Lenses

Here you’ll find a list of lenses I currently use. Note that this only includes lenses I actually use on a regular basis. I’ve got plenty of other lenses lying around, that don’t get used because I have no (working) body for them, I have an alternative lens that’s either better or more practical, or the entire system the lens belongs to isn’t in use anymore.

For each lens, I’ll try to indicate why I have it, what I use it for and why I chose it over possible other options.


Normal lenses

My definition of a normal lens: something you use when you don’t need anything special.

Technically defined as having a focal length equal to the diameter of the film/sensor format, but generally equivalent to a 50mm lens on 35mm film1.

I’m rather fond of this focal length, as the list below may illustrate.

Canon EF50mm f/1.8

Used since:

November 2007

Description:

This is the original, well-built Mk1 version, not the `plastic fantastic’ Mk2 you can buy nowadays. I lucked out and got a used EOS 650 with this lens attached from a colleague who switched to Nikon, and while the body (and the other lens in the bag, a 35-80 zoom) have since moved on, this remains one of my favourite lenses.

It serves dual uses: It’s the standard lens on my EOS 30, and I regularily use it as a fast medium telephoto for sports shooting or portraits on my EOS 400D. While it doesn’t have an USM, it does have the original AFD motor, instead of the cheaper micromotor (MM) design that’s used nowadays in Canon’s cheaper lenses. In my experience, these AFD lenses are, while slightly louder, quicker and more accurate.

Other advantages over the MkII include a distance scale (practical for a landscape shooter) and a proper focus ring. The focus ring is also completely disengaged when in AF mode, preventing accidental turning with risk of damaging the autofocus motor. I also like the fact that the Mk1 can take a proper lens hood2, without silly adapters.

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
50mm
Maximum aperture
1.8
Minimum aperture
22
Minimum focusing distance
0.45m
Filter thread
52mm

Canon EF50mm f/2.5 Compact macro

Used since:

June 2009

Description:

I bought this lens second-hand, at the same time as the Life-size Converter after spending a few days using an Olympus 50mm 1.8 on a Panagor macro converter3. I’d long been thinking about getting a macro lens, and that experience confirmed to me that I’d actually use it. I got a 50mm macro instead of the more modern 100mm macro so I can use the lens a standard prime as well, probably replacing the Canon 50mm 1.8 in my travel kit.

As I’ve only just gotten this lens, I can’t yet say a lot of it, so this section will be updated in the future. All I can say now is that the build and heft of the lens, while not L-class, is definitely better than the Canon 50mm 1.84.

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
50mm
Maximum aperture
2.5
Minimum aperture
32
Minimum focusing distance
0.23m
Filter thread
52mm

Sigma 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM

Used since:

December 2007

Description:

The lens that’s affixed to my 400D unless I’m using another lens. I’ve heard a lot of stories of people with focus problems, but apparently I lucked out in the Sigma Quality Control Bingo5, or I’m just not that critical, cause I’m satisfied with this lens’ sharpness.

For an APS-C prime, it’s pretty big and heavy (it’s actually a lot bigger and heavier than my full-frame normals), but it’s build like a tank, so worth it. It’s survived a few bumps and splashes so far. The included hood helps a lot with this too.

Ergonomics are good too, except for the rather sharp ribbing around the mount. On the rather smallish grip of the 400D, these tend to cut into my finger. Focus is quick and quiet, and having full-time manual is always nice.

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF6
Focal length
30mm
Maximum aperture
1.4
Minimum aperture
16
Minimum focusing distance
0.40m
Filter thread
62mm

Pentax smc PENTAX-M 1:1.7 50mm

Used since:

Februari 2009

Description:

Bought second hand7 to convert my Miranda MS2 Super into a more compact package, enabling it to fit in a side pocket of my backpack (the original lens was a 35-70mm zoom). That’s also the reason I chose the f1.7 version over the f1.4: 6 milimeters of length an 65 grams of weight.

The build quality on this lens is truly amazing, especially once you’ve gotten used to plastic autofocus lenses. Focus throw is nearly 270 degrees from close focus to infinity, making very precise focus a breeze. Optically, I can’t find a fault in my pictures either. I’ve shot it straight into the sun without flare, shot it wide open and fully stopped down, and all looks fine to me.

I’ve found only two flaws: click-stops on the aperture ring fluctuate between one and two clicks per stop, which means you have to look at the lens to set it, and the 49mm filter size, while cheap, is hard to get nowadays (as are lens caps).

Technical info:

Mount
Pentax K
Focal length
50mm
Maximum aperture
1.7
Minimum aperture
22
Minimum focusing distance
0.45m
Filter thread
49mm

Leica Summicron f=5cm 1:2

Used since:

August 2009

Description:

Bought second hand8 for the Leica Lessons project.

Being a collapsible lens, it’s insanely small, but the feel and ergonomics are good. The quality is as yet undetermined. More to follow

Technical info:

Mount
Leica M
Focal length
50mm
Maximum aperture
2.0
Minimum aperture
16
Minimum focusing distance
0.75m
Filter thread
39mm

Wide-angle lenses

These are, as the name implies, lenses with a wider angle of view than a normal lens. Useful for landscapes or confined spaces.

Canon EF17-40mm f/4L USM

Used since:

May 2008

Description:

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
17mm to 40mm zoom
Maximum aperture
4.0
Minimum aperture
22
Minimum focusing distance
0.28m
Filter thread
77mm

Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX

Used since:

May 2010

Description:

A wide angle lens for use on DX cameras. I got this mostly for indoor use, which is why I chose the f2.8 model over slower alternatives.

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
11mm to 16mm zoom
Maximum aperture
2.8
Minimum aperture
22
Minimum focusing distance
0.3m
Filter thread
77mm

Leica Super-Angulon 1:4/21

Used since:

June 2010

Description:

A classic symmetrical wide-angle lens (as opposed to retrofocus). I’ve been in love with this lens ever since I first knew about it, and finally managed to get one for a reasonable price.

Technical info:

Mount
Leica M
Focal length
21mm
Maximum aperture
4.0
Minimum aperture
22
Minimum focusing distance
0.4m
Filter thread
39mm

Long lenses

These are lenses with a focal length longer than a normal lens. Best used for bringing subjects closer, or isolating them from their surroundings or background.

Canon EF135mm f/2L USM

Used since:

December 2007

Description:

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length
135
Maximum aperture
2.0
Minimum aperture
32
Minimum focusing distance
0.90m
Filter thread
72mm

Leica Tele-Elmar 1:4/135

Used since:

July 2010

Description:

One of the highest-performing lenses ever made (if online reviews are to be believed), but also very compact and sporting a 39mm filter thread, thus nicely rounding out my Leica kit.

Technical info:

Mount
Leica M
Focal length
135
Maximum aperture
4.0
Minimum aperture
22
Minimum focusing distance
1.50m
Filter thread
39mm

Extenders & converters

Canon Extender EF1.4X II

Used since:

December 2007

Description:

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length extension
1.4
Light-loss
1 stop

Canon Life-Size Converter EF

Used since:

June 2009

Description:

Technical info:

Mount
Canon EF
Focal length extension
1.4
Light-loss
1 stop

Leica SOOKY-M

Used since:

November 2009

Description:

This is an adjustable macro-ring for Leica rangefinder cameras. With an SLR, just adding an empty ring between a lens and the body will allow you to focus closer by sacrificing infinity focus. With a rangefinder camera however, this will mess up focus. The SOOKY-M (also referred to as the SOMKY) solves this with a pair of lenses positioned before the viewfinder and the rangefinder window. These correct the view for closer focus.

Focus is adjustable from 1:15 to 1:7.5 of life-size. It is only compatible with Leica collapsible 50mm lenses, such as my 50mm Summicron, as the lens is mounted to the adapter by the collapsible tube, not via its normal lens mount.

When I was looking for information on this device, I found that very little info on it is available online. I therefore decided to put some info online myself, starting with the manual.

I bought this device mostly for flower close-ups. `Real’ macro isn’t possible, as the magnification comes nowhere near life-size (1:1), but the 1:7.5 is much better than the 3 feet minimum focus distance the lens usually gets.

Technical info:

Mount
Leica M
Focal length extension
none
Light-loss
Between ½ and 1 stop
  1. Actually, by the technical definition, this should be 43mm, but legend has it that Oscar Barnack only had a 50mm lens available when he made the first Leica, thus setting the `standard’ to 50mm. Other sources claim that a fast 50mm lens is simply easier to make. I don’t know which is true. []
  2. For 35mm, use the ES-65III (sold for the TS-E 90mm f2.8) and for APS-C use the ET-65III (sold for the EF 85mm f1.8). []
  3. Using an OM to EOS mount adapter. []
  4. Even the Mk1 version. []
  5. Accept no lesser game of chance []
  6. This lens will mount on any EF-mount camera, but will throw an image circle only large enough for APS-C cameras, so technically, this should be an EF-S mount. []
  7. Obviously, as this lens went out of production when I was three. []
  8. Even more obviously, as this lens went out of production when my father was three. []

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