Which lens next ?

[Jeff S]

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Congrats, Simon...happy shooting.

 

Jeff

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The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[MarkP]

OK, it's done ....... I've made a decision and after a deep DEEP breath I bought a 35 'Lux FLE. I should have it for this weekend

 

Thanks for all your help and advice,

 

Simon

 

Excellent choice.

 

Gone are the days of spending months deciding what lens to get and then even longer waiting for the lens to be supplied.

[leafster]

Hi folks,

 

Sorry for the thread bump. I did some reading and search for quite a while, and view others flickr to get a feel on the lens I'm interested, but I wish to hear some advices.

 

I am visiting Kyoto in the coming Dec. I wanted to get lens for its architectures, maybe landscape. Currently I'm using M9P and 50 Lux ASPH for almost 2yrs. Love 50Lux ASPH to bits. I have a 35 Summaron f2.8, but not bringing.

 

I narrow down to the following choices.

 

1. 28 Summicron f2

2. 21 SEM f3.4

3. 35 Lux Fle

 

For (1), I think it can cover streets too, but is it sufficient for architectures in the day and night lights? There will be night cultural event, so I hope to capture it too. I haven't decide whether to bring tripod, because certain areas are not allow to use tripod.

 

For (2), I read wonders of this lens, but the only drawback its f3.4 for night. I will get this lens without worry if I am using new M or MM.

 

For (3), 35 for both day and night, where 50 may not cover much. I see 35 as a compromise lens for my needs.

 

This choices are suitable of use in my country too, so I'm not just buying for holiday. And certainly I can't buy all 3.

 

Pls kindly share your experience.

 

Cheers, I appreciate it.

[lct]

Just to know your tastes a bit: Why don't you plan to bring your 35/2.8?

[Guest Marc G.]

have a look at the Voigtlander 21 1.8 Ultron as a viable alternative to the 21 SEM if the 21 Summilux is not for you. otherwise the 28 Summicron is an extremely capable lens and it is a perfect partner for your 50 Summilux. You would be spared from the hassle of using an external finder too.

[leafster]

Just to know your tastes a bit: Why don't you plan to bring your 35/2.8?

 

I mainly use this for b&w which I found it pleasing. In any case, I have been looking at 35 Cron ASPH and Lux Fle for a change of rendering at this focal length. No plan of selling the Summaron, imo is a different lens compare to todays modern ones. But currently this lens of mine is severely front-focus. I'm arranging with my local Leica services to have a look.

 

To answer your question, tentatively I'm thinking of bringing just 2 lens. If I have a wider angle than 35, I probably leave behind 35. But will bring 50 Lux.

 

have a look at the Voigtlander 21 1.8 Ultron as a viable alternative to the 21 SEM if the 21 Summilux is not for you. otherwise the 28 Summicron is an extremely capable lens and it is a perfect partner for your 50 Summilux. You would be spared from the hassle of using an external finder too.

 

Thanks for sharing, will look into Voigtlander 21 1.8 Ultron. You're right that 21 Lux is out for me. I do like 28 Summicron and find it close to 50 Lux ASPH rendering. Though not very wide, but it can do landscape, architectures, street and also for its f2. I will probably check 28mm out. Many do favor 28/50 combo.

[lct]

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...Many do favor 28/50 combo.

Matter of tastes of course. I prefer 35/50/90 or 35/75 with FF cams personally as 28 is too wide for portrait imho. Now for landscape and architecture, 28 is indeed a good choice. Beware that you will hardly see the 28mm framelines of your M9 if you wear spectacles though, but you know this already certainly. Amongst 28mm lenses, the Summicron is one of the very best if not the best ever made. Is is a bit less contrasty that your Summilux 50 asph but it shows the same "modern" look so both will make a superb combo. Same for Summilux 35 FLE and Summicron 35 asph which look a bit more contrasty than the 28/2 though. Those are very slight differences though, you can be wrong with none of those lenses anyway.

[Paul J]

I like the 35/50/75 combo personally, that's what works well for my style and work. I think it's best to choose what is right for you, not based on filling gaps and spreading things out.

 

I only think you can decide which focal lengths you like and have a need for.

[Shade]

Suggestions here would not matter much imho, it really depends on what and how you shoot. I used to have a 3 lens kit back then were my option was 28-50-90. But I found that I rarely use anything other than 50 and sold both the others. And I havent found any need to buy another lens.

 

28 is probably the best step if you are talking about a technically ideal setup, as it doesnt need any external viewfinder (any wider than that you'll need one), and the 35 is a tad too close to 50 imho. Some would disagree, and they have their own reasons for that.

