ibramr Posted May 24, 2017 Share #1 Posted May 24, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) Greetings All. Please evaluate your experience in acquiring the Leica SEM after using the Zeiss Biogon f2.8. Would you recommend such a move based on improved results and better handling characteristics? My current use of the Zeiss is limited as I find the results often uninspiring and lifeless. Of course, I refuse to think that the paucity of my technical skills is the real cause, and think that maybe the solution is in the SEM. I have enjoyed this focal length much more in the film days (Elmarit), and hope to rekindle the old interest in this focal length. Please share your thoughts. Thank you. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 24, 2017 Posted May 24, 2017 Hi ibramr, Take a look here The trip to Leica SEM 21mm from Zeiss Biogon 21mm f2.8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Xavier Posted May 24, 2017 Share #2 Posted May 24, 2017 I may embark on a similar trip this year (for another reason, namely my lack of success at getting my Biogon 21 coded and behaved), so I am quietly subscribing to the thread... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark II Posted May 25, 2017 Share #3 Posted May 25, 2017 (edited) Both the SEM and ZM lenses will give you very similar (and excellent!) results. Slowish 21mm lenses are largely known for being clinically sharp and differences in rendering (bokeh) between the two lenses are going to be small, particularly once the lenses are stopped down a little. For something very different to the ZM you probably need to look at a summilux or Ultron 21mm. However, whether these would be "better" depends on what you are trying to produce. Maybe it is the focal length that is the problem? Edited May 25, 2017 by Mark II 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Photon42 Posted May 25, 2017 Share #4 Posted May 25, 2017 Do you have a lot of photographs taken with wide angle lenses, which you like and just this one fails to deliver? I had to learn to use them, let alone master them. Maybe you try to take typical WA architecture shots in attractive lighting (blue hour) just to start somewhere. I am not convinced the differences in rendering are that material between the two lenses in question. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibramr Posted June 5, 2017 Author Share #5 Posted June 5, 2017 Greetings All. Thank you very much for your comments and advice -- much appreciated. I decided to go ahead and acquire the LEICA SEM 21. Definitely a markedly better handling experience vis-à-vis that of the Zeiss Biogon 21mm f2.8, and more homogenous results with other LEICA lenses I have. The only drawback, however, is that now, all mistakes are mine, and mine alone--no ifs, or buts. I will keep on trying to improve. Thank you once more. Regards. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xavier Posted June 5, 2017 Share #6 Posted June 5, 2017 Great news! I hope it turns out well. Looking forward to your report too. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Printmaker Posted June 5, 2017 Share #7 Posted June 5, 2017 Advertisement (gone after registration) You made the right move. I sold my 21 Biogon several years ago and replaced it with a 21 SEM. While the Biogon produced outstanding results it unfortunately suffered from mechanical problems. The near focus was off and it was noisy. After repairs at Zeiss Germany, it was free of the grinding noise but the focus was then slightly soft at infinity. The SEM on the other hand has been a delight to use. It is sharp, mechanically perfect and close to distortion free. Color wise, the Biogon had a bit more pop, that is to say it was warmer and slightly more contrasty. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malabito Posted June 6, 2017 Share #8 Posted June 6, 2017 I have no experience with the Leica lens, but do have a Zeiss 2.8 21mm with me. I really can not see any bad with it. Is really the leica better? You mind sharing why you consider your results not to your liking, maybe you can share some examples, maybe your version is not okay. I thought about changing mine for the leica as well, but mainly because of it been leica but at the ended decided to get another lens and keep my zeiss. Some examples with it, maybe its of any help L1001789 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr Untitled by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr L1008494 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr Untitled by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr L1005906 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr L1005188 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr Untitled by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr L1005158 by Alejandro Ilukewitsch, on Flickr 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ropo54 Posted June 6, 2017 Share #9 Posted June 6, 2017 Malabito - Wonderful photos! Rob Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malabito Posted June 6, 2017 Share #10 Posted June 6, 2017 Malabito - Wonderful photos! Rob thanks, i love the 21mm, is a beautiful lens, thats why i am surprised with the post. Maybe its a bad copy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ibramr Posted June 8, 2017 Author Share #11 Posted June 8, 2017 (edited) thanks, i love the 21mm, is a beautiful lens, thats why i am surprised with the post. Maybe its a bad copy.Malabito, Lovely shots, and thank you for sharing. I would have liked to agree with you, but I think it is more related to the ergonomics of the lens and to my limitation than to the Zeiss glass per se. I do have very nice shots to document the trip from the Elmarit f2.8 (E60), to the Zeiss, including, already, a few with the SEM. I promise to report on this experience here shortly. Zeiss 21mm f2.8 Biogon is a competent lens, but it is not for me. Regards. Edited June 8, 2017 by ibramr 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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