Summicron 28 vs Elmarit 24mm on a M9

[glenerrolrd]

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Jeff s comments above match my experience and I have both lenses.

 

Both lens have superb capabiities and few limitations..you should be happy with either choice. The 24 elmarit is technically superior which stronger MTF results . For purely landscape work it would be my first choice among any of the leica or zeiss wide angles below 35. (see E Puts or Sean Reid s reports). Its a nice spread from the 35mm ...and you can argue that 18/24/35 is optimum spacing below 50mm.

 

I shoot mostly street and travel so speed is critical . The 28/2 is absolutely my favorite lens for the M9 ( have used all of them) because it has a beauty to the rendering thats lost in the newer asph s which are technically better. It has excellent microcontrast and resolution without overpowering the images with macro contrast. Its small (especially if you change out the hood for a small metal one) and balances perfectly on an M9 . No external finder required . This is a great lens for environmental portraits with very nice color. So for my work I like the 21/2.8asph and the 28/2 asph as my primary wide angles for normal outdoor lighting.

 

You are aware that its debatable about the 24/2.8 and 24/3.8 for landscape work .....see Puts and Reid . The 24/3.8 is less expensive and has a flatter field better corners etc. so if speed isn t an issue it maybe a better choice. They aren t too difficult to find used .

 

You can t really make a bad choice with any of these lenses.

[Iron Creek]

I thought I'd close the loop on this story.

I contacted customer service at B&H this morning and explained the incorrect packaging/shipping. I also went on to explain that while this was a mistake it turned out to be good as I had decided after testing it to keep the 24mm. I'll be getting a revised invoice to show the proper lens and serial number within a couple days so my records will be correct. All in a very pleasant experience.

I've also gone on-line to Leica and registered the lens so all is good.

I do want to thank everyone that responded to my query however it reinforced the notion that in the end it takes boots on the ground to make the actual determination of what works best and for me I'm pleased with the 24mm focal length and that's all that matters. In hind sight I should have thought about and ordered the 24 all along but then who knows, I might have been shipped a 28 instead....

Don