One lens for R-D1, which one?

super7668 said:
Thanks for all inputs.

Since I don't have the R-D1S on hand yet, I probably will get one of these two for now, which one will be more usable on it?
Zeiss Biogon T* 21mm f/2.8
CV 40/1.4

cheers.
Click to expand...

I only have the CV 40/1.4.

Small, fast and sharp. Some struggle with the wide open bokeh, especially small circular highlights but I don't mind it at all.

The RD-1 35mm frame lines are also just about perfect.

If low light shooting is your thing, I would start with it.

Cheers,

John
 
Though the 21mm Biogon is optically a great lens, it has several disadvantages as a primary lens on the R-D1. The field of view is so much wider than the R-D1's framelines; you will have to purchase and use an auxiliary viewfinder with this lens. If a 28mm lens is not wide enough for your tastes, the 25mm Biogon might be a better choice. If you do not wear eyeglasses, the R-D1's viewfinder comes close to covering the lens' entire field of view. A 21mm optical perspective is very stretched so make sure you are comfortable with that look. The 21mm Biogon is a large, long lens for the R-D1. Definitely take a look at the lens in person before purchasing it.
 
Vote for my friend LCT suggestions. I love preash 35mm Lux for its compactness of 'cron 🙂 Too bad 21/3.4 Super Angulon doesn't fit on Rd1. This lens tempts me so much. 28'cron would be something interesting!
 
well, now I'm considering this two options:
1, CV 40/1.4 + 15/4.5;
2, Zeiss 50/1.5 + CV 15/4.5

One for low light and portrait and one for street shots and fun.
Any better idea?
 
I asked the same question to myself and came back with the 28/1.9. While it's big, it's reasonable fast and has built in frame lines. I love the 40/1.4, but it becomes a 60, which is going the wrong way for an RF. You might look at the old 28/3.5 CV, a bit slow, but you can change ASA at the spin of a dial. Size-wise it is a better fit for a small system.

When it comes down to it, I think I would spend the bucks on a 28/1.9.

B2 (;->
 
I vote for the CV 28/1.9 as a all round lens. I have used 50mm and 35mm on my RD-1 but the 28 Ultron is now always on it. It is a bit big but versatile. It is a good match for the RD-1 sensor and I especially like it for B/W.
 
My two favorite lenses on the RD-1 are the ZM 50/1.5 and the Konica UC-Hexanon 35/2 (with LTM adapter). Both are tiny for what they are and make great images in both color and B/W.

Before settling on these I was (and probably still could be) happy with the 40/2 Summicron-C or 40/1.4 Nokton. Sold the Summicron and have parked the Nokton permanently on a Bessa R3A.

I have put the Avenon 21/2.8 on the RD-1 a few times. My comments would be the same as sonwolf's above for the Biogon, though the Avenon fits the body well.

Every now and then I use the 90mm Elmarit and like it, but it's not an all-around lens. I also sometimes use the 50mm Summilux and 35mm Summilux ASPH - great imagers but they make a relatively bulky body that much bulkier.

- John
 
I haven't really used the 28mm on the R-D1, but it works out similarly to a 40mm on a full-frame 35mm, which a lot of people really like.

The 50mm works out like a short tele - a very good pick at the other end.
 
I second (or third) the use of a 28mm lens and use a zeiss biogon 28 almost exclusively on my RD-1.
The other thing to remember is the RD-1 is great in low light, so a slower lens may not be a problem. Just step up the ASA and keep shooting.
 
Nokton 40mm f/1,4 for me. My most used lens. If speed isn't critical and you want wider, either the 25mm or 28mm Biogon. Outside of the finder frame isn't a bad approximation for the 25 and its a stunning lens. So stunning I'm buying an R4M to use it without a supplementary finder 🙂
I assume that the 28 Biogon is just as good, but the 25 is just amazing from centre to corner.
 
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