colonel Posted March 3, 2011 Share #1 Posted March 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Impossible question I know, as everyone has their own shooting style and taste, but very interested in your opinions. I bought a new 50mm f2.5 Elmarit for my "new" M8 and am insanely happy So now I am deciding which one widish angle to get (I will probably definitely get the 90mm f2.5 Elmarit as my long zoom). To answer the obvious question about 2nd hand, if I see something nice I will consider it. But there seems to be virtually nothing available in the UK, and what is out there is quite old. When a "newer model" comes up, its price seems to be close enough to the new price to stop me considering them. I know there are some classic "older" models, and newer doesn't necessarily mean better, but finding the good older ones is just as difficult. I have trawled all the obvious dealers for a few weeks now and just want to get a lens (although if anyone sees anything good, tell me ) Basically both the 28mm f2.8 and 24mm f3.8 seem to be excellent. I would prefer the extra 4mm of wide but, on the other hand, f2.8 is somehting I could use much more indoors. I will mostly be doing landscapes, outdoor scenes and architecture with this lens, but would want to occasionally use it for indoors. What do you folk think ? Also, anyone using the 24mm f3.8 on their M8 - seem to be a paucity of reviews with the M8 rgds Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 3, 2011 Posted March 3, 2011 Hi colonel, Take a look here M8 with 28mm f2.8 Elmarit or 24 f3.8 Elmar ? Your taste ?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Mikael Siirilä Posted March 3, 2011 Share #2 Posted March 3, 2011 Since the M8 has a relatively poor low-light performance the f2.8 will give you better image quality if you are shooting indoors. No need to go to the worst ISO zones. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bernie.lcf Posted March 3, 2011 Share #3 Posted March 3, 2011 I use an M8.2 with a 15 and 50 I just got the Elmarit 28 ASPH after thinking about it for two weeks. My reasons: The extra two stops (f2.8) mean a lot in anything but bright sunshine If I upgrade to M9, the 24 needs an external viewfinder. If I upgrade to M9, I will replace the 15 with a Leica 21. I would be able to keep the viewfinder I already have. 21-24-28 obviously does not make sense The Elmarit 28 is really small - makes a small package The Elmarit 28 is a tiny bit longer than 35 (the 24 is a tiny bit shorter) - which I like better Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 3, 2011 Author Share #4 Posted March 3, 2011 If I upgrade to M9, the 24 needs an external viewfinder. great point. I didn't realise this Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
!Nomad64 Posted March 3, 2011 Share #5 Posted March 3, 2011 I solved the problem by mounting an Elmarit ASPH 24/2.8 on my M8. It's an exquisite lens albeit a bit too large (for me!) on a FF, therefore if and when I'll decide to switch to M9 I'll consider selling it. But I'm not that sure. The Elmarit is so much a great glass... I considered also the Elmarit ASPH 28/2.8 as I too was attracted by its compactness, but from the quick evaluation test I did I realized that it's not for me. It just didn't fell right in my hands, but it's probably me. Cheers, Bruno Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted March 3, 2011 Share #6 Posted March 3, 2011 I assume you mean 50mm/90mm Summarit (not Elmarit) f2.5? I'd go for the Elmarit 28/2.8 ASPH anytime. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 3, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted March 3, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I assume you mean 50mm/90mm Summarit (not Elmarit) f2.5?I'd go for the Elmarit 28/2.8 ASPH anytime. you are completely right, I meant summarits .... And I can't edit my first post now The 28mm looks to be the better compromise. You could argue that if an external viewfinder is needed (if I get a M9) then I might as well go for a 18mm elmar or a 21mm elmarit. But their cost does escalate, and I can use the 24mm for the moment on the M8 which I hope to use for some time. ok. No decision yet .... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 3, 2011 Share #8 Posted March 3, 2011 Two totally different beasts imo, the focal lengths make for different looking images, and the character of the lenses is completely different. The 28 Elmarit asph is one of Leica's new style lenses like the Summarits, both in fingerprint and rendering, very precise, an excellent workhorse. The 24 Elmar is more of an artistic lens that gets its character from the beautiful way in which it draws fine structures and excellent microcontrast. I know which one I would choose. Hint: despite the larger size But why don't you look for a used Elmarit 24? Now there is a lens... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
batmobile Posted March 3, 2011 Share #9 Posted March 3, 2011 The 28 elmarit has a reputation for good 'high contrast' performance and compactness and wont need an accessory finder. It is considerd by some to be a bit 'harsh', however. The 24 Elmarit is of high contrast too, insanely sharp, and has been shown to have quite buttery and smooth bokeh (when visible!) The problem is that it is larger and more expensive, while almost one stop slower (not two as said earlier). I think the decision would depend on what you want it for. If uou have a 35, 24 is a better spacing IMHO, but as you have a 50, the 28 might suit better. An lternatives to consider in the 28mm field is the 28 ZM Biogon. Much cheaper, but great and a the preonderance of opinion is that it equals the 28 elmarit M asph in performnce but with strengths in different areas. I believe it can be coded very nicely too. I used to shoot 28 a lot, but now moved to 24/5 (24 lux and 25 CV), which find works better, but every now and again I pull the 28 for something (ZM Biogon) and its a champ. Its a personal choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted March 3, 2011 Share #10 Posted March 3, 2011 The problem is that it is larger and more expensive, while almost one stop slower (not two as said earlier)I think the OP means the Elmar... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