 

The 75 to me is just an odd focal length, So you can use it where you see fit.

[MarkP]

I can only comment on what I would use and the reasons so. Only you know your photography.

 

To clarify your question - you have a 1.4/50 Summilux ASPH and want to go wide for architectural/travel/landscape photography, and I presume want to stay with Leica M lenses.

 

I have all of the lenses you mention.

 

I would not get the 35 for this. Too close to 50. That is not to criticise the 35, just that I don't think it will do what you want.

 

My favourite two lens set is the 28 and 50. The 28 Summicron is a glorious lens and compliments the 50 nicely with respect to its rendering, FOV, and compactness (also don't need an external OVF). A very easy and versatile set to travel with. The 28 is excellent for architecture/travel/landscape.

 

21mm is also one of my favourite FLs (I have the Summilux and SEM) and is also a good match with the 50. The SEM is very compact lens (perhaps a bit less so with the external OVF. 21-24 is possibly better for architecture than 28. Personally I'd add it as a third rather than second lens unless you're familiar with such wide angle lenses. I agree with the comment above that you really need an external optical viewfinder for the 21 which does compromise the compactness of the system (much has been written in the forum regarding 21mm VFs but having had the Zeiss and replaced it with the Leica I'd advise the Leica).

 

Personally I'd take the 28/50 combo. Can't go wrong.

 

The other thing to mention is that whether you end up taking a 21 or 28 along with the 50 you will be very happy with what you have and probably not miss what you've never had.

[leafster]

Matter of tastes of course. I prefer 35/50/90 or 35/75 with FF cams personally as 28 is too wide for portrait imho. Now for landscape and architecture, 28 is indeed a good choice. Beware that you will hardly see the 28mm framelines of your M9 if you wear spectacles though, but you know this already certainly. Amongst 28mm lenses, the Summicron is one of the very best if not the best ever made. Is is a bit less contrasty that your Summilux 50 asph but it shows the same "modern" look so both will make a superb combo. Same for Summilux 35 FLE and Summicron 35 asph which look a bit more contrasty than the 28/2 though. Those are very slight differences though, you can be wrong with none of those lenses anyway.

 

I like the 35/50/75 combo personally, that's what works well for my style and work. I think it's best to choose what is right for you, not based on filling gaps and spreading things out.

 

I only think you can decide which focal lengths you like and have a need for.

 

Suggestions here would not matter much imho, it really depends on what and how you shoot. I used to have a 3 lens kit back then were my option was 28-50-90. But I found that I rarely use anything other than 50 and sold both the others. And I havent found any need to buy another lens.

 

28 is probably the best step if you are talking about a technically ideal setup, as it doesnt need any external viewfinder (any wider than that you'll need one), and the 35 is a tad too close to 50 imho. Some would disagree, and they have their own reasons for that.

 

The 75 to me is just an odd focal length, So you can use it where you see fit.

 

I can only comment on what I would use and the reasons so. Only you know your photography.

 

To clarify your question - you have a 1.4/50 Summilux ASPH and want to go wide for architectural/travel/landscape photography, and I presume want to stay with Leica M lenses.

 

I have all of the lenses you mention.

 

I would not get the 35 for this. Too close to 50. That is not to criticise the 35, just that I don't think it will do what you want.

 

My favourite two lens set is the 28 and 50. The 28 Summicron is a glorious lens and compliments the 50 nicely with respect to its rendering, FOV, and compactness (also don't need an external OVF). A very easy and versatile set to travel with. The 28 is excellent for architecture/travel/landscape.

 

21mm is also one of my favourite FLs (I have the Summilux and SEM) and is also a good match with the 50. The SEM is very compact lens (perhaps a bit less so with the external OVF. 21-24 is possibly better for architecture than 28. Personally I'd add it as a third rather than second lens unless you're familiar with such wide angle lenses. I agree with the comment above that you really need an external optical viewfinder for the 21 which does compromise the compactness of the system (much has been written in the forum regarding 21mm VFs but having had the Zeiss and replaced it with the Leica I'd advise the Leica).

 

Personally I'd take the 28/50 combo. Can't go wrong.

 

The other thing to mention is that whether you end up taking a 21 or 28 along with the 50 you will be very happy with what you have and probably not miss what you've never had.

 

Gentlemen, thanks for the generous advice. I really appreciate it.

