28 f2.8 Vs f2.0

[jimleicam3]

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I have been using the SE 21 mm since last summer. Just not that jazzed. I love my 35 mm f 2.0. And want something wider. So the small size of the 2.8 is very attractive, but is the cron lens that much better than an SE lens? Should I go with a 28 mm cron f2.0, or go with the 2.8? Thanks

[chris_livsey]

 I love my 35 mm f 2.0. And want something wider. 

 

Just saying "35mm f2.0" really doesn't help, it would be possible to count all the Leica, ancient and modern, LTM and M, lenses that fit that description but then you need to add other makes as well, so please be specific so the characteristics you "love" can inform replies.

Edited April 2, 2018 by chris_livsey

[lct]

There are two Super-Elmar M lenses i believe, 18/3.8 and 21/3.4 asph and there is no Summicron in those focal lengths unfortunately so i suspect you hesitate between two 28mm lenses, Summicron 28/2 and Elmarit 28/2.8 asph, right? If so you may wish to take a look at this thread among others: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/283177-leica-75mm-f125-noctilux-m-asph-lens-review/

[james.liam]

Before plunking down cash on a 28, rent a 24 to see if it’ll ‘jazz’ you better. There’s a significant FOV difference between 35 and 21 so you’re best served exploring before buying.

[jimleicam3]

Sorry in meant the SE 21 mm f/3.4. My Cron 35 mm. Is as sharp as a tack and I love using it. My question was, are Cron’s That much better, regardless of the size? I have a 24 SE that I used with my M8, and just didn’t like the results. Thanks

[jimleicam3]

Sorry I sold my SE 24 mm.

[lct]

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Well the 24/3.8 is just called Elmar but there is no Summicron in the 24mm focus length either. As to compare 35mm to ultra wide lenses like 21 or 24, i'm not good at that sorry. All i can say is the 24/3.8 has less CA than the 35/2 asph but is significantly softer than the latter at edges and corners below f/5.6. Different beasts but i like both personally. FWIW.

[a.noctilux]

JimleicaM3,

Precise questions would be nice to be answered.

 

Do you mean you have 21mm and 35mm and want something wider than which 21 mm or 35mm ?

You tried 24mm and didn't like the result on M8, and now what M do you use ? M3 ?

Edited April 2, 2018 by a.noctilux

[jimleicam3]

So sorry, I now have a M10. The SE 21 mm, 35 mm Cron, a 50 mm Lux. The 21 mm SE, just doesn’t seem to have the sharpness of my 35 Cron. So I am thinking of selling the 21 and replacing it with one of the 28 mm. My question is do you think 28 Cron is a better lens than the 28 mm f/2.8?

[a.noctilux]

That's more precise question .

 

I use Summicron-M 2/28mm Asph. first version for years and never complain but...

Last year I had another 28mm Elmarit-M 2.8/28 Asph. first version and kind of love affair on M10.

 

When I take the Summicron 28 now, I realize that the finder blockage is there and heavy is the lens.

 

IQ of the Elmarit-M 28 Asph. is as good or better than the Summicron at same aperture.

No flare to speak of with Elmarit and some flare with Summicron in difficult lighting.

 

I don't say that Summicron is bad.

It has some flaws but open more if required.

 

On M10 f/2.8 is just fine because ISO 10K is usable .

 

Same as another thread...

Have a look here: https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/282671-which-one-you-choose-elmarit-28-asph-v1-or-v2-or-summicron-28-asph-v1/

Edited April 2, 2018 by a.noctilux

[jimleicam3]

Thanks

[dkmoore]

So sorry, I now have a M10. The SE 21 mm, 35 mm Cron, a 50 mm Lux. The 21 mm SE, just doesn’t seem to have the sharpness of my 35 Cron. So I am thinking of selling the 21 and replacing it with one of the 28 mm. My question is do you think 28 Cron is a better lens than the 28 mm f/2.8?

 

 

Um, the 21 is sharper than the 35 cron in my experience. At this level of lens sharpness differences is also irrelevant. 

[Herr Barnack]

@JimleicaM3,

 

I have the 21 Super Elmar f/3.4 and have always thought it to be very sharp; I am baffled as to why your particular copy seems to be soft; perhaps it needs a CLA or at least needs to be checked by Leica or a good Leica repair technician like Sherry Krauter or DAG.

