Astropap Posted February 1, 2019 Share #1 Posted February 1, 2019 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, all. I've decided to trade in my X Vario and Q for the CL. I'm looking for lens advice. The zooms appeal to me but other than the mid-range zoom, they're not readily available. I can easily one with get the 18-56 zoom, 18mm, 23mm or 35mm. The 18mm doesn't really appeal to me at this time. What do you find you use most often of the ones that are available? Thanks Amy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 1, 2019 Posted February 1, 2019 Hi Astropap, Take a look here Trading X Vario and Q for CL. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
wda Posted February 1, 2019 Share #2 Posted February 1, 2019 First of all Amy do not rush to sell your X Vario. Trade-in prices are woefully low, way below its real worth. Secondly, I have found that for close-up work, the XV is superior to the CL + standard zoom (similar but the same as the one fixed to the XV). The reason is that the macro function works at 70mm lens setting on the XV which gives you a much better stand-off shooting range with less distortion of subject. With CL, you have to work at the 28mm equivalent setting which I find less effective. Also the XV makes a good companion if you choose a non-competing focal length, such as the excellent 55-135mm zoom. Without knowledge of your main photo interestes, it is difficult to advise on lens choice. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ropo54 Posted February 1, 2019 Share #3 Posted February 1, 2019 Amy: All of the T lenses are terrific. The 18mm is the weakest, but is so very compact and small that it is easy to bring along just in case. For portability it cannot be beat. The 23 mm is a nice compact size, and good in low light with the f2 aperture. The 35 1.4 is superb for 50mm perspective and low light. The 60mm 2.8 in my opinion is also stunningly good for 90mm with a superb macro. These are the supposed best of the T line and they are really fabulous. A bit bulkier than the rest, but certainly nowhere near the size of the SL lenses. The 11/23 is renowned and so very nice to have for wide-angle for 18-35mm options. The 18/56 is a terrific all purpose lens. The 55-135 is excellent for 80-200mm. Not sure what your preferred focal lengths might be but the 18/56 certainly mimics the X Vario, so might be your preferred starting point. You will enjoy love the fast autofocus on the CL, particularly compared to the X Vario. I love my Q; many feel that there is little drop off to the CL (but not me). Good luck with your selections, or buy them all! Regards, Rob 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicci78 Posted February 1, 2019 Share #4 Posted February 1, 2019 You should keep the Q and just add a CL instead of X Vario. I think that Q and CL play well together : share same batteries. One is a fast full frame wide angle. The other is a versatile APS-C that can use every TL, SL, M and R lenses 18-56 TL is better than X Vario. Especially mounted on the CL. If you need macro you can screw the excellent Elpro 52 on the filter thread. Or the nice 1:1 macro TL 60mm. Or the cheap Elmarit-R 60mm with an adapter TL lenses are all excellent, whichever you choose. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wda Posted February 1, 2019 Share #5 Posted February 1, 2019 Not so sure there is a discernable difference between the two standard zooms. Peter Karbe declared that he designed the XV ZOOM lens to perform as well as equivalent M lenses, even taking account of different sensor sizes. I have both . Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted February 2, 2019 Share #6 Posted February 2, 2019 I owned the X vario at one time but did not really care for it simply for the fact it did not have a viewfinder. I tried the external thing but that no go. That said, the CL is fabulous. I never owned a Q but I think that if you buy a CL, you will probably not use the Q much. I have all three zooms and the 23. They are all superb from my perspective. Even if you can only get the 18-56, I would go for it. The other ones can be picked up used at some point. FWIW 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EUSe Posted February 2, 2019 Share #7 Posted February 2, 2019 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) vor 6 Stunden schrieb Astropap: Hi, all. I've decided to trade in my X Vario and Q for the CL. I'm looking for lens advice. The zooms appeal to me but other than the mid-range zoom, they're not readily available. I can easily one with get the 18-56 zoom, 18mm, 23mm or 35mm. The 18mm doesn't really appeal to me at this time. What do you find you use most often of the ones that are available? Thanks Amy I find myself using the 18-56 and 55-135 mm zooms most often. The 35 mm Summilux and the 23 mm Summicron TL are superb - I don't see much difference except for the field of view. The 55-135 mm Apo is relatively heavy and so is the Summilux - I feel relieved each time I pick up the Summicron. That said I would never trade in the Leica Q. Its image quality is simply superior, even if the difference may not be obvious to some. I can see it. The images are simply smoother. But