p.3 #1 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
I haven`t used the M8, I base my findings on the Leica M series lenses purely on the m6ttl and IMHO those lenses really did need some beating(at any aperture)
I use Canon cameras and only after aquiring some Contax manual focus lenses along with Leica R lenses via the usual adapters did I start to see results like the Leicas used to give me. Of course the gear I carry around now is enough to break the camels back so it is quite refreshing at times to just stick my Canon 24-105 IS on my 1dsmk2 and enjoy the AF and the zoom although it`s back to CA with any Canon lens I`ve used below 50mm ( I don`t use the 24-105 on my 1dsmk3, just can`t get the IQ)
I`d certainly need to see the results from the proposed new 5Dmk2 before placing an order and I`d try to get a Canon(if thats what you are set on) and one or two lenses before letting the Leica stuff go.
I know this is a Canon forum but I second an earlier poster in saying that I`d be seriously looking at the Nikon 700 with in mind that Ziess have some great glass out for that system (and then there is the 14-24 to consider)
Out of interest my Contax 21 2.8 and humble Contax 35-70 is about as close to my old Leica M series lenses as makes no difference.
Again as has already been said you should try out some of the Canon primes that are not super fast (35 f2, 50 1.8 mk2, 85 1.8) and that might allow you to keep the M8 for those rangefinder days.
Lastly after many years of being a photo judge I can tell you that ultimate IQ was rarely the thing that actually won the day for me over the actual content so go with what feels right in your hand and you`ll capture shots that you will feel happy with.
p.3 #2 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
pardon me for stating the obvious, but the merits of a rangefinder are what they are. OP-- decide if you want to shoot with a rangefinder (or not). By the sounds of it, your looking at value (priceerformance), which is a no-brainer... To each their own.
p.3 #3 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
The 85/1.8 (non L) is also a very fine lens which you might wish to consider as an alternative, perhaps if you choose to get the 50/1.2 instead of the 1.4. The 35/1.4 is a very fine lens. Also the 24/1.4 unles you specialize in shooting test cards.
p.3 #4 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
RyanFlynn wrote:
It's definitely bigger than the M system, but the 5D/35L combo really isn't that heavy. time to hit the gym
Comments like these make me chuckle. I hit the gym quite a lot (and effectively...) and still wouldn't want to carry around the kit the original poster quoted.
There's nothing wrong with keeping both systems. That's what I'd do and am doing. The Canon SLR for some situations, like fast moving situations and telephoto, the M for other kinds of shooting. I'll probably end up getting a zoom for the Canon like a 24-70L since that plays into SLR strengths.
I can tell you that shooting ultra wide angle is so much more satisfying with my M that I sold my 17-40 recently. An M6 + CV 15mm is such a tiny package compared to the Canon...
p.3 #5 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
Obviously dSLRs are very different shooting. But the advantages are: Much better hi ISO/low noise so that all your lenses are at least 1 stop (or more) "faster" compared to Leica M8. Good AF with the 5D series (better with 1D series) and (with the new bodies) micro AF adjustment.
If you like big prints then the FF Canons will do very well for you. Really wide lenses are now possible-don't leave out the extremely sharp 15mm Fish Eye (a real Ultra WA) a bargain @ about $600.
But do leave out the 50mm F1.4 if you intend to use it at F1.4/1.8 because it's very low contrast there (dull washed out-apparently not sharp) there. Your 50mm choices would be the very expensive but super IQ (@ F 1.4-2.0) 50mm F1.2 or the cheap but sharp 50mm F1.8 (at F2.8 +). Or a many MF alternatives because the Canons huge EOS lens mount accepts most SLR and some bigger format lenses with inexpensive adapters. I like the MF "Focus by Wire" of my 85L F1.2 Mk I so much I didn't buy the Mk II and seldom mount my 50L.
The 135mm F2.0 is a real hero (compact and reasonably priced) and will have special IQ and a two stop advantage over the F4.0 zoom-for 189mm buy the 1.4x TC (works well with the 135). Most all of these lenses are available used on the FM Buy Sell forum.
You can (when the time comes) rent/buy and mount the "Great Whites" which would be the 200mm f2.0 (currently my favorite lens), 300mm F2.8, 400mm 2.8 etc. All these lenses have super fast AF and unexcelled IQ wide open. Good Luck!
p.3 #6 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
Funny, I've just gone the other direction - well, without selling my Canon (working) gear. What about a middle path - keep the M lenses, and get a used Epson R-D1 body for those? I actually prefer it to the M8, all things considered - esp for noise at high ISO, and the 1/4 cost of purchase!
So after selling the M8, get a 5D (original), 24L, 35L, and 85 1.8 to save a bit more, and just skip the zooms unless you really need the length? Then you've got a foot in each camp, plus a backup camera (of sorts)...
R
p.3 #7 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
From personal experience the 85L II and 70-200 f/4L IS are stunning wide open.
The 85L might improve a hair stopping down but DOF is so narrow it's kind of a moot point. The 70-200 F4 IS seemed to have a hair more contrast when stopping down, but I used it wide open with impunity.
p.3 #13 · Considering moving from Leica M8 to Canon 5D mkII - questions on lenses
+1 to Canon + Zuikos. Mu 28/3.5 dropped from a 2m height and is a little bit bent... thanks God it wasn't a 28 Distagon (whew)
But if I were the OP I'd buy an additional XSi, just in case, because of its size, and for telephoto.
And, Richard, how dare you forget to mention the Minolta Rokkor 58/1.2? It's unexcusable
erformance), which is a no-brainer... To each their own.
thanks God it wasn't a 28 Distagon (whew)