Lenses that make you go WOW for less than $500

froyd

froyd

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A modest sum is buring a hole in my pocket, so I must get rid of it quickly...

My current RF set-up is based on a Bessa R2a, and I'd like to know what lenses I might add to this platform.

I currently own a CV Ultron 35 and a I61-L. I LOVE the Industar, but I'm left cold by the Ultron, so I would not mind replacing that, especially for something that also offered a closer min. focusing distance and a smaller size...maybe the new 1.4 Nokton?

However, what I'm really looking for, is a lens that will make me go wow whenever I look at images taken with it.

My frame of reference are most of the lenses in the Contax G system. The chiseled look of images drawn by those lenses can take my breath away. They are the reason why again and again I am tempted to spring for G kit of 21, 28, 45, and 90. They seem to be in league of their on within 35mm photography, but I'll admit I'm not very familiar with Leica lenses (out of my budget) or other Zeizz lenses.
 
I can definitely see why you lik the 50mm Nokton, RF-Addict, but for me the 50mm would work exactly as that (i.e., no focal lenght multiplier) and the modest little Industar --the cheapest lens I own-- is the one that I would less readily replace or even "double up".

I'd rather replace the 35 Ultron or add something at the longer end. Or maybe, just save another $500 and get myself a G2 kit...
 
You want to add a lens that will change the way you see/present the world? Try a 15mm f:4.5 Heliar from our very own Stephen Gandy at cameraquest.com. At US$345, it really can change how you view things. At $295, the C/V 75 is also a good bet, image quality-wise. Good luck! It's a nice problem to have.

Ben Marks
 
I saw your photos comparing Industar and Ultron.

The CV series that might give you what you like are the Color Skopars.

At similar rendering, budget and a bit faster, maybe the Canon 35/2.

If 50 is not too long, you might consider a 50/2.8 Elmar, too.

I have only tried the 40/1.4 and don't think it is that different, contrast-wise
when compared to the Ultron.

Roland.
 
I just got the test roll back from this lens. They made me go "Wow".

2319570488_87b5a63a02_o.jpg


70 year old Zeiss Sonnar, uncoated. Newly installed in a J-8 mount.
 
On another thread, I tried to point this out to you :)

The Industar is a tessar type lens. It has the typical tessar characteristics, sharp, nice bokeh, but not much 3D (or depth, or whatever you want to call it).

The Ultron has more elements, better corrected, more micro-contrast, more "depth".

So if you want something like your Industar but in 35mm, follow Roland's suggestion and go for the Skopar. If you want faster lenses from that stable, most of them will give you more along the line of the Ultron.

Just my 2 unsolicited cents.
 
I have some of the nice Leica lenses to compare to (50 lux, 75 lux, noctilux, 28 cron, 35 v4). I go wow when I use my CV15, 21 f/4 and 50 f/1.5. These 3 lenses are wonderful performers for the money.
 
I have the exact same set up, R2a with 35mm 1.7 Ultron an Industar and also a newly aquired Canon 50mm 1.4 The Ultron may not show as much contrast as the Industar, but it records nice shadow detail and I can always bump up contrast with filters, paper when printing and/or Photoshop after scanning.

The industar is razor sharp and I paid $20 for a brand new one with hood. The focus ring is stiff but otherwise quite a good find even though it is only an f/2.8

I agree with Shadowfox that if you like the way the Industar renders images, then something in the Skopar family may be to your liking.
 
Yep!

I second that emotion with the "Japanese Sonnar" Canon 50mm f1.5 - a real WOW lens ~ and the Nikkor Nippon Kogaku Tokyo HC 50mm f2.0

Another one is a "uncoated" (pre 1946) Leitz Summitar 50mm f2.0 ~ and the greatly underrated Summarit 50mm f1.5 these are both WOW lenses!

Tom
 
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