M11 What lens should I buy first?

[vinicio]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

35mm chron APO

[spydrxx]

You should buy the lens which delivers what you want and expect it to deliver! Since you don't provide much details about what you want to achieve or your budget it is difficult to recommend a specific lens. It would be very helpful if you could provide more details, such as what you expect to use the lens for and your budget.

Edited June 16, 2024 by spydrxx
had to change as several responses popped up while I was typing which caused a change in focus

[S Maclean]

I would suggest you answer your own question.  Go into lightroom ( or capture or whatever) and look through your shots with the info panel open.  Even when using the 24-70 the panel will tell you what you use most.  

After that evaluate your shots… do you often crop?  If that’s the case, either you have trouble composing, or you’re so focused on the moment that you just shoot fast burst knowing you can “compose” later.  Either way, if you’re cropping to better balance the shot and you find yourself always going tighter on a subject etc then you’re probably using the wrong lens for your eye.

I started with Nikon and Cannon and often suffered from that exact fault.  Just shooting too fast, not thinking too much.  The good news is that a rangefinder camera will cure that for you pretty fast.

The other habit zoom lenses create is  that you end up zooming in and out without thought with your eye in the view finder, instead of moving yourself or evaluating a scene.  This is not Bad, but it’s also something that you will have to change with an M camera.  It’s more fun working the shot yourself than allowing the camera to do the work. I grant you that for certain environments the former approach is more feasible.

so lens comes to how you see the world and the scene. If you have never thought about it the Lightroom analysis will help you determine what your instinct leads to.

if you ask Leica pro’s and Hobbyists most likely you’ll get about 75% to 80% of 35mm  followed by 50, and the very fashionable 28. 
 

portraits 50 and 75 and for those that don’t mind the extra work 90….. exceptional.

i always thought Leica was a 35 mm mandatory system…. Well, I hardly ever use 35. I grew up in the film industry and favor 50, and then 75,90 and even 135 on the long side and super wide.

i have a couple of 35 and they are exceptional. But put anything between 18 and 28 in my hands and I don’t even think about it.  I can visualize immediately what I shoot and can shoot from the hip.  Same with 50/75 and even 90 and 135.  I just see it.  I don’t see 35 as well.  I almost feel self conscious about it.

 

last advice, if you’re keeping the canon, look for M lenses that can give you a look that canon can’t.  Voigtlander Noktons are superb, summilux are a dream, pre aspherical summicrons are poetry.  The super modern apo lenses are perfection, but you can get closer to the rendering on a  modern canon system. I have a hasselblad system for clinical, perfect medium format shots.  I then use the M for the more emotional and personal shots.

i think I am a closeted dentist so I have more lenses and cameras than I would think anyone needs.  But hey, have to have fun right?

Edited June 16, 2024 by S Maclean

[rpsawin]

4 hours ago, AndersPH said:

Thanks for all suggestions I will probably start with a 35mm. I’m a Canon R5 user 24-70 today like to have something smaller 🙂

If you live close to a Leica dealer I would suggest you pay them a visit, came in hand, and try various lenses. It will be time well spent.

[AndersPH]

5 hours ago, spydrxx said:

You should buy the lens which delivers what you want and expect it to deliver! Since you don't provide much details about what you want to achieve or your budget it is difficult to recommend a specific lens. It would be very helpful if you could provide more details, such as what you expect to use the lens for and your budget.

Thanks, Well I travel mostly in Europe so city, villages, people etc are my subjects. So I guess 35mm & 50mm is my goal after reading suggestions today

[AndersPH]

3 hours ago, S Maclean said:

I would suggest you answer your own question.  Go into lightroom ( or capture or whatever) and look through your shots with the info panel open.  Even when using the 24-70 the panel will tell you what you use most.  

After that evaluate your shots… do you often crop?  If that’s the case, either you have trouble composing, or you’re so focused on the moment that you just shoot fast burst knowing you can “compose” later.  Either way, if you’re cropping to better balance the shot and you find yourself always going tighter on a subject etc then you’re probably using the wrong lens for your eye.

I started with Nikon and Cannon and often suffered from that exact fault.  Just shooting too fast, not thinking too much.  The good news is that a rangefinder camera will cure that for you pretty fast.

