perfect lens kit

[Ecaton]

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Today, it will be the ZM 50 Sonnar. Tomorrow, I don`t know yet.

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[deliciouspizza]

I'm about to leave on a long trip to NYC and I just picked up a 90 APO 'Cron thinking that I'd travel with this kit:

 

-21mm f3.4 Super-Elmar

-50mm f2 Summicron APO

-90mm f2 Summicron APO

 

But the 90mm had some considerable focus shift and even when it didn't I had trouble getting focus at all (I haven't used a lens longer than 50mm+ in a long time, granted). Plus, I don't like the weight and size so I'm returning it. So, I'm going with this kit:

 

-21mm f3.4 Super-Elmar

-35mm f1.4 Summilux FLE

-50mm f2 Summicron APO

 

One wide, one for low light and one for everything else. I use the 50 most. I have the Noctilux .95 and 50 Summilux Asph too and I love those lenses, especially the 50 Lux, but I really don't enjoy traveling with tons of lenses. I don't like carrying too much expensive stuff but most importantly I don't like constantly thinking about gear when I'm taking pictures.

 

I really never travel with more than three lenses and I hardly ever go out with more than one lens. It's hard enough to stay focused on taking good pics without having to constantly second guess yourself about whether or not you're using the right lens. Maybe it's me, but when I have my 50 on my camera and a 21 in my bag all I can think about is shots that would look cool with my 21.

 

Ultimately, you should pick lenses that fit your style. I used to take a lot of wide open shots, with shallow DOF, but now I shoot mostly at f5.6/8. That's why I don't use the Lux or Noctilux much anymore, sadly. And you should be practical. Constantly stopping to change lenses isn't really practical, IMO. Keep it simple, stupid.

[lct]

...-90mm f2 Summicron APO

But the 90mm had some considerable focus shift...

Never got focus shift with mine. I guess your lens needs some calibration.

[Stealth3kpl]

So, I'm going with this kit:

 

-21mm f3.4 Super-Elmar

-35mm f1.4 Summilux FLE

-50mm f2 Summicron APO

 

.

 

That's what I would've suggested instead of the former kit

Pete

[semi-ambivalent]

But the 90mm had some considerable focus shift and even when it didn't I had trouble getting focus at all (I haven't used a lens longer than 50mm+ in a long time, granted). Plus, I don't like the weight and size so I'm returning it.

Back in my Nikon Days, as well as now, I still find that I use 100mm very rarely, but when I do use it it is the best choice. That's why, after a series of 105s, I made sure to get a 90 Elmarit M. Nothing's changed in my usage but it's (almost) small enough not to be a hinderance if carried but unused.

One wide, one for low light and one for everything else. I use the 50 most.

Funny, that. In the past the SLR world considered them so boring...

Ultimately, you should pick lenses that fit your style.

The truest path, but often the hardest; I am little better than a crow, attracted to the shiney, but finances keep me in check.

Constantly stopping to change lenses isn't really practical, IMO.

That's why they'll sell you a 2nd body.

 

The buildings in NYC have a certain sameness that makes them stack up well with teles. Perhaps in the future a 90 Tele- or M Elmarit. The former is very carry-able, the latter avoids the rear element separation issue sometimes found in the older 90s.

[deliciouspizza]

 

That's why they'll sell you a 2nd body.

 

That is a road I don't want to go down lol.

[algrove]

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That is a road I don't want to go down lol.

 

The best 3 lens kit is with 3 bodies, 21, 35, 50 and 90 for the fourth body. Just joking about the fourth body.

[Guest tanks]

For me, and I will be taking off for 7 weeks in a month, it will be:

 

35 f/2

50 f/1.4

90 f/2

135 f/4 (46mm version)

MM, M

 

Now, I will, most likely, have 90 or 135 on the M, and 35 or 50 on the MM. Either the 90 or the 135 will stay behind, and whichever is not mounted on the MM will be in my pocket.

[deliciouspizza]

The best 3 lens kit is with 3 bodies, 21, 35, 50 and 90 for the fourth body. Just joking about the fourth body.

 

I need to stop coming here, you guys are bad influences.

[Guest Ansel_Adams]

My perfect kit would be:

 

21

28

35

[deliciouspizza]

Which of the 50s would you guys take to a wedding? The most obvious choice is the 50 Summilux with that beautiful bokeh. But what about the 50 APO? May not be the most ideal for portraits, but if you're going to shoot at f5.6/8 so you can get more group shots, it would have the highest IQ. Then there's Noctilux, which would create the most surreal images.

 

I'm going to a wedding tomorrow, not sure which one to bring.

[Jeff S]

Which of the 50s would you guys take to a wedding? ....what about the 50 APO?

 

Well, it's fitting for the bride, given its tendency to reveal veil flair.

 

Jeff

[algrove]

That's good one, Jeff or should I say Ffej.

[Jeff S]

You're repeating yourself.

 

Jeff

[friedeye]

deliciouspizza -

 

The lux, hands down. And at 5.6/8 it's so close to the apo that it's about pixel counting in the corners.

 

I'd actually go for the 35 lux. Weddings are tight. Context is nice.

[mmx_2]

SE 24

Lux 35

 

Both small enough to fit in the pocket if my shorts. Perfect for street shots!

[algrove]

deliciouspizza -

 

The lux, hands down. And at 5.6/8 it's so close to the apo that it's about pixel counting in the corners.

 

I'd actually go for the 35 lux. Weddings are tight. Context is nice.

 

Do you own an APO50 to be able to make this comparison?

[rramesh]

Off to Turkey in a week with the 21 SEM, 28 Cron and 50 Lux. Maybe the 90 Elmarit-M may come along.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[MarkP]

Off to Turkey in a week with the 21 SEM, 28 Cron and 50 Lux. Maybe the 90 Elmarit-M may come along.

 

PERFECT

[jdlaing]

I think I have hit on it for me.

 

MATE

WATE

35 f/1.4

50 f/1.4

 

I am covered for 16-50mm in a very few pieces.