NEW Zeiss Compact Biogon 21/4.5 on LEICA M8

[portocar]

I’m looking for info and pics of the new Zeiss C Biogon 21mm 4.5; I’m thinking of possibly using it with the Leica M8. I would also appreciate everyone’s opinion – pro and con – for this combination.

I’ve chosen the f/4.5 21mm due to its compactness; I would, however, like to know how its performance compares to the larger Zeiss 21mm lens. Also, will it be more, or less expensive?

Finally, I’ve heard that someone will be offering 6-bit coding service for Zeiss glass. What does the coding process do for the user?

[Kyle]

I believe everyone is expecting this lens to be on par, in both build level and performance, with the rest of the ZM lens lineup. That is, it should be a very good lens at a good price (relatively speaking). The lens is not on the market yet and I'm not sure anybody knows its performance. As far as price, I believe everyone expects it to be cheaper than the 21/2.8 due to the difference in speed.

I'd say the only con of the lens will be the slow f/4.5 aperature. On the M8, the 21/4.5 turns into a 28/4.5. Can you live with that speed at that focal length? If so, then the lens should be a winner.

[Didier]

The 21/4.5 C-Biogon is not available yet, I recall the release date will be in spring 2007. No price known so far, but I'm shure it will below the 2.8/21mm. The C-Biogon will certainly be a good performer as it can be expected from Zeiss, but it's useless to predict how it would compare with the other ZM 21mm.

The main rival on the market, in terms of performance, price and compactness, will be more likely the 21mm Color Skopar, not the other Biogon.

Didier

[back alley]

how did i miss this lens?
i don't recall hearing anything about it.

where can i find info, please?

joe

[peter_n]

With the Kobalux 21/2.8 you could get DOF effects wide-open. I suspect that will not be the case with an f4.5 lens.

[fuwen]

Originally Posted by back alley

how did i miss this lens?
i don't recall hearing anything about it.

where can i find info, please?

joe

Go to www.zeiss.de. Under photography section. The new series of ZF, ZM and ZV lenses were mentioned there. Very interesting.

ZM 21/4.5
ZM 18/4 for Leica M

ZF 35/2
ZF 25/2.8
ZF macro 50/2
ZF macro 100/2 for Nikon F

ZV 50/4
ZV 120/4
ZV 180/4 for Hassy