noimmunity
scratch my niche
thomasw_ said:
I was hanging back to let Akiva respond to this, but in his silence I'll step in and explain why I went for the 25 and 50 before the 35.
But first, lemme say again, the two things I like most about Akiva's kit are: 1) it is much more minimalist than I could ever manage (I'm into having different parallel sets alternately specified for speed, aesthetics, and portability; See Ferider's set-ups for an archetypical example); and 2) the choice of lenses shows a lot of character, particularly the 28/3.5 and the 50/1.5 (I just don't know much about the Leica 90), and is not beholden to any brand.
I have no idea what ZM lens I'd choose if I had to limit myself to one ?
I admire minimalism (KISKIL = keep it simple keep it light), but like to go in numerous directions at once. So one lens was never a realistic goal for me.
I don't have the confidence in my photographic technique to specify the C-Sonnar, so I opted for the Planar, and I've been extremely gratified with the results for portraits, especially. The bokeh is really charming. The "plasticity" that caused Marc A. to express such disappointment is exactly what I am looking for in my attempt to engage representations of anthropological difference and ex-centric being.
At the same time I got the Planar 50, I also found a great deal on the Biogon 25. So for ZM lenses, that would be my choice for two. But on a recent trip to Europe, I took the CV 28/3.5 along with the ZM 50/2 instead and was really happy with that combo. Occasionally I wished I'd broughtthe ZM 25/2.8 instead of the CV 28/3.5, but the latter is so tiny, it's much better for travel.
For ZM lenses, I'd get the 25/2.8 and the 50/2, before the 35/2, since the range of FL is more dramatic and I like the images from each. But adding the 35/2 to that makes an awesome trio, and I just couldn't pass up the chance (gamble?) to get this at a really good price. After getting like new used 25/2.8 and a 50/2 at deep discounts in Japan this summer, I just won a used Biogon 35/2 on ebay (along with an R2A and some extras at a price that is less than the lens alone new; hopefully this is all gonna work out).
Certainly, if I could have, I would have opted instead for the ZM 85/2 as my third ZM lens. Maybe if I save and plan for several years... (or stumble on another deal in Japan? Doubt it)...
For reasons that I don't completely understand, I now have two 28s and two 35s, whereas I have only one 50, even though that is really my preferred FL. (And only one "portrait" lens in the Nikkor 85). I'd eventually like to find a vintage 50, a bit soft but fast, that would complement the 50/2 Planar. And maybe a Nikkor 105...Help!!!
Thomas, do you use 35 for environmental portraits? If so, I'd love to hear/see about that...
Jon
