Lens Decision - Opinions Please

[jklotz]

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I've made a decision to invest in some Leica glass to replace some of the CV's I've been shooting with. Truth be known, some of the CV's have been excellent performers, and without them, I doubt I'd ever been able to afford to get into an M system. Had I kept my M8, I doubt I would have been willing to make the jump, but I am so thrilled with the M9, I think I'm here to stay.

 

That being said, I am on a limited budget (being a pro photographer in this economy....) Anyway, I'm torn between:

 

A) 35 cron ASPH

 

0r

 

35 sumarrit and a 28 elmarit

 

The price difference would not be huge, therefore not the major deciding factor. Ideally, I'd like to have all 3. I'm currently working on a series of urban landscapes, so I need corner to corner sharpness, although who knows what the next project will be.

 

Opinions? Thanks

[Manolo Laguillo]

I would go for the 35 Summarit + the 28 Elmarit. I do mainly land- and cityscape, and the 28mm is for me often a must. Even a 24mm is in need.

Actually, for me the best combo would be 24mm + 35mm.

But if you pivot around the 50mm, which actually is a short tele, then a good complement would be the 28mm, and later the 21mm...

You see, perhaps the 28 + 35 are too close, that is the reason of either 21-28-50 or 24-35.

In any case, and sticking to what you say: there is only aprox 1/2 stop difference between the 35 Summarit and the 35 Summicron.

[mboerma]

I would start with option A. It's not like these lenses are becoming outdated very fast so build up a nice collection with the best you can buy instead of buying two you not really want but are forced to by you budget. The 35 Cron Asph is small, sharp and maybe all you need. I might be wrong of course.

[noah_addis]

It depends on how you shoot, of course. Do you have both 28 and 35mm lenses now to compare?

 

I've used all three and in that range I currently have the 28 'Cron Asph, 35 'Lux Asph and 35 'Cron Asph.

 

The two lenses--28 and 25--may or may not be redundant depending on how you shoot. I used to shoot with both, they certainly have a different enough look to justify having both. Also, they are close enough to serve as backup for each other which is important for pro work.

 

The 28 used to be my favorite lens, I used it for nearly everything and the 28 + 50 combo was my preference. Of course that all was thrown away with the M8--with the crop I usually used 24 + 50. Now that I'm thinking in terms of full-frame again I find myself reaching for the 35 almost all of the time.

 

I do documentary work and a lot of it centers on urban development issues. I find myself shooting more and more with one lens--the 35, and only reaching for others for certain circumstances. So I've kind of settled on a 21/2.8A - 35 - 90/2AA kit for most of my work. I rarely reach for the 28 these days.

 

I'd go for the 35 'Cron. It's a wonderful lens and will last you a lifetime. Then I would strongly consider a 24 or 21 as a supplement. I sold my 24 Elmarit (to trade for a 24 'Lux, which I traded for an M9...). But I may pick up another since it's such an amazing lens and I think a 24/35/90 combo would be more perfect for me.

 

 

This one is with the 35 'Cron and M9:

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[ChrisC]

... I need corner to corner sharpness,.........Opinions?

 

I heartily recommend you subscribe to Reid Reviews where a lot of ground amongst these focal lengths is covered rigourously and fairly by Sean. Consider Zeiss too; their lenses might have the performance emphasis you are looking for - particularly with regard to corner sharpness.

 

There is a lot of presumption that fastest is best in these forums, but I like the size, weight, price, viewfinder clearance, and design advantage of slower lenses; but I'd rather work at f8 than f1.

 

.............. Chris

[Jager]

I would start with option A. It's not like these lenses are becoming outdated very fast so build up a nice collection with the best you can buy instead of buying two you not really want but are forced to by you budget. The 35 Cron Asph is small, sharp and maybe all you need. I might be wrong of course.

 

+1.

 

The 35 Cron ASPH is one of the best lenses in Leica's lineup. And you can never have too much speed. Put it on an M9 and that combo puts you square in the sweet spot of rangefinder excellence.

 

My own personal buying history over the years has taught me to "buy once, buy right." Or, said differently, paying heavily up front for what one really wants - even though it's always harder in the short term - is usually cheaper in the long run.

