which zm lens to try?

guoshuo · 01-04-2012

I'm a 35/50 user, would like to try the zm 50/2 or zm 35/2.8 ( 35/2 is a bit large in size for me )
I'm using leica 50/2 dr, 50/1.4 e43 &35/2 v2. From all the reviews, I got the feeling that zm lens give a modern look, even the "classic" models. So my question is, if I get only one zm lens. would it be planar or the biogon C. 35/50 is equal to me. Thanks.
I don't quite shoot portrait, most time landscape and snap-shots.

Chriscrawfordphoto · 01-04-2012

From what I've seen, the Planar gives a very similar look to the current version of the 50mm Summicron. I have a 35mm f2.8 C-Biogon. I used to have a 35mm version IV Summicron. The C-Biogon is sharper and higher in contrast. Very sharp, even wide open and has incredibly good bokeh. Its sharp and contrasty like modern lenses but has a different tonal rendering I prefer to 'modern' lenses like the Voigtlander 35mm f2.5 Color-Skopar. I love my C-Biogon. I love my 50 Summicron too so I think you'll like either of them.

All these photos were shot with the ZM 35mm f2.8 C-Biogon on Tri-X developed in D-76 1+1

emilsand · 01-04-2012

I have both of these lenses, and if I had to pick one of them for "landscape and snap-shots" it would be the C-Biogon 35m f/2.8, due to the wider focal length and larger depth of field.

But the Planar is an outstanding lens as well.

As for Zeiss in general, I find I am one of those who really prefer them over most Leica lenses due to the contrast and colors.

horosu · 01-04-2012

The 35/2 has exactly the same size as the 50/2 Planar.

Just saying.

guoshuo · 01-05-2012

Thank you Chris, emilsand nad horosu, I got the point.

EdwardKaraa · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by horosu

The 35/2 has exactly the same size as the 50/2 Planar.

Just saying.

+1

I always have to look at the engraved FL on the barrel to tell which is which.

jsrockit · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by guoshuo

So my question is, if I get only one zm lens. would it be planar or the biogon C. 35/50 is equal to me. Thanks.

Pick the one you can actually find to buy... at its regular price.

jsrockit · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by horosu

The 35/2 has exactly the same size as the 50/2 Planar.

Just saying.

i.e. too big for a 35mm f/2 lens.

Photon42 · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrockit

i.e. too big for a 35mm f/2 lens.

True - it is larger than the Summicron and I would like to have it smaller. It still like it for its rendition and f/2. It is actually my first RF lens.

jsrockit · 01-05-2012

Photon42... it IS a great lens.

rover · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrockit

i.e. too big for a 35mm f/2 lens.

your opinion only. mine, equally as wrong for everyone else other than me, is that small lenses suck.

jsrockit · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by rover

your opinion only. mine, equally as wrong for everyone else other than me, is that small lenses suck.

I'm sure they are not our opinions only...

rover · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsrockit

I'm sure they are not our opinions only...

true

neither is definitive. i guess that is my point.

kzphoto · 01-05-2012

Given your current selection of Leica lenses, it might be more fun to step outside the 35/50mm field and try they ZM 25/2.8. Incredible lens.

If I had to choose a new ZM lens, I'd go with the 35/2.8. I have seen nothing but praise for this lens.

Benjamin Marks · 01-05-2012

Sounds like one of the ZM 35's would work for you. I have both and use the C-35/2.8 a little more. You haven't said whether you favor B&W or color. My ZM lenses have a slightly different "flavor" than the Leica lenses, with my Leicas rendering slightly cooler and the Zeiss rendering slightly warmer. I will echo what kzphoto said, but put a plug in for the ZM 21/2.8, a lens which has changed the way I look at wide-angle lenses as a class for my photography.

MCTuomey · 01-05-2012

Looking at your line-up, I think the zm planar 50 offers the most significant change in rendering from what you now use. Your 50 cron is lower contrast, the planar is higher contrast. Your e43 lux is quite sharp in the center and much less so mid to edge of the frame, while the planar is sharp across the field.

I agree that the 35 c-biogon will offer more contrast than your 35 cron, as others have noted. I think the c-biogon will be sharper at mid-apertures than the cron as well.

Ron (Netherlands) · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by kzphoto

Given your current selection of Leica lenses, it might be more fun to step outside the 35/50mm field and try they ZM 25/2.8. Incredible lens.

best one is for sure the 25mm, it surely is as sharp as your 50mm dual summi, and a nice follow up (under) of you 35mm

guoshuo · 01-05-2012

Thank you Edward, jsrockit, rover, kzphoto, Benjamin, Mike and Ron. Forgot to say, I mainly shoot b&w on film and have no love wider than 35mm, maybe later when things get narrower...

guoshuo · 01-05-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCTuomey

Looking at your line-up, I think the zm planar 50 offers the most significant change in rendering from what you now use. Your 50 cron is lower contrast, the planar is higher contrast. Your e43 lux is quite sharp in the center and much less so mid to edge of the frame, while the planar is sharp across the field.

I agree that the 35 c-biogon will offer more contrast than your 35 cron, as others have noted. I think the c-biogon will be sharper at mid-apertures than the cron as well.

That's an interesting point

jsrockit · 01-06-2012

Guoshuo, are Zeiss lenses easy to find in your city? They aren't in the US, that is why I said try the one you can find. If you can find them all... I'd say 50mm planar first, 35mm 2.8 second.

guoshuo · 01-06-2012

they are all around here,people love trying new gears and sell after a while, especially after the mirrorless camera are sold well, zm lenses can be easily found second hand with a reasonable price.

redisburning · 01-07-2012

I own the planar, next lens will be the 35/2 biogon.

My reasoning is this: the 35/2 biogon gives you an emergency f2 and at least from MTFs seems to really excel at stopped down performance. For how I use lenses, this is the best design choice for me.

so between the 50/2 and 35/2.8, I chose the 50/2.

MCTuomey · 01-07-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by redisburning

.... the 35/2 biogon gives you an emergency f2 and at least from MTFs seems to really excel at stopped down performance. For how I use lenses, this is the best design choice for me.

+1 the biogon's "emergency" f2 for me is appreciated for portraits of older women in particular due to wide open softening. Typical stopped-down zeiss microcontrast and resolving power in the zm planar and biogon lenses are not flattering to a lot of folks' skin who've seen a few years.