NikonGear'23

Gear Talk => Lens Talk => Topic started by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 25, 2020, 09:45:42

Title: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 25, 2020, 09:45:42
Nikkor 10.5/2.5 and Nikkor Q-Auto 135/2.8

Before these two returned to my hands after being ai-ed, I thought that it would be an easy task to choose the one I would keep.
I was wrong.

Both are so nice, solid, smooth operating and just lovely.
Somehow I got impression that letting any of those two go would be an unforgivable mistake. Especially when I take into consideration ridiculous price I got them for. I found them on Japanese site Yahoo Auctions where someone was offering them as a batch with other two lenses (OM Olympus 75-100/4 and 200/5). I bid and was very pleased when I got this set of four for - - - hold on something or sit down  - - - for 14.000 yen!!! (and I still have these Olys for sale) 

Yesterday I persuaded my daughter to pose for my test shots (she hates me for this)  :-D  as I wanted to clearly compare sharpness and BG blur at various apertures.
Maybe these shots won´t make a justice for the lenses as scaling them down probably reduced their quality, but you can get a picture (pun unintended)  :-)

Shots from 135/2.8 Q at f2.8, 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16 follow.
(Shots from 10.5/2.5 should come in very next post)



Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 25, 2020, 10:00:23
Shots from 10.5/2.5 at F2.5, 4, 5.6, 8, 11 and 16

BTW - thanks to this shooting I realised one thing - that sensor of my camera would appreciate some cleaning. I did not noticed it before as I usually shoot my lenses wide open or close them down just a tiny bit - and now - with f11 and 16 I see the things I did not know thew could exist.  :-D
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Hugh_3170 on September 25, 2020, 11:53:03
Nice child - you have gone in closer with the 10.5cm.  I suspect the softer look of the 10.5cm lens would be more appreciated by older female subjects.  ;D

I would keep all four lenses, since the two Olympus lenses can be used with adapters on mirrorless cameras and with a Leitax changeover bayonet mount can also be used on Nikon DSLRs.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 25, 2020, 15:42:02
Thank you. Every father loves to hear that.  :-)

You are right - I was not so careful in keeping same distance.
BTW = in the meantime I got offer for the OM lenses so I will keep only Nikkors. In fact I bought so many lenses in last couple of months that it is better to let some go.  :-)

This week I will also try these lenses/or one of them also for product photography. 10.5 might not be in the same league for this as was the K-type 105/2.5 which I also had and sold some time ago, but seeing yesterdays results I do not think I will be disappointed.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: richardHaw on September 25, 2020, 17:03:07
clean your sensor :o :o :o

i like the 105, it has something special ::)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 25, 2020, 17:23:57
I will have it cleaned. I promise.  I'm sure some of you must feel physical pain seeing the mess.  ;D
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Matthew Currie on September 25, 2020, 23:19:12
They both look pretty nice to me (subject probably helps of course), but I do like the 105.  My experience is with the 135/2.8Q and a later 105 - a Gauss type from about 1971 - both on  D7100.  I've found for some reason the 105 is a good bit easier to focus than the 135, and overall works just that little bit better, but both give nice results especially when you want a nice soft background.

But unless you have some problem with space I would keep them both.  No harm in doing that even if you use one much more often.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: BruceSD on September 26, 2020, 15:58:05
Thanks for taking the time to post these comparisons!   Nice job!!

Both lenses have beautiful, creamy bokeh wide open - just lovely.

I prefer the "bokeh balls" produced by the 105mm lens.

