Speedy P

[Stephanie Brim]

My tax return is going to total around $400 this year...I figure that's enough to get me a nice lens. I'm kind of torn, though.

50mm has been my staple for a very, very long time. My Nikon SLR was used *only* with a 50/1.4. I haven't really shot anything else very extensively. I'm also very happy with the 50mm lens that I have. It isn't really as fast as I'd like, but it's sharp wide open and I *can* shoot with a steady hand at rather slow shutter speeds.

I think that I'd like to get something wider. I'd also like to keep speed in mind; I like to shoot in dim situations a lot of the time. 35mm is really what I'd like to go, but I'd look at 28mm as well with an external viewfinder to help composition.

In this, I've kind of narrowed it down to three choices: a Canon 35/2, a CV 35/1.7, or a CV 28/1.9. I've seen lots and lots of things done with these lenses and I know all about the sharpness/bokeh, but I'm looking more for personal experiences here. If anyone can share, I'd be much obliged.

And I didn't mention the Canon 35/1.8 for one reason: they're harder than hell to find. Also note that if I do go with one of the CV lenses that it will be the first time I've *ever* bought photography equipment new. Heh. Milestones.

(Also, note one more thing. I may break down and give in to my Leica lust as well...but that would require me saving all of the return until around September/October when I feel I'm ready for the big M-mount buy. And if I do that, I won't just do it lightly; M2 with the 35mm Nokton is what I envision. 😛)

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Patience!

The 35/1.8 will be along, and for a lot less money that the 35/2. I think prices on the latter skyrocketed so some collectors/dealers/users did some profit taking!

My near-mint 35/1.8 set me back $200. Another of those "plain-old-boring-cheap" 35/1.8's will be along!

 

[VictorM.]

To quote our beloved moderator: "Canons for Canons". Some of my best pictures have been taken with a Canon 35/1.8. Patience applied to ebay is always good, but you may find one at KEH or Kevincameras. At one time K's prices were way too high, but the rest of the civilized world is now catching up.

 

[back alley]

and the canon 35/1.8 seems to be as good as the 35/2.
at least for all practical handheld purposes.

 

[John Shriver]

I think I've seen more Canon 35/1.8's than 35/2.0's for sale.

There is an important "user" difference between them. The 1.8 has a long focus throw, half a turn from infinity to 1 meter. The 2.0 has a very short focus throw, about a quarter turn.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

And if I could find one priced right, I could spend the rest on film. Been meaning to pick up some Reala.

 

[dexdog]

Stephanie, I would be glad to lend you my 35/2 for a few months if you are interested. I have used it on and off for the last year, and really like it. I have no experience with the other 2 lenses you have mentioned. No cost involved, other than insured shipping between Virginia and Iowa.

dexdog

 

[wlewisiii]

Kevincamera actually has a couple of them in right now at fairly decent prices.

William

 

[back alley]

I think I've seen more Canon 35/1.8's than 35/2.0's for sale.

There is an important "user" difference between them. The 1.8 has a long focus throw, half a turn from infinity to 1 meter. The 2.0 has a very short focus throw, about a quarter turn.

yet i prefer the 1.8 because it has an infinity lock.
the 2 doesn't have one and i have not been comfortable with it.

joe

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Well, I have the J-12 and I'm impressed with that, it just isn't fast enough for my taste. I don't really need to try the 35/2 to know that it's a cracking lens. I tried the Ultron already and I love it, but it wouldn't leave me much room for buying anything else (which is why I'm trying to find other options).

I'm really tempted to shoot with the kit I have until a deal comes along and just save the money. Who knows when something will show up *here*, and to tell you the truth I'd rather deal with someone through here than through Ebay.

It isn't as fast as I'd like, but how is the 35mm Skopar? A pancake would also be a nice addition to my kit...easier to fit the P in my coat pockets that way.

 

[back alley]

i don't think the pancake is all that flat, from what i have read.
it is barely smaller than the classic 35/2.5.

too contrasty for me but very sharp.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Why does this decision have to be so hard? Heh.

 

[back alley]

not hard,
canon 35/1.8 + patience = better deal ahead

 

[back alley]

Hi Stephanie,

I have both the 35 CV pancake and 28 CV Ultron. I use the pancake when I do not want to carry,
but the Ultron as my general purpose wide angle. It is a great lens. Now that I am used to 28mm,
every time I use the pancake, I miss the additional space.

My vote would go for the 28 Ultron. Then your 35 will still find some use.

Best,

Roland.

oh sure, always has to be some smart guy thinking outside the box 😉

j

 

[VictorM.]

I've also checked Kevincameras and noticed a couple of good 35/1.8's within your budget. One would even leave $ for film (the most underrated camera accessory ever).

 

[Stephanie Brim]

I don't really need something in excellent condition cosmetically...I'm more concerned about mechanics. So yeah, I'm going to wait until I get the return and then see what I want to spend. Heh. Film is a good idea, though...I have tons of black and white and more on the way, but my color film selection is getting low.

 

[rover]

Why does this decision have to be so hard? Heh.

Because you already came up with the best answer

I'm really tempted to shoot with the kit I have until a deal comes along and just save the money.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Well, I'd like everyone to keep giving me ideas anyway. I could use some. Any other suggestions?

 

[jlw]

Don't forget that if you go with the 28/1.9, you'll need to use an accessory viewfinder.

These really are kind of a PIA. I've learned to cope, but I still work much more fluidly and naturally when I stick to focal lengths for which the camera has finder frames.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Yeah, not a big fan of the idea of accessory finders either...but I'd deal with it. 35mm should be wide enough for me, though.