What do you think of this lens change-- 'Walk softly' and 'Carry a big stick'?

[drec]

Totally vanity thread just about me.

I find myself thinking of changing my setup quite a bit these days, to maximize 'walking softly'-- carrying a small lens when possible-- and as much lens speed as possible. I like the (135format)50-equiv FL best but also like 40-equiv. I don't much like anything wider because my favourite photography is capturing individuals in action, and I find I have to be too close to get everything into a 35-equiv frame.

Current setup:
Ricoh GXR-M
35/2 Summicron ASPH-- used 100% of the time
CV 28/1.9- great, but unused since I got the Summicron

The Summicron ASPH is very sharp and certainly the right size, especially with the shade off, but I have a feeling that that sharpness is somewhat mitigated/wasted on the 1.3x GXR; to be honest, my 28/1.9 is pretty close. Probably would be a different story on a FF camera. I find I could use the extra speed indoors, even with the 35/2 being pretty fast on the GXR.

Proposal: sell both

Pick up: Perar 28/4 for outdoors (walking softly);
CV 35/1.2 for indoors (the big stick)
Around $700 in savings

Anyone done something similar to maximize speed and size and costs? What alternatives would you propose in this price range for a 1.3x user who prefers (135)50-equiv FL? I could probably reach the old Summilux 35/1.4 ASPH but affording that would be a stretch and I am dubious of how big the jump in quality would be... I'm all about bang-for-the-buck. Also am not a big fan of the CV 35/1.4 OOF areas. Thanks!

 

[rover]

Other than being small, what is the attraction to the Perar? The 1.9 Ultron is a very good, and good for both in and outdoors if you are ever inclined?

I would also suggest you think very very hard about selling the 35 Asph. The way prices are going, if you ever in the future want one again, the price is going to be significantly higher to require one. I just purchased the CV 35/1.2, but what will that lens give you that the Summicron won't? Is f2 really that constraining? I sold stuff I use 0% of the time to buy the Nokton. You use the Summicron 100% of the time. Sell it? Really?

Just thoughts off the top of my head. Not right or wrong, just an opinion.

 

[drec]

Of course, no right and wrong. I would like more speed and smaller size at the same time; neither are overly important right now, I am truly just optimizing. The Summicron ASPH/GXR fits in a coat pocket; the Perar would just be a smaller fit. The 35/1.2 gives the most speed and wouldn't fit in a coat pocket.

I've thought of inflating Leica prices too, and it is a consideration. Might never own one again if I sell. Ego, gotta love it!

 

[splitimageview]

My choice would be: 35/2 asph, sell the 28/1.9. Buy nothing else. 🙂

 

[umcelinho]

what digitalintrigue said 🙂 if you havent been using the 28, it's a sign it should go. f2 is enough for 95% of situations, the 1.2 would be only worth it if you shot A LOT in lowlight conditions, otherwise its size is a bit of a hassle.

or if you want to get more $ in the process, get a 35 cron pre-asph, it's more than good enough, smaller than the asph and you get a few hundred bucks back.

 

[photografity]

I have the both the CV 35mm f1.2 & the 28mm Perar. I find it is a perfect combo for my R-D1s, one being a fast equiv. of 50mm for the times I need a tighter or low light shot. The 28mm being small & everyday walk around lens.
The main reason for the CV 35mm Nokton: $$$ best bang for buck! You gain 1.5 stops. I could not justify spending close to $3k for a new Summicron or close to $2k for an used one.
I do have a CV 28mm f2 which is now back in the box. There is nothing wrong with the ultron, I just like the "pancake" a lot better to "pair" with the 35mm.

 

[maddoc]

As much lens speed as possible, makes sense for somebody like me using film only but with a digital imaging device the ISO can be easily increased one step so I would not necessarily opt for the larger bulkier and faster lens. The 35mm Summicron ASPH is close to perfection and since you use it 100% why would you change it ?

 

[hans voralberg]

Boost the ISO and clean up later, or to really save money, get a Nokton 35/1.4, but then the IQ is nowhere near the ASPH

 

[drec]

Hi folks,

Good points. I might sell the 28/1.9 to get the 28/4 as a GXR body cap. Probably will keep the 35/2 ASPH. Thanks!

 

[kzphoto]

The effective focal length between the 35/2 and 28/1.9 are pretty similar. I'd sell the 28/1.9, and pickup a ZM 18/4 or CV 15/4.5.

 

[photografity]

Hi folks,

Good points. I might sell the 28/1.9 to get the 28/4 as a GXR body cap. Probably will keep the 35/2 ASPH. Thanks!

I don't think you'll regret buying a body cap! 😀

 

[drec]

Would make sense, but just not me. I find 35-equiv as wide as I need; I find 28-equiv very wide. I don't have the skill or the patience to learn a 21-24 equivalent lens.

The effective focal length between the 35/2 and 28/1.9 are pretty similar. I'd sell the 28/1.9, and pickup a ZM 18/4 or CV 15/4.5.

 

[helen.HH]

Walk Softly...No Need of a Big Stick
Be Happy... Happiness is 35 Cron ASPH 🙂

 

[drec]

Lol, too true!

 

[ChrisN]

Buying and selling gear is a substitute for photography (ask me how I know 🙂 ). Just take what you've already got and go out and make photos.

 

[segedi]

Isn't the GXR A12 M an APS-C, 1.5x?

I'm in the 'keep the summicron' camp as well. Whose to say Ricoh won't put a full frame module out? (Ricoh, are you listening?!). And even if they don't but do deliver a higher megapixel module, the sharper summicron will be a better match.

Gotta say, the 28mm Perar is tempting. I have the 35mm and it works well on the GXR.

 

[Sam N]

Sell it all, buy an E-M5 with a 12/2 and a 25/1.4 :-D

 

[drec]

Isn't the GXR A12 M an APS-C, 1.5x?

I'm in the 'keep the summicron' camp as well. Whose to say Ricoh won't put a full frame module out? (Ricoh, are you listening?!). And even if they don't but do deliver a higher megapixel module, the sharper summicron will be a better match.

Gotta say, the 28mm Perar is tempting. I have the 35mm and it works well on the GXR.

Sorry, yes, 1.5x, not 1.3x.

I went over a lot of shots last night and f1.4 is not needed like I imagined it would be. If Ricoh puts the Sony 16mp in their next M module (I had the Pentax K5 with the 16mp sensor and it is a beauty), let alone a FF sensor, I suppose there would be even less cause to go 1.4.

You've all been helpful, thanks!