The other habit zoom lenses create is  that you end up zooming in and out without thought with your eye in the view finder, instead of moving yourself or evaluating a scene.  This is not Bad, but it’s also something that you will have to change with an M camera.  It’s more fun working the shot yourself than allowing the camera to do the work. I grant you that for certain environments the former approach is more feasible.

so lens comes to how you see the world and the scene. If you have never thought about it the Lightroom analysis will help you determine what your instinct leads to.

if you ask Leica pro’s and Hobbyists most likely you’ll get about 75% to 80% of 35mm  followed by 50, and the very fashionable 28. 
 

portraits 50 and 75 and for those that don’t mind the extra work 90….. exceptional.

i always thought Leica was a 35 mm mandatory system…. Well, I hardly ever use 35. I grew up in the film industry and favor 50, and then 75,90 and even 135 on the long side and super wide.

i have a couple of 35 and they are exceptional. But put anything between 18 and 28 in my hands and I don’t even think about it.  I can visualize immediately what I shoot and can shoot from the hip.  Same with 50/75 and even 90 and 135.  I just see it.  I don’t see 35 as well.  I almost feel self conscious about it.

 

last advice, if you’re keeping the canon, look for M lenses that can give you a look that canon can’t.  Voigtlander Noktons are superb, summilux are a dream, pre aspherical summicrons are poetry.  The super modern apo lenses are perfection, but you can get closer to the rendering on a  modern canon system. I have a hasselblad system for clinical, perfect medium format shots.  I then use the M for the more emotional and personal shots.

i think I am a closeted dentist so I have more lenses and cameras than I would think anyone needs.  But hey, have to have fun right?

Thank you , yes I have already checked Lightroom files and also when I use my 24-70, so a good advice. No I dont crop much. I think I am at 35 & 50mm mostly so I guess that I will start with. So I will go for Summicron 35/2 ASPH as a start. I have an old minolta XE1 film, model developed with Leica and a 50mm rokkor bought & used in mid 70s.

[crons]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

25 minutes ago, AndersPH said:

Thank you , yes I have already checked Lightroom files and also when I use my 24-70, so a good advice. No I dont crop much. I think I am at 35 & 50mm mostly so I guess that I will start with. So I will go for Summicron 35/2 ASPH as a start. I have an old minolta XE1 film, model developed with Leica and a 50mm rokkor bought & used in mid 70s.

Good choice. Great for B&W also. I decided to shoot B&W jpegs with it yesterday.

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!

 

The hood is too big for me so I just keep it in the box. Maybe one day I'll need it. 

Edited June 16, 2024 by crons

[brickftl]

11 hours ago, AndersPH said:

I’m going to buy a M11, silver, and it’s hard to find “the right” first lens. Looking into 35mm and also 50mm. Read a lot of reviews about Leica summicrom, Summilux, Voigtländer, Zeiss etc..  What lens should I buy and Why? 😄

tell us if you have had other cams, and if so what subject matter do you like to shoot. With that info we can give suggestions on lenses

[brickftl]

10 hours ago, evikne said:

The 50mm Summilux was my first Leica lens. It may very well be the only lens you need, but you'll find out eventually. The larger the aperture, and the longer the focal length, the harder it will be to focus. The Summilux is a great learning tool because once you master it, you can use any Leica lens.

Of course, you don't have to (and shouldn't) use it wide open all the time, but you have the option to do so when needed. That makes it very versatile.

same goes for your 35/1.4 lux pre-asph

[AndersPH]

15 minutes ago, brickftl said:

tell us if you have had other cams, and if so what subject matter do you like to shoot. With that info we can give suggestions on lenses

I have canon R5, 24-70/2.8 my “normal” & 100-500 for wildlife, birds. I shot home & when I travel, people, etc. M11 will be easier to bring at home & when I travel, I photo what inspires me

[costa43]

The perennial question. Many people start out with a 35mm or 50mm. The frame lines on an M (0.73 viewfinder) are most natural at these focal lengths imo. 

A 35mm is a good choice when there is doubt. You’ve used a 50mm on your old Minolta so you have a good idea of what to expect there and you have 60mp at your disposal if you need a slightly tighter shot. With it being wider it tends to be a little more forgiving on a rangefinder too when it comes to focusing. 

If you do end up buying the 35mm Summicron then I doubt you will be disappointed.  The rabbit hole is deep though and if you see a nice 50mm floating around you may want to also pick it up to save time😀

[londond]

18 hours ago, vinicio said:

35mm chron APO

Was going to reply buy the very best 35mm you can afford, and decide on priority of sharpness vs <f2 aperture, also how much you would pay for the pleasure of using such a fine  thing (after all, user experience as much as IQ is a reason for using Ms).  APO 35 is my favourite M lens - but its  premium price would have been made no sense to me earlier in my life when I had other priorities and constraints. 

[londond]

Just now, londond said:

Was going to reply buy the very best 35mm you can afford, and decide on priority of sharpness vs <f2 aperture, also how much you would pay for the pleasure of using such a fine  thing (after all, user experience as much as IQ is a reason for using Ms).  APO 35 is my favourite M lens - but its  premium price would have been made no sense to me earlier in my life when I had other priorities and constraints. 

sorry, meant >f2

[patrickcolpron]

23 hours ago, AndersPH said:

I’m going to buy a M11, silver, and it’s hard to find “the right” first lens. Looking into 35mm and also 50mm. Read a lot of reviews about Leica summicrom, Summilux, Voigtländer, Zeiss etc..  What lens should I buy and Why? 😄

First I am biased towards Leica M lenses because they are great on Leica M digital cameras, so...

On the one hand, I would tell you to start with the 35 Summilux FLE VII, in silver chrome, might as well keep it matching. Plus you get close focusing with it. 

Then I would add an APO 50 Summicron in silver chrome down the road.

When you want more speed you have it and, when you are after the best resolution for the sensor, you'll be covered. 

This seems to be, in my opinion, the most sensible choice in a two lens set up.

But, on the other hand, I'd rather just tell you to get an APO 35 Summicron and be done with it, I could live with just that one lens on a digital M. However for that lens I'd get a black M11, it is lighter and a lighter kit makes it more enjoyable to carry around all the time. 

And I much prefer a one lens, one camera set up than a two lens set up, the APO 35 does it all, great fine details on a 60 magapixel sensor, plus even closer close focusing than the 35 FLE VII... If you can live with just one lens that's the way to go.

Nothing stops you from adding a 50 mil lens down the road.

In those two focal length, I have four 35 mil lenses and four 50 mil lenses, I seldom use the 50's for my day to day photography. I seem to always have a 35 stuck to my camera.  

[Smudgerer]

1 hour ago, patrickcolpron said:

First I am biased towards Leica M lenses because they are great on Leica M digital cameras, so...

On the one hand, I would tell you to start with the 35 Summilux FLE VII, in silver chrome, might as well keep it matching. Plus you get close focusing with it. 

Then I would add an APO 50 Summicron in silver chrome down the road.

When you want more speed you have it and, when you are after the best resolution for the sensor, you'll be covered. 

This seems to be, in my opinion, the most sensible choice in a two lens set up.

But, on the other hand, I'd rather just tell you to get an APO 35 Summicron and be done with it, I could live with just that one lens on a digital M. However for that lens I'd get a black M11, it is lighter and a lighter kit makes it more enjoyable to carry around all the time. 

And I much prefer a one lens, one camera set up than a two lens set up, the APO 35 does it all, great fine details on a 60 magapixel sensor, plus even closer close focusing than the 35 FLE VII... If you can live with just one lens that's the way to go.

Nothing stops you from adding a 50 mil lens down the road.

In those two focal length, I have four 35 mil lenses and four 50 mil lenses, I seldom use the 50's for my day to day photography. I seem to always have a 35 stuck to my camera.  

Hello Patrick, the lens quandary, perhaps GAS too if I'm honest.

It's taken me years of mistaken purchases to come back to accept that I am a 35mm lens person, on a Leica M that is........On SLR's/DSLR's that's another kettle of fish, perhaps not 35mm maybe in that case FL's longer than 50mm and wider that 24mm are my "norm". So yes I am with you in regards to "if there was only one lens" t would be 35mm, no question about it.

So I am whittling down the lenses in my "M" inventory and changing out focal lengths that perhaps I have only used occasionally, if ever more than once, and adding to the 35mm lenses that I already own. I recently sold my Summilux 35 1.4 "Re-Issue", not because I found it to be a bad lens results-wise but because I found that the Voigtlander Nokton 35 1.4 Classic gave indistinguishable results to my eye and I found it's haptics / handling more agreeable, I sold too the relatively new Summilux 35 1.4 ( close focus version ), because of it's size and why would I have a close focus capable lens on a M if I would never use that facility? A lovely lens for sure, beautiful "look" to the images, but too big for me, so off it went.................But I am still sort of hankering after the 35mm APO even though sharpness, definition etc etc isn't on my list of priorities for any lens, handling and balance being the important metric, I've yet to see one in the wild, so I have to try to do so to scratch that itch I guess.

My M's are the M10P / M10-M / M10R, ( just sold the M10-D ), and a few M film bodies............I don't need mega pixels, the M11 if only on it's pixel count doesn't interest me at all, 24mp is I believe the "sweet spot" for digital sensors. Most of my photography now is with film and in fact when the M10-R eventually returns from Wetzlar, there since December just for a LCD switch-out, I might even sell that body too. Might......

When I can eventually get to a Leica Store, ( the two I use most are in Paris and Lille, 5-700kms respectively distant ), I know I will have to try the APO, my wallet fears the result.