 

As far as being "better,"  IMHO the 28 Summicron v.2 is not "better" than the 28 Elmarit v.2, just faster (and a bit heavier as well as more than a bit more costly).

 

I have the 28mm f/2.8 v.2 and it is eye popping sharp - I cannot recommend this little lens too highly.  I also had the 28 f/2.0 v.1 which was a wonderful lens.  Stopped down it was razor sharp and had just a hint of velvety smoothness wide open.  I would also recommend the v.1 28 Summicron as a truly great all around 28mm lens.  The v.2 28mm Summicron will be an improvement over the v.1, but don't turn your back on the v.1; it will still haul the mail.

 

If you are unsure about the 28mm field of view, go o a Leica dealer and try one before investing thousands of dollars into it; if you have any doubt about an M lens, this is always the best policy to adhere to.

 

If you find that you do not like the 28mm FOV, the best solution may end up being to replace your dearly departed SE 24 mm. 

 

With Leica M lenses, my rule is to buy slowly and sell or trade even more slowly, if at all.

Edited April 3, 2018 by Herr Barnack

[onasj]

As others have also reported, the first copy of the 21 SEM I received was soft and turned out to be decentered. I returned it and tested two new copies in the Leica store— both were good.

 

In my experience the MTF curves that Leica publishes for all its lenses are spot on... if your copy has no defects, of course. The MTF curves for the 21 SEM are simply superb— among the best of Leica’s entire lineup. So if yours is soft even when using live view to focus then I’d suspect an issue with the lens.

[B-A-C]

The 2.8 ASPH is just great.  What about the 5.6 Summaron?  I know it's slow, just love the looks.  

Edited April 3, 2018 by B-A-C

[anickpick]

So sorry, I now have a M10. The SE 21 mm, 35 mm Cron, a 50 mm Lux. The 21 mm SE, just doesn’t seem to have the sharpness of my 35 Cron. So I am thinking of selling the 21 and replacing it with one of the 28 mm. My question is do you think 28 Cron is a better lens than the 28 mm f/2.8?

 

 

 

My copy of the 28 Cron clearly outperforms my copy of the 28 Elmarit (both V2) towards the edges of the frame.

The Cron is better at f2 than the Elmarit at f2.8.

I have to stop down the Elmarit to f5.6 until it matches the Cron's performance.

[Stein K S]

My experience till quite recently was only with the v1 of the Cron asph and the Elmarit asph. And the Cron just looks/renders so much better than the Elmarit... the Elmarit looking ¨harsh¨ in my eyes. Sold the Elmarit asph v1 and actually replaced it with an Elmarit v4... a lens I already like a lot better than the asph v1 (v5). But I guess most here is about taste... I obviously like lenses to be sharp, but the kind of sharpness is what it is about in my eyes ,-)

[farnz]

Jim,

 

There are a number of threads discussing just this question so I'll try to repeat what I wrote there.  The 28/2.8 Elmarit asph and 28/2 Summicron asph lenses are very different creatures in how they 'draw'.  The Elmarit asph produces quite a modern, contrasty look whereas the Summicron is less contrasty overall with a more vintage look but has the best micro-contrast (and therefore definition of detail) of pretty much the whole stable of Leica lenses (OMMV).

 

So it becomes quite important what you're intending to photograph with the lenses.  For example, if it's pastoral landscapes then the Summicron is likely to be preferable because it's slightly lower overall contrast will cope better with the wide dynamic range between the bright sky and the dark shadows, whereas for long shadows in urban environments the Elmarit's contrastiness is likely to be better suited.

 

Pete.

[a.noctilux]

The 2.8 ASPH is just great.  What about the 5.6 Summaron?  I know it's slow, just love the looks.  

 

Summaron-M 5.6 /28mm same here, I love photos taken with that little jewel.

I don't know why, every bit from it is "lovely rendering/roundness" not seen with other 28mm (I do use a bunch of them, I mean 28mm,  since long ).

 

Some years ago, I had the LTM original Summaron 2.8cm on loan, and loved it.

So when it came out in M mount, I didn't hesitate to order it and now happy user of this unique 28mm.

 

Here this thread https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/265598-leica-summaron-28-just-announced-and-listed-merged/

must be pinned for people who are skeptic about this Summaron-M 28.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M