IkarusJohn Posted November 7, 2011 Share #1 Posted November 7, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I appreciate that this has been discussed on a few occasions, but i'm wondering if people's perceptions have changed with use (particularly on the M9). The downsides of the 15 ZM: not rangefinder coupled, meaning that you have to assess or measure the distance lots of vignetting, so centre ND filter required soft at the corners expensive heavy But then, the images do seem very sharp in the centre, limited barrel distortion, no CA, and it is usefully wide. Used with a mirrorless camera (like the Nex 5N or GXR), it becomes an effective 22 mm full frame equivalent, and focussing issues are dealt with. I have the opportunity to pick up either the 18 or the 15 at a good price, and I wonder if it's worth it. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 7, 2011 Posted November 7, 2011 Hi IkarusJohn, Take a look here Zeiss Distagon 15 or 18 ZM?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
lars_bergquist Posted November 8, 2011 Share #2 Posted November 8, 2011 The 18mm Distagon is certainly worth it. It is a very good lens – possibly not quite as good as the Super-Elmar, but so good that I have felt no urge at all to change, even after the SE came out. The 15mm is a different matter. 15mm and f:2.8 sounds mouth-watering until you read the rest of the specs, including what's between the lines. A f:4.5 15mm lens needs no RF coupling, but a f:2.8 one does, if you are going to use the full aperture – and why else should you buy the lens? I is large (86mm long and takes a 72mmm filter), heavy (500 grammes), has close to 4% barrel distortion and vignetting is so strong that Carl Zeiss recommend the use of a center-graduated ND filter, just as with the old Hologon – so where does that lens speed go? Frankly, I cannot fathom the thinking behind that lens. The old man from the Age of the Super-Angulon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share #3 Posted November 8, 2011 Thanks Lars, I guess the appeal is, because it's wide ... Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted November 8, 2011 Share #4 Posted November 8, 2011 Provided that is surely critical to use the Zeiss 15 wide open, the plain evaluation that I'd make is that if one buys Zeiss 18 + CV 15, he spends less money... (as per pricelist, even Zeiss 18 + CV 15 + CV 12 comes for less than Zeiss 15... even considering finders.. and one can satisfy well his WA frenzy... ) But, I admit that Zeiss 15 is a lens that has a specific appeal of its own... at the same time, no surprise you don't find around many pics taken with it... after all is almost the only "Leica compatible" that is also "Leica priced"... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IkarusJohn Posted November 8, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted November 8, 2011 Second hand solves that problem, Luigi. The 18 Distagon is surely tempting, but having a 21 already, a bit more separation is appealing. Cheers John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_tribble Posted November 8, 2011 Share #6 Posted November 8, 2011 I use the Zeiss 18 regularly for assignments and personal use. Strongly recommend (I code as Leica 18 and I am happy with the results - as are clients). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Double Negative Posted November 8, 2011 Share #7 Posted November 8, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) IMO? I'd go for the 18mm (and did). Way smaller, way cheaper, RF coupled and a darn good lens. I haven't reviewed it yet, but it's on the list. Granted, the 15mm is a stop faster... But c'mon. Is that one stop really worth it? Naturally, only you can decide that. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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