Sharpest 35mm Lens (affordable)?

[benmacphoto]

I had a great 35mm f2.5 Nikkor in LTM that was fantastic.
Paid about $250 for it a few years back, no sure what they go for now.
Heres a sample.

 

[n5jrn]

When I was looking for such a thing last year, "period" 35mm lenses seemed scarce and spendy, and often had issues. The CV 35/2.5 was the logical choice. Being a modern lens, it has the benefit of modern multi-coatings and of all sorts of computer-aided design that Leitz could only dream of back in the 50s.

Cosina have really done photographers a service by releasing new-manufacture LTM lenses.

 

[PatrickCheung]

I had/have both the VC 35/2.5 Color Skopar and the Canon 35/2.8. Both are fun to use :] The VC is a little too bland for my tastes though. Too contrasty! Too sharp! Too modern 😛

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I'd say the Canon 35mm f/2 would be an awesome lens for your Barnack.
I happen to know someone who has one for sale. It's cosmetically worn but the glass is good and it's a great shooter.
He's also a fellow RFF member.

Phil Forrest

 

[wallace]

After comparing the Skopar with The Canon 35/2.0 I sold the Skopar.
I'd say they are both equally sharp, the Skopar has a bit more contrast,
a bit too much for my taste. I owned both and sold the Skopar.
The Canon is much better built and doesn't require a hood.
It looks like a mini SLR lens. It's an amazing compact, light weight and fast lens.


wallace

 

[Livesteamer]

Last year I got a Nikkor 35mm f2.5 in Leica screw mount and it is a wonderful little lens. It cost me $400 then. I am told it is the same formula as in my Nikonos with 35mm f2.5 lens. The Nikonos is my beach/bad weather camera and they can be had quite cheaply. A Nikonos III with such a lens is around $100 these days. Good Luck with whatever you get. Joe

 

[jsrockit]

After comparing the Skopar with The Canon 35/2.0 I sold the Skopar.
I'd say they are both equally sharp, the Skopar has a bit more contrast,
a bit too much for my taste. I owned both and sold the Skopar.
The Canon is much better built and doesn't require a hood.
It looks like a mini SLR lens. It's an amazing compact, light weight and fast lens.


wallace

Too bad the Canon isn't cheap anymore though. $600 or so these days.

 

[B-9]

Canon 35/3.2 sharper than the 3.5 and a pretty common lens around this site.
I got mine before the new year for just under 200usd with vf. Expect to pay around 250$

The 2.8 is the bread winner, but in most cases performs the same as the 3.2, in my opinion its not worth the premium if it will be a user.

The CV skopa is wonderful, ide go with this, modern optics in a vintage package.