Rethinking the APO 35 vs APO 50 if moving to the SL3...

[Dr. G]

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I've been primarily shooting the 50mm APO on my SL2-S (I also have the 50 Lux SL).  I also own the 35mm and 75mm APO.  To my eyes, both the 35 and 75 APO are sharper and have more microcontrast than the 50.  I like the look of the 50, but I love the characteristics of the images made with 35 and 75.

Having used "only" 24MP for the past few years (and even cropping that at times), I'm wondering if the better carry for the SL3 would be the 35 and 75, using APS-C mode on the 35 for my 50mm equivalent.   Even cropped on the SL3, I will still have 26MP at the 50mm equivalent, which is pretty much what I already have with the SL2-S and will be getting the characteristics of the 35.  I know that I would be losing a small amount of DOF with the equivalent of f/3.0 at 50mm.   

Has anyone else rethought their kit with for the SL3?

[Virob]

Personally, 35 + 50 + 75, is too tightly spaced for me. I would carry either just the 50 or the 35+75 combo. Since you have all 3, it would be easy to experiment with carrying just the 35+75 and see how much you miss, or can adjust to not having the 50, if at all. I would try moving a little closer with the 35 without using APSC mode and maybe do some minor cropping in post, or if taking a portrait, take a large step back with the 75.

 

[opera207]

Panasonic 50 f.14 s pro+ SL 35 apo, my combo.

[robb]

I don’t crop.

50 apo is my second favorite lens behind 75 apo

i like the 35 but grab the 28 more 

I tend to pair up 21,35,75 and 28,50,90

Regardless of camera, I’d still try to avoid cropping to get the most out of whatever you are using.

Robb

[Stuart Richardson]

The 50mm and 35mm are so close in performance that anything between them is likely to be sample variation. Looking at the MTF, they are nearly identical...so close in fact that it is hard to imagine that you would see any difference, particularly on a 24mp body. In the real world, sample variation is likely to be the main arbiter. If you are happy with your 35mm and 75mm, but not your 50mm, then there is likely something a bit off with your 50mm. I have both the 50mm and 35mm and have not noticed any meaningful difference, other than focal length and DOF. If you prefer the 50mm angle of view, it is probably worth having the lens looked at, or trying a different copy to see if you notice an improvement.

[LeicaR10]

Dr. G,  Based on my experience with the SL lenses, I totally agree with Stuart's post #5 as well.  I use the SL 21, 35, 90 for my landscape photography with the SL2 and sometimes with the SL2-S.  Based on what I personally know about the SL3 right now, the SL2 does everything I need now.  The good news, you have choices and all the SL lenses are most excellent.  IMO, it always gets down to needing and wanting.  For me, only when I really need a lens or camera that can measurably do something far better to accomplish a requirement, do I consider an upgrade.  This works for me, but your requirements might well be different.  For some or pehaps many, March 7th may change ones needs or wants and most certainly their AMEX card.  r/ Mark

Edited March 2, 2024 by LeicaR10

[PeterGA]

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Re the SL3 thinking - it did influence my lens portfolio choice in these ways - it actually sparked a complete overhaul of my gear choices and inventory - which I am quite chuffed about.

1. I sold my M11 and 50 Noctilux and bought switched into a complete X2D system - thus getting rid of teh monkey on back having a 60 megapixel camera sans IBIS gathering dust but looking pretty delivering absolutely zero file quality difference from my'old' SL2, but delivering a too frequent and  unwelcome colour caste in the light conditions I shoot in - stuff that isnt referenced by many on here....

2. The same chipped SL3 gives me nothing that the SL2 doesn't do - except (perhaps) a marginal improvement in autofocus (which I dont use, and if I needed it would be shooting anything except a Leica)  for tracking moving subjects anyway   - so in a Spring clean mood I ditched the 35 and 90 APO lenses and kept the 50 APO for the SL2 body complimented by a range of M lenses which I prefer to use for compact travel purposes and non APO rendition preferences - there is only so much clinical APO rendition that I require for the stylistic preferences and subject matter I prefer - which is a nice way of saying - I find teh APO rendition to be boringly perfect.

3. I am deciding which view camera to buy to add movement capability and close focus capability for macro work.

4. I rejected going back to film - despite a couple of compelling home development automated systems which are affordable and appealing - the price/value/hassle/futz factor doesn't work for me.

As for the 50 APO part of your question - I have seen absolutely zero difference in rendition between any of the 35/50/75 or 90 APO L mount lenses I have used over the last 4 years - no one posts examples of differences in image form - words are just that blah blah blah.

 

 

[Mute-on]

1 hour ago, PeterGA said:

Re the SL3 thinking - it did influence my lens portfolio choice in these ways - it actually sparked a complete overhaul of my gear choices and inventory - which I am quite chuffed about.

