Which lens to bring: Summaron or Summicron ASPH?

[winzenbourg]

Another "which lens" thread...

I've been debating back and forth for weeks now, so I'm coming here in the hopes that people can help sway me one way or another.

I'm heading on a three week mountain biking trip to Kyrgyzstan soon and want to take just one lens for shooting landscapes, environmental portraits, and some action shots. I'll be shooting HP5 Plus.

I'm trying to decide between my:

35mm f/2.8 Summaron (without goggles)
35mm f/2.0 Summicron-M ASPH

I prefer the rendering of the Summaron at lower apertures, but I wonder how much I'll miss the extra stop of the Summicron. Likely most daytime shots will be shot at f/5.6 or above, so I'm not not sure how much the extra stop will matter. The Summaron is noticeably lighter, but the focusing isn't as smooth.

In my mind it's a difficult choice. Maybe it's entirely personal preference. If you had to pick one of these lenses to shoot a bit of everything in black and white, which would you choose?

Thanks for your input!

 

[jordan.dickinson]

I'm partial to the Summaron on film, even though I too have the 35 Cron ASPH. I just love the size of that little summaron and it makes a great travel lens. On the other hand, yeah, the speed of the Summicron could come in handy, but only if you're planning on a lot of different lighting (day vs. night time shooting). It's definitely a preference, but I find that on things like this, I go for size/weight, and then just adjust my film choice...or if digital, just plan on a little more ISO boost...

Tough decision. I guess if you need maximum options with one lens, the 35 Cron is probably your best bet. If size/weight matters more, the Summaron.

 

[Huss]

The interesting pictures occur when the light starts to fade. For film use I'd find the extra stop of the Summicron invaluable.

 

[giganova]

I'd take the smaller, lighter Summaron. Kyrgyzstan is a southern country with tons of lights, so I'd rather take FP4 for the smaller grain size, especially for landscapes.

 

[Mute-on]

B & W = older lenses (Summaron)
Colour = newer and ASPH lenses (Summicron)

At least that's what I've read. I use a Summaron as my only 35 for colour and I've not been disappointed.

You won't notice the extra stop 🙂

 

[raid]

If you plan to take indoor portraits of some locals, the faster lens will be more useful. If almost all photos will be taken outdoors, take either lens.