Lens recommendation

[Tonki-M]

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The plan is to go with no more than three lenses and put it all in a small Billingham Hadley.

 

that will work for a while, then GAS attack kicks in...i told my wife that 35 is all i really need to go with the M...a few years later, now i have 6 Leica lens

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[jaques]

well let me think- it should be either fast or long...

 

so for fast you really need to try the:

 

Carl Zeiss’ 50mm Planar f/0.70

 

 

(Untitled Document)

 

 

and for l o n g it just has to be the:

 

Canon 5200mm F/14 Mirror Lens

 

 

(

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[mirekti]

I thought of picking up the Canon, but wasn't able to find the adapter so I gave up. ;-)

 

Regarding the GAS, I had that when I was using Canon, but since than I've been following this:

10 Tips on How to Cure Yourself of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) — Eric Kim Street Photography

...and so far so good.

 

However, after initial "saving" mode with CV 75, and later one with considering 90mm summarit. My thoughts came back to the initial idea with 35 and 75. Especially after I read this:

Leica’s Summicron 75mm f/2; Is This The Ultimate Street Lens? Page 2 | Shutterbug

which means increased budget for some $3k. OMG if my wife only knew what's going on. :-)

 

Sometimes I really wonder if there's something wrong with me. I changed my mind few times in only 10 days. I hope the M won't be delieverd to me in the next few weeks (sounds weird, right?). I've read too many reviews recently and stuff is still floating in my head. It might be I need a shrink.

[CaptZoom]

[quote name=mirekti;2334902

Sometimes I really wonder if there's something wrong with me. I changed my mind few times in only 10 days. I hope the M won't be delieverd to me in the next few weeks (sounds weird' date=' right?). I've read too many reviews recently and stuff is still floating in my head. It might be I need a shrink.[/quote]

 

Dood...you may end up falling in love with the 35 on your new M and forget about other lenses for a time. But I do agree: new Leica gear is like crack- one try is all it takes:)

[philipus]

A bit off topic, but there's some truth in that post by Eric Kim (as much as I disagree with his first sentence).

 

I do wholeheartedly believe that there's too much focus on the kit, especially in fora like this (the maaaaany and looooong threads in the M9 etc forum that ensue as soon as Leica launches some new lens or camera are a testament to that). Seems like so many of the members here simply absolutely positively must have the latest. That's all good and well and I am happy if they are happy. But I don't function that way.

 

I sometimes compare the feeling of satisfaction I feel in respect of a photograph which I am very happy with and the feeling of satisfaction I feel about having (been able to buy) this camera or that lens etc. The former feeling always wins. That is my reality check.

 

Btw, it is interesting to think of 75mm as a street lens. It is certainly possible to shoot street with a longer lens, though personally I am always a bit suspicious of the photographers I sometimes see in street milieus wielding 80-200 zooms and a 7D. Not that it's the same thing to use 75mm or even 90mm but I find there's something special about street photography - or people photography generally - with wider lenses because it forces me to be in the midst of what's going on, as in close vicinity of other people.

 

Anyway. To go back to the topic. With the new M and its improved ISO you won't have the same need for the fastest lenses unless the majority of your photography is to shoot wide open. There's nothing wrong with that (though it is perhaps a little strange ).

 

What you need to figure out, however, is what do you need rather than what do you want. Rolling Stones sang about that, I seem to recall.

[mirekti]

Anyway. To go back to the topic. With the new M and its improved ISO you won't have the same need for the fastest lenses unless the majority of your photography is to shoot wide open. There's nothing wrong with that (though it is perhaps a little strange ).

 

Well, I decided to go with the 35 lux based on my experience with the 35L. I'm sure I'll enjoy this lens a lot. It will probably spend 80% of the time on my camera.

 

On the other hand, I'm sure I'll find myself in a need of a telephoto when it will not be possible or polite to get closer. From time to time I like to shoot portraits too, and some effects like compression, subject separation, bokeh etc. would not work so well with the 35.

 

That's how I came up with a conclusion these two lenses would suit my needs best. Based on a fact that I travel a lot I believe 75 will find it's use there too and I could even justify a 18 or a 21, but wide lens is put on hold for now. My choice would be a 21mm Super Elmarit so it doesn't always have to be a fast glass.

 

This is a huge investment for me and I'm still trying to justify it. I shot Canon and RF lenses are a bit misterious for me.

 

After all, if all this was simple there wouldn't be articles like Erics'.

[CaptZoom]

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Statements like 85mm lens is a portrait lens, 35mm is a street photography lens, and wide angles are for landscape use make no sense to me. I use a variety of focal lengths for a variety of subjects. That being said, a 75mm can be used quite successfully for street photography as well as a general purpose lens. Back when I was using the 5Dmkii, 85mm lens was pretty much the exclusive choice for personal work.

 

 

mirekti,

Will this be your first digital RF?

[billo101]

I own 35 Lux fle and 75AA (aka travel kit), I cover the most focal possible.

I sometimes miss a wide-angle, but never a 50 or 90.

 

b

[mirekti]

 

mirekti,

Will this be your first digital RF?

 

Yes, it'll be my first RF. ( At least I had some in my hands :-) )

 

Not confused with the lens usage. I'm aware one could make a portrait with any lens.

Based on my taste I guess, I like the feel of >50 for portraits (even though 35 creates great environmental portraits), so when I brought 75mm and portrait in a same context it made sence to me.

[CaptZoom]

Yes, it'll be my first RF. ( At least I had some in my hands :-) )

Man...I wish I was in your position again:)

Like you, I switched over from Canon's pro gear to Leica with the intro of the M9. You've got some very pleasant surprises coming your way. You've seen other people's work with the M, but when you create your first image with the thing, get ready to be flabbergasted at the IQ.

 

Not confused with the lens usage. I'm aware one could make a portrait with any lens.

Based on my taste I guess, I like the feel of >50 for portraits (even though 35 creates great environmental portraits), so when I brought 75mm and portrait in a same context it made sence to me.

To each his own. Do whatever works for you. I just don't like needlessly categorizing things. I suspect you're going to be quite happy with your kit. Don't forget to share the pics.

[gniquil]

On the other hand, I'm sure I'll find myself in a need of a telephoto when it will not be possible or polite to get closer.

 

I don't think this is correct. I've been shooting my newly acquired 35 cron. Of the times I feel I don't have the reach, I just simply move on. The bottom line is, with fixed lens, and street photography, you can NEVER change your lens fast enough to get the close up shot you want. By the time you somehow manage to change your lens, the opportunity is gone already. At at any point in time, you only have a 1 lens kit. The thing to do is to remind yourself to make the most out of current lens... so get creative...rather than get another lens.

[mirekti]

At at any point in time, you only have a 1 lens kit. The thing to do is to remind yourself to make the most out of current lens... so get creative...rather than get another lens.

 

I totally agree, but I'm sure there'll be occasions where I'll just need something longer. It doesn't have to be street photography.

[wda]

....At the moment my thoughts are leaning towards 35 lux and 90 Summarit. I'll try to play with those two for a while and eventually add 18 or 21.....

That decision makes a lot of sense. A 2-lens kit makes for a simple and effective approach to general photography.

[CaptZoom]

I totally agree, but I'm sure there'll be occasions where I'll just need something longer. It doesn't have to be street photography.

 

Which 75 did you end up pulling the trigger on?

[gberger]

Just a thought about the ZM 21 f2.8. I had one and loved it. A lens of that focal length is very useful on narrow and crowded streets and interior shots, as well as capturing detail through a wide angle of interest.

Ny macular degeneration finally precluded me from continuing any active photography, so I gave that lens to a friend who lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. He found it to be essential as he documented the destruction and aftermath of the earthquake that decimated the central part of the city. It's a lens in which quality and usefulness far outshine the cost.

 

Just my three cents.

[mirekti]

Which 75 did you end up pulling the trigger on?

 

None at the moment, but it will be 75 cron. I want to give a 35mm a week of advantage on M.

 

Many wrote it was not easy to focus precisely so I might even add x1.35 from Japan Exoposures. Based on my calculation 1.35 will not throw the 35mm frame lines out of VF and it would be very helpful on 75. I like the idea of screwing it to the camera, and leaving it there.

[CaptZoom]

None at the moment, but it will be 75 cron. I want to give a 35mm a week of advantage on M.

 

Many wrote it was not easy to focus precisely so I might even add x1.35 from Japan Exoposures. Based on my calculation 1.35 will not throw the 35mm frame lines out of VF and it would be very helpful on 75. I like the idea of screwing it to the camera, and leaving it there.

 

Where in the world are you gonna find that lens in stock!?! By all accounts it's a stellar lens.

I think you are right about the 1.35x not throw out the 35mm frame lines, and it will indeed help with focusing the 75mm. I should mention that I do not find it difficult to focus the 75mm without a magnifier, though of course this may not hold true for you.

[exile]

If you can find and afford a 75 'cron, it looks to be fantastic.

If you can't, I would recommend the 90 elamrit-M. I have one, love it deeply, and have not used the CV75/2.5 since the 90 arrived.

I also have a ZM21/2.8 and like it very much indeed. The 21/3.4 SEM is probably a bit better wide open but at a greatly disproportionate price increase.

 

I think you chose very wisely on the 35/1.4 FLE as your main lens, and I agree that an 18/21 + 35/40 + 75/90 three lens setup is an excellent option.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[mirekti]

If you can find and afford a 75 'cron, it looks to be fantastic.

 

I've just ordered one. :-)

 

I think you chose very wisely on the 35/1.4 FLE as your main lens, and I agree that an 18/21 + 35/40 + 75/90 three lens setup is an excellent option.

 

I'll keep it to 35 + 75 for now.

It seemed to me that the frames doubled from 21 to 35 to 75.

Do you think 18 would be a better option than 21?

What are the options/recommendations for 18mm?