1. I sold my M11 and 50 Noctilux and bought switched into a complete X2D system - thus getting rid of teh monkey on back having a 60 megapixel camera sans IBIS gathering dust but looking pretty delivering absolutely zero file quality difference from my'old' SL2, but delivering a too frequent and  unwelcome colour caste in the light conditions I shoot in - stuff that isnt referenced by many on here....

2. The same chipped SL3 gives me nothing that the SL2 doesn't do - except (perhaps) a marginal improvement in autofocus (which I dont use, and if I needed it would be shooting anything except a Leica)  for tracking moving subjects anyway   - so in a Spring clean mood I ditched the 35 and 90 APO lenses and kept the 50 APO for the SL2 body complimented by a range of M lenses which I prefer to use for compact travel purposes and non APO rendition preferences - there is only so much clinical APO rendition that I require for the stylistic preferences and subject matter I prefer - which is a nice way of saying - I find teh APO rendition to be boringly perfect.

3. I am deciding which view camera to buy to add movement capability and close focus capability for macro work.

4. I rejected going back to film - despite a couple of compelling home development automated systems which are affordable and appealing - the price/value/hassle/futz factor doesn't work for me.

As for the 50 APO part of your question - I have seen absolutely zero difference in rendition between any of the 35/50/75 or 90 APO L mount lenses I have used over the last 4 years - no one posts examples of differences in image form - words are just that blah blah blah.

 

 

Referencing your point 3., the Cambo Actus will offer movement/tilt and close focus for macro. Available for XCD mount, too …

https://specular.com.au/cambo-actus-xcd-mini-view-camera-body-with-hasselblad-xcd-bayonet-mount-kit

This bloke seems to make good use of it on Fuji GFX https://scottchoucino.com. He has a very interesting YouTube channel illustrating the techniques. 

[PeterGA]

1 hour ago, Mute-on said:

Referencing your point 3., the Cambo Actus will offer movement/tilt and close focus for macro. Available for XCD mount, too …

https://specular.com.au/cambo-actus-xcd-mini-view-camera-body-with-hasselblad-xcd-bayonet-mount-kit

This bloke seems to make good use of it on Fuji GFX https://scottchoucino.com. He has a very interesting YouTube channel illustrating the techniques. 

Thanks for the references @Mute-on 

[FlashGordonPhotography]

3 hours ago, PeterGA said:

Re the SL3 thinking - it did influence my lens portfolio choice in these ways - it actually sparked a complete overhaul of my gear choices and inventory - which I am quite chuffed about.

1. I sold my M11 and 50 Noctilux and bought switched into a complete X2D system - thus getting rid of teh monkey on back having a 60 megapixel camera sans IBIS gathering dust but looking pretty delivering absolutely zero file quality difference from my'old' SL2, but delivering a too frequent and  unwelcome colour caste in the light conditions I shoot in - stuff that isnt referenced by many on here....

2. The same chipped SL3 gives me nothing that the SL2 doesn't do - except (perhaps) a marginal improvement in autofocus (which I dont use, and if I needed it would be shooting anything except a Leica)  for tracking moving subjects anyway   - so in a Spring clean mood I ditched the 35 and 90 APO lenses and kept the 50 APO for the SL2 body complimented by a range of M lenses which I prefer to use for compact travel purposes and non APO rendition preferences - there is only so much clinical APO rendition that I require for the stylistic preferences and subject matter I prefer - which is a nice way of saying - I find teh APO rendition to be boringly perfect.

3. I am deciding which view camera to buy to add movement capability and close focus capability for macro work.

4. I rejected going back to film - despite a couple of compelling home development automated systems which are affordable and appealing - the price/value/hassle/futz factor doesn't work for me.

As for the 50 APO part of your question - I have seen absolutely zero difference in rendition between any of the 35/50/75 or 90 APO L mount lenses I have used over the last 4 years - no one posts examples of differences in image form - words are just that blah blah blah.

 

 

View camera huh? I know this is cruel...,

 

Gordon

[PeterGA]

@FlashGordonPhotography What a charming fellow he is too..takes a fair bit of trouble making his (very) occasional utoob thingy

it was a good episode watched it last night ( really felt for those women in swimwear at -2C whilst he was wearing his arctic outfit ) - he did a good one on the X2D as well...if the set-up needs a 'back' I'll probably buy a used 50MP CFV - they will hit the market in quantity soon enough - interestingly - there is some discussion going on in 'other places' that the new 100MP back doesn't play well with the latest iterations of tech lenses ....

 

 

[tomasis7]

i would 24-50-90 or 21-35-75

[bab]

I would stick with the 35 and 75 if your planing to have TWO bodies which is important to me you could add a wider lens for landscape and architectural photography the 50 would be my third choice. I do use a LLL lens 50mm on my Sl2s for portrait it's perfect in the center for the look I need. (Don't want critical sharp for SKIN)