Elmarit 21asph or Summicron 28asph for M8?

[lightpainter]

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I have been using my Elmarit 21asph with the attachable finder for some time and would like to swap for a 28asph. Have you had a change like that in your lenses? I do not really need the wide angle of the 21asph and think the 28 Cron will offer more control with the M8's finder. Please tell me about your experience. Of course the 24 Lux might be another option, but that's a lot of money!

[cbretteville]

If I want wide I tend to grab my 24/2.8 rather than my 21, I knew it would be like that so I opted for a ZM21/2.8 as the price lets me keep it even if I don't use it that much.

 

The 28/2 is a great lens on the M8, very versatile and fairly compact. If you go that route consider getting a spare hood that is made for the 35/1.4 ASPH, it fits perfectly and is a lot smaller than the one that ships with the 28. It works like a charm because of the cropped sensor (so keep the original).

 

As for the 24/1.4 I'd say the 24/2.8 is an alternative. Also a great lens and not too bulky (the 24/3.8 is compact and very reasonably priced, but f3.8 may be a little slow for some).

 

If I had to chose a single lens for the M8 the 28/2 would be it.

 

Good luck deciding.

Carl

[Hoaxville]

I use the 28 Cron as my one and only lens. It's really versatile (giving you a 38mm equivalent on the M8). It's wide enough for landscape, but also works for closer portrait work.

 

The M8 range finder outer frame lines and field of view in general, gives you the 28mm field of view. So it feels very natural to use.

 

I'm thinking of getting a 50mm of some kind soon, but the 28 will still be my everyday, everywhere lens.

 

Best of luck.

 

ps: My blog link below features mostly shots from my M8 and 28 Cron.

 

pps: I have a 21mm Elmarit that I have on permanent loan, and I think I have used it once, it's too wide for my needs, and does not correspond with the M8's rangefinder, you need to use an additional optical rangefinder on top of the camera to give you the frame lines.

 

--

 

http://www.GlendynIvin.com

[Printmaker]

I'm considering the same. The 21 is all too often not wide enough yet sometimes too wide. I find myself seeing my photos through the 28 mm frame and having to back up with my 35 cron or get closer with my 21 bio.

 

On the other hand... a 28 cron is half the price of a M9. Buying a M9 gives me the perfect 35/21/90 combo. I gave up my place on the M9 list once because I needed a new computer and HD storage system for the studio. Now I must decide between a 28 or the M9.

 

Tom

[jsrockit]

Well, the 21mm will be a 28mm on a M8 with no framelines and the 28mm is a 37mm on the M8 with framelines. Which one sounds better? I'd prefer the 28mm summicron...

[LeicaMSeattle]

I really like the 21mm Elmarit ASPH, it's tack sharp and contrasty on the M8. I purchased the latest CV15mm and will probably add the new CV12mm when it becomes available next month. It really comes down to what subject matter you prefer to shoot whether landscape or architecture and how you cope with the distortion.

[Ecar]

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The 24/2.8 might be a good intermediate option and will still be usable on the M9 (or any future full-frame M) without external finder if you're prepared to roll your eyes around a bit.