35 summarit vs 35 Zeiss C biogon 2.8 for M8

[Acekerman]

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Im looking for a small compact travel lens for my M8. I shoot mostly B&W and like sharp and contrasty. Thanks everyone.

[jaapv]

I always found the Summicron-C 40/2.0 best suited for the purpose. Best match for the frame lines too. (after modification)

The other two are heavier and more bulky.

[TomB_tx]

I've used the Summicron-C 40mm since the 1970s, and agree it's a nice travel lens (usually on my CL) and is tiny. I haven't used the Zeiss 35 2.8, but do have the Zeiss 35 2.0 and the Summarit 35. Both give excellent images, but the Summarit is my first choice, partly due to the small size. Both the hoods make the lenses lose their small feeling, so I use the Summarit usually without a hood, and see little difference with or without.

[lct]

The Summicron 40/2 is less contrasty than both Summarit 35/2.5 and Biogon 35/2.8, which can be an advantage in PP, but it shows more flare than the latters. The Biogon is the most contrasty, the least prone to flare and the sharpest lens in corners on borders but this is less visible on crop bodies like the M8. The Summarit offers perhaps the best compromise if f/2 is not mandatory: sharp, contrasty, little flare, it is just a bit soft in corners and borders at fast apertures but this is again less visible on the M8.