G1 with ZM21, 4.5 or 2.8?

[jim_buchanan]

Although I have a Elmarit M 28 to use on a G1, to give an effective 56mm lens, I wonder if I would prefer a wider "normal" as in the ZM 21, to give an effective 42mm.

The second part to this question is, those that have the ZM 21/4.5, is it fast enough for you, or would the f/2.8 be a benefit?

Thanks, for any comments.

[back alley]

i have the 21/4.5 and prefer it's smaller size to a faster lens.
i also have the larger 25/2.8 if i want something faster.

but the g1 images look good at 800 iso so i'm not too worried about speed.
i don't worry about speed on the zi either.

joe

[gohaj]

although most people prefer zm 21/4.5, i purposely select zm 21/2.8 instead. Coz need a faster lens.
Taken some shots

http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/3242996985/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/3242976901/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/3039976385/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/3039971771/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/3040688638/

[jim_buchanan]

Interesting.

Although, you use the f/4.5, you have a f/2.8 option. I guess I do too, with the Elmarit 28/2.8.

The ZM 21/4.5 is certainly good for infinity scenics where a f/2.8 would not necessarily be an advantage, But, my use of the 21mm focal length would be near focus, as in available light portraits, and good bokeh. gohaj, do you feel the f/2.8 makes a difference? Do you shoot wide open?

[digitalintrigue]

This is the Zeiss 28/2.8 that I want for my G1. :)

More info here, scroll down a bit: http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/blog_index.html

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/.a/6a00df351e888f8834010536ff572a970b-800wi

[gohaj]

Interesting.

Although, you use the f/4.5, you have a f/2.8 option. I guess I do too, with the Elmarit 28/2.8.

The ZM 21/4.5 is certainly good for infinity scenics where a f/2.8 would not necessarily be an advantage, But, my use of the 21mm focal length would be near focus, as in available light portraits, and good bokeh. gohaj, do you feel the f/2.8 makes a difference? Do you shoot wide open?

The main reason why I choose f/2.8 is that I wish to do more photoshooting afterwork (which is after the sky turns dark). f/2.8 will come in handy when shooting with available light and without tripod. Yes, I do shoot wide open at times, esp when night scene and portraits. 21mm is not a bokeh lens so do not expect it to produce wonderful bokeh. In actual fact, none of the 21mm I know has excellent bokeh. see sample bokeh (near focus) @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/singaporepictures/3243064389/ . For good bokeh wide angle lens, you may want to try Leica Summicron 35mm f/2.0 Type IV.
50mm good bokeh sample @ http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=92160&ppuser=24374
85mm good bokeh sample @ http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=95811&ppuser=24374

[jim_buchanan]

This is the Zeiss 28/2.8 that I want for my G1. :)


Yes, I saw that. There is apparently a 21mm lens as well. I don't know about that. More expensive than the ZM versions. There is compromised performance on the short end, as stated on Japan Exposures website. No, f/stop detents (smooth turning).

They are certainly small.

Having a 28 Elmarit, with 56mm effective, I wonder if I would miss having a shorter focal length???

[back alley]

i have a few shots with the 21/4.5 on my flickr account if you want to look.

i prefer the wider 42 to the slightly less wide 50 pov, but if you are doing more portraits than not then you might want that slight addition to length.

joe

[Terao]

This is the Zeiss 28/2.8 that I want for my G1. :)

More info here, scroll down a bit: http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/blog_index.html

Now that is *seriously* cool. Pointless and silly of course, and therefore to be applauded :cool:

Not much left of the original lens other than the elements and the front caps though?

[digitalintrigue]

They kept all the best parts and added some necessary mechanicals. ;)

[Terao]

I had no idea the (Contax) G series lenses were so small :o

[Avotius]

I wonder how that G serise 28 2.8 compares to the ZM 28 2.8. I will have mine on cam as soon as I get the cam and it will probably be my main lens when using adapted optics.

[digitalintrigue]

A few words on Zeiss with G1 at outbackphoto.com:

http://www.outbackphoto.com/CONTENT_2007_01/section_gear_cameras/20081119_Panasonic_G1/index.html#20090206

[cmogi10]

If you live by SF you can give my ZM 21/2.8 a whirl.

[noimmunity]

Hi Jim, nice to see you round here again.
All the photos in this collection--mostly of mountain landscapes--were taken on film with the ZM 21/4.5 http://www.flickr.com/photos/areality4all/sets/72157605214779016/
I don't think that collection has any spectacular bokeh shots, but the way to get bokeh with a lens like this is to shoot at very close distance. The ZM versions, remember, will focus down to 0.5m, and with the G1 you wouldn't have to worry about RF coupling.