Leonil Posted January 14, 2014 Share #1 Posted January 14, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi guys, I was just thinking about how a 35 isn't wide enough for me and that most lenses at the moment are far out of my price range. This led me to choose from the 28mm Voigtlander Ultron f/2 and the 28mm Zeiss Planar f/2.8 I need something for lowlight and for a decent wide carry around lens for family group shots and dinners, as well as event photography. Im not looking for uber sharpness, I just want something that renders nicely and with nice soft bokeh. The reason Im going for these two is because they are below $1000 Australian bucks and that's kind of my max budget - the Voigtlander coming in at $700 and the Zeiss at $990. Any suggestions or advice at this focal length and aperture? Would you guys recommend a 15mm instead or something else? Cheers Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 14, 2014 Posted January 14, 2014 Hi Leonil, Take a look here 28mm non-leica choices. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
CaptZoom Posted January 14, 2014 Share #2 Posted January 14, 2014 A 15mm lens is really much wider than a 28mm; the focal lengths are far enough apart that one doesn't replace the other. In any case you didn't mention which camera you'll be using... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonil Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted January 14, 2014 A 15mm lens is really much wider than a 28mm; the focal lengths are far enough apart that one doesn't replace the other. In any case you didn't mention which camera you'll be using... Ah oops - I forgot to mention this will be used on my M240 and the reason why I asked if a 15 is any good is because I do like the idea of having a lens that can capture quite a lot of people in a large group shot other than that, I really would like a 28. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted January 14, 2014 Share #4 Posted January 14, 2014 If by 15mm, you mean the baby Voigtlander lens, I wouldn't bother. It performs reasonably on an M8 but falls apart on full-frame. One thing to realise is that 28mm is not that much wider than a 35 so you might instead look at a 24 or 21, such as a secondhand 24mm Elmar. Alternatively, look at a secondhand 28mm Elmarit ASPH. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rramesh Posted January 14, 2014 Share #5 Posted January 14, 2014 From your post its not clear what your challenge is. You can get most things or people in a frame if you stand well back. Do note that the wider the lens the more the perspective distortion. For 28mm the Voigtlander 28 f/2 could be a lower cost option. Of course it will not be the same as the Leica 28 f/2. Alternately if a wider angle is needed, consider the 21mm before you go any wider. Voigtlander has a couple of good lenses here. The f/4 Color Skopar and the Ultron f/1.8. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted January 14, 2014 Share #6 Posted January 14, 2014 15: the CV will distort perspective on the edges of the frame, so not ideal for group portraits; does not meet your low-light needs; requires Cornerfix or FlatField to get rid of red edges. 28: make sure you are happy with the CV's rendering, and its muted colors in particular; if you do (and are able to test a few copies to pick a good one), it's an excellent choice IMO. I have no experience with the Zeiss. Given your needs, a 24/2.8 may indeed be the best choice, but a god copy will most likely stretch your budget. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulrik Posted January 14, 2014 Share #7 Posted January 14, 2014 Advertisement (gone after registration) A secondhand Leica Elmarit 2,8/28 in version III or IV should also fit your budget (my mint 6-bit-coded version IV certainly did). I cannot recommend a 28 mm wide angle for group shots, people's faces at the border of the frame will be distorted. Ulrik Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted January 14, 2014 Share #8 Posted January 14, 2014 For 28mm the Voigtlander 28 f/2 could be a lower cost option. Beside being cheaper the f/2 version of the Ultron has considerable focus shift wide open, and it only starts to get better at around f/4. The earlier f/1.9 Ultron is much better. I sold my f/2 Ultron within three weeks of getting it because it was unusable for any low light work where a specific subject had to be in focus. For general work it might be OK if the subject isn't critical. The OP should look at Sean Reid's reviews of 28mm lenses before spending money. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted January 14, 2014 Share #9 Posted January 14, 2014 ... why I asked if a 15 is any good is because I do like the idea of having a lens that can capture quite a lot of people in a large group shot other than that, I really would like a 28. For some single shots this might work, for regular use 15mm-group shots - for me- would be a terrible overkill. People at the sides might find themselves looking like star wars crew with their distorted heads and shoulders. Try out a 21 or 24 mm lens for groups unless you need > 1,000 persons in one shot. Or: you reckon a stadium full of people forming a group ... A 28mm-lens is also a good choice for photos of medium/ large groups, follow your first idea and try. I. e. the V/C 2.0/ 28mm if a LEICA doesn´t fit right now. With a decent lens you can easily distinguish (then not too distorted) single faces with that lens, that´s what people would prefer in a photograph ... Best GEORG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted January 14, 2014 Share #10 Posted January 14, 2014 I'd go with the 28 Biogon because it is flawless. Or you might consider a 25 Biogon if you have an EVF or are willing to use a finder. It is just a little bit of a stretch for your budget. I've just gone through my own 28 mm journey. I scrimped and saved for a year in order to buy a 28 Summicron only to trade it for a 21 SEM a month later, I simply found the 28 Summicron too close to my 35 Summicron. The little extra bit the lens captured could easily be compensated for by a step or two backwards. In practice that extra bit was just not worth the lens change. And my 35 Summicron has always been my favorite lens on any Leica body. I'd never sell or trade it. On the other hand, the 21 SEM is a stellar lens. I'm a very happy camper. But now I think I need a second body just for the 21. Will it never end? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ecar Posted January 14, 2014 Share #11 Posted January 14, 2014 Beside being cheaper the f/2 version of the Ultron has considerable focus shift wide open, and it only starts to get better at around f/4 Interesting... My copy works the other way around: perfect wide open, and some (but not considerable) focus shift at f/4-5.6 - which is largely taken care of by the additional DOF. However, I must admit that the dealer had just received 3 or 4 copies and I could hand-pick mine. This was about 5 years ago, but I remember that one of the lenses was essentially unusable for the purpose of getting proper focus on my M8. When I suggested that he send it back, he replied that a lemon was to be expected and that most people wouldn't notice anyway. He was probably right, but I have not bought anything from that dealer again... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonil Posted January 18, 2014 Author Share #12 Posted January 18, 2014 Im guessing people are not completely happy with the 28mm Ultron. Say for example, if I decide against 28mm (as I cant afford the Ziess or the 35mm 1.2 from voigtlander) What 35mm lenses would people recommend? I heard good things about the 35mm 1.4 Voigtlander - just don't know what the difference is between the MC and the SC version - correct me if Im wrong but the MC version has better contrast than the SC version. (Im guessing MC means multi coat) I just really don't want to have to spend more than $800 on a second lens, when I kinda of put all my eggs into one basket with the 50 Summicron. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdlaing Posted January 18, 2014 Share #13 Posted January 18, 2014 Im guessing people are not completely happy with the 28mm Ultron. Say for example, if I decide against 28mm (as I cant afford the Ziess or the 35mm 1.2 from voigtlander) What 35mm lenses would people recommend? I heard good things about the 35mm 1.4 Voigtlander - just don't know what the difference is between the MC and the SC version - correct me if Im wrong but the MC version has better contrast than the SC version. (Im guessing MC means multi coat) I just really don't want to have to spend more than $800 on a second lens, when I kinda of put all my eggs into one basket with the 50 Summicron. Yes MC is multi-coated and gives images a more modern digital look. SC is single coated and gives images the look of film with less contrast. I have the MC version and like it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted January 18, 2014 Share #14 Posted January 18, 2014 I also have the VC 35 f1.4 MC version, and have really enjoyed mine. I've had a 1969 35 Summicron since new, and the VC looks better at f2, and very good at f1.4. It does have some focus shift stopping down, but I didn't realize it for a couple years, as the subject stayed adequately sharp (but the near background looks sharper). I love the small size and handling - and the price. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rramesh Posted January 20, 2014 Share #15 Posted January 20, 2014 I agree with marknorton in an earlier post. The 28 Elmarit is one of the best options. It is quite inexpensive in the used market and unless you absolutely need f/2 its a wonderful choice. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonil Posted January 20, 2014 Author Share #16 Posted January 20, 2014 I agree with marknorton in an earlier post. The 28 Elmarit is one of the best options. It is quite inexpensive in the used market and unless you absolutely need f/2 its a wonderful choice. Id sure love to get an Elmarit, but its twice the money Im willing to spend right now. I guess I have keep saving or settle for the CV Ultron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptZoom Posted January 20, 2014 Share #17 Posted January 20, 2014 Id sure love to get an Elmarit, but its twice the money Im willing to spend right now. I guess I have keep saving or settle for the CV Ultron Look around for the older Ultron- it doesn't have the focus shift of the new model (though you can work around the shift on the M240 via LiveView). Info on every CV lens made here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanzaKruzer Posted January 21, 2014 Share #18 Posted January 21, 2014 I find the Leica M with a 50mm lens pairs well with the Ricoh GR which is a 28mm equivalent focal length. Plus you can hand the GR to someone to include you in the photo without worrying about focus or exposure. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
plewislambert Posted February 2, 2014 Share #19 Posted February 2, 2014 [quote= Id sure love to get an Elmarit, but its twice the money Im willing to spend right now." I paid under £600 for a used 28mm Elmarit and am amazed by the quality of the images. I sold my Voigtlander f1.9 28mm with no regrets. Currently I am experimenting with a Nikkor 20mm AF on a Leica M adapter, using the viewfinder for my 21mm Voigtlander, since sold, as I like the results from the Nikkor better. I stop the lens down to f5.6 outdoors and leave the focus on infinity unless a nearer setting makes more sense. I had been intending to buy a Leica R 21mm lens but the Nikkor seems very sharp. Philip:) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
IWC Doppel Posted February 5, 2014 Share #20 Posted February 5, 2014 The VC 1.9 is realistically the best cheap option IMO it's no Summicron but its more than acceptable. A friend had one recently CLA'd and it wasn't a match but also wasn't embarrased against my 28 Summicron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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