Just two lenses...?

M

moreammo

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Feb 9, 2011
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Ok I have knocked myself down to a single M body and i want just two lenses, a 35 and a 50. I currently have a Zeiss 35mm Biogon C 2.8 and a Zeiss 50mm Sonnar C 1.5 (on the way actually, part of a trade) and about $1600 to work with. What would you do...

keep the lenses and the money

keep the lenses and buy a different lens

sell one or both and get different lenses...

what would be your top 35mm and 50mm m mount lens?
 
Great Set Up...
Be Happy & Content with those Two Stellar lenses
and keep a pocket full of moula. :D
 
you already have 2 of the best lenses in the world. if you can't make that work then it's time to buy a nice stereo.

i think your set up sounds simple and perfect.
could you change lenses and be happy? certainly? do you need to? not at all.
 
Very nice setup! If you really have that money burning a hole in your pocket you could ditch that 35 and get a 35 Cron ASPH. I wouldn't bother if I were you but I very slightly prefer the Cron.

Enjoy your lenses, they're terrific! Treat yourself to a nice photo trip with the extra cash :)
 
For me, only reason to change would be if you felt your photography genuinely needs a faster 35. If the 2.8 isn't a limiting factor for you, then those are two stellar choices and you shouldn't feel any need to spend the money on "upgrades".
 
Both of the lenses you have are one of the best of there. So I do not see reason for selling (unless you do not want faster 35 or will be fine with the character of the Sonnar).

Of course - if you feel the need to a wide lens, than a 25 or 21 would fit in nicely.

It may make sense to use what you have for a while and see whether you need something more or something else. Take some nice shots, get some good scans and make some 8x10" or larger prints.

You can anytime get something like a Ricoh GXR with the M-Mount should you need a digital platform for your lenses.
 
Keep those superb lenses. In thankfulness, use a little of the money to do something for someone in need. Stash the rest in case you need to replace or repair the M someday.
 
And since, admirably, you're trying to simplify: stop thinking gear. Just take pictures. I hope someday to attain such a position and cast of mind....
 
Another vote for changing nothing now, shooting until (if ever) you find something you must have -- a different signature, a faster 35, a different focal length.

Giorgio
 
Perfect kit for most purposes, stick there and shoot.
Buy something else when you know exactly what it is you want.

What I've used most on the M9 is either a 35, a 40 or a 50. If I had to keep only one, it would be the 40; if two, the 50 and 35. Done. ;-)
 
I'd typically prefer to have a 50 and something wider (like a 21) or the 35 and something more telephoto (like a 75 or 90), but the quality of your lenses is top notch so no reason to change or add for that reason. You could get a good 21 and a 90/75 for under $500, so that's always an option but I'm all for keeping it simple when possible.
 
true, two fabulous lenses, and you are truly in a very good place. for me personally, were i to have two lenses they would not be so close in fov. definitely i would keep the 35 (if 2.8 was not limiting) but would sell the 50 for a true portrait lens in the 75-90 range. certainly i buck the forum trend as i simply do not like 50mm fov, but even if i did, i just dont see having a 35 and a 50 as my only two lenses, no matter their quality. two footstep difference is just not enough imo, sorry.
tony
 
21/40/90 (CV or Zeiss/M Rokkor/Leica) or 25/50 (CV/Zeiss).

35 and 50 are too close for me, but then again, I don't have any nice Zeiss glass...
 
Thanks everyone, the results are pretty clear :)

I will hang onto the two and the cash, Well I think i will do some good with some of the cash, not sure what. sadly i didn't even think of that, slightly ashamed by that.

i got the money and the Sonnar by trading / selling off gear with the plan of buying more glass but i like the idea of holding off until i know what to do and helping someone else certainly is a good plan.

I appreciate the input!

Decision made, Sticking with the Zeiss glass for a while.
 
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