OWNER Opinion Please : Schneider Blue Ring LS 45 mm f3.5 vs LS 55 mm f2.8

[Balafre]

Greetings!


I'm vitally interested in hearing the opinions of OWNERS/users one or both of these lenses and what you enjoy or are frustrated by about them.

I ask because I need to extend the function of my P1 XF IQ3-100 system - the tide of convention tends to the 55 mm because of its FOV but I prize optical purity and the 45 mm is said by P1 to have the flatter field. The problem is P1 is a bit...'hyperbolic'.... 

I live in New Zealand where very few other individuals run these systems as most purchasers are institutions whose users don't have the same psychic connection or artistic aspirations to equipment they are 'gifted'. I deeply value the thoughts of those of you whose own sweat and toil purchased these and wonder if they lived up to, or exceeded your expectations; and the ways they may have disappointed you too is just as important.

I already own the 35/80/120M/120TS/150. If I could afford both the 45 & 55 it wouldn't matter, but I can't, so your opinions are tremendously appreciated and I thank you in advance for any light you might shine here.

Wishing you well,

Charles

[Steve Hendrix]

Greetings!


I'm vitally interested in hearing the opinions of OWNERS/users one or both of these lenses and what you enjoy or are frustrated by about them.

I ask because I need to extend the function of my P1 XF IQ3-100 system - the tide of convention tends to the 55 mm because of its FOV but I prize optical purity and the 45 mm is said by P1 to have the flatter field. The problem is P1 is a bit...'hyperbolic'.... 

I live in New Zealand where very few other individuals run these systems as most purchasers are institutions whose users don't have the same psychic connection or artistic aspirations to equipment they are 'gifted'. I deeply value the thoughts of those of you whose own sweat and toil purchased these and wonder if they lived up to, or exceeded your expectations; and the ways they may have disappointed you too is just as important.

I already own the 35/80/120M/120TS/150. If I could afford both the 45 & 55 it wouldn't matter, but I can't, so your opinions are tremendously appreciated and I thank you in advance for any light you might shine here.

Wishing you well,

Charles

In our opinion, the Schneider 45mm outresolves the Schneider 55mm, most notably at larger apertures. If your goal is to maximize the resolving power of the lens, the 45mm is the choice. It feels like a slightly longer version of the formula which produced the Schneider 35mm, which is excellent. But the 55mm is no slouch (if you stop down a bit), and many value the 55mm for its compact size and weight, and relatively reasonable price point.

And while there was never a previous Schneider non Blue Ring version of the 45mm, there was a previous Schneider 55mm non Blue Ring, and there is no optical difference between the non Blue Ring and Blue Ring versions, so even more opportunity to save some dollars (we typically have non Blue Ring 55mm lenses in our certified pre-owned inventory at great prices).

It's a particular favorite for Brad Kaye, who shoots with it often on his commercial jobs.

https://www.captureintegration.com/the-schneider-kreuznach-55ls-the-good-the-bad-the-ugly/


Steve Hendrix/CI

[stevenfr]

 I have both lenses. No question the 45 is far superior to the 55. If I had to choose it would be the 45. The 55 is a older design.

I own the 35, 45, 55, 80, 110, 150 2.8 and the 240. All blue ring. And I hike with all of them.

Steven

[BernardLanguillier]

I have the 45mm BR and the 55mm non BR and totally share the views of Steven and Steve.

The 45mm BR may be the best 28mm equivalent ever designed.

Just perfect corner to corner.

Cheers,
Bernard