Ok, its going to be another Vespid from the older series to match my 40mm if I choose to go forward.
It’s most likely going to be the Vespid 25mm wide angle, which will cover several useful focal lengths from rarely used true wide for establishing shots (need to use this more), to semi-wide standards in both formats then true 50mm standard in MFT. If I am going to introduce a genuine cine lens into my current landscape, it is the logical one. Useful on all formats, respected, a Vespid that sits closer to the pure end than others, one that is probably closest to the MkII’s than most.
Feels right.
One consideration driving this is the lack of a 35-45mm option in C4k RAW from the S5. The 40mm I have is cropped to an APS-c 60mm unless I use the file hungry 6k setting.
Vespid 25 T2.1
Pros
Sharpest across the frame and one of the better controlled Vespids. I nice mate to the 40mm.
It can take a standard hood to control flare, which is in turn more controlled than some.
A more practical and “normal” wide for general use, it then straddles either side of 40mm in S35/1.8x MFT* formats or for slight compressed a 50mm in MFT.
Cons
It is physically 2” longer than the 40 or 21. This may also be a plus as the 40mm is a little cramped on some rigs.
Combinations on the S5 and GH5s/G9II of 25 + 70/80, 38 + 70/80, 45/50 + 40, 45/50 + 60*.
Other options have been rejected for a variety of reasons.
The Vespid 21 was close, really close, but the range of 21/32 and a pair of near 40’s in MFT was both more and less exciting and the lens is reputed to be more “cinematic” in look, so maybe less universal in application.
The 21 is potentially more creative, but because of that less useful, although on the S5, the two lenses would have four discreet focal lengths and MFT would have a sub 50mm option. The G9II and my many MFT wide options (Vision 12, AF Leica 9 + 8-18 and lots of 12’s) are probably better suited here anyway.
I toyed with the idea of the Thypoch 21, but different mounts again, less system consistency and again, overlapping with the role of the G9II were all off-putting. If it came in PL mount, I would have likely gone that way.
The Infinite 16 or 24 were outliers, one was an idea of replacing the Hope 16 that did not work out. Another different look, maybe a catalyst for another kit to grow into and at sub $1000au, one that would entice.
These look to be technically as good or better than the Vespid 1’s, close even to the II’s, but I have not seen any sample footage that confirms they have the same magic sauce. If they are effectively larger format Hopes, I have that clean and relatively unexciting commercial look covered.
the Vespid 24 MkII was never really in the race due to its price, even though it is more compact, faster and sharper wide open (better for MFT), less prone to flare and warmer, as well as ever so slightly wider than the 25 (a 24/36 on S5, 43/48 on MFT*). I am after a character lens, something the MkIIs’ have tamed somewhat. I have tame, I have safe.
This is just a price bracket I am not interested in, although I am ok with waiting for a deal and being the new set on the block, there is no rush. The magic would be there, colour matching a small issue, but my camera sensors do not even match perfectly, so no point getting too hopeful there.
So, A Vespid Mk1 25mm sometime soon-ish, or not as things can go. It needs to come from money earned by video, like the 40mm was, or I am not interested, so it might take a while anyway. I am open to the Hope 25 and Vespid working ok together, then the whole thing goes away.
*these are inaccurate when stabilising is included, only the GH5S’s MFT 1.8x format is immune.