The Power of Wide Angle Lenses: How 24mm Summilux Helped Me Capture the Action of Muay Thai
The Power of Wide Angle Lenses: How 24mm Summilux Helped Me Capture the Action of Muay Thai
Diary
The Power of Wide Angle Lenses: How 24mm Summilux Helped Me Capture the Action of Muay Thai
We are often taught not to make mistakes and view losing as failure in the Chinese society. However, we have overlooked the most crucial element in life – we learn from our mistakes and this is how we keep improving. Winning or losing is irrelevant. What matters is the experience that makes us better and allows us to enjoy life. We frequently need rewards to motivate us forward, which is why we crave wins.
A good friend of mine, Kelvin, recently attended a Muay Thai match. Unfortunately, he didn’t win, but I admire him for not giving up and continuing to participate in these competitions. I’m sure he has learned tremendously from match to match. Sometimes, we train intensely and prepare ourselves for the best fight, but the opponent may be beyond our expectation. We have to adjust our pace and find our rhythm. Similar to photography, we lose our style and pace at times. That’s alright. We are not always at our best, and the journey to rediscover ourselves is the most valuable and rewarding.
As someone who typically shoots with 35mm and 50mm lenses, venturing into the ultra-wide spectrum has provided an invaluable opportunity to train my vision. It has enabled me to hone my skills in terms of distance, perspective, and framing, ultimately enhancing my photography. I believe embracing new experiences is a source of happiness. At first, I was hesitant to experiment with a wide-angle lens, but as I started learning to use this tool effectively, I found the process incredibly fulfilling. Now I’m using a 24mm focal length. The unique perspective, distance, and angle of view afford me make it a genuinely beautiful range to work with.
In my view, photography is an ongoing process of self-challenge. It requires finding the perfect balance between using equipment you are comfortable with and pushing yourself to be creative. Similarly, in life, we often seek a comfortable routine but must continuously challenge ourselves and pursue new experiences.
I captured all photos using a Leica M10-P rangefinder camera, along with Leica Summilux 24mm f/1.4 asph and Leica Summilux 28mm f/1.4 asph lenses.
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Magnificent. I am also learning 24mm through the Summilux 24.
Can you please tell how does it compare to the Sx 28mm?
Thanks
Hi Philippe, I wanted to update you on my recent acquisition of the Summilux 28 and 24. While I need more time to provide a comprehensive feedback on both, my initial impression is that the 24mm lens offers a unique perspective that requires me to physically get closer to the subject, as objects tend to get pushed away from what we see. I am bringing 24mm for my trip next week, I will share more results soon!
Anson
Thanks Anson! I’ve never tried 28mm (thus my question) as I directly jumped from 35mm to 24mm — and in fact it is a whole different world (24 vs 35).
1. While adapting from 50mm to 35mm, the experience was difficult as I often ended up cropping 35mm back to 50mm. It took me time to learn how to compose with 35mm compared to 50; it is different, it requires careful adjustment
2. However 24mm is a completely different thing, in the sense that it forces you to change the way you see and photograph. The exercise is “beyond an adaptation” compared to 35mm (and obviously 50mm), it is simply about seeing differently and being much closer. That’s why I also like it 🙂 But it remains quite tough…
Interesting too for portraits (or street portraits) as it puts the subject in his or her context
It also allows you to shoot from the hip without the subject being necessarily aware which is interesting from time to time. That’s what I’ve heard about the “benefits” of 21mm , but it looks also feasible with 24mm. Not sure if 28mm allows that or becomes “too long” 😉
One question if I may as you have both, is the SX28 more compact than its SX24 sibling? just asking as the only downside to the 24mm is its size (I am adapting but obviously it is not as flexible to carry as, say, a Summilux 35 or 50 in terms of bulk). Nevertheless it is lovely lens with a unique signature worth every effort of learning and adaptation IMHO
Thank you!!
I totally agree with your points, it’s amazing how a change in lens can completely alter our perception. Adapting to different ranges can take some time, and I’ve noticed that the iPhone cameras are pretty close to a 24mm. With a 50mm lens, we tend to observe certain scenes and try to frame them from a distance, but with a 24mm lens, we become more of a participant than an observer.
Regarding the 28mm, I find it doesn’t work well when shooting from above hip level. I usually use hyper focus by stepping down to f8 and focus on composing the shot.
According to the Leica website, the Summilux 24 is heavier than the 28mm. In terms of size, I feel like the 28mm is bulkier due to its wider barrel. If you like the 24mm, I would definitely recommend trying out the 28mm as well, but keep in mind that it will be a slightly wider version of the 35mm.
Thanks Anson for your comments, much appreciated. Couldn’t describe any better the differences ie 50mm for “observation” and 24mm for “participation” – love it
I think that for now I will settle for the 50/24 “dual experiences” while also relying on a 35mm when I want something conventional which is neither too wide nor too “normal”. Eventually I will test one day the 28mm but I’d rather avoid “adjusting” for now as going from 50mm to 35mm was a kind of adjustment to a slightly wider focal. But I agree that I should try it one day.
Otherwise thanks for the info on the Sx 24 vs 28 “bulk”
Thanks for the coffee, really appreciate that. I will soon put up a post about my experience in Taipei with 24lux. Stay tuned!
Anson
With pleasure! t c