Dr. G Posted August 28, 2020 Share #1  Posted August 28, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) I currently have the SL2 with the APO Summicrons - 35, 50 and waiting for the 90. I need a lens to use for shooting plated dishes in a restaurant setting. In the past I was using a Sony a7r iii/iv with either the Voightlander 40 1.2 or the Batis 40mm. The Batis gave me much better close up ability as well as better performance near minimum focus distance. The APO 35 is a little too wide and the APO 50 a little too tight. I'm looking for something in the 40-45 range that has good performance close up. The Sigma 45 will let me focus close, but it's not as sharp as I'd like when working at these distances. I've attached a few examples, as when I say I take photos in restaurants people immediately think of what most people are posting on social media. I tend to treat it more like product photography.  Any insights would be appreciated. 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! 5 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/312772-need-a-lens-recommendation-~40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4035035'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 28, 2020 Posted August 28, 2020 Hi Dr. G, Take a look here Need a lens recommendation ~40mm. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Dr. G Posted August 28, 2020 Author Share #2  Posted August 28, 2020 nt 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 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/312772-need-a-lens-recommendation-~40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4035037'>More sharing options...
Dr. G Posted August 28, 2020 Author Share #3  Posted August 28, 2020 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! 2 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/312772-need-a-lens-recommendation-~40mm/?do=findComment&comment=4035038'>More sharing options...
Jeff S Posted August 28, 2020 Share #4  Posted August 28, 2020 The SL 24-90 would provide flexibility, and it focuses to close distances. Jeff 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jared Posted August 28, 2020 Share #5  Posted August 28, 2020 (edited) Personally, I’d stick with the Summicron 35mm and just crop a bit or get a touch closer.  The difference in angle of view between a 35mm and a 40mm is pretty dang small, so you wouldn’t be giving up much real estate, and the micro contrast on the Summicron is so high that you won’t be giving up any perceived resolution. I suspect that 40mm is the Goldilocks focal length for you not because it is actually better for your intended use, but because it is what you are familiar with. Re-training yourself to shoot at 35mm or 50mm wouldn’t be that hard.  If 40mm really does give you the perfect perspective, then just crop the 35mm.  It’s something you could do easily even when working on an iPad or iPhone.  I’d recommend a great 40mm if there was one, but there simply isn’t anything I know of in L mount or adapted to it that would equal the Summicron slightly cropped. The 24-120 is a great lens particularly at 50mm and below, but I suspect it would be bigger than you want in a restaurant environment. Edited August 28, 2020 by Jared Typo 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mick H Posted August 28, 2020 Share #6  Posted August 28, 2020 Consider the Sigma 35mm f/1.2 Art DG DN. It is sharp and can focus closely.  I instinctively prefer the 40mm focal length too as I have found that most of the images that I have shot with my SL 24-90 are close 40mm. So I acquired the 35mm Sigma as it was close to 40mm. It also has wonderful wide open performance which aids viewing and focusing in very low light. The SL 24-90 is an option as well.  I use both.  Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted August 28, 2020 Share #7  Posted August 28, 2020 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) The Voigtlander 40mm Heliar might be just the thing once you find a M to L focus mount .. or are willing to experiment with fixed extension rings. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1091071-REG/voigtlander_ba428b_close_up_adapter_for_m.html https://shop.cameraquest.com/voigtlander-emount/voigtlander-40mm-f/2.8-heliar/ Edited August 28, 2020 by FrozenInTime Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boojay Posted August 28, 2020 Share #8 Â Posted August 28, 2020 Well as you have used the Voigtlander 40mm 1.2 why not that in M mount with M-L adapter. Â Lovely images by the way. Â Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavin Cato Posted August 29, 2020 Share #9 Â Posted August 29, 2020 The 35/2 is so sharp & contrasty I really doubt you'll find a better solution than cropping it just a few percent in post. (I haven't used the 24-90 though). Â 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thatkatmat Posted August 29, 2020 Share #10 Â Posted August 29, 2020 (edited) Your 35 cron is the perfect lens I would think, the minimum FD is so small, like the length of the lens..... But I love the CV 40/1.2 and have one coming this week actually. You'll get that dreamy cv40 look with different colors than your cron. I think at the very least if you buy the 40, you have an amazing walkaround lens too Edited August 29, 2020 by thatkatmat Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted August 29, 2020 Share #11  Posted August 29, 2020 Sigma 45? Check https://www.sigma-sein.com/en/ohsone/45mm-f2-8-dg-dn-contemporary/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FrozenInTime Posted August 29, 2020 Share #12 Â Posted August 29, 2020 The 40/1.2 has massive distortion when used close up with the ELPRO 52. Maybe the lower magnification Achromats will be better. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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