[scc]

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Personally, I would go for the 35 Cron ASPH. It spends the most time on my M9 and I have a 24, 35 and a 50.

[Ecar]

The Cron 35 is wonderful, and so is the 28 Elmarit.

I can't say anything about the Summarit 35, but most reviews I read were fairly enthusiastic, particularly at this price point.

I don't think you'd go wrong with any of these lenses, or with either option.

However, if you are on a budget, your 2nd option gives you two focal lenghts that are too close IMHO.

Therefore, it would have to be the Cron 35 for me.

[Manolo Laguillo]

... it would interesting to know which other lenses you already own. I agree with others: the Summicron 35 is a must have when with a M9!

But if you don't want/can spend so much, the Summarit line is having excellent reviews. I own the 75 Summarit since 2 weeks ago, and I'm amazed. This is a 100% crop of a picture of Barcelona I made yesterday from the mountain above it, when it was already dark. M8. 160 ISO. 1 sec / f.4

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[jklotz]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the input. As I mentioned before, I'll probably own all 3 at some point. I've got the focal lengths covered with my CV lenses at the moment, and as we all know, obtaining one's entire M kit takes years. I suppose the silver lining is that it takes me a while to REALLY get to know a lens. I am leaning towards the 35 cron, with the intent on getting a few more down the road, but we'll see.

 

Thanks again

[250swb]

Don't choose a lens based on what you have, or how good it is, but on where it will fit in to your perfect three lens lineup eventually.

 

Think about the focal length jump to the next lens. If 35mm is the widest you want to go, thats fine, but its only a short jump to the 28mm. Likewise it may not be a big enough gap from 35mm to 50mm. So you may want to consider all three now, then buy one to start you off. A 24mm, 35mm, 75mm is a good spread. But a 28mm, 50mm, 90mm, is an equally good spread. Thats the way to do it, think of all three, whatever your ideal lineup would be. Your CV lenses may be able to refine the setup with intermediate lenses leaving Leica for your mains.

 

Steve

[Manolo Laguillo]

Don't choose a lens based on what you have, or how good it is, but on where it will fit in to your perfect three lens lineup eventually.

 

Think about the focal length jump to the next lens. If 35mm is the widest you want to go, thats fine, but its only a short jump to the 28mm. Likewise it may not be a big enough gap from 35mm to 50mm. So you may want to consider all three now, then buy one to start you off. A 24mm, 35mm, 75mm is a good spread. But a 28mm, 50mm, 90mm, is an equally good spread. Thats the way to do it, think of all three, whatever your ideal lineup would be. Your CV lenses may be able to refine the setup with intermediate lenses leaving Leica for your mains.

 

Steve

 

...that's exactly what I wanted to say! It's a trio-thing! English is not my native language. Thank you, Steve, for expressing it so well!

[lars_bergquist]

Right now there's probably a lens that you use most of the time -- your main lens. If you don't have a main lens but jump all the time between focal lengths -- stop it. Concentrate on just one lens. Go out with just the camera and the lens that's mounted. Learn that lens, what you do best with it, what you can't do with it.

 

Maybe that focal length won't make your main lens. Then try out another. But when you know what focal length your main lens must have, buy a Leica lens. And remember that in digital use, f:2 goes a very long way. M9 exposures at ISO1000 are perfectly useable, unless you do posters -- and expect them to be viewed through a magnifier ...

 

'Occasional lenses' can well be other brand lenses. Some CV lenses are optically good. Build quality is actually better than most AF lenses for SLR cameras. Zeiss make lenses that are optically very good to excellent, and mechanically superb, at about half the Leica price. You choose.

 

The old man from the Brass Age

[jsjxyz]

What's the main reasons to have BOTH 35 cron ASPH and 35 Lux ASPH or 35 Cron ASPH and 35 summarit at the same time?

 

I am tired of having this 75 lux for its big size and heaviness, plan to change to 75 cron ASPH or should I have both?

 

JSJ

[Theodor Heinrichsohn]

That being said, I am on a limited budget (being a pro photographer in this economy....) Anyway, I'm torn between:

 

A) 35 cron ASPH

 

0r

 

35 sumarrit and a 28 elmarit

 

The price difference would not be huge, therefore not the major deciding factor. Ideally, I'd like to have all 3. I'm currently working on a series of urban landscapes, so I need corner to corner sharpness, although who knows what the next project will be.

