02. Leica 28mm - 35mm lens reviews


Reviews: Leica Tri-Elmar 4.0 28-35-50mm Asph. (3.753.126-3.949.133)

"This lens is my absolute favourite for travel. Take the Tri-Elmar 16-18-21mm, the lightweight Tele-Elmarit-M f2.8 90mm and a Summilux 35mm (or Zeiss Distagon) or 50mm for low light and with 4 small lenses you are prepared for any situation."

Wolfgang Simon

For those in hurry: What reviewers say ...

  • Mike Evans: "The MATE makes a great general-purpose lens and is ideal for travelling. Not only does it remove the need for lens swapping, it helps keep your sensor free of dust. In hot, dusty climes this lens could be your saviour."

  • Erwin Puts: "First surprise: the 3E hardly improves on stopping down and this statement is true for all three focal lengths. This behavior is only possible in a very well corrected optical system. It also means that the 3E exhibits excellent optical performance at its full aperture. ... How excellent is the performance. Not every person will like the conclusion, but the 3E is clearly superior in all optical parameters to many Leica lenses of the 28, 35 and 50 focal lengths. With the exception of the mentioned 5 lenses (28 current and 3rd generation, 35 ASPH and immediate predecessor: (the 7 element Summicron) and the current Summicron 50) the 3E will outclass any other Leica lens of the 28, 35 and 50 focal length of previous generations by a large margin. ... For the Normal user the performance differences are immaterial and will not be of any importance. The HD user might note the differences but it is a matter of personal preference how to rate these quality differences."

  • Ashwin Rao: "... the Tri-Elmar really competes optically with its Leica prime lens counterparts. It presents a sharply rendered image, with pleasing out-of focus elements, when shot wide open. It stops down well and seems to hit its stride optically at f/5.6 to f/8 during my time with it. In terms of “look”, I’d place this lens as a “bridging” lens, with a “look” that possesses elements of both Leica’ Mandler-era design and some of its modern aspherical optics. There is a certain smoothness, demonstrated by many classic lenses, that can be seen in images captured with MATE, but microcontrast is maintained. In fact, I have been very impressed by how much detail the MATE captures. Fine details are resolved, but the lens continues to paint with a broader brush. Contrast is medium to high, consistent with its utilization of aspherical optical elements. Color reproduction is quite accurate, though not to the level of Leica’s APO lens designs."

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Leica M9 / Tri-Elmar 4.0 35mm

28mm lenses in general

Reviews: 7Artisans 1.4 28mm

Video:

  • GxAce, The 7Artisan's 28mm 1.4 Leica M-Mount. Is it BETTER than the LEICA version?

For those in hurry: What reviewers say ...

  • Jeremy Rata: "Pros: Fast, Contrasty, Sharp, Unusual Flare characteristic when shot into the light source wide open, Beautifully built, Cheap - Cons: No lens hood, Unusual Flare characteristic when shot into the light source wide open, Not quite as similar to its Leica equivalent, Heavy and long.

Reviews: Leica Summilux-M 1.4 28mm Asph

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: Voigtländer Ultron 1.9 28mm Asph.

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

For those in hurry: What reviewers say ...

  • Ken Rockwell: "This Voigtländer 28mm f/1.9 isn't as quite sharp as the Leica 28mm lenses in the corners at large apertures, distorts more and doesn't handle or feel as well, but so what: for $450 it way outperforms the Leica lenses if you're considering price. ... Although I can exaggerate optical limitations in testing, I doubt I would ever notice anything in actual photography."

  • K.J. Vogelius: "

    • Cons

      • Overall rendering lacks a bit of zest with low contrast and muted color palette. At wider aperture in particular performance isn’t up to the standards of benchmarks in the class.

      • Low level of correction of several of the common aberrations. Susceptibility to flare, spherical aberration and slight focus shift just to name a few.

      • There’s noticeable and distracting blockage of the framing area in the viewfinder of most M-mount cameras.

      • It’s nice that the hood is included but its design is less than optimal in several ways, making it pretty close to useless in practice.

    • Pros

      • The wide angle of view and large maximum aperture makes for a lens that can be used under almost any conditions and circumstance.

      • Very reasonable price.

      • Excellent build quality and pretty styling.

      • Very good ergonomics. The add on focusing lever gives flexibility in how to focus depending on your preferences.

      • Plays well with more cameras than most of its peers.

      • The gentler rendering can look quite appealing. Some might even prefer the character to more highly corrected alternatives.

      • Stopped down performance is very good and indistinguishable from benchmark lenses most of the time."

Reviews: Voigtländer Ultron 2.0 28mm Asph.

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:


Video:

  • Jonathan Notley, Lens Review: Voigtländer 28mm F2 Ultron

For more Information from Voigtländer ...

Reviews: Leica Summicron-M 2.0 28mm Asph. (3.900.076-)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

For more information from Leica ...

Leica Wiki

photographylife Lens Database

Leica 28mm M-Lens Price & Information Guide

antiquecameras.net

Bilder mit diesem Objektiv / Pictures with this lens: flickr.com -

Video:

  • the_real_sir_robin, My most expensive lens ever | LEICA 28mm Summicron REVIEW

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Canon 2.8 28mm LTM

Industar 69 2.8 28mm

Review: Konica M-Hexanon 2.8 28mm

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: Leica Elmarit-M 2.8 28mm pre-Asph.

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

LeicaWiki Ver. I - Ver. II - Ver. III - Ver. IV

MTF-Charts photodo.com

CollectiBlend Lens Price Guide

Leica 28mm M-Lens Price & Information Guide

antiquecameras.net

Reviews: Leica Elmarit-M 2.8 28mm Asph. (3.997.682-4.086.805)

For more information from Leica ...

  • Analog Insights, Leica Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. Review

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: Minolta M-Rokkor 2.8 28mm

Reviews: Zeiss Biogon 2.8 28mm ZM

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Canon Serenar 3.5 28mm V. I

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

Canon Camera Museum

Bilder mit diesem Objektiv / Pictures with this lens:

- flickr.com -

Canon Serenar 3.5 28mm V. II

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

Kobalux 3.5 28mm

Voigtländer Color Skopar 3.5 28mm

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Leica Summaron-M 5.6 28mm

Orion 15 6.0 28mm

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts


Lens-Bokeh Vergleich / Bokeh comparison 35mm

Vergleich von älteren Canon-, Nikon-, Jupiter- sowie Voigtländer-Objektiven / Comparison of older Canon, Nikon, Jupiter and Voigtlander lenses


Reviews: Voigtländer Nokton 1.2 35mm Asph. I

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Video:

  • VOIGTLANDER NOKTON 35MM F/1.2 LENS - REVIEW + SAMPLE PHOTOS

Reviews: Voigtländer Nokton 1.2 35mm Asph. II

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For more Information from Voigtländer ...

Review: Leica Summilux 1.4 35mm pre-Asph. I (1.730.001-2.167.700)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Video:

  • Red35 Review, The Leica Summilux-M 35mm Spherical (1960-1995)

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

Review: Leica Summilux 1.4 35mm pre-Asph. II (2.221.201-3.710.002)

Reviews: Leica Summilux-M 1.4 35mm Aspherical (3.459.071-3.636.100)

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

Reviews: Leica Summilux-M 1.4 35mm Asph. (Ver. I: 3.636.101-4.080.013; Ver. II: ?)

Leica Datenblatt - Data Sheet

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

For more information from Leica ...

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: TTArtisan 1.4 35mm Asph.

Reviews: Voigtländer Nokton 1.4 35mm (I / II)

For more Information from Voigtländer ...

Video:

  • Matt Day, Voigtlander 35mm f/1.4 - Compact, Fast, & Affordable

Matt Granger, 35mm Showdown - Voigtlander vs Leica

Reviews: Zeiss Distagon T* 1.4 35mm ZM I

Zeíss Datenblatt - Data sheet

Information by Zeiss - Zeiss Lens Blog

Video:

  • Red35 Photography, BETTER than LEICA? Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM

For more information from Zeiss ...

For those in hurry: What reviewers say....

  • Lloyd Chambers: "the Zeiss ZM 35mm f/1.4 Distagon is the best lens available today for the Leica M platform, because it offers a magical combination of sharpness and contrast, f/1.4 speed, gorgeous bokeh, superb control of aberrations, minimal field curvature and no focus shift."

  • Jimmy Cheng: "Sharpness is second to none, even more so than the Leica Summilux FLE. It’s also very even all the way to the edges. The field of curvature is flat and distortion is almost non-existent. Chromatic aberration is also very VERY well controlled ..."

  • Mike Evans: "The 35mm Distagon is a superbly solid and well-constructed lens which closely matches the 35mm Summilux in performance at a fraction of the price. Ergonomics are generally excellent, slightly let down by the weight of the lens in comparison with the Summilux. "

  • Mathieu Gasquet: "Excellent sharpness at 1.4 and throughout all the apertures - No distortion - Pleasant bokeh - Excellent mechanical construction - Some chromatic aberration at the fastest aperture"

  • Markus Gerhards: "It has high contrast and sharpness that matches or exceeds its rival, the Leica Summilux FLE on these points. Wether you like the higher contrast or not is a different story though. Build and handling is great, especially focussing was a breeze."

  • Hamish Gill: "The Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 ZM has wonderful 3d rendering. In fact, it’s probably one of the best lenses I’ve ever used for capturing a really life-like picture."

  • Pascal Jappy: "In many ways, it is the best I have ever used, including Mamiya 7 lenses, Hasseldblad lenses, M and R mount Leica lenses, other Zeiss lenses, Fujica lenses and a few quality Nikkor offerings as well. The subtlety of its rendering, the natural yet strong separation of colours, the stunning sharpness, the lively yet natural micro-contrast are all top of the class, whatever brand or price point you compare it with. Backlighting is dealt with with aplomb. Colours are spot on, contrast is perfect. "

  • Viktor Pavlovic: "It shines on its dedicated Leica body, where I can’t find much to criticize, except some traces of purple fringing at most contrast areas. Distortion is incredibly well controlled which allow close distance to subjects without changing its shape. Vignetting could be smaller wide open ... Center sharpness is at the highest level, easily comparable with Sigma 35/1.4 Art DG HSM, micro-contrast is also very high, even in the back light, colors are saturated and tonal color transitions rich and smooth.

