Elmarit 28mm compared with 28mm ultron v2

[Derbyshire Man]

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Lots of CV vs summicron but nothing on elmarit, queries are around size, character and resolution at f2.8 or so. Both without hoods. Is one noticeably smaller than the other, any reason to get the slower and more expensive Leica lens?

I’ve read around but wonder if anyone has direct experience. 
 

Cheers!

[lct]

I can only compare Elmarit 28/2.8 asph v1 to Ultron 28/2 asph v1 sorry.

[JoshuaR]

If we're talking about the lenses I think we're talking about, then:

- The Ultron v2 is a bit bigger and has a kind of tapered, snout-nosed design
- The Elmarit ASPH is more pancake-ish and IMO nicer looking on the camera
- They are both excellent, the Ultron has a bit more global contrast and acutance
- The Elmarit can have a bit of halation wide open at f/2.8

I owned both, eventually settled on the Elmarit and was quite happy with it until I moved to the Summicron, which is my favorite 28mm.

[o2mpx]

7 minutes ago, JoshuaR said:

@JoshuaR...I owned both, eventually settled on the Elmarit and was quite happy with it until I moved to the Summicron, which is my favorite 28mm.

Trying to decide on either the Elmarit or Summicron 28mm. Since landscapes is the subject, most if not all will be shot at mid apertures and not wide open. Can you provide some insight as to why the Summicron ended up as your favorite over the Elmarit?

[JoshuaR]

28 minutes ago, o2mpx said:

Trying to decide on either the Elmarit or Summicron 28mm. Since landscapes is the subject, most if not all will be shot at mid apertures and not wide open. Can you provide some insight as to why the Summicron ended up as your favorite over the Elmarit?

I mainly photograph people, and I found that the Elmarit wasn't too flattering. Whereas the Summicron has something moody and even gentle in its rendering if the light is right.

If I were making landscapes, I'd definitely go with the Elmarit.

[Derbyshire Man]

@JoshuaRand how does the summicron compare in size to the ultron?

Sounds like the overall answer is sunmicron plus elmarit for Landscapes🤣

I just wonder if by the time I’d got to summicron I’d be thinking maybe as well use the summilux! And then might as well use the Q3 instead.🤣

[JoshuaR]

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The Ultron is tinier than the Summicron. It's a very cute, pocketable little lens. But the Elmarit is even smaller.

I generally like to keep it to one lens per focal length. So, for me, the Summicron was the best overall compromise, especially because I take so many people pictures. (And because the 28 Lux is past where I'd like to be in terms of size and weight in an everyday lens, which is how I use 28mm—on many days, it's my only lens.) But the Elmarit is an extraordinary little lens. I prefer the Elmarit images to the ones I got from my Q2—the Elmarit just makes extraordinarily vivid pictures, yet with a hint of character. Elmarit + Summicron is a great combination once you understand the rendering differences. But it introduces an element of choice, which I like to avoid.

[Vanillasludge]

I’ve owned the Summicron and currently have the Ultron.  The ultron is a great lens for the price and has much better flare control, but I liked the Summicron better.   

Both have loads of vignette but the Summicron was just smoother and more natural.   

I won’t go back though, as I’m crap with wide angle lenses and a great one is wasted on me. 
 

Here’s something I did yesterday from the Ultron. 
https://flic.kr/p/2r7GQFk

Edited May 29 by Vanillasludge

[Derbyshire Man]

On 5/29/2025 at 1:10 PM, Vanillasludge said:

I’ve owned the Summicron and currently have the Ultron.  The ultron is a great lens for the price and has much better flare control, but I liked the Summicron better.   

Both have loads of vignette but the Summicron was just smoother and more natural.   

I won’t go back though, as I’m crap with wide angle lenses and a great one is wasted on me. 
 

Here’s something I did yesterday from the Ultron. 
https://flic.kr/p/2r7GQFk

Nice photo and nice Flickr by the way!