Biogon T* 2,8/25 vs. 24 Elmarit F2.8 ASPH - opinions wanted

[earlyadopter]

Does anyone has hands-on experience with both [Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM] and [24 Elmarit F2.8 ASPH]? I've read Elmarit 24 is very good and looking for opinions on how stupid is the idea to save about a thousand buying Zeiss instead?

[dseelig]

I have the zeiss fine lens . Pluses it allows more of the image to be seen through the viewfinder. It has a 46 filter more common. If you get a mount from zeiss the 35 you will need and get milch to code it and then have DAG change the mount and check focus I think you will be happy. Mine had perfect focus but in this day and age to have Don Goldberg check your lens is not a bad idea. I have the zeiss 21 and 25 both great lenses and I like them alot because of corner sharpness and a small filter sizes compared to Leica. I had the old Leica 21 2.8 and it was clunky. Good Luck David

[sean_reid]

I've tested both (as well as the CV 25) in a fairly extensive review. The Zeiss is excellent but draws differently. One needs to be creative in order to have it coded and bring up the correct frame lines on the M8. Zeiss can swap the bayonet for one from the 35 mm.

Cheers,

[robertwright]

I have the zeiss and swapped the mount myself, having ordered the correct one from zeiss. Still need to get the mount coded, you'd think I would have done that already since i live in brooklyn, but no...

since I swapped the mount myself the rangefinder does not align at infinity, not sure why that is, but it seems to focus correctly. Actually have not seen too much cyan in the corners that cannot be fixed by Lr corner vignetting correction to lighten it. but I will get it coded.

all in all a great lens, I have the elmarit 21 and 28, and comparing it I would say it is contrasty-er a little bit, both of the leica lenses are smoother, but not as sharp as the zeiss, especially in the corners, the zeiss performs well right out to the edge of the field (on the M8).

you have to put up with third-stops, although they are handy shooting when you are trying to recover highlights shooting in bright sun. Also the tab on the bottom is shaped differently and is smaller, so there is an adjustment there. finally, the focus is not as silky smooth as the leica, but mine is new, and the leica lens I have are all well used, but I think even then, it is still stiff. Lens mount feels stiff and a little 'grindy" mounting and removing, the edges are very sharp.

you might buy the zeiss to see if you like the focal length, also if you can deal with the viewfinder cutoff. I actually really like the field of view, but you might not, and it is a cheap way to add it to the arsenal.

I am very happy considering popflash has them for so cheap!

[microview]

Originally Posted by robertwright

all in all a great lens, I have the elmarit 21 and 28, and comparing it I would say it is contrasty-er a little bit, both of the leica lenses are smoother, but not as sharp as the zeiss, especially in the corners, the zeiss performs well right out to the edge of the field (on the M8).

you have to put up with third-stops, although they are handy shooting when you are trying to recover highlights shooting in bright sun. Also the tab on the bottom is shaped differently and is smaller, so there is an adjustment there. finally, the focus is not as silky smooth as the leica, but mine is new, and the leica lens I have are all well used, but I think even then, it is still stiff. Lens mount feels stiff and a little 'grindy" mounting and removing, the edges are very sharp.

you might buy the zeiss to see if you like the focal length, also if you can deal with the viewfinder cutoff. I actually really like the field of view, but you might not, and it is a cheap way to add it to the arsenal.

That's a really helpful posting, if I may be allowed say so!

[biglouis]

If you can afford the 24 Elmarit - buy it - even s/h from a reputable supplier. Probably the best lens in the Leica line up.

LouisB

[vieri]

Originally Posted by biglouis

If you can afford the 24 Elmarit - buy it - even s/h from a reputable supplier. Probably the best lens in the Leica line up.

LouisB

A great lens indeed - I have one for sale in the classified. Best,

Vieri

[Shootist]

I have not use the Zeiss 25 but I did have a 24 Elmarit. The 24 is one of Leica best ever lenses. My problem was I didn't use it much, it was either to tight or to wide. I always switched it out for a 28 or a 21 to get the shot I wanted. So I sold it a few months ago.
But if you use this FL you can't get a better lens then the Elmarit 24.