Canon 35mm f1.8 stm (digital) - photos and discussion

[Felicianf]

Hi
I am looking for a camera and a suitable lens to create a photobook on frescos and paintings in temples in Sri Lanka. As flash photography is not permitted I should use a wide aperture. As the images are in enclosed areas like caves I will be compelled to shoot at a short distance. I do not want to use fisheye lenses as this would distort the image. I plan to take multiple shots and amalgamate them at post processing in worse case scenario.
I have earmarked canon R6 MK II camera and a 35 or 50 mm F1.8 lens.
Any thoughts ?
Thank you

 

[Coldkennels]

Honestly? If you're shooting wide open, I'd skip Canon's LTM 35/1.8. It's not great at f/1.8... and not overly good at f/2, either. f/2.8 onwards it's quite nice, but that's obviously not what you're looking for.

You'd be better off looking for a Voigtlander Ultron in good condition (look out for haze!) if you wanted a fast 35mm in LTM, but if you're not locked into LTM, there's lots of options that are faster than f/2 and still reasonably priced.

On the other hand, if you're talking about 50mm lenses, Canon's LTM 50/1.8 is shockingly good. Mine needed shimming to get the focus dialled in, but edge-to-edge, it easily outperforms the collapsible Summicron wide open.

 

[Felicianf]

Honestly? If you're shooting wide open, I'd skip Canon's LTM 35/1.8. It's not great at f/1.8... and not overly good at f/2, either. f/2.8 onwards it's quite nice, but that's obviously not what you're looking for.

You'd be better off looking for a Voigtlander Ultron in good condition (look out for haze!) if you wanted a fast 35mm in LTM, but if you're not locked into LTM, there's lots of options that are faster than f/2 and still reasonably priced.

On the other hand, if you're talking about 50mm lenses, Canon's LTM 50/1.8 is shockingly good. Mine needed shimming to get the focus dialled in, but edge-to-edge, it easily outperforms the collapsible Summicron wide open.

Thanks for your insights.
Any reflection on Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens?

 

[splitimageview]

That’s a modern lens for Canon digital, not a vintage optic. @Coldkennels misunderstood your post.

Almost any modern digital camera can accomplish this.

 

[Coldkennels]

That’s a modern lens for Canon digital, not a vintage optic. @Coldkennels misunderstood your post.

It says LTM in the post title - that's what I was going on!

 

[Felicianf]

Sorry, I have no idea how LTM came into the title.
What I need is a suitable camera and an accompanying lens to accomplish my above task.
Thank you.

 

[splitimageview]

It says LTM in the post title - that's what I was going on!

yes!

although it appears it was meant to be STM. I have edited accordingly. 🙂

 

[Tim Murphy]

Hi
I am looking for a camera and a suitable lens to create a photobook on frescos and paintings in temples in Sri Lanka. As flash photography is not permitted I should use a wide aperture. As the images are in enclosed areas like caves I will be compelled to shoot at a short distance. I do not want to use fisheye lenses as this would distort the image. I plan to take multiple shots and amalgamate them at post processing in worse case scenario.
I have earmarked canon R6 MK II camera and a 35 or 50 mm F1.8 lens.
Any thoughts ?
Thank you

Dear Felicianf,

This is just a thought, but do you have the ability to rent lenses? If so, many you could rent a lens or two and try them out before you fully commit to making a purchase.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA 🙂

 

[Felicianf]

Hi all
Thanks for all the suggestions.
On a second thought, I suppose a Lens with a higher F number would make the images sharper. A large apertaure can blur the edges of the image. Since the images I will be shooting are Murals, I will be able to use a tripod. This will enable me to use a longer shutter time.
Appreciate your views on this deviation.

 

[splitimageview]

If you can use a tripod you can stop down the apeture on whatever lens you choose, for max sharpness.