 

I agree that only I myself will know the focal length that will work for me. I am comfortable with 35 or 50 for a single lens trip. I sometime enjoy subjects walking into 35 or 50 frameline while framing. But I must say that I often go for 50Lux as I really like its rendering, and f1.4 at my disposal. I never actually tried bringing both 35 and 50 out yet, coz I like working with one lens.

 

To further clarify, Yes I am seeking wide angle lens for architectural/travel/landscape photography to pair with my 50Lux. And yes, preferably Leica lenses. It may be just me, but I generally feel that Leica lenses don't really depreciate much comparing to M cameras. So if I can effort to go for Leica lenses, I think I will. Especially for the focal length that I use quite regularly. Nevertheless, I don't single out the use of other brands because some are really just too good for its price and capability.

 

Noted the need for 21 VF if I go for 21. And I really like 21SEM compactness .

 

I haven't try 21 or 28 on M9 yet. But so far from my reading, and your generous advice, I do favor 28 to pair along 50. To prioritize, I am likely to go for 28 first. 35 Lux Fle / 35 Cron ASPH will probably be next for my upgrade, or maybe 21SEM.

 

In time to come, I will probably able to work out my prefer combo. As a single lens, I am generally fine with 35 or 50.

 

Another question if I may. For use of M9 and 28 Summicron during the night, will I foresee going to very high ISO to avoid camera handshake? I work up to 1250 only when necessary.

 

Thanks once again, I really appreciate your advice.

[MarkP]

Good choice. I think you will be very happy with the 28 Summicron.

 

Regarding the 28 Summicron compared with the 50 Sumilux in low-light:

1. the 28 is one stop slower than the 50

2. being wider the 28 can be hand held at a slower shutter speed than the 50

3. being wider the 28 has a greater depth of field making focusing perhaps a bit easier than the 50 wide open

 

So you shouldn't find the 28 Summicron too far behind the 50 Summilux in low light use.

Again, they are a great combination.

[lct]

...For use of M9 and 28 Summicron during the night, will I foresee going to very high ISO to avoid camera handshake?...

No problem with a tripod. Handheld is another story. But you'll need a wide DoF for architecture so a tripod will be necessary anyway.

[leafster]

Good choice. I think you will be very happy with the 28 Summicron.

 

Regarding the 28 Summicron compared with the 50 Sumilux in low-light:

1. the 28 is one stop slower than the 50

2. being wider the 28 can be hand held at a slower shutter speed than the 50

3. being wider the 28 has a greater depth of field making focusing perhaps a bit easier than the 50 wide open

 

So you shouldn't find the 28 Summicron too far behind the 50 Summilux in low light use.

Again, they are a great combination.

 

No problem with a tripod. Handheld is another story. But you'll need a wide DoF for architecture so a tripod will be necessary anyway.

 

Hi mates,

 

Thanks for the tip. It is really helpful and I understood the points.

 

From what I have read so far about Kyoto, certain place of interests do not allow tripod. That is why I'm thinking about the worst case speed I can handheld handle without introducing shake. With my 50, my success rate is pretty poor. Another consideration is if I'm shooting color, the max ISO that I use will not go 1250.

 

Nevertheless, I still have time to think about it. I might just dump it in my luggage though. It will be a by foot tour for most of the time, which I personally welcome it.

 

Hopefully I can find a good deal for the lens. Thanks once again.

[Shade]

Mark, why dont you give the Ultron a try? A tad faster and if you're planning to add a 21 anyway, having too many lens will be moot. But thats besides the point..

[MarkP]

Funny you mention that because I had considered suggesting the 21 Summilux - big, heavy, expensive, needs an external OVF, some minor distortion for architecture c/w the 21 SEM, did I say expensive, but nevertheless an extraordinary lens with beautiful rendering - one of my favourites.

 

However it doesn't really fit the OPs brief.

[Crowdedhousenl]

Well it all depends on 2 things;

 

1. How deep is your (money) pocket

2. What is your style in 80% of the shoots you make

 

I had deep pockets so I collect trough the years:

 

1. Super-elmar-M 18mm f/3.8 + finder

2. Summicron 28mm f/2.0

3. Summilux 50mm f/1.4

4. Voigtlander Heliar Classic 75mm f/1.8

5. Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

6. Elmar 135mm f/4.0 (40 years old)

 

80% I shoot 50mm, 10% 90mm the other share the 10%

However, what's in my bag I decide on the day, never more than 2 lenses and many times

just 1

 

If you are a traveller ALL the time, the choice for f/2.8 could be clear due to weight, how ever

imho the choice must never be the weight, but the lenses you feel good with that day.