Now, you desire a new lens...

[robert blu]

Even though I have a 8mm f/2.8 rectilinear fish-eye for my mirrorless digital cameras and a 16mm f/2.8 rectilinear fish-eye for my 35mm SLR cameras and even though I do not really need it, I still would like to have a 37mm f/4.5 rectilinear fish-eye for my RB67 medium format SLR.

Not familiar with this lens, seems me a very extreme lens!

 

[robert blu]

I'm looking for a different, less than razor sharp lens that lets me work with it's shortcomings to produce a look that I like. Currently, the MS-Optical 28mm f/2 APOQUARIA-III F MC for M-mount is on my radar. The images I've seen indicate that this lens fits the bill and my budget.

Interesting, you are looking for a tool which can expand your creative possibilities even if the technical specs are a little bit inferior.

I like your answer!

 

[jsrockit]

I’m always interested in 45-55mm lenses for whatever camera I’m using and don’t mind the redundancy in having a few. I use Fujifilm and Sony right now. I have the Fuji stuff I want, so specifically I’m buying Sony lenses. I recently bought the Sigma 45mm and 65mm lenses with aperture rings. Next, I’m looking at the Sigma 24mm f3.5 and the new Sony 50mm 2.5 G lens. Both also have small size and aperture rings. I’m happy to see new AF lenses for a ff camera that are small and have aperture rings. 24mm is not something I typically use so that will be new for me. I’ll move onto aquiring a Fuji gfx and a lens or two after that.

 

[robert blu]

Let's imagine you have a reasonable photo budget allocated (perhaps tax refund better than expected, you managed to sell something you do not use since a long time, your family has not big expenses in program for the next year...) and you need (desire) a gratification, something to lift up a little bit your spirit.

You already have a few lenses with witch you are satisfied. But with many new lenses announced on the market you decided to buy a new one. To try something new, different.

Which kind of lenses are you planning to buy?

Do you prefer to go for a lens of the same focal length you alreday have but with better technical specs? Like the recents APO introduced on the market by Leica or Voitglander? In this case you'll probably make photographs similar to the ones you already make but with improved technical quality.

Or would you go for a lens that can open up new expressive possibilities? maybe you already have a 50/2 and desire to try a 50/1.2 like the new Noctilux or the Voitglander 50/1.2.

In this case you can try low light, maybe extreme low light photography you have not yet done, or experience an strong bokeh which you could achieve with the lens you have now.

Or you could go for an old pre war lens with a special "character", maybe not so perfect as your actual but wich enables you to make photos with a different look.

In a few words when you buy a new (for you) lens what are you expecting from it? Technical improvemet or more expressive freedom?

Of course I know that the answer depends on how each of us lives photography, I'm asking this question only for the sake of having a pleasant chat 🙂

Thanks everyone who anwered my question adding your opinions.

My turn now!

I never was very interested in the technical quality of my photography and my opinion is most of lenses on the market now have a good enough image quality, sharpnes, contrast etc.

If I should select a new piece of gear I would look for something which can open new visual possibilities.

Speaking about 50 mm lenses I will probably but a 50/1.2 Nokton VM aspherical instead of a 50/2 APO LANTHAR Aspherical VM (where I live they have the same price). Why? Because I feel sure the 1.2 lens could give me more expressive way to use it and expand the range of my photography, perhaps changing a little my own style.

In case I win the lottery (but I never buy tickets!) I would prefer to have the Leica Noctilux 50/1.2 instead of the 50/2 Apo Summicron Asph !

It's so nice to have options when we look for something new!

 

[robert blu]

I’m always interested in 45-55mm lenses for whatever camera I’m using and don’t mind the redundancy in having a few. I use Fujifilm and Sony right now. I have the Fuji stuff I want, so specifically I’m buying Sony lenses. I recently bought the Sigma 45mm and 65mm lenses with aperture rings. Next, I’m looking at the Sigma 24mm f3.5 and the new Sony 50mm 2.5 G lens. Both also have small size and aperture rings. I’m happy to see new AF lenses for a ff camera that are small and have aperture rings. 24mm is not something I typically use so that will be new for me. I’ll move onto aquiring a Fuji gfx and a lens or two after that.

Size (small) and aperture rings will be appreciated by many photographers for sure. Thanks for your answer.

 

[back alley]

i always want a new lens!
but when i mention it here or actually buy one someone invariably says something like "your images wont be any better"...and then i remember why i am divorced...

 

[Godfrey]

I'm sure your dinner was good!
The SX 70 is not only a camera, is a beauty, a masterpiece of engineering, a dream...I should shoot a few Polaroid again...

