Dilemma: buy the new Summilux 35 ASPH or keep the APO-TELYT 135?

[egrossman]

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I currently own the 28 Summicron ASPH, 50 Summilux ASPH, 90 Elmarit and most recently the APO-TELYT 135 that I obtained at a great deal. In truth I bought the 135 because it was such a bargain and figured I could always sell it on if it didn't suit my photography style.

 

90% of the time I use the 50 Lux. As it so happens I have come across a dealer who happens to have the new 35 Summilux v2 in stock. I can't justify financially keeping both the 35 and the 135.

 

What to do?

 

Erik

[UliWer]

I fear the end of the thread will be, that you compromise on a 2/75....

 

Only you can tell, if you will use 135mm at all, and if you really need 35mm between 28 and 50.

[lct]

Get rid of the 135 unless you can focus it accurately (i never could w/o a magnifier).

[earleygallery]

Buy a case of vintage champagne instead.

[wizard]

In my personal view, you own a great set of lenses, covering almost everything from true wideangle to tele lenses. With these lenses, you should be able to accomplish most of what is possible with a rangefinder camera. A 35mm lens and a 50mm lens are not that far apart concerning field of view, so the 28mm lens you already have seems a much better companion to your 50. In buying a 35, you won't gain much, but lose a lot of reach at the top end, reach that often comes very handy for getting that detail shot for example.

 

Then again, if 35mm is your favorite focal length (does not seem so though, as you do not own a 35mm lens right now), the new Summilux 35 will be a wonderful lens to work with.

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

Andy

[cliffp]

I wouldn't rush to get rid of the 135mm if you haven't had a chance to find out whether you like it. When I first got my 90mm apo, it took me a while to discover what I could do with it and it is now one of my favourite lenses.

 

In Feb 2010 I bought a 35mm Summarit as an experiment to find out how I got on with that focal length (I also have a 28mm 'cron and 50 'lux). I found it a great lens for an all-round do most things solution when I didn't want to change lenses. I ended up buying a 35mm Summilux V2 (arrived yesterday and I haven't tried it yet).

[egrossman]

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Well I pulled the trigger on the 35 Summilux. As a side note, who knew that lensrentals.com actually sold new gear instead of just renting? Even more surprising was that they actually had the lens in stock.

 

One lens has to go... it's either the 28 or the 135 and quite frankly it will probably be the latter. I won't rush into this decision... I'll chew on it for a few weeks or so.

 

Thanks for all of the input.

 

Erik

[doug_m]

The new 35lux is very sweet. I am currently using the 35 lux and 75 cron as a 2 lens kit and think this may be the best travel set ever. Of course the 50 lux, nocti and others are great lenses but the 35 lux/ 75 cron is shaping up to be my go to lightweight set.

[egrossman]

Thanks Doug.

 

Fedex dropped the ball during the mad holiday rush. The lens was supposed to arrive yesterday but will instead arrive today in SF. Unfortunately, I have already left on vacation so won't be able to play with it for 2 weeks when I return. I'm still tempted to sell the 135 but I keep remembering what I hear from others in this forum about "never selling a Leica lens".

 

I'm traveling with the 28 cron, 50 lux and 90 rit and my M9.

 

The only lens left on my list is the 75 cron but that will have to wait. Anyway, with the 50 lux and 90 rit I don't think it's a priority.

 

Happy holidays.

 

Erik

[topoxforddoc]

Erik,

 

You could always sell the 135 APO and buy a 135/4 Tele-Elmar. That'll put some cash towards the new 35 lux. I doubt you'll see much difference between the two, as the Tele-Elmar is one of the bargain M lenses. Have a good Christmas.

 

Best wishes,

[cliffp]

I tried my new 35 'lux today. I am absolutely amazed at how good it is. The combination of the speed of F1.4 and the slight wide angle of the 35mm FL are excellent. It is so sharp at even F1.4 and in the shots I have taken, the bokeh has been very nice.

[egrossman]

Charlie... that's a good idea.

 

Cliff... how does it compare to the 50mm Summilux?

[cliffp]

I can't offer a scientific comparison between it and the 50 'lux. I absolutely love the 50 'lux but I think I am going to like this at least as much. I am used to fast 50mm lenses so the wow factor with the 50 'lux was the amazing image quality. With the 35 'lux, in addition to the amazing image quality, there is the novelty of achieving selective focus with a wider FL (than that of the 50). My immediate reaction was to understand why so many people base their M outfit around a 35 FL, particularly when it is this good and fast.

 

I am looking forward to finding out how you like your new lens.

 

Merry Xmas by the way!