epand56 Posted March 3, 2011 Share #11 Posted March 3, 2011 Colonel, I've just bought a CV Ultron 28/1.9 Asph. that is a spectacular lens. Very sharp (for a 28) and a great performer. Plus it's 1.9 against 2.8. I've coded it as a Cron 28/2 and put a UV/IR filter on and I think I will never give it away. I would think about it if I were you. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spylaw4 Posted March 5, 2011 Share #12 Posted March 5, 2011 Enrico's suggestion has a lot of merit, the 28/1.9 Asph is an under-rated lens - needs an adapter IIRC, and it's quite a large lens. The 24/3.8 Elmar is just about my favourite lens on the M8/8.2 - despite the f3.8. The 24/2.8 is large, heavier, and expensive if you can find one, same for the 28/2. The 28/2.8 is excellent, small and sharp, it's also reasonably priced (as Leica prices go) even new. Your choice! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AbbeyFoto Posted March 5, 2011 Share #13 Posted March 5, 2011 I use the 24 f3.8 on my M8.2; while I have not done proper testing I am very happy with it. The 32mm equivalent viewpoint is interesting. I previously purchased a 28mm f2 and recently bought an 18mm for the extra reach but I think the 24mm would be my choice if I had only one wide. Note I wear glasses and bought a correction lens for the M8 finder so I can focus and compose without glasses and it works well. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootinglulu Posted March 5, 2011 Share #14 Posted March 5, 2011 A 2nd for the 24mm Elmarit.. This was the best lens i never bought for my M8.. Noah Addis recommended it and it's fl to me. I thought it would be too wide but after a bit of buying and selling it turned out he was right. Now i have the M9 and my fave wide angle is 28mm. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Gunst Lund Posted March 9, 2011 Share #15 Posted March 9, 2011 The M8 and Zeiss ZM 28/2.8 a very nice kit, you will need CaptureOne often due to moire when shooting buildings like this otherwise very good image quality! Diesel Research Center - MAN Diesel & Turbo - Copehagen Shot for some new marketing material at sunset with the bottom of the camera in the water/ice (not a crop - the sky has been extended in PP-also image is intended to be dark,,,) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 9, 2011 Author Share #16 Posted March 9, 2011 A 2nd for the 24mm Elmarit..This was the best lens i never bought for my M8.. Noah Addis recommended it and it's fl to me. I thought it would be too wide but after a bit of buying and selling it turned out he was right. Now i have the M9 and my fave wide angle is 28mm. so in summary, your conclusion was that 24mm was a better wide for the M8, but after switching to the M9 your recommendation for that camera is the 28mm ? Personally I think its due to the brightlines and the fact that the external viewfinder is a large cost and a large hassle If there was a 24mm brightline for the M9, I think it would be a more popular lens Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
!Nomad64 Posted March 9, 2011 Share #17 Posted March 9, 2011 so in summary, your conclusion was that 24mm was a better wide for the M8, but after switching to the M9 your recommendation for that camera is the 28mm ? Personally I think its due to the brightlines and the fact that the external viewfinder is a large cost and a large hassle If there was a 24mm brightline for the M9, I think it would be a more popular lens It might be also because the 24 on the M8 is roughly a 30mm and therefore on the M9 a 28 is what comes closest. Cheers, Bruno Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootinglulu Posted March 9, 2011 Share #18 Posted March 9, 2011 The 24mm is too wide for bright lines on the M9, the 28mm uses the whole viewfinder. I prefer slightly wider than 35mm for my normal wide and so 24/28 are perfect for my taste on M8/M9..24mm would be slightly too wide for me for most normal wide use, on the M9. I am sure this sounds rather pedantic but it works very well for me. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjames9142 Posted March 9, 2011 Share #19 Posted March 9, 2011 If you are into 28, you might think about the version 4 pre-asph Elmarit. I think it is a really fine lens, with good rendering --less contrasty than the aspheric, which is admittedly nice and compact. It will also save you a ton of money -- they can be had for around $1200. I feel the same way about the version 4 35 summicron, which has a beautiful look. The version 4's are very refined lenses. The attached jpeg is probably meaningless. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/145487-m8-with-28mm-f28-elmarit-or-24-f38-elmar-your-taste/?do=findComment&comment=1611321'>More sharing options...
colonel Posted March 10, 2011 Author Share #20 Posted March 10, 2011 thanks for all your input I eventually decided, I would get the 28mm f2.8 ASPH Elmarit brand new, as: 0. Having more light was more important then the extra angle, as I want to use this lens inside. 1. Second hand ASPH and v4s are hard to find and not more then 20% different in price. The Version 3 does pop-up more frequently, however these are still over 50% of the price of the new ones and I think I prefer the design for the later two models. (these are UK thoughts. Interestingly when looking at US sites, it seems that the new price is more, but the second hand price is less - oh well!) 2. two year guarantee 3. The latest one is a coded lens (although this is available as an add-on with previous lenses) 4. After being blown away by the 50mm f2.5 summarit, and reading many reviews, it does seem that Leica's new lenses build on their experience, and its contrast and detail trajectory suite my taste. The construction of the lens is very nice, slightly better then the summarit, and I hope to post some examples shortly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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