28mm F2 Summicron-M vs. 28mm F/2.8 Elmarit-M

[bherman]

All;

I currently own the following wideangle Leica lenses:

35mm F/2 Summicron ASPH (newest model)

28mm F/2.8 ASPH Elmarit (newest model)

I also have a 50mm Summicron and a 90mm Elmarit as well. I use the 35mm and the 28mm equally as often, but now I'm thinking that since the 35mm is more of a 'normal' lens, I would perhaps sell both the 35 Summicron and the 28mm Elmarit and spring for the 28mm F2 Summicron.

I've been told that the 28mm Summicron is a far superior lens to the 28mm Elmarit. Do you think that the difference will benefit me more than just keeping both the 35mm Summicron and the 28mm Elmarit?

Is the 28mm Summicron 'that much' better?

Thanks, Brad

 

[Tim Gray]

I don't know if it's that much better. It is faster though.

I have a 35 ZM and the 28 Summicron. After I got the Summicron, I don't think I've touched the ZM (trying to sell it actually). But that's more of a focal length thing. I think 28 and 50 are a good enough pair that I don't have any need for the 35.

Since you have all of these focal lengths, you should try just shooting with the 28 and the 50. If you find that you can go without the 35, then sell it. If not, keep it.

 

[b.espahbod]

Superior on price tag yes but not in performance.
if you're sacrificing the comfort of a SLR Pentaprism and AF for the sake of perspective and non-distorted images Summicron 28 f2 is not a good option. 28 2.8 asph is the only distortion-free 28mm lens out there while summicron 28 has 1% barrel distortion and one stop faster doesn't make any radical changes. if I were you I would sell my 35 f/2 go for 21 2.8 asph or something else. Keep 28 2.8 asph if ur askin me

 

[Larry Manuel]

I think a reasonable way to decide is to ask yourself if you're happy with the ASPH 28 f/2.8. OR maybe it's simply time for a different gadget. Undoubtedly the Summicron will perform better, but will you notice it? Do you print larger than 16x20 inches? I'm finding the dinky little ASPH 28 f/2.8 is wonderful printed that size. And that wee lens is joy to carry around. The 28 Summicron is larger and heavier.

I have the 28 f/2.8 APSH and love it. Most of the time I use it at f8. A Summicron would of little benefit. Declaring my bias: I'm not wealthy enough to contemplate one.

It's difficult to imagine any real benefit to me of also owning a 35mm lens. Many times I use the 28mm and I am often thankful for its wide coverage. However a 35 would work pretty well instead. I like that length too.

28 and 50 is my whole kit.

So, my suggestion is: keep the little guy.

 

[J J Kapsberger]

Signature-wise, the 28 Elmarit-M Asph goes well with the 35 Summicron Asph and the 50 Summicron, which you already own. From what I've seen, the 28 Summicron Asph is closer to the 50 Summilux Asph in terms of signature -- smoother than your Elmarit and Summicrons judging mostly by what I've seen in portraiture and foliage shots.

 

[TJV]

In my opinion, keep the Elmarit and save your money unless you really require an extra stop. The extra bulk of the Summicron puts me off. In fact, I've been thinking a lot about my 35mm Summilux ASPH and how I don't like using it that much because of its size. Not that it's massive, it's just its extra length and larger hood annoy me compared the the small 28mm ASPH and 35mm ASPH. I'd never complain about the the Summilux's performance, mind you.

Back to the original question though. I can't imagine I'll ever sell my small 28mm Elmarit ASPH because it's the perfect little walk around lens. My only negative thought about it is that 24mm would be a better choice for a moderate wide on the M8. I never really liked the tween angle of 28mm on the cropped sensor. But that's something different all together...

 

[dof]

In my experience the 28mm Summicron is a fine, fine lens, but thers is no way it would replace having both a 28 and 35 of similar quality. I may be in the minority, but the 35mm "wide side of normal" perspective is different enough from a 28 to warrant having both. It's not just the abgle of view that makes it unique; at what for me is a typical distance to subject, the 35 captures more in the foreground without incurring unflattering distortion than a 28 would. But when wide calls, well, wide calls...

 

[35mmdelux]

In all the talk, I have yet to see one (1) picture taken with the 28 Summicron ASPH that could be rated "superior" to the 28 Elmarit-M series IV, much less the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH.

The Summicron is a stop faster, that is about it.

 

[35mmdelux]

What you truly need, in my opinion, is a Summilux in your bullpen (American baseball analogy), probably a 50 Summilux (pre-asph or ASPH). With a little push/pull, the Summilux can be shooting at f/1.2 easily.

 

[cfc247]

A vote for the 28 cron'

A vote for the 28 cron'

I recently sold my 28 elmarit ASPH and now have the 28 cron'. The extra stop was a nice change but for me it was the signature. The 28 elmarit was a bit too contrasty for my taste. I enjoy the 28 cron's neutral colors and contrast. But if you like the look of the elmarit, I don't think its worth the jump.

The difference for me was especially noticable in portraits, where the elmarit often renders skins tones a bit too harsh and more red. The 28 cron' draws much like my 50 lux pre ASPH with a bit more punch of the modern ASPH lenses. To me it combines the best of the both pre ASPH and ASPH design, much like the 35 lux ASPH. Also, its easy to boost contrast but much more difficult to tone it down in pp.

The size is not too big of an issue if you use a replacement hood. I purchased a very compact hood from heavystar.com (from ebay) for 12.95 with cap.

The 28 elmarit is a spectacular lens. I think your decision will boil down to the kind of drawing you prefer and if you want the extra speed or not.

 

[Tim Gray]

In all the talk, I have yet to see one (1) picture taken with the 28 Summicron ASPH that could be rated "superior" to the 28 Elmarit-M series IV, much less the 28 Elmarit-M ASPH.

Honestly this could be said about most lenses. The 28 Summicron is a good lens. It's pretty small for what it is, though certainly not as small as the 2.8 ASPH. Considering its the about the same size as the previous 2.8, but it's a stop faster, I think it's pretty impressive. The hood is a bit big, but not bad at all in use.

I love this lens. But it's because I love shooting with a 28. If you don't need the stop though, keep the 2.8.

 

[b.espahbod]

you can buy Hektor 28 f/6.3 if aperture doesnt matter AT ALL!!! 😀

 

[aizan]

erwin has a great review on his site: http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/lenses/lenses/lenses/page85.html

if you're itching for f2, how about trying the new ultron?

 

[sirius]

I agree with cfc247 assessment of the two lenses. I don't know what camera you are using---if you're dealing with a crop-factor---but I think the 28 'cron would be my ideal single lens on the M8.

 

[sepiareverb]

I shot the 28's side by side and found very little difference in level of detail recorded- the Summicron had the slightest bit more separation of fine detail in the extreme corners at 2.8, but it does render smoothness of glass, plastic, water and even skin in the most delicious way. In prints smaller than 1620 I doubt there would be a difference in legible detail, only in signature.

All from the Summicron, all on HP5+: