[DanielT74]

I'd like to test three lenses in this category I have (or will have in the near future) to follow on from the little 50mm test I did (still planning to redo it as per the suggestion there).

So the line-up is

1. The well-regarded venerable Leica Summicron-R 35/2 (1st version with more blades). This one can be had for $450-850 on ebay. I am adapting it with Leitax.

2. Our very own classic 31ltd made in japan version.

3. The rare and pretty expensive Leica Summilux-R 35/1.4 (which is yet to arrive). Leica guru, Erwin Puts: "The performance wide open (f/1.4) is much better than that of the first Summilux-M from 1961, as can be expected. There is a twenty year span between both designs. But also compared to the current Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH. the performance attainable in practise is almost equal." For those unfamiliar with leica lenses and prices, this is a $4000 lens he is comparing it to. The one I am hoping to test can be had for under half of that. The trouble is no one seems to know whether it will clear the mirror on a Pentax DSLR, but I am foolish enough to try to find out. (and if I fail with my K20D, maybe sir_bazz who lives around the corner can lend a hand with his new K-5 ?)

Is there any interest in seeing how these will pan out?

I am planning to first do a shoot of a flower at different distances and apertures (like I did with the 50mm lenses), then group portraits, then landscape.

Suggestions?

It would also be interesting if people contributed their own tests, say with the Sigma 30/1.4, Carl Zeiss Flektagon, etc etc

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Last edited by DanielT74; 11-07-2010 at 05:41 PM.

[Adam]

Sounds very interesting! I would also include the Pentax 35mm limited and FA 35mm for comparison.

[pcarfan]

Sounds like an excellent idea.

P.s: I am using my mobile for the first time to surf forums...I am screwed.

[Wheatfield]

I would also like to see the 35/2.8 LTD included. Mike Johnston calls it the best lens ever.
I have a great deal of respect for what Mike says.

[DanielT74]

Hmmm... if any of the local pentaxians are willing to lend me their 35macro and 35/2, I will! Otherwise maybe someone else with a few 30-35mm lenses can do some tests and post them here.

I am still waiting for the leica 35/1.4. Should arrive soon!

[PentHassyKon]

Looking forward to the summilux vs 31mm Limited. Thanks.

Wish I can offer a lens to test - surprisingly I don't have a 35mm focal length prime lens in my stable. I've got 20 (m42 vivitar), 24 (sigma AF, vivitar A), 28 (various), 40 (leica and DA limited), 50 (FA50) primes

The new DAL 35/2.4 sounds appealing

[nanhi]

The Ultimate lens is the new Pentax 35 mm f2.4 reported on this forum with photographs. And it costs one-twelfth the price of a Leica lens. Just to let you know I own quite a bit of Leica gear - cameras and lenses, and think the Pentax is a genuine awesome buy.

[DanielT74]

Why don't you do some tests for us, nanhi? I realize that in terms of value the new 35/2.4 may be unbeatable but some examples and comparisons would be very interesting!

[axl]

this seems to be a thread to keep an eye on! keep us posted....

[Super A-wesome]

What about the Sigma 30mm f1.4?

[axl]

What about the Sigma 30mm f1.4?

let's not get too excited now.... Not that I wouldn't like to see how Sigma will fare against the reputed uber lenses, but the guy would end up going nuts shooting the same shot over and over with so many lenses

[planedriver]

Hmmm..very exiting topic..I've just bought the DA35 2.4 and I'm extremely pleased with it..I'm also curious if there is anything I missed not choosing another instead..well at least optically as the money I saved buying this budget-lens is already spent in my mind (K-5, DA70 or both?)

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-slr-lens-discussion/121262-just-bo...impressed.html


Andras

[Blue]

The only thing I can put in the con column for the DA 35/2.8 ltd is the 2.8 part. It is a very versatile lens and can go 1:1 on top of that.

[DanielT74]

First impression is of course the size and the weight.

(I've also got the little Carl Zeiss Jena 35/2.4 in M42 mount into the fray).

While CZJ is light and small, our 31ltd is nice and pretty, Summicron-R 35mm is still respectable though much heavier than the 31ltd, the Summilux-R 35mm is a monster. It is the size of the A*85/1.4 and much heavier.

[DanielT74]

To start with I shot a still life lit from the side. It is a bit unfair on the older lenses as they will be more prone to flare especially the fast Leica 35/1.4. In practice I guess one can use a filter. In any case this is just to get a feel for what these lenses are like and I hope it does do this to some extent (erratic focusing and shifting tripod notwithstanding).

All images were shot RAW with exposure compensation of +0.7 and were processed in ACR with the same settings.

Here's the shot with 31ltd at f2: