28mm Elmarit ASPH II yes or no?

[Alan Zheng]

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Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a compact 28mm lens, after much research, I basically narrowed down my options to the latest version of elmarit and the voigtlander ultron. I found a good deal on local classifieds, but in the end bailed out on a  deal upon discovering that at f2.8, the lens back focuses at infinity, in other words, to properly focus at infinity, I need to dial the focus slightly back to just before the infinity mark.

The guy claimed all 28mm Elmarits share this issue, and it was by design. 

Having owned a dozen of Leica lenses, I'm not convinced that this is by design, especially on a wide angle lens(on any lens really), where infinity focus is critical. 

Anyhow, before I look for another copy, here I am, to consult the crowd, is this really a common issue with the 28mm elmarit ASPH II that I just never heard of? or is this guy full of crap? 

I'm also considering the newish Voigtlander Ultron Type II, I gain 1 stop of light and 6mm of lens(in length), a bit bigger than the Elmarit, but nothing compared to the 28 lux I owned, loved, and sold due to its physical compromises. I'd love to hear if any of you has experience with the new Ultron.

 

Thanks,

A

[rcusick]

No issues with two I have owned.  The one you are looking at is defective.  It's a great lens. 

[logan2z]

No issues here with the Elmarit either.  I have never used the Ultron so can't compare the lenses, but I've been impressed with the Elmarit.

[Lelmer]

I confirm, no issue with the Elmarit 11677, which offers a great quality/weight, size ratio for a decent price. I'd be extremely pleased if Leica was developing this Elmarit line to other focal lengths.

[pippy]

Yet another with perfect results from the 28 Elmarit asph. "The guy" is talking garbage.

Philip.

[Dennis]

28 Elmarit asph is a beautiful lens, with almost lacks of cons. I owned it, and I hope to rebuy it soon. 
I heard good things about the new Ultron II. Apart from the extra stop, you should also be considering that (in LV) it has an MFD of 50cm. If you need it or use it, it's a plus.
If you have no intention to have many 28 lenses, I suggest investing in the Leica, a Portugal version, to save a few bucks. You can't get wrong.

[Gobert]

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I have a version 2 ( besides a Summaron).

If you are looking for a razorsharp 28 and you don’t need a very fast lens, then this is a small diamond.

[AndreasG]

vor 7 Stunden schrieb pippy:

"The guy" is talking garbage.

Definitely! My Elmarit 2.8/28 ASPH is perfect at any distance (except close up).

[adan]

17 hours ago, Alan Zheng said:

is this guy full of crap? 

Yes.

I've used every 28 Elmarit type, at least for a while, and none of them back-focused at infinity. "By design" or otherwise.

Personally, I've tried the Elmarit ASPH several times, and never gotten along with it. I find it a bit harsh and "gritty," and something of a triumph of MTF over actual resolution. And it has a pinker color rendering than my 1980s Canadian lenses.

But it sure is compact, and most people probably wouldn't notice the same things I notice, unless they had also tried the earlier pre-ASPH versions extensively. Nor necessarily have the same tastes and priorities that I do.

[Tessar.]

My Elmarit-M ASPH II 28mm has no issues, it's a great lens!

[Crem]

On 1/7/2022 at 4:45 PM, Alan Zheng said:

Hi guys,

I'm in the market for a compact 28mm lens, after much research, I basically narrowed down my options to the latest version of elmarit and the voigtlander ultron. I found a good deal on local classifieds, but in the end bailed out on a  deal upon discovering that at f2.8, the lens back focuses at infinity, in other words, to properly focus at infinity, I need to dial the focus slightly back to just before the infinity mark.

The guy claimed all 28mm Elmarits share this issue, and it was by design. 

Having owned a dozen of Leica lenses, I'm not convinced that this is by design, especially on a wide angle lens(on any lens really), where infinity focus is critical. 

Anyhow, before I look for another copy, here I am, to consult the crowd, is this really a common issue with the 28mm elmarit ASPH II that I just never heard of? or is this guy full of crap? 

I'm also considering the newish Voigtlander Ultron Type II, I gain 1 stop of light and 6mm of lens(in length), a bit bigger than the Elmarit, but nothing compared to the 28 lux I owned, loved, and sold due to its physical compromises. I'd love to hear if any of you has experience with the new Ultron.

 

Thanks,

A

The Elmarit 28 2.8 ASPH (newest version) is a fantastic lens. I have never noticed back focusing with it. I can’t compare it to the ultron as I don’t have it, but I imagine it’s also a very good lens. I wish Leica would make more of these tiny high quality lenses because they are a joy to carry around.

 

Edited January 9, 2022 by Crem

[D Fuller]

I went through a similar decision and ended up with the New Voigtlander. It’s a very good lens, and I’m very happy with it. But I’ve never shot with the Leica, so I don’t know what I might be missing.

[S/W]

First: I love 28 for Film and Digital! 

I graded up from a Elmarit M 2.8/28 Asph I (plastic Hood) to a Elmarit M 2.8/28 ASPH II (Metalhood) because of the Metal Hood and both has no issues, it's a great lens! The lens works with my Leica M-E (240), Leica M Monochrom (246) and my Leica SL2-S very well. It is a perfect lens for travelling: small and light weight.

Leica M (240) * Elmarit-M 2.8/28 Asph I * San Francisco, California, USA

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Leica M Monochrom (246) * Elmarit M 2.8/28 ASPH II * Frankfurt/Main, Hesse, Germany

Leica SL2-S * Leica Elmarit M 2.8/28 Asph II * only IBIS at 2 seconds (no tripod) * Frankfurt/Main, Hesse, Germany

[Alan Zheng]

Thank you all for your inputs! It is reassuring to hear none of you experienced the infinity back focusing issue with your Elmarits. I think I'm going to stick to the Elmarit for my 28mm as I prefer compact lenses.

[Alan Zheng]

11 hours ago, S/W said:

First: I love 28 for Film and Digital! 

I graded up from a Elmarit M 2.8/28 Asph I (plastic Hood) to a Elmarit M 2.8/28 ASPH II (Metalhood) because of the Metal Hood and both has no issues, it's a great lens! The lens works with my Leica M-E (240), Leica M Monochrom (246) and my Leica SL2-S very well. It is a perfect lens for travelling: small and light weight.

Leica M (240) * Elmarit-M 2.8/28 Asph I * San Francisco, California, USA

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Leica M Monochrom (246) * Elmarit M 2.8/28 ASPH II * Frankfurt/Main, Hesse, Germany

Leica SL2-S * Leica Elmarit M 2.8/28 Asph II * only IBIS at 2 seconds (no tripod) * Frankfurt/Main, Hesse, Germany

Great captures! It sure is a bitingly sharp lens, thanks for sharing.

[MarkP]

I agree with everyone else. Fabulous lens, crap sample and crappier advice by vendor.  You were right to walk away from that particular lens and vendor.

[Herr Barnack]

I have the 28 Elmarit #11-677.  It is an outstanding lens - you can't go wrong with this little gem.

[lct]

No focus problem with my Elmarit 28/2.8 asph v1 but none with my Ultron 28/2 asph either. The later is a contrasty lens with similar IQ as the Elmarit asph with a bit more CA perhaps but with the benefit of f/2 in a smaller package than the Summicron 28/2. Glad to own both but i would probably prefer the Ultron if i were on a budget.

Edited February 4, 2022 by lct

[Danner]

I'll add that I have the first version of the 28mm Elmarit ASPH (11,606) and have no issue with focus at all.  It is a sharp lens, corner to corner, and pleasure to carry and shoot.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[MesaArchive]

I would say the Voigtlander meets the threshold of "compact" especially when you figure in the extra stop you're gaining. I'm not sure the Elmarit is functionally all that much more portable (i.e. that it fits anywhere I wouldn't already put the Voigtlander), though it is certainly smaller. I haven't shot w/ it, mind you, but just wanted to give another Ultron perspective.