Picking one or two lenses?

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I'm increasing my lens inventory for my new R8 (had R4)and want to go wider that my current Elmarit-R 28mm 2.8 allows. I'm considering adding a used 21mm f4.0 OR a new Vario-Elmar-r 3.5~4/21~35mm ASPH. Does anyone have experience with the two lenses under consideration and, if so, what are your recommendations? Thanks

-- Tom (t.maras@worldnet.att.net), March 13, 2002

Answers

From a Leica apologist but useful all the same:

http://www.imx.nl/photosite/leica/rseries/testr/ve2135.html

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), March 13, 2002.


If I were in your situation I'd go all the way and go for the 19 mm, which is said to be superb. Also faster and more compact than the 21, which is a beast.

A 28/19 combo would be very flexible, I think. You could add a 50 for a bit of reach.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), March 13, 2002.


21mm is not a beast and is about the same size as the current 19mm, although a slightly different shape. The earlier 19mm is a beast.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.

The 21/4 is a fine lens but after all it's an over 30 years old design so the 21-35 zoom is most likely as good or better. The 21/4 is an ok lens at f/4, good at f/5.6, and very nice by f/8. The 21 will cost you probably a third to a half of the 21-35, but with it you could sell the 28 and recoup more money, then have only one lens to carry.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), March 13, 2002.

Ok, then, it's not a beast, whatever. Just an opinion, mateypips.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), March 13, 2002.


I have to say I seriously doubt that the new zoom is up to the current 28mm performance which is exceptional -- and it is a stop faster. But equally I bet the zoom is not bad and should equal the 21/4 or better it, I agree.

-- Robin Smith (smith_robin@hotmail.com), March 13, 2002.

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