25mm f/4 CV vs. 28mm f/3.5 CV

[Rob-F]

To those who have used both: Which of these lenses is the better performer? I'm interested in build quality, sharpness, general rendition, bokeh, vignetting, when used full-frame. I'm thinking of getting one or the other to use on my IIIc.

Comments?

 

[back alley]

the slow 28 is considered by many to be among the best that cv has produced, in all the areas that you mention.

 

[ferider]

Most of my keepers in the last two years have been shot with the 28. Check for examples in the M-mount group. cann't really comment on bokeh, but sharpness is great, and vignetting not a problem with film. Plus, on the Barnack, you have the advantage of the mini-finder.

Best,

Roland.

 

[Tom A]

I consider the 28f3.5 one of the best black/white lenses you can find. It has a incredible tonal range, without blowing highlights. It is a bit slow for some stuff, but when it works, it is stunning.
The 25f4 - particularly in the P-mount version is good, but I run it against lenses like the ZM Biogon 25f2.8 which is truly in a class of its own. It is not that the 25f4 is bad, far from it - for the money it is outstanding, but the ZM 25 is about as good as you can get. Only real competition to this lens is the brand new Elmar 24mm f3.8 Asph from Leica. I did shoot for a day and a 1/2 with this one in Louisville, KY during the LHSA meet. Sharp and virtually unchanged image quality from wide-open to fully stopped down! Much more money though!
I haven't tried the 24f1.4 ASPH from Leica, but if it is anything like the 21f1.4 it is stunning - BUT at $7000 I think I have to accept that a two stop speed increase from the 21f2.8 Biogon or 3 stops from the VC 25 is not worth it. For that kind of money you can hire a guy with a tripod!!!!

 

[raid]

How does the CV 28mm/3.5 compare with the Canon 28mm/3.5? Is it mainly the higher contrast?

 

[Bob Michaels]

I have both and find them both to be excellent in every aspect other than speed. I would rather have the compact size than the speed. And the price is very very nice.

But, you want either a 25mm lens or a 28mm lens based on the field of view. It is not a decision one should make based on performance.

 

[gohaj]

How does the CV 28mm/3.5 compare with the Canon 28mm/3.5? Is it mainly the higher contrast?

i thought they are entirely two different kind of lenses, canon 28/3.5 is low contrast while CV 28/3.5 is high contrast.

 

[Rob-F]

Well, thanks to all who responded! Looks like a ringing endorsement for the 28/3.5!

 

[raid]

i thought they are entirely two different kind of lenses, canon 28/3.5 is low contrast while CV 28/3.5 is high contrast.

Yes, and this is what I meant; is it that the CV lens has a high contrast while the Canon has low contrast?