Picking one or two lenses?

[tom3]

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

[john_collier5]

From a Leica apologist but useful all the same:

 

<p>

 

<a

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

>

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

[nesrani]

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.

 

<p>

 

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

a bit of reach.

[Robin Smith]

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.

[jay_.]

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.

[nesrani]

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

[Robin Smith]

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.