Zeiss and Voightlander 35mm wide-angle lenses

[leicalight]

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I would like to buy a new 35mm wide-angle for my recently acquired M2. For the moment my budget restricts me to Zeiss or Voightlander glass. I was thinking about the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2 but I understand, because of its size, part of the lens blocks the 35mm view. For me this is unacceptable. As I am unable to try all the 35mm lenses, my question is what 35mm wide-angle lenses from either Zeiss or Voightlander are available that do not obstruct the 35mm framelines of my M2? I presume the smaller 35mm f2.5 Voightlander VM Skopar and the 35mm f2.8 Zeiss are OK? I would rather not use a separate viewfinder just now although it could be an option at a later date. 

 

This is a post from a new member (and new to Leica) so forgive me if the topic has been raised elsewhere. Thanks.

[jaapv]

Zeiss Biogon-C 2.8 A marvelous lens too.

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[lct]

Welcome to the forum. Another vote for the Biogon-C 35/2.8.

[jdlaing]

Skopar doesn’t block it.

[B-A-C]

I know you prefer a smaller lens, but I had the Zeiss f2 and the pictures are sharper than my 35 Cron.  That being said the Cron has great handling and is small.

[james.liam]

...and the 35C Biogon is sharper than the f/2.

[cp995]

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What about a Leica Summaron 2,8/35?

Great lens!

 

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[TomB_tx]

On film I enjoy the Norton 35 f1.4 for its very small size and speed, and at a price that isn’t much risk. My sample is about as sharp as my v2 Summicron 35, but there is sample variation. On film I haven’t noticed a problem with focus shift that can be an issue on digital (but i’ve Also had some nice results with it on my M9). This lens is styled like the original 35 Summilux, which is still pretty pricey.

Yes, the Biogon is sharper, but I prefer the ergonomics of the Norton.

On digital my favorite 35 is the f2.5 Summarit, if your budget stretches that far.

I also have the f2 Biogon, which is excellent, but I prefer a smaller lens.

The old Summaron is nice on the M2 (I have this combination too), but prices have gone up, and most will need a CLA to remove haze also.

Edited April 21, 2018 by TomB_tx

[microview]

Welcome to the forum. Another vote for the Biogon-C 35/2.8.

 

+1

[microview]

What about a Leica Summaron 2,8/35?

Great lens!

 

XT102695_jw.jpg

 

Yes, but they rarely resurface nowadays (in UK anyway).

[ktmrider2]

If the subject is in available darkness, then the 35f1.2 is a great choice but it is large, heavy and does block a chunk of the viewfinder.  But if you need the speed there is nothing else that fast in 35mm.  If made by Leitz, it would probably list for $10000 or more (similar to Noctilux).

 

If you want small and light, my vote goes to the 35f2.8 C-Biogon.  It is my lens of choice for travel and has been living on my M2 although recently it goes on the MP240 almost as often.  Sean Reid says it is the sharpest 35mm being made.  And the colors just pop although some do not like the high contrast.  Well, I like it as the results remind me of very saturated Ektar.

 

I have also owned the 35f2.5 Skopar and it is probably the best buy in small 35mm lenses at the moment.  It is sharp, small and costs half of the 35 C-Biogon and less then a third of the cheapest 35mm lens from Leica.  I don't think you will be disappointed in either the Zeiss or Voightlander.  I don't have any experience with the 35f1.4 from Voightlander and opinions on the web are varied to say the least.

[jmr237]

+1

 

 

+1

[Runkel]

Viewfinder blockage with the 35/2 Biogon is completely trivial if it’s used without a hood. With a hood, I still find it trivial and others may not. Since you are new to Leica, you may yet discover that a small amount of viewfinder blockage does not bother you in actual practice.

[ktmrider2]

And if you get the 35f2.8 C Biogon, do yourself a favor and use the Voightlander lens hood.  You will save about $30 over the identical one with the Zeiss label on it.

[kivis]

It's now 2022 and you should consider the CV 35mm f/2 Ultron II  Black lens. I leave on my M-A about 85% of the time.

[genji]

28 minutes ago, kivis said:

It's now 2022 and you should consider the CV 35mm f/2 Ultron II  Black lens. I leave on my M-A about 85% of the time.

The CV Ultron 35/2 v2 was too small for my taste but I agree that it’s the perfect choice for the OP.