28mm ???

[tthorne]

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The evolution of my use of focal lengths over the years has become quite amusing to me as there is a clear pattern emerging. Years ago I used to cover 14mm - 200mm via Nikon DSLRs and zooms. After leaving the DSLR world and venturing mirrorless, I did what I had wanted to do for years, which is switch to fast prime lenses. At that point, I noticed my personal taste start to compress from both sides. 14mm (or equivalent) was way too wide for me, and 200mm was just further out than I wanted to be. 

 

I began to notice that I was using 35mm and 50mm far more than I ever thought I would. Then 18mm and 135mm started to feel less for me as well. When I moved to Leica, I went with 21mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 90mm, and I was pretty sure I had it right. I was fortunate to have some nice glass on all sides. 35mm and 50mm still reigned supreme for me though.

 

Then I met the 75mm APO and all of a sudden my 90mm APO is on the bench. I preferred the slightly more moderate telephoto. But wait, although I loved the 21mm SEM and the 21mm Lux, now 21mm feels a little too wide for me. So I have been thinking...

 

I shoot 24mm a lot via tilt/shift as I am an architectural photographer by trade. I love that focal length for the work I do and the Canon L2 TSE is superb on the A7S and A7R, but I don't know about it on my Leicas, especially without framelines. I have the EVF which I used to use for 21mm, but I am much happier with the rangefinder. Also, 24mm is still pretty wide.

 

35mm and 50mm are still my go to focal lengths. While 75mm is my go to telephoto now, I still find myself able to cover those shots with a 50mm and leaving it in the bag most of the time. Now I do feel like if I went for a wide angle, 28mm may be the widest for me. I almost think of it in my head as a wider 35mm for those times I want a wider AOV but don't want that wide angle look. The thing is, I have NEVER shot a 28mm, so I just don't know. Is it too close to 35mm? 35/50 is close, but I use those totally differently. 

 

Has anyone else here been through something similar? Or how about those of you who use 28mm and 35mm. How do you feel about the differences between the two?

 

 

[wattsy]

Or how about those of you who use 28mm and 35mm. How do you feel about the differences between the two?

 

I use 28mm and 35mm for most of what I use a Leica for and find the lenses sufficiently different that I wouldn't want to be without one or the other. 

[Peter Branch]

I use 28mm and 35mm for most of what I use a Leica for and find the lenses sufficiently different that I wouldn't want to be without one or the other. 

 

Me too.

[Stein K S]

I use 28mm and 35mm for most of what I use a Leica for and find the lenses sufficiently different that I wouldn't want to be without one or the other. 

Fully agree!

 

My "additional" comment is that I own two 50s and a 90... but I strongly consider to turn them all into one 75... and then that could end up being my final kit... 28, 35 and 75.

 

regards, Stein Kjetil

[pgk]

The thing is, focal lengths are a personal/subject choice. I agree that the majority of my shots would be taken on 35 and 50 but then again I took these and the 21SEM and the 90E-M on a recent trip and the latter two proved to be far more useful, but not the exclusively used, focal lengths - because of the available subject matter. Oddly though I took an M8 & an M9 and the crop factor 'shift' in focal lengths proved useful too. What I am saying is that its difficult to predict what might be most helpful to own and have available. I have a number of lenses and some get little use for a time and then are extensively used again. Given enough time and money I'd possibly own another couple of lenses, although I'm no longer sure that I actually want to. Lens ownership is about enjoying what you have whether its minimalist or extensive. Finding the specific set which suits your desires and the subject matter that you shoot is a very personal thing and whilst the forum can offer advice and opinions, ultimately, as in all these posted lens queries, the choice can only be made by you.

 

FWIW I've owned the 28/2 and 24/2.8 but settled on copies of the 21SEM and 21SA - both of which I like. I have 35 and 50 a 75/2 and 90E-M. I also have a few old, tatty and very cheap lenses which I use despite their shortcomings and suspect that these offer far more enjoyment relative to their cost, however that's another topic entirely. From what you say I'd be suggesting that you do try the 24SE as a compromise - I find the 21SEM to be an extraordinarily superb lens which is why I like it so much and won't part with it. Lastly, I'd say that it takes a long time (years) to really get to grips with and appreciate some lenses - I've owned 3 x 35 pre-aspheric Summiluxes and now own one again - its a keeper and I have finally realised that its a lens that I like the ergonomics of, the images from and its history (which has some personal connection oddly enough). I took 2 x 90E-Ms to convince me of this lens' strengths too. And its the same with other camera manufacturer's lenses too - I really like Canons 100 usm macro and 24/1.4 and 35/1.4, I have others which are ok but nothing more.

[lct]

Too close, difficult to say. Of course 28 and 35 are close but they "draw" differently. If you feel that 24 is too wide and you need a wider FoV than 35, you've pretty well answered your question. Also you won't need the EVF or an additional OVF when using a 28, even if it may be difficult to see the 28mm framelines in the M240's VF. Now if 35 and 50 are your favorite focal lengths they will remain so i suspect so your 28 won't be used that often if you don't see the world in wide angle. Could just be the lens you need when there is no room enough to step back with a 35. Just borrow or rent one and you'll make your opinion by yourself. 

[jaapv]

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Interesting thing about crop factor - taking an M9 and cropping it down to M8 size will give exactly the same result as using the M8, so it only pays off by being able to go wider on the M9

[wda]

28 + 50 + 90 were the three focal lengths I used on my Leica M3 and M6 most of the time with the 50 predominating. Occasionally but rarely 135 for aviation. I would never be without a 28 but seldom use the 90 nowadays, favouring 75 instead. We are all different animals and choice is extremely personal. Shoot what you feel is right for you and be prepared to change that choice as you grow older.

[pgk]

Interesting thing about crop factor - taking an M9 and cropping it down to M8 size will give exactly the same result as using the M8, so it only pays off by being able to go wider on the M9

A second body is so useful though and regardless of the ability to crop, using a lens on the M8 makes you (certainly me) 'see' differently. I just can't get into the idea of cropping - its an anathema to me I'm afraid.

[jmahto]

Of course the answer depends on what you shoot at and your own aesthetic preferences.

 

As for myself, I love 28mm and it is my go to lens because it is so forgiving in framing. I rarely look at the frame lines while shooting. It is very much like point and shoot with zone focusing in day light. You can do that to any wide angle lens (24, 21) but for me 28 is just right without becoming too wide.

 

Having said that, going out just with 28mm does limit my ability capture different scenes and I carry a longer length (50mm in city and 90mm in winderness). It is kind of arbitrary and more tuned to how I see photo opportunity.

 

If I have to take only one lens out for a hike it will be 28mm, whereas, if I have to take only one lens to city outing with friends and family then it will be 35mm.

 

I just made up these guidelines for myself so that I do not get troubled by choices (since I never carry a camera bag full of stuff).

[uhoh7]

I use 28mm and 35mm for most of what I use a Leica for and find the lenses sufficiently different that I wouldn't want to be without one or the other. 

 

But....which would you sell first? LOL

 

I'm shooting everything from landscape to street with my M9, including events.

 

I don't really find 28 and 35 are that close, but I admit i rarely take both lenses (28cron ZM35/2). I shoot more shots on the M9 with the 28 cron than any other lens because it makes such interesting views, has huge foreground space, and overall it's my best performer for color and detail.

 

The downside is the viewfinder, because I wear glasses. I finally have a voigtlander 28 finder, but not sure I like it more. 

 

As a second lens in daylight I take the tiny 50 cron v4 tabbed which simply smokes on both M9 and A7.mod. 

 

However: I love the 35s when I use them. Joy in the finder. Very good on the street. For landscape, it's fine once you get the frame in your head and work accordingly. For people 35 is fantastic. As a single lens 35 might be the best option of all: as I know many feel.

 

I have two primary 35s and also sometimes use the CV 35/1.4 for stealth. My workhorse is the CV 35/1.2, which takes the M9 into any light and gives some much appreciated DOF at F/1.2. This is also a cool lens on the street, except for the weight. Most character of any modern 35 I think. I also admire the C-Biogon and cron asph. But I wanted something like the 28 cron at 35, and ended up with the ZM 35/2, which is killer on the M9 with the small caveat of extreme corners at infinity not great at any aperture. On the 240 this lens shifts color, but M9 loves it. It has a look not far off from the 28 cron but just a tad cooler on the color.

 

L1030333 by unoh7, ZM 35

 

L1029981 by unoh7, 28 Cron

 

The 28 just makes a frame which I feel I can walk around in: it starts closer to my feet, and there's more context. So, much as I love my 35s, the 28 more often makes the cut in daylight.

