M8/M9: If you had to just pick 2 lenses, which ones?

eleskin

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For the M8/M9, if you just had two lenses to pick from to carry around, which two and why?

I have a bunch of lenses, Leica and non Leica. The two I have chosen for my M8 are:

1. The Voigtlander 15mm Super Wide Heliar

2. The Voigtlander 35 f1.2 Nokton

Why? I tend to shoot mostly moderate to wide angle (this is where the M series shines anyway) and these two lenses are the most versatile I have ever used in 21 years of shooting. The 15mm Super Wide Heliar is wonderful in price, sharpness, little distortion, and is very small. It is extremely useful in hip level street shooting, photographing children moving around, interiors, landscapes, group shots, panoramas when weaved together.

The 35mm f1.2 is very useful. F1.2 offers great lens speed for low light. The Bokeh is tremendous. The contrast is not overpowering like the later Summicrons, and works better with the sensor, it is very sharp, even at f1.2, it can cover a wide range of subjects from portraits, street photography, etc,,,. and the price is great when compared to Leica offerings. I own a 35mm Summicron and a Noctilux f1.0 and I have to tell you, this 35 f1.2 is on my M8 way more (Sharper than Noctilux, great bokeh, color, better feild of view on the M8, easier to focus).


So what has everyone else chosen?
 
Of what I own?

M8.2 w/

1) MS Optical Perar 35mm f/3.5 - because it is tiny and light.
2) Zeiss 50mm Planar f/2 - because it just right.
 
1. 35mm Summilux Asph
2. 60mm Hexanon 1.2

The 35mm Lux is a great mix of sharpness, smoothness of OOF and moderate contrast. The 60mm Hexanon is amazing for sharp to OOF transition in a much smaller size than a Nocti and better overall IQ.
 
I only own three lenses M-mount lenses and I think I own my two ultimate lenses for the M8:
35mm Summilux ASPH
15mm Heliar

My third is the Perar, it's fantastic and would probably usurp the 'lux if it was a little faster and I had a UV/IR filter for it (which I'm working on).
 
If I were out walking around, it would be:
35 summicron pre-asph III
paired with
CV 75/1.8
or
CV 15/4.5
 
On M8, I've finally settled on 21/35/75 focal lengths, with the 35 being my regular lens.

When I go with two lenses, I will either take the 21 and the 35, or the 35 and the 75 (portraits/shows).

Another combination that works ok IMO on the M8 is 25+50.

If I only could have two lenses, but any two lenses, I'd be tempted to cheat and go for a Dual-Hexanon 21-35 plus a 60 1.2 ;-)
 
The 24mm Elmarit and the 50mm Summicron are the most used on the M8, so these are my keepers if forced to choose.

Although come to think of it, the 15mm Heliar is always with me by default due to its itty bitty size.
 
For M9 from my limited lens bag

50 lux asph and 35 summaron 2.8

A mix of ultra sharp modern and "classic" Leica look.

I'm loving the summaron on the M9.

.... although I tried a 75 summarit at my local Leica shop. Get the behind me G.A.S. !!
 
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