elcap Posted September 1, 2013 Share #1 Posted September 1, 2013 Advertisement (gone after registration) So after using an Elmarit 28mm on my beloved M8 for a while, I decided it is time to get the lens I spent hours and hours of researching on, the Biogon. I decided to the get f2 version rather than the f2.8 Biogon C since I wanted the extra stop. There are different opinions about this lens, mostly good expiriences (some expiriencing lens wobble issues, others say the build quality ecxeeds Leica lenses). I tried my copy in the shop and was blown away by the build quality and ergonomics. The aperture ring clicks really nicely and the focus ring is very well damped. Comparing it to the Summilux (not mine) and the Elmarit (also not mine;)) I would say the build quality of the Zeiss is equal, if not better than the Leicas. Maybe because mine is brandnew... One thing that doesn't happen with the Zeiss anymore is accidently changing the aperture while focussing which really annoyed me with the Leica lenses. I don't mind the size of the Zeiss, I even have the lens hood attached (so I don't scratch the front element, I know the lens is very flare resistant). Coding is a different story, an annoying one. So far I tried black nail polish and a black permanent marker, both don't work. I will try other pens, I just have to find one that is less shiny on metal. Also I don't have an IR filter but will get one since it can get pretty serious, depending on the situation: 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! My copy is quite sharp wide open and gets sharper at f2.8. Comparing it to the Summilux wide open there is not much difference, the Leica might have more microcontrast (yes I know the Leica is one stop faster...) I have no worries shooting the Biogon wide open, that's what I bought it for Zeiss on the left, Summilux on the right. I can't remember if I the Leica was at closest focus distance, maybe the Zeiss focusses closer? The bokeh of the Zeiss is a bit less creamy but I like it Another bokeh test shot: You can provoke quite nervous bokeh with the Zeiss, especially foreground bokeh. I was reading Steve Huff's review of the lens before I bought it and thought for the price it should be ok. It is definitely more than ok . It exceeds my expectations of build and picture quality. So there is only two things left to do: 1. get an IR cut filter 2. make the coding work (so far I use an automatic preset in lightroom) Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! My copy is quite sharp wide open and gets sharper at f2.8. Comparing it to the Summilux wide open there is not much difference, the Leica might have more microcontrast (yes I know the Leica is one stop faster...) I have no worries shooting the Biogon wide open, that's what I bought it for Zeiss on the left, Summilux on the right. I can't remember if I the Leica was at closest focus distance, maybe the Zeiss focusses closer? The bokeh of the Zeiss is a bit less creamy but I like it Another bokeh test shot: You can provoke quite nervous bokeh with the Zeiss, especially foreground bokeh. I was reading Steve Huff's review of the lens before I bought it and thought for the price it should be ok. It is definitely more than ok . It exceeds my expectations of build and picture quality. So there is only two things left to do: 1. get an IR cut filter 2. make the coding work (so far I use an automatic preset in lightroom) ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/211901-m8-with-zeiss-biogon-35f2/?do=findComment&comment=2410627'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 1, 2013 Posted September 1, 2013 Hi elcap, Take a look here M8 with Zeiss Biogon 35f2. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Peebles Posted September 3, 2013 Share #2 Posted September 3, 2013 Nice! I like this lens. I use a Leica filter, which fits tight enough (but don't force it). You can also use a Heliopan filter (which actually fits). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
elcap Posted September 4, 2013 Author Share #3 Posted September 4, 2013 thanks peebles! do you have any experiences with B+W filters? I saw I could get them online (haven't checked my local dealer yet). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Erik Gunst Lund Posted September 4, 2013 Share #4 Posted September 4, 2013 thanks peebles! do you have any experiences with B+W filters? I saw I could get them online (haven't checked my local dealer yet). B+W 486 Pro are similar to Leica and Heliopan UV/IR filters. Some B+W Pro filters come in a slim version with no front filter threads... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
friedeye Posted October 30, 2013 Share #5 Posted October 30, 2013 I'd just like to second the love for this lens. At first I thought I'd mind its size -- but I'm finding I love its ergonomics. And the files really pop. I have many lenses - admittedly not luxes - and this one is my favorite. By the way - it's really no big deal to manually set your lens codes in the menu. Takes a few seconds. The code for the Biogon 35 is 11311. Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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