If you could choose only one lens.....

[Craig M]

.......Which would it be and why?

 

[x-ray]

Here's the answer that's not an answer. What do you like to shoot? If you like to shoot in dark bars then a 35mm 1.2 or 1.4. If you like to shoot architecture then a 21 OR 14. If you like to shoot portraits then possibly a 90. If it's sports then get an slr with a 400. For average shooting of family and friends and vacation then a 50 would do. There's no one lens for everyone. If I could only have two lenses then it would be my 35 and 90. This sounds strange but I really don't like a 50mm but I found that I use one quite often. Strange!

What are your interests?

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045

 

[Treb]

pre-ASPH Summicron 35mm. Very lightweight and compact (even with shade) with a great optical performance. My favourite lens, used for 95% of my pictures.

The 28/2.8 ver.III, 50/2.0 of 1970's vintage and pre-ASPH 90/2.0 divide the remaining 5%.

 

[FrankS]

Easy question for me to answer as 90 to 95% of my photography is done with a 50mm lens. Which one though, that is a problem. My '69 Summicron is modern, sharp, and contrasty. The others, I'm going to have to test to see.

 

[GeneW]

I divide most of my M2 time between a 50 and a 35. If I could only have one, I'd probably pick the 50. In my case it's an M-Hexanon 50/2 that is a very nice lens.

Gene

 

[JoeFriday]

altho I like my 40mm Summicron very much, I wouldn't hesitate to say a Sonnar 50/1.5

 

[Buttons]

Elmar 50 2.8.

I don't have any scientific lpm/bokeh type of explanation for this choice. I bought it, used it and fell in love with the results.

And if the 2.8 seem to slow for certain motives, I just drink less for a day 🙂

 

[saxshooter]

28mm Summicron (I only have the Elmarit). That's how I see and at f2 I'd be able to shoot in available darkness.

 

[dadsm3]

Hands down, 50mm DR 'cron......

 

[Honus]

I can't resist threads like this.

If it is a lens I already have, it would have to be the pre-ASPH 35mm Summicron, like Treb.

If it is a lens I don't have, it would be a ASPH 50mm Summilux.

 

[Stephan]

Nikon F 17-35 F2.8 or Leica R 21-35mm ASPH, sorry no rangefinder lenses but choosing a singe lens is torture and I'd need 35mm and something a little wider 😀

 

[Fred]

If it was just one lens, it would have to be the 50 lux ASPH, the fastest lens I've used thats not too wide or to long. For a twin lens set, well a 35 lux (fast) and a 75 cron ASPH (sharp), more lenses that I don't have.

My kit? Well the 50 cron (current) , small sharp and light.

 

[back alley]

it depends...

 

[egpj]

One lens! That is like saying you want just one woman! 😱

Hehe! She'll never read this forum! 😎

Hmmm, I would have to take the 28 Summicron ASPH. I have had the best results with this lens.

For a lens that I do not have but want it would be the 50 Summicron Collapsible with my dream M3.

 

[ywenz]

I'd like to own the 35mm Lux

 

[CZeni]

pre-ASPH Summicron 35mm. Very lightweight and compact (even with shade) with a great optical performance. My favourite lens, used for 95% of my pictures.

The 28/2.8 ver.III, 50/2.0 of 1970's vintage and pre-ASPH 90/2.0 divide the remaining 5%.

Ditto. Ever since I got my 35/2 preASPH it stays on my M6 95% of the time. It is simply a brilliant lens. Brilliant.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

A sharp 50. I couldn't live without a sharp 50.

 

[keithslater]

Craig,
Love your pic. That was one of the funniest Sat. Night Live skits,
Keith

 

[Craig M]

Speaking of sharp 50's what about the Summilux-M f/1.4/50mm ASPH? I know it's a very new lens (anyone have it yet?) but if it's as good as Leica says it is, it would be a good candidate.

Keith.....You can never have enough cowbell.

 

[richard_l]

50/2.8 Elmar-M