Mike Hatam
Senior Subscriber Member
Both Tri-Elmar lenses (16-18-21 and 28-35-50) are slow (f4).
They are handy for travel, when you want to conserve space, or walk around in good light and have flexibility with just one lens. Ultimately, the Tri-Elmar (28-35-50) is not Leica best optics, which is why it would not be my single choice.
Once you have a normal lens (my choice is the 50 Summilux ASPH), and you are ready to add some wide-angle glass, the WATE (16-18-21) is an excellent choice for the M9. It's quite a stellar performer, considering how wide it is. But again, it's slow.
One thing to consider, Tom, is how you plan to fill out your lens line-up. There are a few common strategies, depending on how many lenses you eventually plan to own.
Common line-ups (in terms of focal lengths):
2 lenses: 35 / 75
3 lenses: 28 / 50 / 90 (or 75)
4 lenses: 21 (or WATE) / 28 / 50 / 90 (or 75)
I recommend that you fill out your line-up starting from the middle, and working toward the edges. In other words, pick up a 50 before you pick up a 28 cron or WATE.
If you go with the two-lens combo of 35 / 75, then get the 35 first.
Mike
They are handy for travel, when you want to conserve space, or walk around in good light and have flexibility with just one lens. Ultimately, the Tri-Elmar (28-35-50) is not Leica best optics, which is why it would not be my single choice.
Once you have a normal lens (my choice is the 50 Summilux ASPH), and you are ready to add some wide-angle glass, the WATE (16-18-21) is an excellent choice for the M9. It's quite a stellar performer, considering how wide it is. But again, it's slow.
One thing to consider, Tom, is how you plan to fill out your lens line-up. There are a few common strategies, depending on how many lenses you eventually plan to own.
Common line-ups (in terms of focal lengths):
2 lenses: 35 / 75
3 lenses: 28 / 50 / 90 (or 75)
4 lenses: 21 (or WATE) / 28 / 50 / 90 (or 75)
I recommend that you fill out your line-up starting from the middle, and working toward the edges. In other words, pick up a 50 before you pick up a 28 cron or WATE.
If you go with the two-lens combo of 35 / 75, then get the 35 first.
Mike