Wider angle lens for a M-E and MM

[bsphotomac]

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Thinking of purchasing a wider angle lens for a M-E and MM.

I currently have a Summarit 35 f2.5 and I need something a little wider for landscapes and tight rooms.

 

Elmarit 28mm f2.8 ASPH or Zeiss 28mm f2.8 T ZM

Or maybe wider 24mm f3.8 Elmar ASPH or Zeiss 25mm f2.8 Biogon ZM

The 35mm has about 54 degrees horizontal and the 28’s about 65 degrees and the 25’s 70 degrees. Even the 28mm is a little wider than the 35mm but the 24/25 is a lot wider.

I not sure if the 28’s are wide enough but less distortion than a 24 or 25.

Of course the Zeiss would need to be coded or changed in the menu. ( just a little pain )

I don’t like external viewfinders and with the 24 or 25 I would have to guess a little with the built-in finder but it doesn’t seem like it would be a big problem.

Any suggestion?

 

[Rick in CO]

I am completely satisfied with the 25 f2.8 ZM Biogon (see "Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II" pix on this forum).

No external viewfinder necessary once you get used to viewing with the entire camera finder window.

Mine brings up the 35mm frameline, which makes seeing the extreme edges ot the window easier.

Biogons are noted for minimal distortion (relative to focal length and if held perfectly level) otherwise its a do-able fix in PS.

Erwin Puts recently re-listed his ZM lens reviews, you should check it out before making a decision.

[asiafish]

The 24 Elmar ASPH  is incredible, but framing won't be accurate even with an external finder.  The 28 Elmarit ASPH is also a fantastic lens (my next and perhaps last lens purchase) and of course has built-in frame lines, though there is absolutely no view outside of those lines.

 

RF cameras really work best for me with 35 and 50mm lenses, but 28mm is a great FL to pair with a 50.

FWIW, I also own the 35mm f/2.5 Summarit and use it with a 50mm f/2 Summicron.  I've also got some vintage 50mm Zeiss Sonnars, but for the most part those two Leica lenses are my kit, and very rarely do I need something wider or longer, and when I do I just use the X Vario.

[Duane Pandorf]

Thinking of purchasing a wider angle lens for a M-E and MM.

I currently have a Summarit 35 f2.5 and I need something a little wider for landscapes and tight rooms.

 

Elmarit 28mm f2.8 ASPH or Zeiss 28mm f2.8 T ZM

Or maybe wider 24mm f3.8 Elmar ASPH or Zeiss 25mm f2.8 Biogon ZM

The 35mm has about 54 degrees horizontal and the 28’s about 65 degrees and the 25’s 70 degrees. Even the 28mm is a little wider than the 35mm but the 24/25 is a lot wider.

I not sure if the 28’s are wide enough but less distortion than a 24 or 25.

Of course the Zeiss would need to be coded or changed in the menu. ( just a little pain )

I don’t like external viewfinders and with the 24 or 25 I would have to guess a little with the built-in finder but it doesn’t seem like it would be a big problem.

Any suggestion?

I've shot with both the 21 SEM and 24 Elmar.  Both are terrific lenses but if I were to buy one or the other for "tight" rooms I'd go with the 21 SEM.  I would assume you'd be shooting on a tripod?  If so its not that hard without an external viewfinder to make the adjustments needed to reframe the lens from looking at the rear LCD.

[Printmaker]

Like you, a 35 mm is my prime lens on my M9, followed closely by a 50 on my Monochrom. I tried a 28 Summicron but found it so close to my 35 that I just didn't use it often enough to justify the space it occupied in my kit. I sold it and bought a 21 SEM and couldn't be happier.

 

Lower cost options would be the CV 21/4, or Zeiss Biogon 21 or Zeiss Biogon 25 all of which are wonderful lenses but need to be coded and used with a viewfinder - optical or electronic.

[seakayaker1]

I have the 24/3.8 Elmar and it is a wonderful lens and highly recommend it. I found mine used and I am very pleased that with purchase. 

 

Good luck with your decision.