Phil -- I think the choice between 21 vs 24 will come down to what you shoot. Although they're just 3mm apart, I feel that 21 is where the "ultra" of "wide" really starts, where you have to start paying more attention to things like perspective, distortion, subject placement, etc.
Whereas 24 is still bordering at the edge of "wide" -- while there is still issues of perspective distortion to keep an eye out, it isn't as prominent and one could still use it for portraits if one is careful with it (e.g. sitting across the table at dinner).
Just messin' around with the el cheapo 50mm Jupiter f/1.5 lens. Perhaps the poorest built lens I have ever used but the results can actually be decent (considering it's price). I have seen a few good shots with this lens but they were all wide open in low light. I will have to give that a try…. It also produces some funky aquamarine color cast along the right edge of almost all images.
Two sunsets I shot recently, within a day of each other. Managed to get fairly wet on both occasions. Any preferences? Comments and critique are welcome as always.
Gary, 2nd and 3rd shot actually renders really nice and sharp, at least on the screen resolution. Long live the Sonnar!
Arka, I prefer composition on #1 but maybe with slightly less exposure on sky and more contrast overall? I do like the cloud formation on #2 though, beautiful.
Joe88, you're right. The sentiment is echoed by just about everyone who sees them. I was a bit taken with the brightness and thought I could get away with pushing the envelope there, but I think my laptop display was distorting how hot those center areas really are. Here are revised versions using highlight information from near brackets, or differentially exposed RAW files.
Phil - yes, first shot WO.
Arka - I also like the second shot. With a little more selective PP, I think it could be really nice. The light and clouds look so good - great timing!
Nice shots with the jupiter 3 Gary. Can you counter that tinge with a gradient filter in post? From what I can remember I think that lens really excels around MFD for portraits.
I did not try to reduce it at all but will try the gradient filter when I manage to get some decent keepers. And yes, I have also seen some good portraits with the lens... My next step is to attempt to take it apart for a much needed re-lube...
Walking around City Center, Las Vegas early Sunday afternoon. Leica M Monochrom, ISO320, Carl Zeiss C Sonnar with yellow filter. Aperture usually at either f/1.5 or f/8. As always, minimal post.
I love the dual nature of this lens. Wide-open it has bokeh like no other. Stopped down, it is almost as sharp from corner to corner as anything modern, better than some.
Arka -- I prefer the second one, the colours and flare from the second shot make it stand out more and I like the tranquility/serenity of the scene. The first one's perspective distortion is beginning to dip into uncanny valley to me.
