28 biogon or 28 summicron ?

obviously both will have different rendering qualities. your best bet is to check flickr for each lens and see which one you like more.
 
If you did not like the tonal rendition of the 25 2.8 you wont like the 28, although contrast is a touch lower I hear. I am very happy with my ZM 28. Super lens, fitting seamlessly with the 35 and 50 planar I own. If you dont need the speed, why go for a much more expensive lens with far less flare resistance?
 
If you dont need the speed, why go for a much more expensive lens with far less flare resistance?

I purchased a 28 Summicron several years ago for a bargain price, since the photo shop was in liquidation. I could not afford it at current pricing levels and would probably be very happy with the VC Ultron or the Zeiss offerings. I will say the Summicron is a stellar performer. I use it and the 50 Summilux ASPH (purchased used for a great discount) for the majority of my photographs. I do not understand the comment concerning flare resistance of the 28 Summicron; there is not a problem with flare resistance with this lens. Turtle, have you used the 28 Summicron, or are you just validating your own choice?
 
I've found it hard to make the Summicron flare- I've been shooting this a lot all summer in the woods often inadvertently getting the sun in the frame between leaves. With a filter on trouble is much more likely. Shooting in Boston a few weeks ago with an 021 or an ND filter I had I some veiling and some flare when shooting into the late day sun. I wouldn't blame this on the lens but rather on the filter, especially since it doesn't happen without the filter...

In prints I'm just now working on at 16x20 with the Summicron I can see tiny leaf stalks and crisp detail in birch bark, even though it is quite small in size. Quite stunning performance. Yes there is some vignetting wide open, but in practical use it isn't an issue.

The Summicron also shares better 3-D rendering with the Elmarit over the Biogon, handles reflections beautifully, and is smaller in size.
 
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most all lenses flare under certain conditions. I shot a critical portrait (for me) and my 50mm summilux pre-asph flared badly. I was never so dissappointed, given all the hyperbole about this lens being bullet proof.

I came home (from Costa Rica rainforest) and sold it. I recovered and am shooting with a 35mm Lux ASPH & 50mm Lux ASPH now. We'll see how flare resistant these are...
 
i already have teh 28 summicron
just was consdiering maybe having a shift around
maybe making room for the 24 'lux


maybe I should just stick with the cron though


not sure I get all the comments about flare......
the avoidance of flare in imagery at all costs is very much a ancient approach is it not... 1950's and before ?

I don't know where people come from but here in the uk at the very forefront of the advertising and film industries, flare is encouraged and used alot by the best DP's.
 
No I dont own a summicron asph, but I have heard a number of users comment that it is not the best in regards to flare resistance. Most ZM users comment on how remarkably flare resistant the lenses are. I have not done a comparative test, but owner/user opinions seems to suggest that the Zeiss lenses are stellar in this regard. I can't get mine to flare and I have not read comments from others grumbling about this.

Someone said the Summicron is smaller than the Biogon - is it (bearing in mind Zeiss include caps and mounts in dimensions?

I don't need to justify my choice in the Biogon. I bought it because it fitted the bill and I am very happy with it. If someone gave me a summicron would I use it? Yes. would I buy it even if I could? No - I dont need a 28 F2 right now.
 
Yes the Summicron is smaller- shorter anyway. Not a lot but some.

ZM Biogon 28/2.8
zm28flare.jpg
 
This type of flare with the latest Zeiss lenses can only be caused if the sun hits precisely the outer chrome ring of the lens. This has happened to me a few times out of hundreds of shots. However, if the sun IS in the frame, the flare is quite limited.
2189742367_e468549ba3.jpg
 
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Huh?

The "flare" on my Summicron was actually veiling glare that fogged the central portion of the image. It was only a problem if you didn't use the hood. The ZM lenses are coated more effectively in this respect.

Either lens is far better than our films or in most cases our abilities so if you need F2 go for the Leica, if not don't. I think the differences are mostly in our heads, as I have never had either lens fail me, though I often fail myself.
 
The Summicron will give veiling glare on occasion- again- substantially worse and much more likely if there is a filter on there in my experience.
 
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