Guest tanks Posted March 21, 2013 Share #1 Posted March 21, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) After tomorrow when my 50mm arrives from Robert White, UK my kit will consist of 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm. Down the line I am looking at a 24mm or 135mm. There have been times where I wished for a wide angle lens, and also for a tele when I felt 90mm was not enough. What are your views? In which situation do you find yourself the most, wishing for a wide or a tele? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 21, 2013 Posted March 21, 2013 Hi Guest tanks, Take a look here Go wide or go long?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
michaelwj Posted March 22, 2013 Share #2 Posted March 22, 2013 Which to you find yourself yearning for? That should be a good start. And remember, no amount of cropping will get you a wider view! Personally, I'd also think about what I was going to take with me, Would you take say the 90, 50, and 24? or the 35 and 135? Do you really need another lens? Which is your main lens? I'm built around a 35 which I really like, I sometimes add either a 21 or 90. I chose 21 for a few reasons, its a nice pairing with the 35, and if I'm going to have an external finder, I might as well go really wide. I think if I was thinking about 24, I'd go for a 28 and no external finder, but that'd be too close to my 35. On the other hand, I find 90 plenty long enough. As you'll no doubt be told, there are many opinions, mine will just be one! Michael 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest malland Posted March 22, 2013 Share #3 Posted March 22, 2013 ...What are your views? In which situation do you find yourself the most, wishing for a wide or a tele?If it were me and if I didn't know whether I wanted a 24 o4 135mm lens I would conclude that I didn't either. As has been suggested, other people's preferences are not relevant and advice from people that don't know your photography is not useful. My own most used lens is the Summicron-28, together with the Elmarit-21 ASPH plus the Summilux-50 pre-ASPH. The 135 mm is not easy to use on an M9. I have a Tele-Elmarit-90 that I rarely use, but am thinking of getting the Macro-Elmarit-90 because I am interested in sometimes shooting closer than the 0.7m that I get with the Summilux-50. —Mitch/Potomac, MD Paris au rythme de Basquiat and Other Poems [download link for book project] Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Mandeville Posted March 22, 2013 Share #4 Posted March 22, 2013 my kit will consist of 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm. Down the line I am looking at a 24mm and a 135mm. There, fixed it for ya. (although I would lean more toward a 21 at the wide end.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted March 22, 2013 Share #5 Posted March 22, 2013 +1 21-35-50 is a great three lens kit. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
efreed2754 Posted March 22, 2013 Share #6 Posted March 22, 2013 Hi tanks. +1 on Michael's comment about cropping for longer but not wider. I had a 24, 35, 90 and 135 for many years. Had a 21 before but like natural perspective of the 24. There are threads on 21 and 24 so take a look. My next length was 18 which I love. Depending on your style, you may get more use of wider than longer. And if you go to 21 then 18 not as big a jump as from 24, and 35 to 24 is a good jump. YMMV. Happy hunting Ed Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 22, 2013 Share #7 Posted March 22, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) +1 21-35-50 is a great three lens kit. I agree, but personally 21-28-50 is greater Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenPatterson Posted March 22, 2013 Share #8 Posted March 22, 2013 I agree, but personally 21-28-50 is greater True, and I think the 28mm focal length is great on the Leica (and better for street photography than the 21) but I have avoided getting one because I'm devoted to my 35 Summilux FLE (over 80% of my shots are with this lens) and I know that a 28 just wouldn't get the love. Now if Leica ever decide to release the 28 Summilux then it's anybody's guess what I might do!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 22, 2013 Share #9 Posted March 22, 2013 Hi Stephen, I now rarely use the 1.4/35 ASPH (FLE or whatever). I'll take it out if I want a single lens for casual photography but I've moved more to a 28/50 combo. If you haven't tried the 28 Summicron ASPH do yourself a favor and do so. It is extraordinary! Regards, Mark 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie Posted March 22, 2013 Share #10 Posted March 22, 2013 Hi, Whereas I use 50mm and 90mm lenses mostly, I find that I use a 135mm lens not as much as I think I will. I carry one on trips because when walking I don't lug a Viso and telyt round and sometimes want something longer than the 90, but often find it either not long enough or too long. Its main advantage is that it couples with the rangefinder and is much more compact than the viso. However my next trip is another motorcycle tour so will probably take the Viso and 200mm Telyt as I don't have to carry it! The 135mm can then be used in a short mount with that. My 35mm lenses aren't used that much either, but I find one useful at times, but my last trip, to South Africa, the lens I didn't take and wished I had was the 21 Elmarit. Some people 'see' long and others see 'wide'. I'm one of the former but when I go wide I prefer the 21 over the 35, which, like the 135, I find either too wide or too long! I would suggest going for a 21mm (mine is pre-asph and is fine) and if you can afford it a 135mm. If you want to try one out, the 135 Hektor would be fine and is cheap. I admit it won't be as good as a modern design but it will give you a feeling for the lens. If you find you like the 135 then at a later date upgrade to the Tele Elmar which is much better and more convienient but more expensive. As well as using my Leicas I also like to collect in a small way. You're just starting out in the Leica world so unless you have to only buy the essential items you need to fulfill your photographic desires, you won't go wrong buying any lens. It's just that that red dot is addictive, so be warned! Susie 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 22, 2013 Share #11 Posted March 22, 2013 Hi, Whereas I use 50mm and 90mm lenses mostly, I find that I use a 135mm lens not as much as I think I will. I carry one on trips because when walking I don't lug a Viso and telyt round and sometimes want something longer than the 90, but often find it either not long enough or too long. Its main advantage is that it couples with the rangefinder and is much more compact than the viso. However my next trip is another motorcycle tour so will probably take the Viso and 200mm Telyt as I don't have to carry it! The 135mm can then be used in a short mount with that. My 35mm lenses aren't used that much either, but I find one useful at times, but my last trip, to South Africa, the lens I didn't take and wished I had was the 21 Elmarit. Some people 'see' long and others see 'wide'. I'm one of the former but when I go wide I prefer the 21 over the 35, which, like the 135, I find either too wide or too long! I would suggest going for a 21mm (mine is pre-asph and is fine) and if you can afford it a 135mm. I agree with your comments about the 21mm focal length which is also one of my favourites, and almost always my 3rd lens after 50 & 28, although I not infrequently take just a 50 & 21. I'm still finding where 135mm fits in with my photography as I tend to go wide rather than long. As well as using my Leicas I also like to collect in a small way. Susie I think this is just another description of GAS Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted March 22, 2013 Share #12 Posted March 22, 2013 Your current lens choice give's you a hint that whatever you go for, long or wide, it isn't going to be your 'must have' lens (yet) or you would have chosen it before now. Given the choice of lenses available I would say go for a 21mm, it is wide enough to be radically different in coverage, so giving you something that changes your thinking about the subject you are photographing rather than simply getting more in the shot. It is just that bit more dynamic compared with a 24mm with the perspective possible. And because it isn't your first choice lens buy something like a ZM 21mm f2.8 Biogon or a CV 21mm f4 Skopar. Both are excellent quality, especially the Biogon. Steve 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie Posted March 22, 2013 Share #13 Posted March 22, 2013 I think this is just another description of GAS I've seen this in other posts: pardon my ignorance but what does it stand for? I notice it is usually said with a knowing smile! Susie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkP Posted March 22, 2013 Share #14 Posted March 22, 2013 (edited) I've seen this in other posts: pardon my ignorance but what does it stand for? I notice it is usually said with a knowing smile! Susie Hi Susie, Gear Acquisition Syndrome. There is no cure, only temporary symptom relief with retail therapy Edited March 22, 2013 by MarkP Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
