cv 35/1.7 ultron vs 35/2.5cs?

[morgan]

I'm thinking of adding a 35 to the stable for my bessa-r. How do these two compare? The ultron would be better for low light, but is it worth almost twice as much? Shots I've seen from the cs seem super sharp and people seem kinda split on the ultron...it's a tough call. Money is kind of an issue, but I could hold off for a few weeks if the ultron is worth it...

 

[RayPA]

Both are great lenses. The 35/2.5 is smaller (not that the 1.7 is huge), and IMO contrastier. It's a popular lens and generally, it can be had at very good price on the used market.

🙂

 

[vrgard]

Ray raises a good point. The 35/2.5, although smaller and less expensive, does apparently provide a bit more contrast. So, there are several factors to consider: size, cost and rendition (e.g., contrast). Mind you, I have no personal experience with either lens (although I do have the 35 Ultron on its way to me), but thought it might be helpful to point out that, from what I understand, there are several factors to consider when comparing these two lens. Oh, and to second another point Ray makes, the 35 Ultron is really not that large. I recently got a chance to check out Ray's 35 Ultron and found it to be a very nice sized lens (heck, that's why one is on the way to me now!). Maybe not pocket sized (I have a 40mm Rokkor for that), but definitely not large and with a very nice feeling in one's hand. Just my $.02 worth mind you.

-Randy

 

[RayPA]

.. I recently got a chance to check out Ray's 35 Ultron and found it to be a very nice sized lens (heck, that's why one is on the way to me now!)...-Randy

😀 Gotcha! I remember you took a liking to that lens. IIRC, getting it off your M6 was difficult. 😉

Congrats! Did you go for the chrome or the black?
.

 

[vrgard]

😀 Gotcha! I remember you took a liking to that lens. IIRC, getting it off your M6 was difficult. 😉

Congrats! Did you go for the chrome or the black?
.

Yeah, Ray, you are a BAD influence! 😉 I really liked the feel of that lens. And I would have preferred a black one to match my camera but a fellow rff member was selling a silver one so pulled the triger on it anyway. Can't wait for it to get here to see if it feels as good as yours did.

-Randy

 

[morgan]

Thanks guys. There was just an ultron in the classifieds this week, but I had to pass. I'm not concerned about the size or weight, but I do prefer more contrast. I have read that the ultron can lack contrast, but those things are always subjective. I'm heading on vacation up to new england (northampton, mass specifically) and want something a little wider for landscapes but not as extreme as my cv15. My only other lenses are 50mm.

I don't know, maybe I should just grab the cs to start. If I find I like that focal length enough, i could get an ultron down the line.

 

[RayPA]

Yeah, Ray, you are a BAD influence! 😉 I really liked the feel of that lens. And I would have preferred a black one to match my camera but a fellow rff member was selling a silver one so pulled the triger on it anyway. Can't wait for it to get here to see if it feels as good as yours did.

-Randy

I thought my chrome one looked great on your M6! I think you're going to like it a lot.

.

 

[ChrisN]

Need more contrast? You can always add a yellow filter. Though I do love my 35/2.5 .

 

[MCTuomey]

My CV 35/1.7 provides similar contrast to my new gen Elmar 50/2.8, maybe with slightly smoother transition, if that comparison helps. I like its qualities quite a bit - it is a very manageable size, handles well.

Chris makes a good point. I often slap on a yellow filter when the light is flat - old habit for an old hand.

 

[RayPA]

....

I don't know, maybe I should just grab the cs to start. If I find I like that focal length enough, i could get an ultron down the line.

That's what I did. I still have my 35/2.5, and I'm not planning on parting with it just yet. The small(er) size is great! You won't regret it at all. BTW, you may want to consider, the CV 28/3.5, if the 28~50 combo is good for you.

🙂

 

[Spyderman]

35 is a great focal length, but when you already have 15 and 50, the 28 (as RayPA suggested) might be a better focal to add to your set.

 

[morgan]

Thanks guys for the help, and for the yellow filter advice. I haven't done much with filters yet.

I thought about the 28 too. The 35 would probably see more action though in how I usually shoot (urban stuff). My lomo is a 28mm and I sometimes feel like it's just a bit too wide for what I'm going for. I guess I need both! I think I'll place my order today for the cs and see what happens. The price is wallet-friendly, that's for sure.

 

[morgan]

I just ordered it from cameraquest, and since I had just bought my bessa-r there a few weeks ago and Stephen had a package deal running, I got the 35/2.5 for that price! Makes it even sweeter. Awesome customer service.

 

[Sonnar2]

The 1.7/35 is badly flare-prone in backlight situations. More than the vintage CanonRF 2.0/35, which was almost my best choice of a 35mm. The C/V 2.5/35 is much better in this respect, even it misses a hood. BTW, which hood to buy for a Pancake-I 2.5/35mm??
cheers, Frank