phovsho Posted May 28, 2007 Share #1 Posted May 28, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello All As the M8 bug firmly takes hold I'm thinking I need a more compact lens in my lens portfolilo. I currently have the WATE, 21/2.8, 28/2.0, 35/1.4, 50/1.0, 50/2.0, 75/1.4 and 90/4.0 macro (on order). I used to live in NYC and did a lot of low light work, hence all the f 1.0 - 2.0 lens. But my situation has changed, with a young family and suburbia (better than it sounds!) So now I'm thinking I should be looking at some of the smaller and slower lens. Advantages appear to be size, viewfinder less obstructed and cost. So, whereas my natural inclination might be to add the 50/1.4 asph (sell the 50/f2.0), I'm now thinking somethign very different. I'm considering adding the 28/2.8 which would give me a compact lens well suited for travel and just being there. Alternativley, might consider the 35/2.0, but my shooting is mostly done between 28 and 35 mm film equivalent. Also, i can source the 28/2.8 today but not he 35/2.0. I would porbably look at the 28/2.8, 50/2.0 and 90 macro forming the core of my travel lens. If wanted a faster set up would swap the 50/2.0 for the 35/1.4. If feeling like I wanted to carry a bit more weight, then perhaps wate, 28/2.8 and 90 macro. In all cases I would take the m8 plus a film body. Has anyone else had any experience "taking a step backwards" and migrating from faster to more compact lens with the M8. Anything they miss, comments on performance, use etc? M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 28, 2007 Posted May 28, 2007 Hi phovsho, Take a look here Good choice for a compact lens. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
hdrmd Posted May 28, 2007 Share #2 Posted May 28, 2007 It is very hard to beat the 35 ASPH 2.0 for anything, and it is compact also. DR Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted May 28, 2007 Share #3 Posted May 28, 2007 Seems obvious you should go for the 28/2.8. That lens, along with the 50/2 and 90/4 will indeed give you a compact travel set. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
woodyspedden Posted May 28, 2007 Share #4 Posted May 28, 2007 You may also want to consider the magnificent 24 elmarit asph. This lens, while larger than the 35 Cron gives you 32 mm equivalent on the M8 and is one of the truly "masterpiece" lenses as described by Erwin Puts. Before making a final decision you might want to try it if you can find a friend or dealer who has one. Woody Spedden Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
farnz Posted May 28, 2007 Share #5 Posted May 28, 2007 Murray, At the super-wide end you could do a lot worse than the CV 15 for IQ, compactness, price and weight. I've had one for a couple of weeks and the 28 Elmarit asph hasn't had a look in. Sean's review on Reidreviews.com is well worth reading and shows that the CV 15 is the equal of the WATE and the Zeiss 15/2.8 Distagon. Pete. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffreyg Posted May 28, 2007 Share #6 Posted May 28, 2007 My compact kit is the 28 2.8, the CV 15, the CV 40 1.4 (nice and small). For one lens, I have the regular Tri-E, which is pretty good "walkaround lens". For just travel, leave the TE at home, and tuck two of the lenses in a waistholder for a digital camera. Three lenses, cover most options. Possibly the 90/4 macro to get some length. But the tradeoff of speed vs. size is always there. irecommend the 28/2.8 for a general lens as it is crisp, small, and does most things very well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phovsho Posted May 28, 2007 Author Share #7 Posted May 28, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) Thanks for all your comments. Woody suggestion regarding the 24/2.8 is front and center about the dilema I'm struggling with. I strugglewith the "best optics" versus the most "practical". I would love the 24 as a peice of enginerring, but wondering if I would be adding just another fantastic larger lens to the portfolio. The 28/2.8 looks like a solid performer, but not spectacular. Dilemas. I'll keep you posted. M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
carstenw Posted May 28, 2007 Share #8 Posted May 28, 2007 The 28/2.8 Asph is spectacular, I am sure that owners would agree. Its possible downfall is that it is somewhat contrasty, which in some situations can lead to harsh results. But it is sharp and has a great look. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecaton Posted May 28, 2007 Share #9 Posted May 28, 2007 On a recent short trip to Paris with CV15, 28/2.8 Asph, 90/4 ME I concluded that a 21mm, 35mm (cron or lux asph) and 90/4 ME would be my travel-light combo going forward and that the new Zeiss ZM 21mm f4.5 could be an interesting solution to fill the 21mm spot. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Artichoke Posted May 28, 2007 Share #10 Posted May 28, 2007 the CV 40 f1.4 Nokton the optics are excellent, it is fast and a useful focal length on the M8 ...about the only downside is that it brings up the 50 mm frame lines, so you have to estimate a bit, but isn't that always the case with a RF anyway? ...some knock the bokeh it produces, but I have found its bokeh pleasing & it handles point light sources with aplomb ...I have found mine to be very sharp [ATTACH]39447[/ATTACH] it is also a relative bargain & quite small indeed ...it also has a nifty aperture adjustment ring selector I have a larger version & shooting information here Leica M8 photographs Photo Gallery by Artichoke Vinagrette at pbase.com hope this helps Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
martinb Posted May 28, 2007 Share #11 Posted May 28, 2007 Any 35mm Summicron is the best choice! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phovsho Posted May 28, 2007 Author Share #12 Posted May 28, 2007 Artichoke (?) - nice photos. particularly like the carnical shot in close. Very dramatic. A 40mm x 1.333 = 52mm which is a little too long for my liking. I would tend towards something which is closer to 35mm film equivalent. That puts me in 24mm or 28mm focal length lens space. The 24mm becomes more intriguing by the minute... Best M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
phovsho Posted May 28, 2007 Author Share #13 Posted May 28, 2007 On a recent short trip to Paris with CV15, 28/2.8 Asph, 90/4 ME I concluded that a 21mm, 35mm (cron or lux asph) and 90/4 ME would be my travel-light combo going forward and that the new Zeiss ZM 21mm f4.5 could be an interesting solution to fill the 21mm spot. That's promising as I have the 21 el, 35 lux and 90/4 ME! Unfortunatley the first two are both currently in Solms and won't be back in time for my 6 week vacation! M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfarkas Posted May 28, 2007 Share #14 Posted May 28, 2007 I have gone to the 35 cron from the lux and am very happy. I also love the 50 cron you already have. I'm currently testing to see if I can substitute the 90 Elmartit for the 90 AA. My goal is to reduce weight where possible...so I can bring more lenses. Seriously, I'm trying to keep a complete M8 kit under about 8 lbs, including bag and HD backup device. Once I tack on the Gitzo Traveller tripod, I'm still at about 10lbs. Not too bad for the back. Good luck in your decision. Woody - you'll have to let me borrow that 24 Elmarit. That is a really nice lens (which I don't have). David Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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