Contax G 28mm vs. Zeiss ZM 25mm

[Brian Puccio]

I rented a Zeiss ZM 85mm (used on my M6) for a vacation and while it was a nice lens, it was no where near as nice as the Contax G 90mm lens I got converetd to M mount by Japan Exposures. I currently have a Zeiss ZM 25mm and was wondering how it compared to the Contax G 28mm. I know the focal length difference is not so insignificant between 25mm and 28mm, but aside from that, has anyone compared these lenses? Would I be making the same step forward by selling my Zeiss ZM 25mm for a Contax G 28mm?

I'm already aware of the 45 to 50 comparison, but not currently looking to buy at that focal length.

Thanks!

 

[nonot]

I have a feeling that the reason why people go to the trouble to get the conversions from japan exposures is because, no, they don't really compare.

Those G lenses are magic.

 

[Turtle]

This may be so, in some measurable or subjective regard, but the 25 is an amazing lens and in no way is is 'not good enough' unless you are the best photographer on the face of the planet and can split hairs. If you don't like the slightly clinical look, thats a different matter. The ZMs in general have a very clean look.

Its just like the 28 ZM. No, its not as good as the 25 on paper, but its so good in real use that the differences are irrelevent IMHO.

 

[crist]

3 months ago I had the same dilemma, finally I decided for the 28mm elmarit asph.

 

[juno_lau]

how much does the conversion cost?

 

[crist]

G Hologon 16/8, ¥229.000 = 2,768 USD
G Biogon 21/2.8 ¥119.000= 1,438 USD

G Biogon 28/2.8 ¥75.000 = 906 USD

G Planar 35/2 ¥78.000 = 943 USD

G Planar 45/2 ¥75.000 = 906 USD

G Sonnar 90/2.8 ¥61.000 = 737 USD

G Sonnar 90/2.8 Black ¥82.000 = 991 USD

 

[sper]

G Hologon 16/8, ¥229.000 = 2,768 USD
G Biogon 21/2.8 ¥119.000= 1,438 USD

G Biogon 28/2.8 ¥75.000 = 906 USD

G Planar 35/2 ¥78.000 = 943 USD

G Planar 45/2 ¥75.000 = 906 USD

G Sonnar 90/2.8 ¥61.000 = 737 USD

G Sonnar 90/2.8 Black ¥82.000 = 991 USD

WHAT!? It is absolutely NOT worth that ammount of money. The 25mm is one of the most highly regarded of the line. What are you wanting the 28mm to do for you that the 25mm doesn't?

 

[crist]

28mm elmarit asph

 

[kbg32]

"Prices include the lens itself and worldwide express shipping!".

"Please note that the above prices are for lenses which have been converted (i.e. lens included). For conversion only of your own lenses, please contact us."

 

[Brian Puccio]

I have a feeling that the reason why people go to the trouble to get the conversions from japan exposures is because, no, they don't really compare.

Those G lenses are magic.

Interesting, thanks for weighing in.

This may be so, in some measurable or subjective regard, but the 25 is an amazing lens and in no way is is 'not good enough' unless you are the best photographer on the face of the planet and can split hairs.

I'm not the best photographer and I don't attempt to make what I enjoy profitable (at least not with photography). I do it because I enjoy it and I the photos I take make me very happy. I didn't mean to imply that the Zeiss 25mm lens was not good enough for me or that my skills surpassed it. I was asking since I have an opportunity to sell this lens for the amount I paid for it and picking up a Contax 28mm M conversion for less. If I would save money and come out ahead (and better match the framelines of my M6 0.58).

Then again, it's entirely possible that had I used the 90mm Contax I have currently on vacation when I rented the 85mm, that I would have not liked the photos as well. I'm not much for shooting pictures of brick walls to compare since I don't really take actual photos of brick walls.

G Hologon 16/8, ¥229.000 = 2,768 USD
G Biogon 21/2.8 ¥119.000= 1,438 USD

G Biogon 28/2.8 ¥75.000 = 906 USD

G Planar 35/2 ¥78.000 = 943 USD

G Planar 45/2 ¥75.000 = 906 USD

G Sonnar 90/2.8 ¥61.000 = 737 USD

G Sonnar 90/2.8 Black ¥82.000 = 991 USD

Those prices include the lens. Just a conversion is cheaper. And I have the option of buying a 28mm for less than I'd get for the 25mm I have currently (see above). I was just wondering if I should expect the same change going from 25mm ZM to 28mm G as I did when I went 85mm ZM to 90mm G.

WHAT!? It is absolutely NOT worth that ammount of money. The 25mm is one of the most highly regarded of the line. What are you wanting the 28mm to do for you that the 25mm doesn't?

I can get a 28mm for less than I could sell the 25mm for. The 25mm ZM new goes for $1117 and on eBay sell for north of $900 easily used.