I used to own the 135mm f/2.8 Q.C. version.   Now I own the AIS version of this lens.  While I never owned them at the same time, I believe that I liked the images produced by the older Q.C. version better than the newer AIS version.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 27, 2020, 01:59:20
Yes - I think I’ll keep them both. I’ll try to overcome the storage space problems.  ;D

You are welcome. I was always searching for such a kind comparative shots, so this time, after acquiring these lenses, I decided to make one myself.  :)

Before I sold my 105/2.5 ai-ed K version, I used it also for product photography. Today I tried this 10.5 and it also can deliver. I’m happy.  :)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: John Geerts on September 27, 2020, 11:46:33
Nice comparision.  Lovely model of course  ;)

I like the 135mm f/2.8 QC  a lot

Posted earlier in January 2020 --  on the Z6

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=9124.0;attach=42741;image)

D850  November 2018

(http://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8049.0;attach=36141;image)

Df  October 2018

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7935.0;attach=35490;image)

Df with 4T   May 2018

(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7413.0;attach=33311;image)

Df  March 2018
(https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=7191.0;attach=31699;image)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 27, 2020, 18:41:11
I like your shots and really looking forward to shooting with these lenses more.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Roland Vink on September 27, 2020, 21:48:11
Both are very good lenses with high sharpness (when focused accurately!) and smooth bokeh. Of the images posted here I prefer the 135 QC, the 7-sided bokeh-balls look more natural to me. The 6-sided blurs from the 10.5cm are distracting although the comparison is maybe a little unfair as there were more cars in the background giving strong background highlights. The longer focal length/narrower angle of view of the 135 QC and larger entrance pupil also help to blur out the background more, if that is the effect you want.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Roland Vink on September 27, 2020, 21:50:32
Nice comparision.  Lovely model of course  ;)

I like the 135mm f/2.8 QC  a lot
Great pictures, really shows what this "old" lens can do. Are the last pictures heavy crops or did you use closeup attachments? The 135 QC does not focus very close by itself.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: John Geerts on September 27, 2020, 22:01:35
Great pictures, really shows what this "old" lens can do. Are the last pictures heavy crops or did you use closeup attachments? The 135 QC does not focus very close by itself.
Thanks Roland.

For the macro-shots I used the Nikon Close Up Attachment lens T4   (52mm)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on September 27, 2020, 22:44:01
Two culprits we talk about - their portrait taken with Mikro Nikkor P-Auto 55/3.5
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on November 11, 2020, 09:51:41
It was tough, but I decided. I let 10.5 go and kept 135. (I reasoned that I need to reduce amount of the lenses I already have because I bought analog camera as well and I already have 105 1.8 )

Now I´m in search for 50 1.2 ai or ai-s. I´m slightly leaning for ai version even though in the past I had an ai-s which I liked a lot. I wonder now - why I sold it? :-D
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Airy on November 11, 2020, 16:14:53
Curious to know why. I have both and I'm also leaning towards [not revealed] because [unsure].
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Roland Vink on November 11, 2020, 21:23:01
Years ago I remember deciding between the AI-S 105/2.5 and 135/2.8. Both were the same price. The 135mm has more reach, the 105mm is slightly faster and a bit more compact, otherwise their performance and handling is similar. I went for the 135 as it gives me more reach and better ability to blur out the background. I found it very useful as the longest lens in my compact travel/hiking kit, 105 felt a bit short.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Tristin on November 11, 2020, 22:41:34
Now I´m in search for 50 1.2 ai or ai-s.

Ai has 7 blades, Ai-s has 9.  Key factor to consider.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Airy on November 11, 2020, 22:52:16
... and which I did not find discriminating, in that particular case.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on November 30, 2020, 13:37:35
That’s not even funny anymore. Could somebody help me and recommend some GAS remedy? :-)

When did I decide to compare 135 2.8 Q with 10.5 2.5 and then let the 10.5 go? Couple of weeks ago? Month? Then David Hartman came up with thread about 105 and 135 lenses again and you guys chimmed in and BOOM – I was on Yahoo auction site in no time  – and guess what?
I bought another 10.5 2.5.

You have to love (or hate) Japan for its abundant sources.  :-)

I do hope that I will be able to visit Japan again next year as this year all my planned business trips (three of them) were cancelled due to corona.

Now I have only one serious problem – I will have to wait for a parcel delivery which will probably take some weeks. I do not remember myself waiting so impatiently for Christmas gifts. Even as a kid. Ha ha  :-D

Oh, one more thing. I would like to ask you guys, whoever could confirm. Last time when I got 10.5 lens ai-ed, service man filed the aperture ring, which was practical, but the lens´s appearance suffered. So now I consider buying ai kit – this one: Nikon AI Conversion Kit 40 for 105mm F2.5 - Kameratori (kamerastore.com)
According this link:  Nikon Lenses (photosynthesis.co.nz) it should be OK if I understand it right. So am I right?

And final note: based on the part number of the lens I dare to hope that it´s going to be early 9 aperture blades version. That just would be a top bonus.  :-)

EDIT
Somehow links aren´t active. Nevermind.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Erik Lund on November 30, 2020, 14:54:42
You need to be a bit more precise with what lens you have bought for us to help,,, serial number and/or images of the lens not sure any of the 10.5 cm lenses has a kit that fits,,,
They are all without screws in the mount as I recall,,,

but Rolands pages are to be trusted down to the details regarding kits as well:This is the link for the page with kit numbers:

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#105 (http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/serialno.html#105)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on November 30, 2020, 15:30:24
Thank you for your reply. The lens is this one:

EDIT: which means that it is 9 blade one. Yay  :-)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Roland Vink on November 30, 2020, 20:39:04
That is a very good find! The serial number suggests the lens has 9 aperture blades so out of focus blurs will be nicely rounded (except for mechanical vignetting in the corners at wide apertures). It also should have a normal length aperture ring. Most early 10.5cm lenses with 9 aperture blades have a "long skirt" aperture ring, it extends beyond the lens mount more than normal so they won't fit most AI cameras, or even the DF unless the entire lower edge is trimmed back (I'm not sure if they fit the FTZ adaptor). Fewer than 1000 of the last 9-blade lenses were assembled with normal length aperture rings so they are quite rare. I have one :)

There is no AI conversion kit for this lens, it is too early. AI conversion kit 40 only fits Nikkor-P 105/2.5 from serial number 234011 and higher, earlier lenses have a different structure for the aperture ring which is not compatible with the later version. Your only option is to modify the original aperture ring.

Without doubt the best AI conversion for this lens is by Marcel Van Engen at https://magnimopus.com/services/. He mills out the inside edge of the aperture ring to form the AI cam, from the outside the lens retains its original appearance. It only works on lenses where the aperture ring is relatively thick. I had my 10.5cm lens converted by mine, he did an outstanding job. You only need to send the aperture ring - just remove the screw in the side of the aperture ring half way around from the aperture scale, and then turn the aperture ring, it will keep turning until it screws right off. Count the number of turns so you know how far to screw it back on again :)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: David H. Hartman on November 30, 2020, 22:10:13
That’s not even funny anymore. Could somebody help me and recommend some GAS remedy? :-)

Humans are into tools. They have been for thousands if not hundreds of thousands of years. As long as it's not an obsession that rules your life and takes resources away from other important aspects of one's life like eating and sleeping buying new and useful tools isn't a problem.

When did I decide to compare 135 2.8 Q with 10.5 2.5 and then let the 10.5 go? Couple of weeks ago? Month? Then David Hartman came up with thread about 105 and 135 lenses again and you guys chimmed in and BOOM – I was on Yahoo auction site in no time  – and guess what?
I bought another 10.5 2.5.

Many years ago I was in the infield at the Riverside International Race Way. I was there for a CAM-AM series race (Canadian-American Challenge Cup). Fortunately I brought a 105/2.5 and 135/3.5 Nikkor lens. Although I would have liked tighter framing with the 135mm lens I could not pan and frame with the race cars as they were passing me fairly close at probably 90 MPH. Many of my shot would have clipped the front or back off the cars. I switched to the 105mm and I could concentrate on panning and freezing the cars while blurring the wheels.

A shooting distance of 2 meters give or take gives a particular perspective to the human face that I like. At that distance a 105mm crops the subject as a head and shoulders shot. At the same distance a 135mm lens crops a tight head shot. The 105mm and 135mm lens are like too similar but usefully different brushes to a painter. Painters have jars full of similar brushes and feel no shame. Photographers should feel no shame for having a cabinet full of similar and useful lenses.

Don't swear yourself to a life of optical poverty!  :D

Dave

---

This thread might be helpful to those suffering from GASRS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome Related Stress)...

If you had to pare down your Nikon F bayonet lens system.... (Improved: Now 55 Lenses!) (https://nikongear.net/revival/index.php?topic=5696.0)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on November 30, 2020, 23:21:42
Roland, thank you for straightening me up with the (im)possible ai kit. I´ll have it filed as the previous one. In the meantime it could be cleaned of dust as well which seams to be there in spades.

Marcel Van Engen is residing in UK? The price mentioned on the web is in UK pounds. I could consider sending it over if he is within Europe as I´m in Czech.

David!
Thank you for the GASRS link.  :D
I´m healed. Hallelujah.  :D
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Roland Vink on November 30, 2020, 23:58:17
Even if your 10.5cm could fit an AI kit, you would be very lucky to find one, most were used up years ago.
Yes Marcel is in the UK. He is also a member here ( MarcelvanEngen )


Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on December 05, 2020, 02:08:02
Thank you, Roland.
I already contacted with Marcel and I'll send the lens to him - it should be sent off today, so if it goes well as it went with my new 50 1.2 I could get it in about two weeks.   :)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: longzoom on December 05, 2020, 04:21:23
Ai has 7 blades, Ai-s has 9.  Key factor to consider.
   In 95% of cases I did use it wide open, the rest of 5% - at f2.0. I mean my MF Noct. So...    LZ
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on January 05, 2021, 13:01:57
It took a bit longer than I expected for the lens to make it here from Japan (to Czech, about 4 weeks) due to the Post pre-Christmas and end of the year high traffic but finally I can admire it.   :)

I purchased the lens in Japanese site called Yahoo Auctions, and decided to go for it even though it was labeled “junk”. I was feeling that I missed something good after I decided to sell my previous 10.5 cm 2.5 (Sonnar version with 6 aperture blades which also I got in YA site), so it did not take long and after reading above mentioned David Hartman’s thread I was back hunting.

And what a great piece I was lucky to get! Junk? Not at all! Lens made 60 years ago and so beautiful. For 13500 ¥. I was not only one who bid and luckily I wasn’t calm while bidding and increased my intended maximal ceiling bid value several times over during couple of last minutes.   ;D

I have a kind of feeling that my lens purchases are over (for the time being) and I will try to look for some analog Nikon body. I’m dreaming about some nice FM2. And sure – I’m keeping my eyes on YA site.  8)

Photos of the lens itself will follow soon. And photos taken by the lens will come a bit later as I will have to arrange ai modification at first to put it on my D700.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: MEPER on January 05, 2021, 22:42:16
I wonder why Nikon decided to go back to 6-blade aperture?
I have no. 197838 and it has 6-blades. It is a quite heavy lens. A lot of glass in it.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on January 05, 2021, 23:25:56
I remember reading at Richard Haw’s site that manufacturing these lenses with 9 blades was too difficult hence this simplification.

Now few mentioned photos:
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Roland Vink on January 05, 2021, 23:48:51
In the early days Nikon made photographic lenses for rangefinder cameras. With these lenses the aperture is always at the shooting aperture, the aperture blades don't need to open and close quickly so can be robust and heavy, with lots of blades to make a nice circular opening, and it does not matter too much if they are bit sticky due to dirt and oil.

Very early SLR lenses also had many aperture blades. But with SLR lenses the blades must close and reopen very quickly when the picture is taken, so they must be very thin, light and clean. The early lenses were very delicate and fiddly to assemble. The high number of blades also have more friction than apertures with a lower blade count, and may have not have been quick enough at high shutter speeds. Whatever the reason, Nikon decided reduce the number of blades to 6 for most lenses (5 for the Nikkor-H 28/3.5). During the mid 1960s a number of lenses were introduced or upgraded to have 7 blades, which gives blurs a nicer shape and in my opinion is a better compromise between ease of assembly and attractive bokeh.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on January 05, 2021, 23:58:23
Oh, that’s the reason.
Thank you for the explanation.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on March 02, 2021, 00:12:32
After long waiting I was able to test out this 10.5cm 1:2.5 - my F2 has arrived, I exchanged the light sealing and bought some rolls.
Dirty shots, but I love the outcome nonetheless.  :)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: ianwatson on March 02, 2021, 05:46:23
Lovely!

HP5+ and FP4+ were my films of choice when I started in this wonderful hobby. Dust was the unseen enemy!  ;)
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on March 02, 2021, 06:40:00
Lovely!

HP5+ and FP4+ were my films of choice when I started in this wonderful hobby. Dust was the unseen enemy!  ;)

Mine too, but ran tri-x pro in the 4x5.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: David H. Hartman on March 02, 2021, 07:19:37
Dust was the unseen enemy!  ;)

Bevel the edges of your negative carrier and black them again with VHT flat back motorcycle case paint. Very durable! Adheres very well to aluminum and takes much abuse. Tilt the carrier at an acute angle under a high intensity light. The dust literally glows on the surface of the negative. I used "canned air" to blow off the dust. Occasionally a soft very clean brush might be used to nudge dust. I used a dicronic color enlarging head (diffusion) and made consistent spot and scratch free prints. With the right technique there is almost no need to spot. I would leave the negative in the carrier and inspect the wet print. If there was a spot I would usually toss the print, dust the negative again and make another print. If time is money then spotting prints is a loss.

With the right enlarging lens stopped down no further than f/8.0 for 35mm and focused with a 10x Omega heavy grain focuser very sharp, spot and scratch free prints were routine. Again a diffusion enlarger saves the day.

Dave

My favorite B&W films were Tri-X Pan (not professional) and Super-XX 4x5.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Erik Lund on March 02, 2021, 11:27:57
In the early days Nikon made photographic lenses for rangefinder cameras. With these lenses the aperture is always at the shooting aperture, the aperture blades don't need to open and close quickly so can be robust and heavy, with lots of blades to make a nice circular opening, and it does not matter too much if they are bit sticky due to dirt and oil.

Very early SLR lenses also had many aperture blades. But with SLR lenses the blades must close and reopen very quickly when the picture is taken, so they must be very thin, light and clean. The early lenses were very delicate and fiddly to assemble. The high number of blades also have more friction than apertures with a lower blade count, and may have not have been quick enough at high shutter speeds. Whatever the reason, Nikon decided reduce the number of blades to 6 for most lenses (5 for the Nikkor-H 28/3.5). During the mid 1960s a number of lenses were introduced or upgraded to have 7 blades, which gives blurs a nicer shape and in my opinion is a better compromise between ease of assembly and attractive bokeh.
Yes, the best compromise is apparently 9 blades unless they start using smart glass technology where you can turn the correct size of the aperture on and off instantly, then you would have only one blade and no sun stars or diffraction spikes  :o
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Jack Dahlgren on March 02, 2021, 17:16:43
Yes, the best compromise is apparently 9 blades unless they start using smart glass technology where you can turn the correct size of the aperture on and off instantly, then you would have only one blade and no sun stars or diffraction spikes  :o

Presumably, you could control to enhance sun stars or other creative effects - just waiting for instagram shots with bokeh hearts.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: David H. Hartman on March 02, 2021, 18:38:40
I've thought of a solid state mirror years ago as well as aperture. Dick Tracy has his wrist TV! Why not a solid state optical viewfinder and aperture.   

OK, solid state optical viewfinder probably doesn't make sense. I thinking of a solid state replacement for a pellicle mirror.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Peter on March 12, 2021, 18:56:24
The 135mm f2.8 Q is a super lens, you can get them for under $60.00 in good condition.
Easy to get Ai converted or do it yourself..
Down side between the 135mm compared to the 105mm is it's almost twice the size and twice as heavy, but it does have the built in lens hood.
I own five 105mm f2.5 in every model two 135mm f2.8 Q and one Q.C.
Something you may want to look into is the Tokina Made #37 Vivitar 100mm Auto f2.8 F mount small size with built in lens hood and stops down in half stops across the aperture range..

I have two and are so simple to Ai convert a 10 year old could do it...
The lip on the Aperture ring is shorter than on the older Pre Ai Nikkor rings, so it clears the Aperture control tab on the camera with no problem.

See photos, I cut a tab of strip metal and super glued it to the appropriate location on the aperture ring, no cutting or removing parts.
The photo of the electric meter was shot on my D3 at f8 the Outdoor light at f2.8 no Post straight out of the camera.
Hard to find at times but sell under $75.00 and are very sharp, due to older coating some push on contrast is needed on bright days.
I like this lens much better than the E series 100mm f2.8.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: David H. Hartman on March 12, 2021, 21:44:49
That’s not even funny anymore. Could somebody help me and recommend some GAS remedy? :-)

Yes: buy the tools you need for a particular purpose.

Yes: never sell a tool as you may need it in the future.

Yes: Abandon at once the "Life of Optical Poverty" or "Sell all your lenses, give to the poor and come follow me." --Henri Cartier-Bresson

Stop worrying about GAS. Unless you have embraced the "Life of Optical Poverty" don't try to carry ever lens you own on any particular outing. Take what you think you will need or want and live within your decision, e.g. if you didn't bring a macro lens don't look for flowers, look for a field of flowers.

Who am I to give advice?

When did I decide to compare 135 2.8 Q with 10.5 2.5 and then let the 10.5 go? Couple of weeks ago? Month? Then David Hartman came up with thread about 105 and 135 lenses again and you guys chimmed in and BOOM – I was on Yahoo auction site in no time  – and guess what? I bought another 10.5 2.5.

Excellent! 105mm and 135mm are unique tools. I like to say they suggest a particular perspective. If you stand a 2m from a person and want a head and shoulders portrait you might choose the 105mm lens. If you stand at the same 2m from a person and choose a 135mm lens you’ll crop to a tight head shot.

You can’t zoom with your feet. You can’t! When you stand in one place and zoom (change focal length) the perspective remains the same but the crop changes as your subject to lens distance remains the same. When you move closer or further from your subject with a constant focal length the crop and the perspective both change. In the lingo of cinema you zoom or dolly.

One way to use a 105mm and 135mm lens is to choose the perspective you want. You can do this without lifting the camera to your face. Once you have chosen you stand where the perspective is what you want and you select the crop by changing lenses or if using a zoom lens you zoom.

There is no wrong way to do this. If you have two lenses or you have a zoom lens you have the flexibility to make choices. If you have only a 50mm lens you still have the flexablity to make choices.

I understand Anne-Sophie Mutter owns two Stradivarius violins. That’s not GAS. She is a professional and needs a backup. Her violins are the tools of her trade. Maybe now she owns three?

Justin Johnson owns perhaps hundreds of blues guitars. They all sound different. Some have 12 strings, some have only one. Eric Clapton as I recall played mostly “Blackie” (a Fender Stratocaster) for years. Their music brings joy to my life: Anne-Sophie, Justin, Eric; violin, guitar. It’s all good.

Dave

If I could sell my soul as Robert Johnson did I might go down to the Crossroads (https://youtu.be/Yd60nI4sa9A) too.
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: David H. Hartman on March 12, 2021, 23:13:24
A bit of Mississippi Delta legend ...

Crossroads Myth And The Truth Behind It Told By Justin Johnson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DRhDoWZgSU)

Enjoy!
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Akira on March 12, 2021, 23:54:30
A bit of Mississippi Delta legend ...

Crossroads Myth And The Truth Behind It Told By Justin Johnson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DRhDoWZgSU)

Enjoy!

Cool!
Title: Re: Choosing between 10.5/2.5 and 135/2.8 Q
Post by: Petr sheepeck Jůza on March 14, 2021, 22:52:38
A bit of Mississippi Delta legend ...

Crossroads Myth And The Truth Behind It Told By Justin Johnson (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DRhDoWZgSU)

Enjoy!

Oh - I did enjoy. Thanks for the link.