2nd best lenses

[Joshua_G]

The lenses I'm interested in are 28, 35, 40, 80/90 and 135.​

I assume best are the latest Leica (Leitz) lenses, alas, they are very expansive. What would you consider 2nd best and 3rd best, for a more reasonable price?​

​

Currently I have the following LTM lenses:​

Canon 35/2.8 Serenar, Canon 50/1.4, Nikon 85/2, Canon 135/3.5 and Leitz Elmar 90/4 M.​

 

[x-ray]

The 28 CV ultron 1.9 is 98% as good as the asph summicron 28 at f2 and equal at all other stops. I have no 1st hand experience with the Zeiss 28 but understand it's excellent. The 35 Zeiss Biogon is slightly better than the asph summicron 35 wide open and the asph catches up by 2.8 but is not better than the Biogon. I have both and like the Biogon better. In 90mm I own both the v1 Elmarit 2.8 and the apo asph Summicron. The apo is better at a distance even at f2 but the old v1 Elmarit is better close up at less than 10 ft. The v1 Elmarit can be purchased for around $350 in nice shape. The original summicron is only a fair performer compared to the elmarit. I have no experience with the CV 90 but understand it's very good and comperable to the v1 elmarit. In 135 the Elmarit 2.8 with goggles is a bargain and excellent. It can be purchased from around $250 to $350. The 135 Elmar f4 is very good also. Many people like the 135 Tele-Elmarit and is inexpensive at $350 to $450.

I have an 85mm Nikkor in S nikon mount and like it but the elmarit v1 is my favorite in that vintage. I also own and have owned a number of Elmar 90's and find them to generally be soft at wider apertures and prone to flare.

If I were purchasing new I would buy the CV 28 Ultron, 35 Biogon or CV ultron, 40 Nokton and either the 90 Elmarit v1 or CV 90mm.

 

[colinh]

The lenses I'm interested in are 28, 35, 40, 80/90 and 135.​

I assume best are the latest Leica (Leitz) lenses, alas, they are very expansive. What would you consider 2nd best and 3rd best, for a more reasonable price?​

​

Currently I have the following LTM lenses:​

Canon 35/2.8 Serenar, Canon 50/1.4, Nikon 85/2, Canon 135/3.5 and Leitz Elmar 90/4 M.​

2nd hand versions of these lenses?
Older versions of these lenses.

The Zeiss ZM 25 and 35 are highly regarded.

I'm a bit confused - you talk of the latest Leica lenses (which are M mount) and say you have lots of LTM lenses. What are you after? New? Used? Sharp? Classic?
Bokeh? Fast? Compact?

Or just best? 🙂

Maybe you should concentrate on one length at a time and say want you want to do with it, what sort of things you like etc.

colin

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[sepiareverb]

The ZM 28 is really good- if you've shot the Contax G 28 you know what this lens will do. My initial thoughts were that they were identical- then I ran a roll of slides to do a more direct compare. By loupe I could not tell the difference. I've yet to get back in the dark to make some enlargements from the slides to see what happens at 1114- the weather here has been too glorious!

I have no experience with other M 28's.

 

[x-ray]

Here's a sample from a shoot yesterday with the 90 Elmarit v1 at f4. The left image of the woman and the center picture of the fellow were at f4 and the right image was about 5.6. The negs are tack sharp.

No connection to the subjects other then covering a nazi / kkk rally.

 

[visiondr]

Here's a sample from a shoot yesterday with the 90 Elmarit v1 at f4. The left image of the woman and the center picture of the fellow were at f4 and the right image was about 5.6. The negs are tack sharp.

No connection to the subjects other then covering a nazi / kkk rally.

Great shots of some scary people. Don't these morons realize what the Nazi's did to other human beings?... oh, that's right, they just don't care and/or think is was a good idea. 😡 :bang:

I'll second the motion that the Biogon 35 is a stellar performer.

 

[wlewisiii]

As far as the 35 is concerned, I'll simply suggest that you stay with Canon and look for a 35/1.8. That's an amazing lens that is a pure delight to use.

Willianm

 

[x-ray]

Great shots of some scary people. Don't these morons realize what the Nazi's did to other human beings?... oh, that's right, they just don't care and/or think is was a good idea. 😡 :bang:

I'll second the motion that the Biogon 35 is a stellar performer.

Unfortunately they thought the nazis did the world a favor. These guys hate just to hate. I don't know if they really know what they stand for but whatever it is it's really bad. The Klan guys are scary but the nazis are over the top. Thirty six years ago when I staerted photographing the KKK the would never have associated with nazis. The Klan at that time was all about being an American atleast how they defined being one. The Klan has declined in number so much that I think they will make friends with anyone that hates someone.

Yes the Biogon 35 is supreme. I know it's hard for some of the hardcore leica folks to handle but even the CV 28's and 35's stack up very well with the leica glass and in my view have a more pleasing classic look. Computer designs have narrowed the differences if any.

