Ahh. I guess it really depends on where you want to spend your money. I know the M8 crop changes things, but I'd be perfectly happy with the 28/2 and a 50/1.4. All my other lenses are fun, but those two could produce pretty much all of my images.
If you prefer 35mm on full frame, adjusting for the M8 crop, I'd suggest putting most or all of your money into the 28/2 and the best 50 you can get. That's kind of like shooting 35/75, which is a nice pairing. If you were to get an M9, I'd recommend a 35/1.4 and maybe the 75/2.
Too many lenses can be a distraction in my opinion. I know I'm getting to that point.
Ryan, what is your favorite focal length for the M8? I'll go with the best glass for that one focal length and then decide on the others based on how much $$ you have left since this will be your one most used lens.
Agree with Tim, too many lenses is distracting. 28cron and a 50Lux pre ASPH will be a great combo for the M8. Also very usable when you shoot film or M9 later. You can add the 35 later as you build you kit.
joe88 wrote:
Agree with Tim, too many lenses is distracting. 28cron and a 50Lux pre ASPH will be a great combo for the M8. Also very usable when you shoot film or M9 later. You can add the 35 later as you build you kit.
35mm perspective is my favorite and while I like the ZM 25 2.8 I just want that extra speed. The length was also a little on the short side. The Zeiss seemed like a very clinical lens without character to me....though the images were perfect.
I think I agree, 28 cron and 50 sounds like enough. Joe, what is your thoughts on the 50 Nokton vs pre ASPH? I have seen so many people say the Nokton is as good if not better in sharpness/contrast/bokeh. The only thing I don't like on paper is the .9 mfd. How do you compare the two?
Oh yeah, I see an M6TTL and M4 staring at me with my name on one of them at RFF.com.....hmm.....
The CV 50/1.5 might be sharper than the Leica pre-ASPH 50 wide open, but the pre-ASPH has a pretty cool look going on. It's one of those lenses that you just can't worry about the drop in sharpness wide open. If that bothers you, skip it. I'd personally go for the pre-ASPH. Be sure to get the one that focuses down to .7m.
Of course, the CV should be a lot cheaper. I was originally looking for a pre-ASPH that focused down to .7m, and just decided to spend a bit more and get a used ASPH - a couple years ago they weren't that much more.
About the CV 50/1.5: bought it last week for ~$300 in Tokyo. Smooth focusing, lovely bokeh and good review from S. Reid convinced me to try it. No regrets ... until I try a Lux 50 I guess.
For sharpness: at f/1.5, you want to have a well calibrated/adjusted RF. Doing focus braketing I noted my RF was off by quite a lot. The 100% crop was taken w/ the CV. More on this thread. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/972940
Gregory, excellent series of shots! Great colour and punch to the shots
Luka, great shots. Love #4. Beautiful rendering I am with you on the Fuji X100, very interested in the concept, but there is no need for this camera, as I cannot use any of my Leica lenses, whereas with the NEX 5 I can.
Carsten, yes the Nikkor 105/2.5 is a great lens. This was my favourite portrait lens
Here is a shot with the 105/2.5 from 1983, in the highlands in Papau New Guinea, somewhat off topic, but still related to "alternatives".
The Nokton is interesting b/c of the f/1.2 but the reason I would take the M8 out over the D700 is size....and this seems counterintuitive. While the Elmarit seems like a great lens, I would think that f/2 would be pretty damn beneficial on an M8....I love to shoot wide open with fast lenses. I prefer 35mm (on full frame) over 50mm so I am kinda leaning towards option 1 although I would be missing out on some unbelievable glass in a 35 cron ASPH. Decisions.......thoughts ...Show more →
Ryan, difficult decision! If you are after speed for low light, go with 1) as both lenses are excellent. The 28 Cron Asph is one of the best, and some consider it the best lens. The 35/1.2 is also meant to be great. I know Daniel is using this lens on the M9 with great results.
The 28 Elmarit is fantastic lens, small and light, but can be contrasty and a very different feel and look to the 28 Cron Asph. The rendering from both lenses are so unique, that I have kept both.
Ryan, if you like the 35 FV, then lens #1 will be the 28Cron. You'll love it as many others have mentioned. Sharp and smooth in one package. 28 Elmarit ASPH can be a bit too contrasty, especially if you are thinking of shooting B&W film with your soon to be acquired M6 TTL or M4. Don't worry too much on the 50 for now, just get the 28Cron and shoot it first. I wanted to recommend the 50/1.5, but I had a strong feeling that you have decided on the 50Lux.
I have the CV 50/1.5 and love it. Its relatively cheaper and an excellent lens. Even better on the M9 as its easier to focus on FF. Bokeh can be a bit nervous sometimes but then again the 50 preAsph or the 35Crons can have nervous bokeh at times. The 0.9 didn't bother me but I wasn't the type who shoot closeup or macro work, so your situation may be different. The 1.33x crop actually helps with the 0.9MFD, so not a big issue for me. At the prices they sell used, one can certainly afford or should give it a try. Focusing is super smooth on my copy, even smoother than some of my other Leica glass. People who dislike this lens probably (i) think cheap = bad (ii) haven't tried it or (iii) already have the 50 Lux ASPH or 50Lux preASPH.
That being said, I'll still get the 50Lux ASPH sometime soon, then I'll think about the 28Cron
The only bad thing I can say is that the rendering is similar to some of the newer Leica ASPH glass, sometimes too smooth and lacks a bit of character.
I'll re-post some of my 50/1.5 shots posted earlier in this thread
M8
M9 (first one has nervous bokeh, as bad as it gets, you decide for yourself if its really bad)
Thanks Joakim. There was a couple more deer way out in the field. Original size here shows that, you are right, I was not to threatening, they are so used to cars. One did studder step when I crushed some ice parking a little bit, she was ready to bound! But she settled quickly back down. Great reflexes though!
The X1 24mm Elmerit really has some resolving power for a diminuative camera/lens combo such as this. I have serious camera envy of you guys with M9s and several lenses. :-) This is no easy scene to shoot without any filters, handheld. It's a lot to pack on a 12.2mpx sensor.
Joe, thank you The film stock here was Fujichrome 125, and then printed on Cibachrome with the Nikon F1.
Joe, excellent shots!! The 50/1.5 Nokton is a great lens and very easy to use. As you have suggested it can lack personality in comparison, but still a very good lens.
I have some Fujichromes from the early 90s. My ride back then. Still miss this one.
Minolta 7000i with kit zoom. I probably have to rescan my slides at some point.
Great shots all. Charles, i really like the film shot - makes me want to get an M6.
Doug, the x1 shot is awesome!
Joe, lovely pics with the 1.5 - are you based in Kuala Lumpur?
One question for today: Having difficult time choosing between the 75 APO, 90 APO and 75 Lux. Any views? I am partial to tele lenses and want to get a fast tele lens to add to my stash.
