Consider a new 35mm for the MP, which one?

T

time

Established
Local time
1:00 AM
Joined
Jul 18, 2008
Messages
79
Hi.

I am looking for a better lens for the MP along with my 50mm summilux asph. (Sold the nokton 35mm.) Right now, I am not willing and not able to pay high for the new summicron asph.

Which one do you recommend with a price tag under 1100USD?
1) New Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2
2) Used Leica Summicron pre-asph (OK condition v3/v4?)
3) Used Leica Summilux pre-asph (in bad condition?)
4) New Voigtländer Nokton f1.2 asph

Thanks for advice.
 
My first Leica was an M3 and a 35 1.4 Summilux pre-ASPH. I considered selling it at one point :confused:. However, the lens and I have reached an understanding :). I keep using it and it delivers excellent images. The 35 1.4 Summilux is even better with the MP.














Gregory
 
Last edited:
If you're looking for a lens to pair with the 50mm Summilux ASPH you presumably want something that gives the same kind of look - similar contrast and sharpness which I assume means the Biogon from your choices (just going by reputation, haven't used the lens).

If you're looking for a lens to pair with the 50 on a long-term basis the 28mm focal length is probably a better match with a 50.
 
at that price, i'd have the zeiss (i really like zm lenses). if you can find the leitz glass in optically good but cosmetically challenged shape (to keep the price at your spec), that's a great option. but finding such glass will probably take awhile and shooting time's a-wasting.

why'd you sell the nokton 35, btw?
 
Last edited:
Please don't flame me for suggesting this but... :eek:

Have you considered a brand new "Leica 35mm f2.5 SUMMARIT-M"?

Yes the f2.5 spec ain't that sexy but this really is a great lens and it's not what I would call expensive by Leica standards.
It's not cheap either but I feel it's a real alternative to buying second hand.
 
I would sell the MP, buy an M6 and a used 35/2.0 ASPH from the difference plus the 1100 you have already planned ... :)
 
The theory is that every photog should carry at least one fast lens. Consider the sharp Zeiss Biogon-C 35mm f2.8 to match the quality of the 50/1.4 asph. Hence, you'll have your fast lens 50 and a slower but high quality 35.
 
Last edited:
Thanks.

The reason I sold the Nokton classic 1.4 is it does not have the nice bokeh wide open, and I like one with better optical performance. I mostly shoot wideopen - f4.

The Biogon sounds nice. Colours are great on the Zeiss.
Leica is still Leica.

It is a tough choice with a limited budget.
 
No relation to seller, but there is a Summicron in the classifieds for the budget you specified?
 
i love my pre-APSH Summilux, optically great but cosmetically the lens barrel is beat to hell. i got lucky, it 'fell in my lap' more or less for a great price.

i would imagine that (by modern standards) the Nokton F1.4 would perform better on all counts wide open (aside from out of focus elements) when compared to the 'lux. from F2 the 'lux sharp and just great. though I bought it for using wide open to F2 for a more dreamy soft look, so it all depends on what you define as 'better optical performance'.

a Summicron or Biogon would match the ASPH lens better. for me the notkon F1.2 is too large.
 
bokeh being important to you, and more of a relative value than "modern" sharpness and contrast, then maybe a cosmetically rough 35/2 v4 or pre ASPH summilux is the better choice. of the two zeiss 35's, the c-biogon appears to have better bokeh than the 35/2, imho.

i haven't owned one but the nokton 35/1.2 is known for its bokeh as well.
 
Last edited:
Because of your 50 Summilux ASPH, I would go with a lens that would give you the same look. 2/35 Biogon in your options, or 2/35 Summicron quite recent (4th version).
You probably don't want to have different signatures, especially if you're doing a series.
 
I'd consider either Nokton 35/1.2 or one like this one:
IMG_0121.jpg
 
elude said:
Because of your 50 Summilux ASPH, I would go with a lens that would give you the same look. 2/35 Biogon in your options, or 2/35 Summicron quite recent (4th version).
You probably don't want to have different signatures, especially if you're doing a series.
Click to expand...
I don't understand this. Personally I would like to have different "signatures" from different lenses, because they will serve different purposes.
 
But if you're creating a body of work of some kind on any kind of theme or subject, it is nice to have visual coherence with respect to the rendering of the pictures. It's less distracting and the viewer can focus on the image content.

Some photogs have small kits of lenses that have different signatures (to use your word). So maybe a kit of three 35/50/90 vintage lenses and another one of three 35/50/90 modern ASPH lenses for example. Each has its uses for a particular project.
 
Wait for a good 35/2 asph. They are very close in price to v4 pre-asph on the used market.

You didn't try to save 200 bucks when buying your MP or 50/1.4 ASPH. Why now with the 35 ?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom