Just got an Ultron 28mm/1.9.. do I need my 25/4 skopar?

[daveozzz]

I've just bought a used CV 28mm/1.9 Ultron - I've been a big fan of my snapshot skopar 25/4 for quite some time but was always a bit miffed at the slow speed - hence the purchase.

So what I wondered was is there any reason why I'd want to hold on to my beloved Skopar now I've got an Ultron? I can't imagine the 3mm extra wideness would be a reason. The smaller size maybe but would be counter productive since I'll probably carry round the Ultron all the time anyway.

Any reason not to sell it that I'm missing?

Cheers.

 

[jaapv]

The difference may be not that large, but 3 mm IS a difference, especially in the perspective.I would say for me it might not be a reason, but it certainly would be an excuse to keep it......

 

[daveozzz]

I'm probably looking for a reason more than an excuse. Selling it would relieve the guilt of buying an ultron but I don't want to miss the Skopar for some technical reason down the line.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Depends, the Ultron is a good bit bigger than the skopar so if you want to walkaround with a compact kit the skopar would get my nod. My Ultron tends to flare alittle when the sun is in the frame (or close to it), so that should be taken into consideration. I'd keep both and live with the guilt 😀


Todd

 

[Nikon Bob]

From experience with nikon 28mm and 24mm lenses, I would say that the difference between the two is more than the 3mm would suggest. You might want to keep both and see if it is that way for you. As mentioned by Todd the 25 Skopar has a size advantage also and that may be a factor after you use the Ultron for awhile. They might compliment each other more than you think.

Bob

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Yes. 🙂


25 is very different in street photography terms.

 

[pdx138]

Don't forget the click-stopped focus. It makes for great, quick shooting. That will be my excuse to keep the 25 when I buy a 28!

 

[pvdhaar]

Any reason not to sell it that I'm missing?

Do you have or foresee buying (even to the slightest of possibilities), a second body to mount the 25/4 on?

 

[jaapv]

If you need a reason, just keep it because we are telling you! Seriously, shoot them side by side for a while and then decide. I'm sure you'll see enough of a difference in both use and results to keep it.

 

[daveozzz]

Bah - foiled - I guess I need to hang onto them both for a bit and see if I notice a difference just shooting 28mm.. although I can't help thinking this is the start of something horrible. I've always told myself 3 primes is all I need.. 90, 50, and a wide - it's a scary precedence if I discover I need a 25 & 28... It can only end in financial ruin.

Thanks folks.

(Peter I already have 2 bodies but use them for different film types so generally always have to juggle lenses anyway)

 

[djon]

I agree with Peter. Ibelieve in multiple bodies, seem to be dedicating one of my Ps to 35f2 plus Leica finder, the other to 50mm Nokton...so I think my 25CV will live henceforth on my IIIC (especially now that I've deprived it of the Leica bright line 35 finder, now on a P). If I had a 28, and assuming I liked its finder, it'd be #2 on the Nokton P.

 

[Alec]

Hello Dave,
I beg to differ.
The Ultron is a helluva lens, and you are going to have it glued to your body anyway. In my opinion 28mm is wide enough and 25mm is not wider enough.
If you have a sufficient throughput (eg higher than myself), buy yourself a second body (eg Bessa L) for the Skopar.
Otherwise, just let some other enthusiast enjoy it! 🙂
Cheers,
ag

 

[peter_n]

I agree with Alec. Check how you like the FOV from both lenses first though. If you don't see that much of a difference, let the 25 go. I got a 15 and then sold my 21 after doing a similar exercise. I found I'm much more enthusiastic about the 15 FOV...

 

[VinceC]

For the record, a 25mm lens shows an 80.5 degree angle of view while a 28mm shows a 74 degree angle of view, according to my Nikon RF literature. Six and a half degrees is pretty close, and you gain two stops with the 28mm. If you want to go really wide, you could always sell the 25mm and get a 21mm or 15mm. Or, as others have mentioned, you could keep the 25mm and use it for those days when you want a llight, compact wide lens.

 

[VinceC]

Ferider has a good idea about pairing the lenses. 28mm and 35mm are also very close together -- 74 degrees compared to 63 degrees. It's a big enough difference that you can carry both, but it makes more sense to pair a 35mm with a 25mm and pair a 28mm with a 40 or 50mm lens.

 

[peter_n]

I got a 28 two or three months ago and the 28/50 combo is excellent. 🙂

 

[Doug]

I think Roland, et al, are right about the combinations. And a second body dedicated to the 25 and wider sounds useful... like a Bessa-L maybe, as they're still so inexpensive.

I did get a 28 after I already had the 25, and like you my 28 is a fast one. But the 25 is still useful, and it is an excellent lens in its own right despite the lack of RF coupling. Maybe not ideal for close-in wide-open, but it has pleasant character.

Earlier this year when I got a Contax G system, I noted right away the big gap between 21 and 28mm where Zeiss had not provided an intermediate focal length. I'm glad they've address that with the new ZM series of lenses... Validation of the 25mm focal length? Note Leica's fairly recent entry in that area too, with the 24mm Elmarit.

My vote: Keep it! 😀

 

[Poptart]

I don't know . . . I have a 20 and a 28, both fast. I'd say keep it if there are any photos you have taken with it that are your favorites.

 

[aad]

Post a pic with the 25-I'm thinking about one..

 

[Trius]

First off, Dave, I agree with ManGo... are you crazy? What if someone starts a "How many 25mm or wider lenses do you have" thread? Where will you be then? You'll be shamed, that's where!

Seriously, it's always a balance betwen finances, wants and real needs. I have two 28s and a 21 for my OMs, plus 35. I'm toying with getting a 24 as well. Each lens has a signature so I wouldn't consider a 24 and 28 too close to be a silly purchase.

For me, the 25 would be a carry-around lens for shooting with high speed b&w, pushed when necessary.

Earl