 

[kully]

Funny, I've always associated that symbol with Hinduism, a sign for peace and posperity... My local newpaper shop has it tacked to their front door.

I wander how long until Diwali cards are banned.

Josh, have a read of this thread: http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&threadid=42694

and also do a search for the Nokton 40 in the forum and in the gallery.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[x-ray]

One group of American indians used the original symbol too. Don't we live in a strange world! This is one of the things I love about photography. We capture time and light and stimulate conversation and thought not to mention preserving culture.

No invitation needed. F8 and be there is the way it works and if you're not welcomed then you'll know it quickly. I was shot at once and had a guy chase me with an axe on another occasion. I can take a hint! Other than that I've never had a problem. I have to admit that I like the little rush of adrenaline.

 

[kully]

... I was shot at once and had a guy chase me with an axe on another occasion ... Other than that I've never had a problem ...

You've made my mid-afternoon, wary-set face crack with a smile 🙂

 

[x-ray]

My wife thinks I'm nuts but it's how you get the images. Looking at Aperture and some of the other magazines I see a trend in photographing mundane boring oatmeal subjects. If I see another photo of a pile of rubbish or vacant lot I'll throw up. I think the new genreation of photog is afraid to step over the line. I shouldn't get started on this!

 

[oscroft]

The Nazis reversed it

That's a popular misconception. The swastika has always been used in both orientations in Hinduism, Buddhism and in other cultures - it's something I noticed a lot in Asia myself, especially in India where I saw the two orientations used apparently interchangeably.

From Wikipedia...
"Indians of all faiths sometimes use the symbol in both orientations, mostly for symmetry. Buddhists outside of India generally use the left-facing swastika over the right-facing swastika although, again, both can be used"

That page also shows traditional examples in both orientations.

 

[x-ray]

so, I need to buddy up with the biker gang that I think might make for some interesting shots

Absolutely. I research a great deal and seek other people that might get me into the mix. I take no stand as to good or bad but just remain inert. As soon as you take a position you lose your credability with one side or the other. I never express an opinion the either side of an issue like the nazis or klan.

Memphis you live in a place to make some great images. Your city is full of musical history and racial history. Old Memphis musicians have a story and the cultural aspects need recorded on film. Go do it! Record it on film. Research and meet the right people that can get you to the places and people you want to photograph. This is how I work. It takes time like my current project on serpent handling. I've been researching and making contacts for over a year and now it's happening and leading me to othere photographic treasures.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Joshua_G]

The 28 CV ultron 1.9 is 98% as good as the asph summicron 28 at f2 and equal at all other stops.

When you (and others) say that a certain lens (or any other lens) is good, or as good, or better – I'd prefer you'd go into some more details, like sharpness, contrast, color and whether at short distance, long distance or both.​

​

2nd hand versions of these lenses?
Older versions of these lenses.

I'm a bit confused - you talk of the latest Leica lenses (which are M mount) and say you have lots of LTM lenses. What are you after? New? Used? Sharp? Classic?
Bokeh? Fast? Compact?

Or just best? 🙂

You are right, I should have been more specific.​

​

For one thing, I own Canon 7 (LTM) and Konica Hexar RF (M Mount). One or two Leica Ms are on their way. So, I prefer M Mount lenses, though LTM ones are fine for me, as I have adaptors.​

​

When I refer to lens quality, I consider sharpness, contrast, bokeh and color (both at short distance and long distance). I don't mind manufacturing date, new or used.​

 

[venchka]

Oldies and Goodies

Oldies and Goodies

...Currently I have the following LTM lenses:[/LEFT]

Canon 35/2.8 Serenar, Canon 50/1.4, Nikon 85/2, Canon 135/3.5 and Leitz Elmar 90/4 M.​

There are no bad lenses in your inventory. On the contrary, I own a Canon 35/2.8 and would never part with it. I wish I owned the Canon 50/1.4 & Nikkor 85/2.0. I own the Canon 135/3.5 and it is very good. As for your Elmar 90/4.0, many folks feel that it is a good lens and very compact.

I also own the 1960s vintage 90mm/2.8 Elmarit mentioned above. Fabulous lens. Especially for the price. I can't imagine any lens being sharper at 5.6 & above. Wide open it is very nice. There are more things than sharpness and contrast. This lens has a great "signature."

In the more modern context, I own the 28mm/2.8 M-Hexanon lens. I like it. I like it a lot. I added the 35mm/2.0 UC-Hexanon last week. I will see the first results from the lens later today.

Are my lenses "2nd best"? I don't think so. I enjoy what they do. The only thing second best is my ability to use the lenses. I'm working hard to correct that.

 

[Joshua_G]

There are no bad lenses in your inventory.

​

Okay. Let me put it this way. In the range of 35 – 135 mm, is there any lens worth my money as a better replacement to any of my current inventory?​