CV 35 f2.5 vs. 35 1.7?

[Dale D]

Hi, I'm considering buying a Bessa R or R2 with 35mm lens. Can anyone tell me how the CV 35mm 2.5 lens compares to the 35mm 1.7 Ultron? Do they give a different "look" in any way, or is speed the only difference?

Thanks,
Dale

 

[Bryan Lee]

If you only have one lense I would say go for the 1.7 but if you already have a pretty fast lense and you are mainly shooting color film go for the 2.5 or just do what I did, Get them both.

 

[dostacos]

Hi, I'm considering buying a Bessa R or R2 with 35mm lens. Can anyone tell me how the CV 35mm 2.5 lens compares to the 35mm 1.7 Ultron? Do they give a different "look" in any way, or is speed the only difference?

Thanks,
Dale

in part, how much do you have to spend?

Bessa R with the 35/2.5 $399
Bessa R with the 35/1.7 $628
Bessa R2 with the 35/2.5 $808 [2R made of unobtainium :bang: ]
Bessa R2 with the 35/1.7 $978[2R made of unobtainium :bang: ]
OR if you are well funded...
Bessa R2 with the 35/1.2 $1418 [2R made of unobtainium :bang: ]

all prices are cameraquest as of JUST NOW 😀

edit: Cameraquest says the R2s are no longer available 🙁

 

[back alley]

the 35/2.5 is very sharp and most people seem very satisfied with it.
it is very contrasty and some like that and some prefer a bit less contrast.

the 1.7 is reported to be sharp and contrasty but not as contrasty as the 2.5

 

[CameraQuest]

the 35/2.5 C is very popular. a sharp, small, compact lens. the 35/1.7 is roughly twice as big, and heavy, but there is no substitute for speed if you need it to make the shot.

If you like low light shooting, go for the 35/1.7 if you can afford the investment. IF not, the 35/2.5 C is certainly not a bad choice.

take note that the R2's are sold out. with either lens you will need a $55 screw mount to M adapter for the bayonet mount R2A.

Stephen