semi-ambivalent Posted March 22, 2013 Share #15 Posted March 22, 2013 Now if Leica ever decide to release the 28 Summilux then it's anybody's guess what I might do!!! DOF in WAs is such that large apertures are actually useful. With M sensors still lagging in the high ISO department, and to demonstrate commitment to the superlative design of the M mount lineup, how could they not? OT: OTOH, it's ridiculous to think you really need ISO 25k. It's just technological icing promoted as a necessary feature. But that's for another thread. s-a Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirk Mandeville Posted March 22, 2013 Share #16 Posted March 22, 2013 If you haven't tried the 28 Summicron ASPH do yourself a favor and do so.It is extraordinary! Heck, I think the 28mm Elmarit-M ASPH is extraordinary. Small size, reasonable price, sharp as a tack, and just renders beautifully. I can imagine the Cron is even better. I do find the 28 to be a little too close to my 35 Cron though, and therefore it doesn't get as much use. Some people 'see' long and others see 'wide'. Not sure how much truth there is to this. I believe it really depends on the type of photography you like to do. Some subjects beg for wide; others beg for long. I love the 21mm focal length and for certain subjects really love an even wider focal length, like 15mm. But for getting candid closeup shots of my five year old, nothing beats the 135. My recommendation to the OP is to get both wide and long at some point and learn to use both. If you don't expect to be shooting a lot at these focal lengths, then figure out a way to get them cheaper. You can get a very old elmarit 135 for a reasonable price and see how it suits you. Or you could go with a CV or Zeiss 21 and save a lot of money over the Leica version. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gberger Posted March 22, 2013 Share #17 Posted March 22, 2013 For travel, the 21 is almost a necessity in buildings, cathedrals, narrow streets and for some architectural shots. The 135 is relatively difficult to focus, and for top quality transparencies or B&W negatives, you need a tripod and a decent external viewfinder. The current 135 is a superb lens - - but you really have to work in order to get the best from it. Yes, the 21 also needs a good viewfinder, but you can get by without a full-scale tripod. The Zeiss ZM 21/2.8 and the Zeiss 21 optical viewfinder are an excellent pairing. YMMV I have the Leica 28mm 2.8 ASPH, the 24mm 2.8 Elmarit and the Zeiss 21. Love 'em all, but the 28 goes on my camera and the 21 into my pocket when I go out and shoot "just for the fun of it." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
enboe Posted March 23, 2013 Share #18 Posted March 23, 2013 The three you have could be enough for a lifetime of photography. A few questions, with recommended responses: 1) Do you find yourself wishing you had an extra shutter speed or two (or three)? Consider upgrading your most used focal length to the fastest available. 2) Do you find the subject you want to capture fits within the viewfinder, but not within the 35 frame lines? Consider a 28. The 28/2.8/ASPH is a wonderful and affordable lens. If you want even wider coverage, the 24mm or 21mm, with corresponding auxiliary finder, make sense. You then have to see how deep your pockets are, as they have three f/stop options for each. The 24 also makes sense if you have an M8 in the mix. Oh, and don't forget the wild and crazy 18mm too. 3) Are you unable to move closer to your subject, for reasons of intrusion or safety, for example? Then go for the 135, but do so knowing it's not a trivial item to work with. So my real suggestion might be to contact your local Leica rep to try some items out during a demo day, contact a local Leica club or user to do the same, or use one of the excellent rent-a-lens services online. Enjoy. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpitt Posted March 24, 2013 Share #19 Posted March 24, 2013 When in doubt. Take both! The 135 Hektor or Elmar oldies can be picked up for a fraction of the price of a 24mm old or new. So the question, after acquiring the 135 is really about spending the money for a 24mm. That question can only be answered by you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted March 24, 2013 Share #20 Posted March 24, 2013 If you're in doubt between a 24 and a 135 you probably do not have a subject, theme or project in mind what you want to shoot. Sort that out first. What do you want to show the world, what themes inspire you, what fascinates you? Btw you can't crop, even a 24, to a reasonable well image that you would have shot with a 135. One of my passions is birds of prey, well I can forget that with cropping 24mm captures. Whereas in architecture I can use several captures with a 50 to attain the wide view of a 24 by using panorama software like PtGui. And the result is even better than one shot with a 24 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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