Very happy with my RF lens kit

[FrankS]

CV 21f4
Canon 28f3.5
Canon 28f2.8
Summaron f3.5
Summaron f2.8
CV 40f1.4
Collapsing Summicron 50f2
Collapsing Summar 50f2
Collapsing Elmar 50f3.5
Collapsing FED 50f3.5
CV 50f2.5
Zeiss 50f2 (thanks Brian S!)
Elmar 90f4
Hektor 135f4.5

(Keeping my eyes open for a S.A.21 and Summilux 35 and 50 at flea markets, of course.)

 

[Moriturii]

Do you seriously need that many lenses? Two 28's, two 35's, SIX 50's? I think you are making a big mistake having so many, pick one of each focal length, you need to KNOW what you want and get it, instead of "spreading yourself out thin".

 

[Spicy]

i could understand having maybe 3 different 50mm lenses, but 6, two pairs of which are the same max aperture?

maybe you have a better eye than i do, but for the most part, most lenses are similar enough that i'd be hard pressed to tell whether a picture taken with one is notably better than the same picture taken with another.

i always figured it's better to master a few lenses than have a bunch that you never become intimate with.

 

[thegman]

I think you can make a big mistake in terms of relationships, careers etc. Not sure if it's possible to make a big mistake with regard to lens ownership.

Nice line up of lenses, I'm considering a 90mm Elmar myself.

 

[Adanac]

I think you can make a big mistake in terms of relationships, careers etc. Not sure if it's possible to make a big mistake with regard to lens ownership.

+1

Now carrying them all at once, that might be a mistake. 😀

 

[back alley]

15/21/28/40/50 is working well for me...

21 is on its way to me (had one before though)
also thinking about getting a 75 again...

 

[Brian Puccio]

28/90 is more than enough for me. Maybe if I shot more ...

 

[kuvvy]

Mines a lot siimpler. Just a CV15, CV28 3.5 and a 50mm Jupiter-8. I do have an original MS 35mm Perar but as I don't care for the 35 focal length on my RD1 it will have to go as did my 35 Hex. Shame as its a great little lens and pretty unique.

 

[FrankS]

Oops, forgot to list the CV 40f1.4. It's my fast RF lens. (added to original list now)

In each instance, I acquired the faster 28 and 35 lens after the slower version. Once I have the time and inclination, I'll test one against the other to see if it's worthwhile keeping both, but with the Summarons, one is ltm and the other is M mount, and I do have 2 screw mount bodies.

As for the 50's, well I did have more at one point, but sold a Summitar, a Summarit, and a first black version Summicron. Again, once there is time, I'll test to find differences. I'll save this for when I feel I'm in a rut with creative photography - that should see me through it.

 

[n5jrn]

Just a Summitar 50mm f2 and a CV 35mm f2.5 for me. If I want more lenses, I take my SLR with me. The IIIf outfit is what I take with me if I want something simple and compact.

 

[leica M2 fan]

I think you are very astute in selecting all of these lenses, there will be time to cull the herd in the future. There are several there I would truly treasure myself.

 

[jsrockit]

maybe you have a better eye than i do, but for the most part, most lenses are similar enough that i'd be hard pressed to tell whether a picture taken with one is notably better than the same picture taken with another.

Don't underestimate the non-image related charecteristics of lenses... like short focus throw vs. long focus throw, weight, size, etc. These are important to some users. Also, some of the lenses he has are relatively cheap and most of them (if not all...haven't used a few of them) are good performers.

 

[FrankS]

Why these lenses stay:

Col. Summicron - a classic in M mount for my M2
Elmar - a classic in ltm for my llla
CV 50f2.5 - a modern 50
Summar - a vintage look
Zeiss f2 modified by Brian S - uncoated vintage Sonnar look, rare
FED 50 - not worth selling, plus it's coated unlike the Elmar

Summaron 2.8 - M mount for M2
Summaron 3.5 - ltm for llla

Canon 28f2.8 for speed, and WAY less expensive than Leitz
Canon 28f3.5 (black) because it's supposed to be sharper (to be determined)

CV 40f1.4 for high speed

CV 21 for wide angle - wish it was faster but love the small size

90 and 135 I never use, but not worth selling, and they extend the range so good to have just in case my tastes/needs change

All these lenses were acquired with much consideration of cost/ value.

 

[raid]

I have the green ones

I have the green ones

CV 21f4
Canon 28f3.5.... instead I have a Kobalux 28f3.5
Canon 28f2.8.... instead I have Rokkor 28f2.8
Summaron f3.5
Summaron f2.8
CV 40f1.4.... instead I have a Summilux 35f1.4
Collapsing Summicron 50f2
Collapsing Summar 50f2
Collapsing Elmar 50f3.5
Collapsing FED 50f3.5
Zeiss 50f2 (thanks Brian S!)
Elmar 90f4
Hektor 135f4.5



We share many lenses, Frank.

 

[cjbecker]

That many lens seams to me as counter productive.

 

[FrankS]

Works for me. YMMV

 

[dave lackey]

jeez, and all I have is the Summarit.🙄

 

[raid]

I four-iggna .. pour engliss ... whattt iz YMMV?

 

[jsrockit]

That many lens seams to me as counter productive.

Only if he allows it to be. It's no big deal really. Choose a few and go out and photograph.

 

[FrankS]

Raid, YMMV = your mileage may vary = your experience may be different than mine

Luckily I am not inflicted by the paralysis of choice as some seem to be. I like being able to select the best tool for the task at hand.