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Anyone using the TL 23mm prime

Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

By Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS
in Leica CL / TL / TL2 / T Forum

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LocalHero1953

LocalHero1953

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It is one of my two T lenses along with the 60. Basically it does what it says on the tin. I bought it because of its small size. With the TL2 it's the camera and lens I take out to dinner. I have two wishes: that it would focus a bit closer, like the 60, and that I could find a bag that fits just that camera and lens and nothing else. I use it without the EVF all the time.

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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

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It is one of my two T lenses along with the 60. Basically it does what it says on the tin. I bought it because of its small size. With the TL2 it's the camera and lens I take out to dinner. I have two wishes: that it would focus a bit closer, like the 60, and that I could find a bag that fits just that camera and lens and nothing else. I use it without the EVF all the time.

Paul

Its early days but my gut feeling is I will just stick with the 35mm (50mm equ) and Noctilux. I'm like you then: I love taking a camera with me all the time weather it be dinner, shopping, pub I like to have a camera with me. I was taking the SL but its just way to big and not something to point at someone in a pub :(:)

I also have a 50mm Elmar M that would be really compact as well, and if I need to go wide I can always stitch a few shots together

 

Neil

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LocalHero1953

LocalHero1953

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Paul

Its early days but my gut feeling is I will just stick with the 35mm (50mm equ) and Noctilux. I'm like you then: I love taking a camera with me all the time weather it be dinner, shopping, pub I like to have a camera with me. I was taking the SL but its just way to big and not something to point at someone in a pub :(:)

I also have a 50mm Elmar M that would be really compact as well, and if I need to go wide I can always stitch a few shots together

 

Neil

For your next camera, Neil, look at the Huawei P10 smartphone with Leica "designed" camera: 12mp colour raw images, or 20mp monochrome jpgs (i.e. a monochrome sensor with no bayer filter). A nice easy and fast interface (icon-based, a bit like the TL2), and takes superb images, especially in mono. This is now the camera I have with me at all times except in the shower. I have no idea how much input Leica had to its design (the lens is labelled Summarit), but they deserve credit for associating with a good device, and I expect they are learning a hell of of lot about a different market base.

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Guest VVJ

Guest VVJ

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I use it all the time.  For me (and contrary to the 35m and the 60mm) it is the right size for the TL and for me personally also the right focal length.

 

Unless you manually focus I have my doubts about autofocusing it (and other TL lenses for that matter) in a bar though...  Autofocusing in low light is not exactly the greatest of experiences with the TL2...

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szabokristof

szabokristof

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I love this lens with my TL2. The image quality is very good, the size for travelling is perfect. The focal length for go-to lens is perfect.

The only thing is what I don't like is the chromatic aberration in hard backlight situation.

This evening or tomorrow I can post sample images if you like.

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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

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I love this lens with my TL2. The image quality is very good, the size for travelling is perfect. The focal length for go-to lens is perfect.

The only thing is what I don't like is the chromatic aberration in hard backlight situation.

This evening or tomorrow I can post sample images if you like.

yes please do
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Guest

Guest

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I have the 23mm and love it. It is extremely sharp and is small enough to take with the TL anywhere. I use it in an identical manner that you are describing.

 

While I personally like the way the 35mm TL 'Lux renders more, thiis 23mm lens with a ~35mm field of view is more useful for me in bars and places where I don't have enough room to back up even 2 steps to use the 35mm (50mm FOV) lens.

 

All the TL lenses render consistent microcontrast and color - so if you like the way even the zoom renders, you'll likely be pleased.

 

Focusing in low light can be problematic (true for all these TL lenses), but I have learned to assign the Left Function Dial to Focus Mode (AF or MF) to quickly toggle in and out of manual focus (with focus aid enabled) when I am in such low light settings where the T/TL may have problems grabbing AF. There's a DOF display on the LCD/EVF that also allows you to use zone focus.

 

Any chromatic aberration is usually easily fixed in PP.

 

In fact, I often take this lens out with one of the zooms when I travel light without a bag so I have something, literally in my pocket, for low light indoor situations (and I don't look like "the camera guy").

 

All these TL lenses are extremely sharp and you can crop images like crazy to recompose or reveal details. Bottom line for me is: it's easier to crop a shot of moving people to reframe than to stitch frames together of them with a narrower lens. This and the small size were my deciding factors.

 

It probably will grab focus even better on the TL2 with its additional focus points.

 

My friends particularly love the candids I am able to take with it and I receive many compliments. What bokeh you do get from this 35mm FOV lens is very pleasing.

 

Used specimens sometimes seem to be available at a nice discount from new ones btw.

 

Good luck with your new system.

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Belle123

Belle123

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I have this lens, but use it rarely. Much prefer the IQ of my existing M glass on the T, but of course that means manual focusing but really that is a cinch with the large EVF. The one advantage I do like about this lens is it is very light and compact, so I sometimes take it when compact size and weight matters and also for wider angle. My widest M lens now is 35mm but my Summicron 35mm v4 is extremely compact and light on this camera and to my eyes has better image. But I would never suggest buying M glass just to use on the TL. But makes sense if you already have M glass.

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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

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It's a nice lens Neil, my only T lens. I have it with me on holiday in Europe at the moment.

Not overly expensive, and makes for a nice compact combo.

Gary

Safe travels mate................i've moved my NZ trip to March/April 2019 after retirement so that I don't have to rush back to work. I will take in the North and south Islands :)_ :)

 

Neil

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gbealnz

gbealnz

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Safe travels mate................i've moved my NZ trip to March/April 2019 after retirement so that I don't have to rush back to work. I will take in the North and south Islands :)_ :)

 

Neil

Might be fortuitous Neil, often the weather is more settled March or April.

 

If in the area, a beer might be on.

Gary

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Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

Guest NEIL-D-WILLIAMS

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Paul

Its early days but my gut feeling is I will just stick with the 35mm (50mm equ) and Noctilux. I'm like you then: I love taking a camera with me all the time weather it be dinner, shopping, pub I like to have a camera with me. I was taking the SL but its just way to big and not something to point at someone in a pub :(:)

I also have a 50mm Elmar M that would be really compact as well, and if I need to go wide I can always stitch a few shots together

 

Neil

 

Just having a chat with myself............When I look at the 23mm (35mm equivalent) I'm now thinking is it wide enough?? The 11 to 23 (17 x 35 equivalent) sounds like a better idea but then I don't like zooms........I think I have just confirmed I am a basket case :( :( :( Not only talking tp myself but thinking of buying more lenses without trying what I already have coming.........Sorry folks carry on :)

 

Neil

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Starwolfy

Starwolfy

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Hello Neil,

 

I have the 11-23 and it is amazing.

If you don't like zoom just let it at a given focal length and don't touch it ;)

Coming from M system it's a bit what a do. I chose my focal length (usually 11mm, 23mm or something in between) and then I just act like it's a prime : i move myself, i don't zoom in or out.

 

Best

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