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What's YOUR Three-lens Set?
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Author:  Double Negative [ Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:46 pm ]
Post subject:  What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

Assume you can pick three Leica lenses to form your core set of lenses. Which three would you choose - and why?

My choices for a three-lens set?

Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH
Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH
Elmarit-M 90mm f/2.8

All have the same basic diameter and are quite compact. All have 46mm filter threads, making filter sharing easy. All are at the top of their game and work equally well on film or digital bodies and do not require an external VF. 6-bit coded, of course.

I'd add the Tele-Elmar-M 135mm f/4 or the new Super-Elmar-M 21mm f/3.4 ASPH on the ends as an optional fourth/fifth as they still meet all of the criteria above (save for the external VF on the Super-Elmar-M). Most of these lenses also have a built-in, slide-out lens hood (the 50, 90 and 135) which is icing on the cake.

Author:  kokoshawnuff [ Wed Jan 11, 2012 2:41 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

I'd be inclined to continue with my Leica ideal of compact...

Therefore in addition to the 35mm Summicron ASPH and 50 Summicron I already have, I would add a Macro Elmar 90.

All have the 39mm filter thread, and close to as compact as Leica gets (not to mention superior optical quality and respectable speed).

While I'm happy with my compact Zeiss C-Biogon 21mm, I would not reject the new Super Elmar 21mm as a fourth, or the lens I most lust after: the Apo Telyt 135 (even with it's funky 49mm filter threads)

Author:  Double Negative [ Fri Jan 13, 2012 1:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

Indeed, that APO-Telyt-M 135mm f/3.4 ASPH is extraordinary (practically a perfect lens) as is the APO-Summicron-M 90mm f/2 ASPH. I love my fast lenses, but you're right - the funky filter sizes and increased weight/size are definite trade-offs... Not to mention the steep prices. Kind of for the same reasons, I don't care for the Elmarit-M 21mm f/2.8 ASPH.

Going the other direction as you did with the tiny Summicrons - there's a lot to be said for that! Of course, it's hard to beat the Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. Super small and ridiculously good. Best part might be a clear, free viewfinder without blockage.

For the "tiny/portable/travel set" I went with the CV Color Skopars. For the sake of ultimate portability I can live with a lower performance (mostly distortion) and it's really hard to argue with their almost "dirt-cheap" prices. I've got the 21/28/35/50 spread of them; all have the same type of hood/cap, all use 39mm filters. Not a bad alternative all in all, they're actually pretty nice.

Author:  kokoshawnuff [ Fri Jan 13, 2012 3:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

the Skopars would be the perfect super-compact set. The ltm 35 2.5 was my first rangefinder lens mounted on a Bessa R...a nice intro kit

Author:  Double Negative [ Fri Jan 13, 2012 3:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

kokoshawnuff wrote:
the Skopars would be the perfect super-compact set. The ltm 35 2.5 was my first rangefinder lens mounted on a Bessa R...a nice intro kit

They're so small, it's silly. :)

The 35 was my first and immediately sold me on the rest. You could stuff them into any free pocket and not even realize it's there - on-camera they barely qualify as a "lens." Heh. Love 'em.

We'll be doing a complete review of them in the near future.

Image

Author:  HiredArm [ Sat Jan 14, 2012 6:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

Depends on the intent but for all purposes it would be hard to beat 24 Elmar, 35 Summilux, and a 75 APO-Summicron. My other option would be 24 Elmarit, 50 Summilux, and 90 Summicron. I personally use a 24 Elmar, 35 Summicron ASPH (that I just bought today,) 50 Planar, and 90 Summicron... still waiting on my 50 Summilux to come in to complete my Leica kit and I may add a 75 APO-Summicron later this year.

Author:  Bobitybob [ Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

Not that I have one, but how about the Tri-Elmar 28-35-50 MATE.

Three lenses in one and from what I have read, very good. Removes the need to change lenses cutting down potential sensor contamination, and hence cleaning requirements etc, even less to carry!

Seems the ideal package when travelling.

Author:  JDLaing [ Sun Jan 15, 2012 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

All three Zeiss.

28 f/2.8
35 f/2.8
50 f/2.0

I think I might have bought Leica if I could have got them.

Author:  JazzDoc [ Tue Feb 21, 2012 9:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

As a relative newbie to Leica (after having been a very active SLR user all these years) I entered in grand style and here's the set I own (all used but in excellent condition, and all 6-bit for my M9):

21 Super Elmar
35 Summicron ASPH
50 Summilux ASPH
90 Elmarit

I can't see going much further (right now). I have thought about a 75mm, and would love your feedback on that.

Author:  derivative666 [ Wed Feb 22, 2012 7:55 am ]
Post subject:  What's YOUR Three-lens Set?

^congratulations that's a hell of a start. Can't wait to see what you do for an encore.

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