Help me pick just one Leica lens

[MartinL]

Stage 1: Decided on the M8

Stage 2: Could find no compelling reason to look beyond Voightlander: 21/4 (which I already own); 28/1.9; 40/1.4; and 75/2.5.

Stage 3: Got to thinking that I could substitute a Leica for one of the CVs because - - - - - -well, I want to own one !!!

Stage 4: I'm about $2,000+ under budget for lenses. Before I pull the trigger and make my purchases, what's a Leica lens opportunity that I should not miss? I've set my lens limit at 4, so either substitute a CV or rearrange the whole batch. (BTW, I've considered a Tri elmar, but couldn't find this discontinued lens for sale).

I've got no problem with an E++ used. Try to limit your (my) choices to a lens that a vendor actually has or can get within a week or two.

Thanks for listening

 

[Sisyphus]

I don't know! I should let you know I RFF and a bottle do not mix very well, since it is hard to concentrate. So, if I get this right, you want to buy one leica lens? ok, but a 35mm ASPH Summilux--It's the only choice, other than that I am not really sure what you are talking about.

I hope that helps!

 

[GrahamWelland]

Martin,

I was in a similar position to yourself except with a collection of Zeiss glass (21/28/50) and CV (15/75/90). The whole IR/coding thing was bugging me and my DIY coding wasn't 100% on the Zeiss lenses so I decided to bite the bullet and get some Leica glass for peace of mind and reduce the hassle factor.

I bought two lenses, 28/2 Summicron and 75/2 Summicron. The 28 is pretty much on the camera full time and it's stunning. I figured that I'm best off 'upgrading' my favorite focal length as this is the one I use most often.

It was a tough choice because optically there's nothing wrong with either the Zeiss or CV glass.

 

[tightsqueez]

What will be this "one lens" be taking pictures of? You've already got the 28 equiv. so what are you actually needing as far as focal length? A 35(50 equiv.) would be ideal but I feel that because of the crop a 35 doesn't look anything like a full frame 50.

A 50 Lux(67 equiv.) would work well with the lens you've already got. I don't own the lens but feel it is probably one of the best Leica has ever produced. It depends on what you will be shooting though. The 28 Cron and 75 Cron are my favorite lenses to use on the M8.

 

[-vin-]

sell the 28 and 40 and buy a summilux 35... I think it's the only reasonable thing to do.

 

[MartinL]

Ordered my originally conceived spread of Voightlander lenses (Cameraquest)

Ordered M8 (Popflash). Pick it up tomorrow.

Read lots of Reid reviews (and others')

Much helped by these vendors and by posters here. Your views very helpful. Thanks.

IMO, Leica is about lenses; so I'll be back when I've got some more experience with the M8 and a quality RF, and my own (wiser) RF shooting preferences.

Martin

 

[frogmouth]

If you want EXACTLY one lens go for the 35 f2 Summicron. No brainer. I stumbled upon it by mistake as my first lens -- and it's brilliant. You can then add a couple of lenses of FL above (50, 75) and below (21, 28).

 

[venchka]

Use the search feature here. You may be surprised. Zeiss appears prominently mentioned by several satisfied customers. The Zeiss 25mm, 28mm & 35mm lenses in particular. Readily available. Good value for dollar. Image quality above reproach.

On an M8, 28mm is the new 35mm. The new Leica 28mm is small and highly regarded. It seems to be in scarce supply. I am quite fond of my Konica M-Hexanon 28mm 1:2.8 lens. However, they aren't readily available.

Oops, I see you have the 28mm Ultron. I reckon you're set at that focal length.

Paying closer attention to your present inventory, maybe a nice, late model 50mm Summicron, Planar or M-Hexanon?

 

[TJV]

I second the summicron 35 but think the last version 28 Elmarit is the best choice if you can find it.