  • Cemal Sagnak: "Is the Carl Zeiss Distagon T* 1,4/35 ZM capable to compete with one of the best available lenses the Leica Summilux 35mm ASPH FLE? Based on my experience with the Summilux , the Distagon is definitely worth to consider and not only because its half the price. Sharpness is on par between both lenses. "

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

  • Tom Abrahamsson photoethnography.com (Vergleich / comparison: Canon 1.5 35mm, 1.8 35mm, 2.0 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Nikkor 1.8 35mm, 2.5 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Voigtländer 1.7 35mm, 2.5 35mm; Jupiter 2.8 35mm)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Bilder mit diesem Objektiv / Pictures with this lens:

- flickr.com -

Reviews: Voigtländer Ultron 1.7 35mm Asph. I/II

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Video:

  • Darryl Carey, First Impressions of the Voigtlander ULTRON 35mm f/1.7 | Leica M10-P

For more Information from Voigtländer ...

Canon 1.8 35mm LTM

  • Tom Abrahamsson photoethnography.com (Vergleich / comparison: Canon 1.5 35mm, 1.8 35mm, 2.0 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Nikkor 1.8 35mm, 2.5 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Voigtländer 1.7 35mm, 2.5 35mm; Jupiter 2.8 35mm)

  • Camerapedia

Bilder mit diesem Objektiv / Pictures with this lens:

- flickr.com -

Nikkor 1.8 35mm

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Reviews: 7Artisans 2.0 35mm

Review: Canon 2.0 35mm I/II (1962/1963)

Technical data and picture:

Canon Camera Museum (1962)

Canon Camera Museum (1963)

Reviews: Konica UC-Hexanon 2.0 35mm

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Review: Leica Summicron 2.0 35mm Ver. I (1.567.001-2.330.800)

Review: Leica Summicron 2.0 35mm Ver. II (2.358.301-2.485.200)

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

LeicaWiki

CollectiBlend Lens Price Guide

Leica 35mm Summicron-M Lens Price & Information Guide: antiquecameras.net

Review: Leica Summicron 2.0 35mm Ver. III (2.538.251-2.899.400)

General information about the lens LeicaWiki

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens:

LeicaWiki

CollectiBlend Lens Price Guide

Leica 35mm Summicron-M Lens Price & Information Guide: antiquecameras.net

Reviews: Leica Summicron-M 2.0 35mm pre-Asph. (IV) (2.974.251-3.880.946)

Reviews: Leica Summicron-M 2.0 35mm Asph. (3.731.291-)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

For more information from Leica ...

Video:

  • Leica Review, LEICA SUMMICRON M 35MM f/2 ASPH LENS REVIEW + SAMPLE PHOTOS

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: Voigtländer Apo Lanthar 2.0 35mm asph.

Info from Voigtländer Deutsch - English

  • SnapTechZone:

MTF-chart very promising (cosina.co.jp):

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: Voigtländer Ultron 2.0 35mm

Reviews: Zeiss Biogon 2.0 35mm ZM

For more information from Zeiss ...

Video:

  • Matt Day, Zeiss 35mm f/2 Biogon ZM Review

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Reviews: Leica Summarit-M 2.4 35mm (4.056.912-)

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Leica Summarit-M 2.5 35mm

Nikkor 2.5 35mm LTM

  • Tom Abrahamsson photoethnography.com (Vergleich / comparison: Canon 1.5 35mm, 1.8 35mm, 2.0 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Nikkor 1.8 35mm, 2.5 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Voigtländer 1.7 35mm, 2.5 35mm; Jupiter 2.8 35mm)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Reviews: Voigtländer Color-Skopar 2.5 35mm PII

Canon 2.8 35mm LTM

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Jupiter-12 2.8 35mm

Reviews: Leitz Summaron 2.8 35mm (1.615.001-2.312.750)

Nikkor 2.8 35mm LTM

  • Tom Abrahamsson photoethnography.com (Vergleich / comparison: Canon 1.5 35mm, 1.8 35mm, 2.0 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Nikkor 1.8 35mm, 2.5 35mm, 2.8 35mm; Voigtländer 1.7 35mm, 2.5 35mm; Jupiter 2.8 35mm)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Reviews: Zeiss Biogon 2.8 35mm ZM

For more information from Zeiss ...

Bilder mit diesem Objektiv / Pictures with this lens:

- flickr.com -

Video:

  • Shootswithcoops, Zeiss 35mm 2.8 Biogon zm lens review

For understanding MTF-charts see the great article from Nasim Mansurov, How to Read MTF Charts

Canon 3.5 35mm LTM

Leitz Elmar 3.5 35mm

Leitz Summaron 3.5 35mm (706.001-1.690.800)

Weitere Informationsquellen / Other information ressources:

Für ein Bild des Objektivs / for a picture of this lens: