28 or 35 for G1

[mfletch]

I got my G1 and 2/45! I've only put a couple rolls through it but have been browsing other lenses in the system. My pockets aren't deep enough for the 21 Biogon, but the 28 Biogon or 35 Planar is within reach.


To me, the 35 would be most appealing as a single lens, but the 28 would complement the 45 Planar better.

I have never shot or even handled either lens. Is there anything I should know about the design/characteristics of the two. I don't really know what makes one a Planar and another a Biogon, or if this makes a difference in its application.

Info/advice appreciated.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I'm really digging the 28. Only had it for a short time, but it's super sharp and I agree, it will complement your 45 nicely. Click my pics link below for a flickr set of my first pics with it.

 

[RF-Addict]

On my G2 I use the 21, 28, 45 and 90. I really never felt the need for the 35 - in fact in my SLR line-up I do not use a 35 either - but that's just me. The Biogon 28mm is an excellent lens, but so is most likely the 35!

 

[sepiareverb]

The G1 needs the green label inside to work with the 35. There was some upgrade done to them, the green label indicates this. I found the 35 to be a bit muddy compared to the other G lenses. I'd say the 28 is a good match for the 45.

 

[mfletch]

My G1 has the green label. Without others' advice, I would lean toward adding the 28. It seems to be supported here. Thanks for the responses.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I used to like the 35... and still do. It's half-stop faster than the 28. But then, if you like wides, go for it.

 

[rich815]

The 28 G is a MUCH better lens than the 35 G. Hands down. The 35 G is good, very good. But the 45 and 28 are BLOW OUT OF THE WATER good.

 

[uhligfd]

SolaresLarrave:

The 35mm is f/2 and the 28mm is f/2.8, which in all earnest makes it 1 full stop faster, the 35 that is. I use then 28mm only, so I have no comparison to give you.

 

[kdemas]

35mm Good, 28mm Better

35mm Good, 28mm Better

Although the 35mm is perfectly good if you like that focal length I must say the 28mm is truly outstanding. I have all the G lenses and, for me, the 28 is really a keeper.

So, if I had to pick, I'd do the "28-45-90" bag 🙂

Kent

ps- Some people REALLY knock the 35mm, which i feel is unwarranted. It is a fine lens. I just happen to like the 28mm more!

 

[sepiareverb]

I'm with Kent, the 28-45-90 bag is a winner with the G's, I'd add the 21 to that if you like really wide. The 90 is the real gem of the G line-up, with absolutely incredible corner detail in big enlargements.

 

[mfletch]

I'll keep my eye out for a well kept 28. Until then, I'll get plenty of enjoyment out of the 45/2. Maybe a 90 down the road. The 21 is pricey. I don't know that I would use it much. I have a 12-24mm lens in my DSLR kit, and it is easily my least used lens.

 

[foto_fool]

Go for the 21mm. Yes it is pricey compared to the other G lenses, but it is an absolute bargain compared to the 21/2.8 Elmarit, and equals or exceeds its performance. My kit for the (green sticker) G1 is 21/45/90 and I want for nothing.

 

[Bob Michaels]

My ContaxG "two lens kit" is the 28 & 45. When I'm in the "one lens mode" it's the 35mm.

Like others, I find the 35mm to be very good, but the 28mm and 45mm are extraordinarily good. So is the 21mm Biogon.

KEH usually has a good supply of 28mm Biogons. I never hesitate to buy from them and always chose Bargain condition.

BTW, if you get the 28mm, you will find that the CG-2 hood made for the 45mm works well on it if you don't also use a filter.

 

[michaelging]

I find the 28mm lens is a great walking around lens for the G2. The 35mm is pretty close in my mind to the 45mm, so I went with the 28mm instead. I have and use the 21mm , 28, 45, and 90mm lenses. I use the 90mm the least of all my contax lens. All the lenses are as good as any lens IMHO

 

[Doug]

I'm very fond of the 35 Planar, but do agree with others that the 28 makes a better combination with the 45, and that both are dynamite lenses. I actually bought into the G system as the best bargain in a top-grade 21 f2.8, and got the G1 as an inexpensive box to put it on. 🙂 My 21 was a Bargain condition one from KEH, and it was indeed a great bargain.

Zeiss lens naming derives from the optical formula. The basic Planar is a six element lens in a symmetrical arrangement with a positive element at front followed by a positive/negative cemented pair, same reversed behind the diaphragm. So, 6-elements in 4-groups, a very widely copied arrangement for normal and short tele lenses. This is the design of the 45 Planar-G. The 35 Planar-G is a slight modification, with an added weak positive just behind the diaphragm, same as the Voigtlander 40 Nokton. The Biogon formula is used for wide angle lenses, and also tends to be symmetrical or nearly so. But it has strong negative elements at both ends.