wider or longer. This is a switch for me, since the 28mm used to be my favorite focal length. But for the record, I don't think my new preference for the 35mm has anything to do with shooting with the M9. Frankly, I don't think my work would suffer much if I had to only use a 35mm, it's very versatile. Since I've had the M9 fully 95% of my work has been with that one lens. I also have a 35/1.4, which I'll probably use more once wedding season comes around. It has more atmosphere and a gentler look that I like for weddings. Also, in my personal work I don't like the super-shallow DOF look but sometimes for weddings it's a plus. Deciding on a lens kit is a very personal choice. But I generally recommend picking your favorite and building your kit around it. So if you love a 28mm, you could go 21/28/50 or 28/50/90. If you love 35mm you could go 24/35/90, 35/50/90, etc.... Do keep in mind that your widest lens may be your most used in low light, since it's easier to hand-hold at slow shutter speeds. I'd pick the 35/2 over the 28/2.8 for my primary lens just because of lens speed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrism Posted November 21, 2009 Share #8 Posted November 21, 2009 I'd like to be the first in this thread to say 'holy trinity'! As time goes on, however, I'm finding a 35 is my standard lens, the Elmarit 24 is my wide, and I can't bloody well make up my mind whether I prefer 75 or 90 for portraits. The sad thing is that the 50 Summilux and the f1 classic Nocti are lovely to use but don't get used as much as they deserve. I suppose the best answer to someone setting out is get what you like; the other focal lengths will come along in time and you'll all have the same problem that I have one day! Had I enough discipline I would get by fine with 35 and 75. Oh yes, the 560mm has its uses too: Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Chris Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Chris ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/104441-best-m9-3-lens-kit/?do=findComment&comment=1125455'>More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 22, 2009 Share #9 Posted November 22, 2009 Well, I use the 24/1.4, 50/1.4 and 90/2.0 with the 35/2.0 thrown in from time to time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spersky Posted November 22, 2009 Share #10 Posted November 22, 2009 28mm 2.0/ the 50mm 1.4 / and the 90mm 2.0 That is my kit, and I love it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Z. Goriup Posted November 22, 2009 Share #11 Posted November 22, 2009 I really think it takes four to make the best Leica M film or digital kit. I presently use the 24 F2.8 Asph., 35 f1.4 Asph., the 50 f2, and the 90 f2 APO Asph. and could not be happier. If I absolutely had to dispose of one to properly play the game and make it a threesome, I'd say the 50 would become the expendable lens. I'm not claiming the four above to be the ideal kit because I own those lenses, I own them becauseI tested & owned almost all M lenses at one time or another and have found the above to be the ideal combination for "general photography" as you state. I especially cherish the 24mm lens for it's sublime performance and coverage. It may be better even than the 35 f1.4 which still spends the most time on my M6, scheduled soon to be replaced by an M9. My $.02 worth JZG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doug_m Posted November 22, 2009 Share #12 Posted November 22, 2009 You might want to approach things differently rather than be rigid about three lenses. For example, with the M9s ability to do lots of cropping I think the 75 cron may be a better choice than the 90 cron. The 0.7M close focus and extra magic you get with the 75 argues for this lens. On the other hand, the 50 lux ASPH is mighty fine and you may think the 50 and 75 are too close. In my opinion, the 50 lux ASPH and 75 cron are extra special lenses so if I were you I'd figure out a way to buy one of them. Since I like fast lenses I'd probably start with the 50 lux ASPH but would have a hard time passing up on the 75 cron. If you buy the 75 cron you would probably then go for the 35 cron as your shorter lens but many love the 35 lux. I do not have a 35 at the moment but will wait for a new version 35 lux before I consider getting another 35- and this could be a very long wait. If the 35 lux ASPH was as good as the 50 lux I might go with the 35 but everything I've heard says the 50 is much better in regard to overall IQ. The 24 lux is a great lens on the M8 and may also be great on the M9 but I haven't formed an opinion about its use on the M9 yet. And the 24 lux is very pricey. I've used most, but not all, of the top end current Leica lens line-up and would be very hard pressed to sell the 50 lux ASPH even if I were flat broke. I also hear hat some of the f2.5 lenses are very good. I have not used them but they are very small and relatively inexpensive. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattraineyimages Posted November 22, 2009 Share #13 Posted November 22, 2009 28 cron, 50 lux, 90cron cover just about any assignment in the world with that combo. (of course the 50 and 90 preferably in black paint ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thompsonkirk Posted November 22, 2009 Share #14 Posted November 22, 2009 I don't have an opinion about the question, but I have a question about the answers: I'm surprised that so many recommend a 90 & so few a 75. Is the 90 for travel or scenery or wildlife or something like that? (Seems too long for portraits.) Or is there something clumsy or downright 'wrong' about 75? My curiosity comes from using a 50 (67 equiv) on M8, & thinking I might want a 75 for (very roughly) the same perspective on M9. Kirk Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dseelig Posted November 22, 2009 Share #15 Posted November 22, 2009 24 35 50 all lux Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hosiuying Posted November 22, 2009 Share #16 Posted November 22, 2009 My choice : 21lux 35lux & 50lux Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
michali Posted November 22, 2009 Share #17 Posted November 22, 2009 There are over a dozen lenses in my arsenal. If I was limited to 3 lenses (thankfully I'm not), I would choose the following from my collection: M8= 24mm Elmarit f2.8, 35mm Summilux f1.4 & 75mm Summicron f2 M9=28mm Summicron f2, 50mm Summilux f1.4 & 90mm Elmarit f2.8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted November 22, 2009 Share #18 Posted November 22, 2009 I think the 90 gets its preference over the 75 because it is the focal length many of us grew up with. The same goes for the 54 and 28, I guess. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveYork Posted November 22, 2009 Share #19 Posted November 22, 2009 You probably won't be able to see the 28mm framelines easily even on a M9. Given that the external viewfinders look stupid and are a pain to use, that's reason alone to stay away from this lens, unless you NEED that focal length. Ultimately, it's an issue of needs and individual tastes. But the 35-50-90 is the classic setup. It is what I use since the mid-90's. A 35/90 is a classic traveling set up. And a 50 alone is really hard to beat. Rangefinders can be used for many purposes, but a lot of folks use them as "people cameras." And if you're shooting people, then the 35-50-90 is a good setup. I like the 35 over the 28, because the 35 can be used as both a standard and wide angle lens. The 28 on my new Leicaflex system doesn't get used much. But that's just me. It's an individual choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwr50 Posted November 22, 2009 Share #20 Posted November 22, 2009 For me, the 28mm Summicron, the 50mm Summilux, and the 90mm Elmarit are my standards three lenses of choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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