[patrickcolpron]

34 minutes ago, Smudgerer said:

Hello Patrick, the lens quandary, perhaps GAS too if I'm honest.

It's taken me years of mistaken purchases to come back to accept that I am a 35mm lens person, on a Leica M that is........On SLR's/DSLR's that's another kettle of fish, perhaps not 35mm maybe in that case FL's longer than 50mm and wider that 24mm are my "norm". So yes I am with you in regards to "if there was only one lens" t would be 35mm, no question about it.

So I am whittling down the lenses in my "M" inventory and changing out focal lengths that perhaps I have only used occasionally, if ever more than once, and adding to the 35mm lenses that I already own. I recently sold my Summilux 35 1.4 "Re-Issue", not because I found it to be a bad lens results-wise but because I found that the Voigtlander Nokton 35 1.4 Classic gave indistinguishable results to my eye and I found it's haptics / handling more agreeable, I sold too the relatively new Summilux 35 1.4 ( close focus version ), because of it's size and why would I have a close focus capable lens on a M if I would never use that facility? A lovely lens for sure, beautiful "look" to the images, but too big for me, so off it went.................But I am still sort of hankering after the 35mm APO even though sharpness, definition etc etc isn't on my list of priorities for any lens, handling and balance being the important metric, I've yet to see one in the wild, so I have to try to do so to scratch that itch I guess.

My M's are the M10P / M10-M / M10R, ( just sold the M10-D ), and a few M film bodies............I don't need mega pixels, the M11 if only on it's pixel count doesn't interest me at all, 24mp is I believe the "sweet spot" for digital sensors. Most of my photography now is with film and in fact when the M10-R eventually returns from Wetzlar, there since December just for a LCD switch-out, I might even sell that body too. Might......

When I can eventually get to a Leica Store, ( the two I use most are in Paris and Lille, 5-700kms respectively distant ), I know I will have to try the APO, my wallet fears the result.

Since you mentioned primarily shooting film, the 35 Summicron V4 is the better lens for film versus the APO, plus it is smaller and much lighter (Not to mention way less expensive) and balances better on an M camera than the APO does. I absolutely love the KOB on film, much more so than than APO 35, where the APO shines is on a digital sensor. 

Close focus is nice to have but gimmicky, I so seldom use it with the APO, it is not really worth mentioning as a plus for an M lens, but it is nice to have occasionally. 

This said with your Voigtlander Nokton 35 1.4 Classic do you really need another 35? That is the question. 

I am not crazy about the 35 Summilux FLE rendering, it is not bad, it is in fact good on digital but on film there are better lenses suited to the analog medium, I just really like its ergonomic, rendition and sharpness on a digital sensor. It is far from my favourite 35 lens, but it gets the job done. 

Voigtlander lenses are calling me, specially the 35/1.2 VIII which I definitely want to try for its unique rendering.  

Not sure I'd ever sell the M10-D but I might end up just keeping my M10-R and the M10-Monochrom as digital cameras along with my two analogue MP, even that is too many M bodies for me. 

Of the two lenses I could live with, either a 35 APO M or the 24 Summilux, either of those are great lenses I can do everything I need with. Then in the 50 mil lenses the 50/1.2 reissue is a definite winner on the M10-Monochrom with a yellow filter, it's wonderful, but the 50 APO is smaller, it is more of a pleasure to us eon a long day for it's small size plus its color rendition is pretty much unmatched on the M10 24 megapixel sensor.

GAS is a real issue, the happy man is the one who is happy with what he already has. 

Let me know when you are in Paris next, I'll gladly meet you for a coffee and lend you my APO 35 for you to try on both digital and film. 

[Viv]

35.

[lexffm]

If you realy looking for one lens, why not this one?

https://wiki.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/28mm-35mm-50mm_f/4_ASPH_Tri-Elmar-M

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!

 

additional information

 

 

Edited June 17, 2024 by lexffm

[BWColor]

The Tri-Elmer is a great option.  I’ve always been impressed with this lens when searching for images on Flickr.  It does come with optical compromise, even if the f/4 is sufficiently fast.

Edited June 17, 2024 by BWColor
Clarity

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[lct]

On 6/16/2024 at 9:33 AM, AndersPH said:

I’m going to buy a M11, silver, and it’s hard to find “the right” first lens. Looking into 35mm and also 50mm.

Good start. Haven't read all the thread sorry but as far as RF cameras are concerned the world is divided in two parts: people "seeing" in 50mm and others "seeing" in 35mm. Those seeing in 50mm were M3 users historically, those preferring 35mm were rather M2 users. If you know which focal length you feel better with, just keep it for your M11. If you don't, just try both at your dealer's. Happy snaps 🙂