Which 35mm lens for street photography?

[kbg32]

These days Roger, with having a 4 year old, money burning a hole in my pocket is a very rare commodity! If it's there, it goes straight to a school fund! I feel fortunate to have the equipment I do, and to learn how to use it to fulfill my vision. I've made errors through the years, sure. Bought and sold things I thought I needed, thought would work out, but didn't. Polls don't tell you much. Nothing can give you experience like actually using a piece of equipment.

I hope I am not sounding mean to the OP, but I'd rather drive my own wagon then jump on someone else's.

 

[Roger Hicks]

These days Roger, with having a 4 year old, money burning a hole in my pocket is a very rare commodity! If it's there, it goes straight to a school fund! I feel fortunate to have the equipment I do, and to learn how to use it to fulfill my vision. I've made errors through the years, sure. Bought and sold things I thought I needed, thought would work out, but didn't. Polls don't tell you much. Nothing can give you experience like actually using a piece of equipment.

I hope I am not sounding mean to the OP, but I'd rather drive my own wagon then jump on someone else's.

Dear Keith,

We do not disagree in a single essential, especially the highlight, except that I don't have a four year old! I've no doubt that he/she is a joy to you, but I'm more comfortable with a daughter who is 23 in a month's time. She and Frances and I plan to go to Arles for a couple of days, then to a spa in the Pyrenees, then home for our birthday (she was born on my 40th) to eat barbecued veal chops...

Cheers,

R.

 

[semilog]

None of the above: 35 Summarit-M

Small, lovely image characteristics (bokeh etc) and plenty fast enough for use with a M240 or Monochrom. Fine with the M9 too, but those shooting in dim light might want something faster. Its also a lot cheaper than many Leica alternatives.

Agreed. The Summarit is tied with the 35/2.8 Biogon-C for the same reasons.

I prefer both lenses to the Leica 35 ASPH Summicron and ASPH Summiluxes.

…and I just bought my second Biogon-C, to replace the one I sold to Maggie O!

 

[maggieo]

Congrats!!!

 

[alan davus]

I must admit I concur with those who see this poll as pointless. If the question had been what focal length well fair enough, but what 35mm lens? I thought the answer would be obvious, anyone... especially the one attached to the front of your camera.

 

[IEDEI]

the only 35mm i own is a Komura 35mm F3.5 screwmount. It isn't that sharp, it's got weird attributes, vintage mechanics (great build quality)....but it has a ton of character which makes it very enjoyable to use.

as for street...i use a 21mm Elmarit pre-ASPH.....always prefer wider by default. The Elmarit is not clinically sharp, but has beautiful and atmospheric rendering qualities.

and NO, the Biogon and Summarit lenses are NOT on par with Summicrons....the only reason people say that is because they can't afford a Summicron. They have cheap build quality in comparison (The Zeiss, especially, feels the same as the low-budget Voigtlanders) and their rendering is nothing special.

 

[raid]

I voted for the Lux 35/1.4 because it offers me flexibility to shoot in light and in dim areas.

 

[starless]

For street, logically, it should be the smallest/lightest and most inconspicuous lens offering the best possible quality for its size.

Therefore any of the smaller pre-ASPH Summicrons should be ideal. A Summaron would be a good choice as well, since you don't need a large aperture for the street. You need as large DOF as possible if anything.

 

[Cyriljay]

As for me I have only one 35mm.... Cron Asph and i love it and it is one of the best
I am thinking of 28mm but My 35mm says No.