Biogon Versus Asph Cron....

[santino]

I'm pretty surprised by the results!
I sold my Biogon because of mechanical build quality - no problems so far with leica lenses (but all of my Zeiss lenses in C/Y mount are exceptionally well build - so it must be a "ZM" issue or just a lemon).

[semilog]

^--- Sounds like a lemon. My (current) ZM's are as good mechanically as my (previous) Leica lenses were.

[clicker]

I prefer the Summicron, but that being said both are excellent.

[Nick De Marco]

I used to have a Summicron vIV which got broke, so I foolishly sold it
Then I had the Biogon 35mm f2, which was without doubt at least as good, if not a better lens, than the pre-asph Summicron. But a bit longer, which I never liked.

I recently traded that in too, for the 35 Biogon f2.8-C, which I believe is a better lens, equals the Summicron ASPH IMO, and is a good small size - but of course one stop slower. Ideal for daytime shooting. As I picked up the Nokton 35mm f1.2 v2, which is the best 35 in my opinion, I'm happy with this combination.

[jsrockit]

Originally Posted by Nick De Marco

I recently traded that in too, for the 35 Biogon f2.8-C, which I believe is a better lens, equals the Summicron ASPH IMO, and is a good small size - but of course one stop slower. Ideal for daytime shooting. As I picked up the Nokton 35mm f1.2 v2, which is the best 35 in my opinion, I'm happy with this combination.

Yes, that is probably the ideal "low cost" solution.

[damonsong]

My vote made the biogon up by one now, oops... I am currently using a Cron asph, it is not bad but since there are about $1000 usd price difference I vote for the biogon.

[jsrockit]

Biogon is running away with the crown?

[NaChase]

The Biogon is better, duh! ... then again, it's my only 35. It is pretty awesome though! Honest!

[lam]

If I could only find a ZM Biogon 35mm f2, I'd go test it against this 35 cron asph. i'm borrowing..

[f6andBthere]

Originally Posted by jsrockit

Biogon is running away with the crown?

Just looking ... 332 to 322 is hardly running away with it considering the price advantage of the Zeiss!

I remember checking this poll a while ago and the difference was much greater ... the Leica fans have been late to the party.

[edftwin]

Biogon is best bang for bucks.

[Clancycoop]

Here's my vote for the 35mm Summicron ASPH:

[J. Borger]

Never liked the asph cron with digital (R-d1 or M8) but it realy shines with film!
Just a pity i do not like 35mm lenses very much and prefer 50mm

[jsrockit]

Originally Posted by f6andBthere

Just looking ... 332 to 322 is hardly running away with it considering the price advantage of the Zeiss!

I remember checking this poll a while ago and the difference was much greater ... the Leica fans have been late to the party.

Don't get offended... Leica's are still good. Also, did you notice that some time went by since you posted a response to my quote... weeks went by... perhaps the poll changed?

[Richard G]

I have three Zeiss lenses and cannot fault the quality of build and certainly not the imaging. The best thing that has happened to me in my equipment habits is to branch out from Leica to the other M mount makers. I am sure the 35 and 50 Leica asphericals are every bit as good as the most that is claimed for them, but my 21, 25 and 50 Zeiss lenses are merely different to the Leica equivalents not inferior. I would get the C Biogon 35, favouring very much small size as very important in a street shooting lens. My pre-ASPH Leica 35 is smaller than the ZM equivalent, and on an M6 I can have the whole package buried in one hand. I no longer have the idea of only being able to afford non-Leica lens X.

[scorpius73]

I sold my 35mm f2 Biogon for a Konica 35mm f2 Hexanon. I never tested them side by side. I loved the images the Biogon produced but the wobble annoyed me.

[steveyork]

I got all my Leica lenses during the dark days of '05 or before, when prices were substantially more reasonable (they (Leica) must coat their lenses in gold now), but if I were doing it today I would go all ZM. I do prefer the Leica for B&W, but the ZM is real nice too.

[Joe AC]

I just took delivery of a 35mm 2.8 c Biogon. After reading some posts about it, especially some of Semilog's, saying how great it is, I couldn't resist. Can't wait to take it out and try it. I'll let you know how it gos...now if I could only get my hands on one of those focusing tabs.

Joe

[semilog]

EEK! That's a big responsibility. Seriously though, I still have mine and I'm still floored by the results it produces at every aperture.


Fern Canyon by Semilog, on Flickr


jetlag by Semilog, on Flickr


catharsis (I/II) by Semilog, on Flickr


20110925-scan1101-2 by Semilog, on Flickr

[helenhill]

borrowed a Friend's 35 biogon over coffee...lovely lens

[NaChase]

Biogon, M6 and Acros

[NaChase]

Biogon, M6, Ektar

[Pete B]

Leica 35/2 Asph
Pete

[Nick]

From the Biogon + XP2 + Green filter on overcast day:



With TMAX400.


Going up!

BW400CN


Baseball game near Osaka-jo-koen

[Bill Clark]

I consider buying a lens as an investment, that I will keep for a very long time. When I was serving in the military, I bought a Nikkormat body and several Nikkor lenses at various ports when I was serving in Viet Nam. All still work today, 40 plus years later.

My thought to help and consider, if you buy a lens that you will keep for a long time, how much extra is the expensive lens costing you each day? For me it's a penny or less!

Now that I have a few Leica cameras I will only buy Leica lenses. I consider it an investment, something I will keep for a very long time.

My recommendation, buy what works best for you.

Kind of like my wonderful wife as we married for forever and we celebrated our 35th anniversary this year!

No short term or disposable/recyclable stuff for us!