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Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH thoughts?


animefx

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Hello. I was thinking about getting the Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH as my first lens when I'm able to pick up an m8.2 camera. I've seen a handful of photos with this lens and an m8.2 on flickr and it impressed me. However, I've only found one comprehensive review online here: Leica 28mm f/2.8 Elmarit-M ASPH

 

I would like to hear from you guys what you think of this lens. I'm just wanting 1 lens for now, or possibly forever depending on my budget. It seems to be a nice general purpose lens on 1.33x crop. I want to make sure I can take decent portraits with it as well. According to Ken Rockwell he was able to get it new for $1,800 plus a $300 rebate from Leica. How often do they do rebates? The current cost is $1999 and I would like to save a little money on one if possible.

 

He also mentions that the lens hood is flawed because your able to see part of it in the viewfinder. Is there are better lens hood I could buy that doesn't have this problem?

 

Or if you know of any other good reviews on this lens please let me know.

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You should take KR with a pinch of salt. All wideangle lenses and their hoods will intrude in the viewfinder an bit. There are a number of excellent 28 lenses around, with Zeiss and Leica at the top of the tree. It might be wise to buy a used lens for considerably less to feel your way with the focal length. Older versions of the Elmarit 28, but they are quite a bit larger, especially the versions 3 and 4 pre-aspherical are more than excellent lenses in their own right, with a considerably lower price tag. If you want to learn about rangefinder lenses and their qualities, you should subscribe to Reid Reviews.

Another consideration might be the focal length. Personally I find the Summicron M asph 35/2.0 the most universal lens on the M8. Or the Summarit M 35/2.5, a a lower pricer, but lower speed.

Edited by jaapv
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When I first got my M8 a couple years ago I bought a new 28mm Elmarit as my first lens... I wanted a newer Leica lens that was coded and completely compatible out of the box (along with a UV/IR filter)... Since then I have acquired many others but the 28 always seems to be on my camera... :rolleyes:

Edited by sfokevin
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My thoughts are that I'm kicking myself for not getting a demo 28 Elmarit-ASPH back in early 2008 when it was offered to me at $1200. I really like the small size. However with the 4th version it's mainly the hood that encroaches the viewfinder, and I've found that without the hood my 4th version doesn't flare even with a Heliopan IR filter plus a B+W MRC UV over it.

 

Still, if I had the chance to get an ASPH for $1200-1300 I think I might spring for it and sell my 4th.

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I second Jaap : 35 is the "universal" onto M8, and expecially quoting your "...1 lens for now, and possibly forever..." : 28 is not exactly at the top for portrait. Budget-wise, do not forget the CV lenses... thinking, for instance of a possible duo 35+75 (or even 28+75, so you have A PROPER portrait focal), you can play with lot of mixes Leica/CV new/used to get the couple at a cost not so far from a single new Leica.

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I have both the 28 and 35 lenses referenced above. Much depends on your subject priorities. Both lenses are superb with the 28 having the edge on size and weight. F2 can be useful indoors. Think carefully which focal length matches your interests more closely.

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I have the 28/2.8 Asph and like it very much. On my M8, it gives me a little wider view than a 35, which is what I prefer for my "standard lens." Very sharp images. Tiny. I don't find any issue with the lens shade blocking the viewfinder, I'd have to consciously look for it to notice. As mentioned earlier, probably not the best lens choice for portraits, however.

 

This is generally the lens that I have on my M8 most of the time and it is definitely the one that I prefer for those occasions when I want to carry just one lens.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Rick

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I´m very happy with my CV 2/28 Ultron on the M8.

It´s sharp over the hole field even wide open. At f2 the bokeh is a bit harsh but it is softening when stopped down a little bit.

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Wow! Thanks to everyone for insight on this lens. I might look into a 35mm lens as well but the f/2.5 version doesn't seem to fair quite as well in the reviews as the 28mm f/2.8 asph. My dream lens is the new 35mm f/1.4 ASPH II but I probably can't afford that one, not right now anyway.

 

Someone mentioned using this lens without the lens hood (lens shade). What kinds of disadvantages am I looking at if I didn't use it? Is flare the only concern or will I have less contrasty images as the result of not using a lens hood on this particular lens? I suppose if there is minor blockage I can ignore it.

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On the assumption that you are considering not using the lens shade on the 28mm/2.8 Asph because it might obscure part of the viewfinder, perhaps you might try to locate a copy at a dealer and see whether the view bothers you?

 

I believe that a majority of Leica shooters consider the use of lens shades to be beneficial. I do. Please be aware that a number of the most desirable Leica, Zeiss and CV lenses block some small percentage of the M8 viewfinder, some, even without a mounted lens shade. To me, this is part of the RF experience and not a significant drawback. At least in the case of the 28mm/2.8 Asph w/lens shade, the blockage is minimal.

 

Seeing this issue through your own viewfinder may be the only way for you to make this decision.

 

Rick

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Especially if You are using UV/IR-Cut Filters (as recommended for the M8) a shade might protect You from some extra Flares these are able to provide.

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I might look into a 35mm lens as well but the f/2.5 version doesn't seem to fair quite as well in the reviews as the 28mm f/2.8 asph.

 

Erwin Puts rates the 35 Summarit higher than the more expensive Summicron 35 asph (see overall verdict in my link above), and it's a faster lens than the 28 Elmarit asph. That's why I provided the link.

 

Ultimately, however, only you can decide based on your needs and preferences. Best bet is to find a dealer near you who will let you try some options.

 

Jeff

Edited by Jeff S
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Someone mentioned using this lens without the lens hood (lens shade). What kinds of disadvantages am I looking at if I didn't use it? Is flare the only concern or will I have less contrasty images as the result of not using a lens hood on this particular lens? I suppose if there is minor blockage I can ignore it.

 

I mentioned I use the 4th version 28 Elmarit (pre-ASPH) without the shade (with Heliopan UV-IR plus B+W MRC UV added) and getting no ghost/reflection in any situation lighting thus far (3 yrs). I have not ever shot the Elmarit-ASPH with or without a shade. Just wanting to be accurate.

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I mentioned I use the 4th version 28 Elmarit (pre-ASPH) without the shade (with Heliopan UV-IR plus B+W MRC UV added) and getting no ghost/reflection in any situation lighting thus far (3 yrs). I have not ever shot the Elmarit-ASPH with or without a shade. Just wanting to be accurate.

 

You are using an UV/IR AND an UV Filter?:eek:

What shall this be good for?:confused:

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Hi

 

The hood is most useful if you drop the camera and it lands on the hood, a new hood although expensive is rather less than a new lens.

 

You can fit 'the' inverted cone hood if you have a M8 camera, this comes as standard with the all white special M8.

 

But if you keep both eyes open you wont notice the hood at all.

 

Noel

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The 28 f2.8 ASPH is a fabulous lens, very clear from edge to edge considering its bargain price and diminutive size. Consider first if this is the focal length for your first lens, and if so, don't hesitate. I take lots of landscapes and architectural shots, so this with my WATE makes a nice combo, but it is not exactly the perfect portrait lens for most. Just a consideration. If you are new to Leica, especially if you are coming from SLRs, you will find most every Leica lens an improvement in IQ.

 

As for KR, he can be informative and entertaining, often written tongue in cheek, but only one source. Sean Reid, Steve Huff (enthusiastic), and many others usually deliver much more refined and even reviews. Once you have gotten use to his delivery, it can be pretty easy to spot his hyperbole. But I do get a often chuckle reading his blog.

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