it seems that the Q does not fit your needs. I don't think the 18-56 is worse that the XVario lens. It is a very versatile lens that can be combined with the Elpro 52 close-up lens (so can the Summicron and even the Q). I own all three and could never convince myself to sell the XVario although I do not use it now that I have the CL. Edited February 2, 2019 by EUSe 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bags27 Posted February 2, 2019 Share #8 Posted February 2, 2019 I've been using the Q exclusively (except for my film Nikon kit) for a year and loving every minute. But I have the itch to expand. Waited for the new Panasonic today, but it is way too big and heavy for me (I couldn't sell myself on the SL which is even a bit smaller). Maybe a Nikon Z7, but more likely the CL with a M mount 50 Summicron and my manual Nikon lenses to start with (I shoot the Q almost always in manual focus mode). Not happy that neither camera is weather proof, but they do share batteries. Any thoughts on whether I'll enjoy the CL and M mount Summicron as much or nearly as much as my Q--which I'm certainly keeping? thanks! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astropap Posted February 2, 2019 Author Share #9 Posted February 2, 2019 Thanks all for responding. I’ve decided to rent a CL and a few lenses to see how I like it. I rented an M10 a few months ago and really loved the simplicity. I didn’t have much trouble focusing but didn’t have much chance to use it because of bad weather. I think I might feel limited by not being able to use zooms. I was very impressed by the files it produces though. It’s still a possibility but the CL makes much more sense. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ropo54 Posted February 2, 2019 Share #10 Posted February 2, 2019 1 hour ago, bags27 said: I've been using the Q exclusively (except for my film Nikon kit) for a year and loving every minute. But I have the itch to expand. Waited for the new Panasonic today, but it is way too big and heavy for me (I couldn't sell myself on the SL which is even a bit smaller). Maybe a Nikon Z7, but more likely the CL with a M mount 50 Summicron and my manual Nikon lenses to start with (I shoot the Q almost always in manual focus mode). Not happy that neither camera is weather proof, but they do share batteries. Any thoughts on whether I'll enjoy the CL and M mount Summicron as much or nearly as much as my Q--which I'm certainly keeping? thanks! Bags27: I suspect you'll be quite happy with the CL and M50 summicron (75mm perspective). Like you, I love the Q's images, and the fact it is full frame, and it is so easy to use. More likely, you'll be splitting hairs trying to find any significant distinction in image quality when using the CL with the 50mm summicron. For a quick comparison, here are some which I had taken with my Leica T with the Zeiss 50mm Planar and Leica Noctilux. Both very sharp with beautiful colors. I suspect you'll be quite happy and the diversity of the CL makes it such a nice complement to the Q. Rob Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 4 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/293879-trading-x-vario-and-q-for-cl/?do=findComment&comment=3676161'>More sharing options...
bags27 Posted February 2, 2019 Share #11 Posted February 2, 2019 Wow, Rob. Thanks so much. That is so helpful. What a wonderful site where we can wonder about things, and a kind reader can supply an answer with evidence. Thanks! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nicci78 Posted February 2, 2019 Share #12 Posted February 2, 2019 17 hours ago, wda said: Not so sure there is a discernable difference between the two standard zooms. Peter Karbe declared that he designed the XV ZOOM lens to perform as well as equivalent M lenses, even taking account of different sensor sizes. I have both . According to patents, Leica did not design the 3 TL zooms : 11-23 + 18-56 + 55-135. Konica-Minolta did. Sony was crazy for refusing to buy their excellent optical design team. Nonetheless these zooms are all excellent, and also design to rival equivalent primes. But Leica did design all 4 TL primes : 18mm + 23mm + 35mm + 60mm So choose your poison : A fixed 18-46mm f/3,5-6,3 designed by Karbe’s team, but linked forever to a EVF-less slow body ? Or an interchangeable 18-56mm f/3,5-5,6 designed by Leica’s favourite Japanese partner since the 70s : Konica Minolta. Compatible with very nice bodies : CL, TL2, TL and even SL. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photon42 Posted February 2, 2019 Share #13 Posted February 2, 2019 16 hours ago, bags27 said: . Any thoughts on whether I'll enjoy the CL and M mount Summicron as much or nearly as much as my Q--which I'm certainly keeping? thanks! You probably have figured out that the CL and a 50mm M lens is quite a bit different from a Q. I could easily enjoy both, of course, but I am not you. I traded the Q for the CL and did not really miss it. The CL with a 18 or 23 is smaller and has (at least) with the 23 comparable IQ. It is a very enjoyable little camera. M lenses are easy to use and the EVF is very good indeed. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boojay Posted February 2, 2019 Share #14 Posted February 2, 2019 17 hours ago, bags27 said: I've been using the Q exclusively (except for my film Nikon kit) for a year and loving every minute. But I have the itch to expand. Waited for the new Panasonic today, but it is way too big and heavy for me (I couldn't sell myself on the SL which is even a bit smaller). Maybe a Nikon Z7, but more likely the CL with a M mount 50 Summicron and my manual Nikon lenses to start with (I shoot the Q almost always in manual focus mode). Not happy that neither camera is weather proof, but they do share batteries. Any thoughts on whether I'll enjoy the CL and M mount Summicron as much or nearly as much as my Q--which I'm certainly keeping? thanks! Not a Q shooter ever, but CL and M10. All I can say is that having bought and tried the EOS R for two months, it was a sharp reminder of how much more I like simple design and menu systems of Leica. While I had no complaints about IQ, using the R gave me no joy whatsoever, it's always so much nicer to pick up the CL. I can't help but wonder, if you enjoy your Q as much as you say, you may well find the same to be true with the Z7. Like you I had an itch for something FF with autofocus, I think I know now, looking at the Panasonic specs, that will either be a used SL if the prices drop a little more, or I will be satisfied with what I have. For now I am more than satisfied... it took the loss of a little bit of money to remind me how much I like using the CL, with native TL lenses and the many options out there with Manual Focus. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boojay Posted February 2, 2019 Share #15 Posted February 2, 2019 (edited) 22 hours ago, bags27 said: Maybe a Nikon Z7, but more likely the CL with a M mount 50 Summicron and my manual Nikon lenses to start with (I shoot the Q almost always in manual focus mode). Just sorted through to find couple of images from CL with 50mm Summicron (old DR version), I really like the combination, CL makes manual focussing very easy. In answer to original post, checking metadata I think my 18-56 definitely gets most use out of TL lenses, closely following by 35mm. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited February 2, 2019 by Boojay 8 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/293879-trading-x-vario-and-q-for-cl/?do=findComment&comment=3676827'>More sharing options...
Astropap Posted February 4, 2019 Author Share #16 Posted February 4, 2019 I've placed an order to rent the CL with the 18-56 and 55-135 lenses. I'm eager to try them out. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ropo54 Posted February 4, 2019 Share #17 Posted February 4, 2019 (edited) On 2/1/2019 at 9:51 PM, bags27 said: Wow, Rob. Thanks so much. That is so helpful. What a wonderful site where we can wonder about things, and a kind reader can supply an answer with evidence. Thanks! Bags27: Not to dissuade you from the M 50mm, but the 35 1.4 TL is a superb option. I used it this past weekend on the SL 601 and I was so very happy with the results. Here's are a couple of examples to consider. Rob Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited February 4, 2019 by ropo54 2 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/293879-trading-x-vario-and-q-for-cl/?do=findComment&comment=3678405'>More sharing options...
bags27 Posted February 5, 2019 Share #18 Posted February 5, 2019 Those are fantastic, Rob: thanks. I will keep that very much in my mind as well. best, Ken 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ropo54 Posted February 5, 2019 Share #19 Posted February 5, 2019 Sure, Ken. Just something to consider. Thanks. Rob 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marac Posted February 5, 2019 Share #20 Posted February 5, 2019 Broke my heart when I had to let my Q go. Never owned an M10 or XV but loved the x1/x2, also the M8/M9/M240/MM/SL. Now I have a CL with 11-23/23/35/55-135 lenses, I intend to add the 60 very soon... I have owned the 18-56 it was excellent (sold it with my T). If I had the money, I would definitely of kept the Q, it was a perfect companion for the CL, the IQ was jaw-dropping, EVF stunning, beautiful to use, same battery etc. I think you have done the right thing to rent a CL to try it out. I love the CL, I no longer shoot professionally so it is a perfect set for my leisure photography. I would not hesitate to use it professionally at all. My personal favourite lenses are -: 35 Lux, 11-23, they are used most of the time. the 23 Cron is nice for trips into London or snapping, the 55-135 is excellent for trips to the Zoo etc. but that is very specific to your shooting needs. I personally think, once we have kit of this standard there is very little that is 'poor quality', I think everything Leica is producing is exceptional, I am also very excited by the new Sigma lenses for the L mount. I have shot Sigma lenses when I was shooting Professionally and even used them to shoot a feature film. Whatever you decide to go with, you will be sure of one thing, you will have a stunning camera with fantastic IQ and build quality. Enjoy. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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