Wanted faster lenses/shuffling gear

[FrankS]

I had a CV50f2.5, Summaron f2.8, and Summaron f3.5.

I "downgraded" and freed up some cash by selling the CV50 and buying a Canon 50f1.8.

I sold my 3.5 Summaron, added the spare cash, and bought a Canon 35f2.

Would you have done the same?

 

[dcsang]

I'm confused - are you asking if I would have sold slower lenses for faster ones? Or are you asking if I would have sold 3 lenses to end up with 2 lenses?

Cheers,
Dave

 

[FrankS]

Started with 3 lenses, ended with 3 lenses. The 2.8 Summaron is a constant and not leaving, ever.

 

[Mackinaw]

Yep. Personally, I prefer a faster lens to a slower one. Besides giving you more options (low-light shooting with fim) I like the shallow DOF you get with a faster lens.

Jim B.

 

[nobbylon]

Although dof issues are there I don't think there's that much between 1.4, 2 and 2.8 lenses at the wide angle end. On Slr's then maybe as the faster the lens the better the view. My preference is for f2 lenses as a good balance between dof limitation and getting what you want in focus! I tend to use my Nikon 85 at f2 up and only at 1.4 IF I have time to concentrate on focus. I used to use my summilux 35 and 50's rarely at 1.4 and even then only because it was there. The pics would have been pretty much the same at 2 and 2.8. In the case of the 35 then much better as that dreamy for want of a better word, fog bound look of the pics is IMO awfull!
I think a lot of shooters think that faster lenses magically transform their pics into masterpieces. After seeing a lot of oof portraits and obvious close focus wide open shots on the net it seems that a lot of users think that because it's usable wide open then it's a must to do so. JMO.

 

[FrankS]

Shooting indoors at night with 400 speed film, I need 1/30@f2. I didn't have that capability in 35mm with my slower Summarons or CV50.

I don't feel the need for 'Lux lenses, thank goodness.

 

[nobbylon]

Shooting indoors at night with 400 speed film, I need 1/30@f2. I didn't have that capability in 35mm with my slower Summarons or CV50.

then you did the right thing if you don't want to re rate your film 🙂

 

[paradoxbox]

if you're an indoor and night shooter, faster lenses make sense.

if most of your shots are in the day and outdoors then the tradeoff is the extra bulk that most f1.5/f2 lenses have over their 2.8 or slower equivalents, plus the expense.

i had the same kind of need for speed but settled on a ricoh grd-3 for my fast wide down to f1.9 @ 21mm, and a jupiter-3 for the token f1.5 50mm. those two get me through even the dimly lit bars. i guess around 70% of my photos are taken long after the sun has set. i have other slower lenses that get used during the day time or when i need a particular look.

 

[Bill Clark]

When I buy another lens it goes into the place where I keep them.

I realize some have a budget that makes for sometimes selling something to get another. I very well remember those days! I'm now at a stage in life where I can enjoy the fruits of working hard for 45 plus years.

Speed of the lens doesn't make much of a difference to me either since I use a tripod and will provide controlled light when needed. I hardly ever shoot wide open so having a fast lens doesn't matter to me.

For Leica I have a 50mm f2.5, 50mm f2.0 (first lens bought used) and a 90mm f2.0 lens.

My wife and I took a 35th Anniversary vacation to Hawaii last November and the only film camera I brought was a M4-2 body and a 50mm Summarit lens. Only B&W film as color was made with my Canon 5D Mark something with a 24-70 f2.8 lens.

Works for me.

I tend to keep the equipment I buy.

Hope this helps you.

 

[Bingley]

As a way of gaining speed w/out breaking the bank, you did well. In addition, replacing the slower Summaron with the Canon 35/2 gets you a more modern look in 35, and you still have the Summaron 35/2.8 for its more vintage look in that focal length.

I have the CV 50/2.5 and the Canon 50/1.8, and can't imagine giving either up. I like the form factor and handling of the CV 50, particularly on a Barnack body. The Canon 50 rocks on an M body. But then I have a thing for 50s...