[algrove]

We all have differing reasons for owning this or that lens. Here's mine.

 

I for one go for the small is better on the M approach. I recently sold my Nocti (1.0 & 0.95) and 75/1.4 in favor of keeping my APO50 and 75/2.0 in those FL. On the other hand I found the light and small macro 90 just not my cup of tea and decided to keep my E-M 90/2.8 and also sold my excellent 90/2.0.

 

As for wide, this for me depends on what and where I shoot. In keeping with the small form factor idea, I now have the 28/2.8 and love the results. I like it so much I sold my 28/2.0 and for now have decided to forego the 28/1.4 unless someone can convenice me otherwise in the field. I use my SEM18 so much for landscape that I cannot bear the thought of parting with it. Most images in the link below were shot with the 18.

 

I sold both my 24 (1.4 and 3.4) as they just were not the FL I went for first or second. I have kept the SEM21 in an effort to keep weight and size down when I feel I need it (like on longer international trips), but also kept the 21/1.4 for use in very low light levels and will use it with the new M246 once it arrives as well as with the M-P.

 

No matter where I go I would never travel without the APO50 and 35/1.4 so going either longer or wider than those two lenses becomes a personal choice mostly based on venue.

 

http://blog.leica-camera.com/photographers/interviews/louis-foubare-making-every-minute-count

[enboe]

People or things?

 

If you shoot a lot of things, buildings, trees, fountains, shrubbery, etc., the 28mm focal length is very nice for getting more into the frame.

 

If you shoot people, 50mm is probably more appropriate for 3/4 to full-length, 75mm for half-length, and 90mm for head shots.  These guidelines are tied to distortion of the subject.

 

A recommendation - pick up one of the excellent 28/2.8/ASPH lenses and play a bit with vintage 39mm Leica filters.  Lots to try there.

 

Eric

[Herr Barnack]

I used to have 21/3.4, 28/2, 50/1.4, 50/1.0 and 90/2.  Now my lens line up is 21/3.4, 35/2, 50/1.0 and 90/2.  I miss the smaller size, lighter weight and quicker focusing of the 50/1.4 compared to the 50/1.0; I will be picking up a 50/2.0 as soon as I can.

 

That having been said, both the 28/2 and the 35/2 are outstanding lenses.  Yes, the angles of view are close, but there is a difference.  Since I now have a 35, I do not really miss the 28 but the difference in the way that these two lenses render is apparent.  If you are able, it would not kill a guy to have both.

[40mm f/2]

I had both a Elmarit 28mm and a Summicron 35mm and for urban situations I preferred the 28mm but for landscape the tighter 35mm was yielding better pictures. I found that I carried one or the other but not both. But then I replaced the 35mm with a 40mm Summicron and that small increase of focal lens lead me to carry both lenses (+ a 90mm MEM)!

[Herr Barnack]

I had both a Elmarit 28mm and a Summicron 35mm and for urban situations I preferred the 28mm but for landscape the tighter 35mm was yielding better pictures. I found that I carried one or the other but not both. But then I replaced the 35mm with a 40mm Summicron and that small increase of focal lens lead me to carry both lenses (+ a 90mm MEM)!

That's the nice thing about M lenses:  8 M lenses = 2 DSLR zoom lenses in terms of size & weight.  That is a huge benefit in many ways.  Neck, shoulder & back issues come to mind, not to mention hand carrying your kit when flying.

[tthorne]

Thank you EVERYONE who chimed in. I really appreciate it. I know it is a very personal choice, but I learn SO much from all of these discussions and all of your opinions and experiences that I feel I am able to look at things from more perspective than when I internalize the process. You are all a great help. 

 

Currently I never leave home without the 35FLE, 50Lux ASPH and my new 50APO. The .95 Nocti hits the bench with the 75/90APO. Most of the time these are actually mounted (2 M's and a Mono), so I don't really do much lens changing at all. This may really be all I ever need, but I like to explore, so I will likely try out the 28Cron first. The idea of the Lux really strikes my curiosity, and it looks like that lens may have my beloved focus tab. 

[uhoh7]

I think you'll love the 28 cron, but let us know and post some samples

 

L1031074 by unoh7, M9 28cron