Dinner was wonderful. And I managed an interesting photo, I think! ... I'll try to get it scanned a little later. 🙂

Yeah, the SX-70 really is a mystical piece of equipment. So elegant, so simple in use ... a mindset and a piece of the future enshrined in the past. It's all I've been shooting with for several weeks now. 😀

G

 

[robert blu]

i always want a new lens!
but when i mention it here or actually buy one someone invariably says something like "your images wont be any better"...and then i remember why i am divorced...

Listen to what your heart says, do not listen (too much) to what others say...🙂

 

[robert blu]

90/4 which has detachable head to work with Visoflex III.

This is a very special piece...for sure you'll make something interesting out of it !

 

[robert blu]

The thing is, we're never satisfied. Period. Everything else is just attempts at justifying yet another purchase.

In my case, I've already got a Nokton 35 1.4 and a Nokton 50 1.5. The former is the ideal lens for most situations, yet I'm looking at a Canon 28 2.8 LTM for those times I wish I could go even wider.. The Nokton 50 is the ultimate normal lens: It's as fast as a Summilux but lighther than a Summicron v4, very affordable and it focuses down to 70cm like few other affordable 50s do. Yet I'm looking at a Color Skopar 50 2.5 cause it's half the size of my Nokton. And so on.. The same applies to cameras.. I've had my dream camera (a black chrome M-A) for just over a month, and yet another beaten up silver M2 for just over one hour.. Not for a second could I make myself believe that I needed it, but they look damn good togher and this way I avoid changing lens on the M-A... It never ends (but at least I use them).

I know from another thread about your beautiful Black Chrome M-A, now
the M-A has a sister. Sure you'll make a good use of them both!

Satisfactoin and curiosity sometimes work together and than you have ...GAS!

 

[cboy]

Let's imagine...

In a few words when you buy a new (for you) lens what are you expecting from it? Technical improvemet or more expressive freedom?

Of course I know that the answer depends on how each of us lives photography, I'm asking this question only for the sake of having a pleasant chat 🙂

If it would be me Id be first asking if my purpose is to really fullfill a real photographic need or just GAS. Eg subject isolation, +/- subject distance, character / definition etc

Second id be asking if my current gear can fullfill the need instead ie. Repurpose existing gear

Third is the the criteria that i prioritise; whether it be bokeh, accuity or rendering

Fouth would be selecting several to compare against the criteria setout and in relation to budget.

My process in a nutshell...if not structured ill be buying or lusting things just because of GAS lol

All the best

 

[jsrockit]

i always want a new lens!
but when i mention it here or actually buy one someone invariably says something like "your images wont be any better"...and then i remember why i am divorced...

Whose images ever become better from getting a new lens? We buy equipment because it’s what we want to use.

 

[raid]

I know you have a rich inventory of lenses! Do I think right if I say when you went for an APO lens you were curious to see personally the techical benefit such a lens could give to your photography?

Forn the pictures we have seen in the gallery you must be satisfied with you lens!

I was wondering about the lens performance, so I bought it. I find that focusing is very easy with this lens. It snaps into focus easily.

 

[narsuitus]

I'm curious: What do you mean by a "rectilinear fish-eye"? Seems a contradiction in terms! I've not heard of that before. What are the characteristics of a "rectlinear fish-eye"?

Or do you perhaps mean a "full-frame fish-eye": a lens which achieves the curvilinear rendering of a fish-eye optic but fills the frame, achieving 180° FoV across the image diagonal?

thx,
G

Yes, I thought "rectilinear" was another way to describe a "full-frame" or "rectangular" image as opposed to circular image.

 

[gabrielelopez]

Recently I'm not into buying anything but just trying to shoot and print, creating something out from a period that's been harsh...
So I've sold and sold all, just keeping a super simple kit of what I really need. But when I want a lens, I usually search two different things: or something that can solve me a problem (like a good zoom for jobs that simplifies the day) but when is for my pleasure is just something that has character, like my 45mm GN on my fm2 that is simple like fixed from more than a year. So, to clear my 0,2 cents, if is not something that you need for a specific reason, let's try and have fun with something cheap, maybe old, and different.

 

[robert blu]

Recently I'm not into buying anything but just trying to shoot and print, creating something out from a period that's been harsh...
So I've sold and sold all, just keeping a super simple kit of what I really need. But when I want a lens, I usually search two different things: or something that can solve me a problem (like a good zoom for jobs that simplifies the day) but when is for my pleasure is just something that has character, like my 45mm GN on my fm2 that is simple like fixed from more than a year. So, to clear my 0,2 cents, if is not something that you need for a specific reason, let's try and have fun with something cheap, maybe old, and different.

"let's try and have fun with something cheap, maybe old, and different."

Wise words, being a full amateur I fully agree with your philosophy!
No need for super high tech materials to have fun ! Thanks for your answer !