 

Opinions? Thanks

 

Have you considered a Tri Elmar (MATE), now discontinued but sometimes available used, as an alternative if you do not need lenses of higher speed?

I have and use the second version of the MATE very often.

Teddy

[noah_addis]

What's the main reasons to have BOTH 35 cron ASPH and 35 Lux ASPH or 35 Cron ASPH and 35 summarit at the same time?

 

I am tired of having this 75 lux for its big size and heaviness, plan to change to 75 cron ASPH or should I have both?

 

JSJ

 

I can't speak for the OP, but I have both of the ASPH 35's for a few reasons. First, it's my main focal length so backup is important. Second, I got the 'Cron for street work where a smaller lens would be nice and the speed isn't necessary.

 

I had the 'Lux first, then picked up the 'Cron later. Honestly, it may not be necessary. I could probably get away with using the 28/2 as a backup for the 35 'Lux. But in general I don't find I need every focal length, instead I'd rather have backups of my favorites in case something goes bad or one needs repair before an important assignment.

 

As another example, I have a 75 'Cron Asph and a 90 'Cron AA, but I will most likely sell the 75 and get a 90 Tele-Elmarit for when I want a more compact lens.

 

I'd prefer to get to know a few focal lengths very well. I think the zoom lens has made many photographers, even those using primes, think they need every lens made. But I can think of very few assignments I can't do with a 21/35/90 kit.

 

I wouldn't necessarily say that you need backup lenses (leica lenses are pretty reliable--though of course they can be dropped/lost/stolen) or redundancies if you're not counting on your gear for your livelihood. And even then, I'd build up the primary system you want before getting redundant focal lengths.

[jsjxyz]

Thanks Noah, yup actually convinience is number one issue when we bring lenses that we are comfort with. I think I am gonna buy 75 cron asph as my daily lens. The 75 lux is just to heavy and too big.

 

I saw your portfolio Noah, it is breathless...

 

Regards,

JSJ

[Ecar]

What's the main reasons to have BOTH 35 cron ASPH and 35 Lux ASPH or 35 Cron ASPH and 35 summarit at the same time?

 

I am tired of having this 75 lux for its big size and heaviness, plan to change to 75 cron ASPH or should I have both?

 

JSJ

Different rendering perhaps?

 

In your case, I'd try and get hold of a Cron 75 for a test drive along with the Lux 75: you should be able to see the difference for yourself - it really is a matter of taste.

 

Irrespective of what you end up doing with the Lux, if you then choose to keep the Cron, I suggest you also give the Summarit 75 some consideration.

 

I followed the process above and ended up with the Lux and the Summarit, as the IQ differences I saw couldn't justify the price difference between the latter and the Cron.

 

The Lux is a different story: it's far from being technically perfect, it's bulky, it's heavy, but it has a unique character IMHO - I'd think twice before parting with it.

 

But I'm digressing and going OT here;)

[jklotz]

Thanks guys, I appreciate all of the replies. I am a self confessed lens junkie (I suppose we all have our vices...). I currently have a 90 Elmarit (last ver), a 75 summarit and a host of CV lenses in various wider FL's.

 

As for my ideal FL, I spend a lot of time with a 50 mounted on the M9. That's why I have a 50 lux on order. Should it ever arrive, I think that's going to spend the most time on the camera. I also really like the 35, which is why I asked the question.

 

I'm of the opinion that with Leica glass, it's the way it draws that makes it desirable. The focal length and speed are almost secondary. That's the cool thing about this camera - unlike DSLR's, each different lens has it's own character. That's what I'm after is the character. If it were simply a matter of having the FL covered, I've already got that.

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[jsjxyz]

Ecar, Originally I plan to exchange my 75lux with a used 28 cron asph + 75 cron asph with my friend. But my dealer in the city told me that 75lux is a collector item that is almost hard to get the mint one. so I better be keep one, and buy a used 75 cron asph if there is any.

 

I also like 75lux character but surely it is not a daily lens IMHO

 

Jerry