28mm lens

[waldemarski]

Hello, all! I'm pretty new to this forum, though I've been using RF gear for years - my dad started me on a Zorki about 1970, used an M4-P professionally (weddings) in the 80s, now have an R-D1 which I'm looking forward to using. (btw, the Fuji NP80 battery fits the R-D1 - I just bought 2 1600mah batteries on ebay from sib-auctions for $11.94, including shipping!)

To the questions: I have a Nokton 50 to get me started, and want to add a 28 to this. I'm not adverse to spending money, but would prefer not to waste it. Any strong feelings out there on lens to get? I've read the review by Sean Reid, and am leaning toward one of the CVs or maybe the Zeiss ZM. I'd rate my criteria in the following order:
1. image quality - smoothness, microcontrast, bokeh, etc.
2. size - something that's not obnoxiously large
3. speed - below size, but not unimportant
4. price.

of course, if someone has something to sell that would suit, I'd entertain the idea.

cheers,
waldemar

 

[B&W Norway]

1+2+3+4= CV Ultron 28mm 1,9

 

[KoNickon]

Hexanon 28/2.8. I think the CV is rather long.

 

[pfogle]

28mm seems to be a focal length where the modern lenses are noticeably better than the older ones ie the new 28/2.8 Elamrit Asph seems much more flare resistant as well as smaller than the previous versions.

I'm happy with the Ultron, though if I really wanted a small lens, I'd get the new Elmarit. Seems you can't get small and fast without paying a lot.

 

[davidbivins]

The Ultron is bigger than slower lenses in that focal length, but it's not obnoxiously large. Take a look at one in a store or next to some other lenses on Stephen Gandy's CameraQuest site: http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtlen.htm

I think it's a great lens and it's affordable. The speed has come in handy on many occasions for me.

If you don't need the speed and want something smaller, I can't help. My 28s are the Ultron and the M-Rokkor (for the CLE) which is also a really nice lens, though at 2.8 maximum aperture a little slower. It's also not nearly as diminutive as, say, the 28 Color Skopar.

 

[rpsawin]

I think either the Hexanon or the CV 28mm is a excellent choice. You might want to read up on the ZI 28mm as well. I own the Hexanon and the CV as well as a non-asph Leica 28mm. The Hex and the CV lens are great performers and can be found at very resonable prices. I don't think the Leica offers enough additional performance to warrant the additional cost.

Best of luck,

Bob

 

[Huck Finn]

You will have to compromise somewhere in making this choice & Sean covers the various issues thoroughly & comprehensively. His lens reviews are also written primarily with digital use in mind, which is how you will be using them. I would use his insights to guide you. He is excellent!

Sean has liked the Ultron a lot both times he's reviewed it - as has anyone else who has used it or reviewed it. You can't go wrong with it as your first choice. For a second choice, all are optically excellent.

The problem with the Ultron is its size - unless you're one of those who likes bigger lenses. I reluctantly passed on the Ultron because it was too large for my taste. I chose the Skopar & I'm very happy with it. I did not intend to use it indoors, so speed was a non-issue for me. It is not one of my most frequently used focal lengths, so the price was important to me. I prefer very compact lenses on a rangefinder & the Skopar is even more compact than the measured diameter indicates because the barrel narrows dramatically from the lens mount. The Zeiss Biogon was not available at the time. Here is a look at the sizes of the 3 lenses you're considering (length x widest diameter):

CV 28/1.9 Ultron - 47x56
ZM 28/2.8 Biogon: 37x53
CV 28/3.5 Skopar: 27x49

The question of size becomes more significant when you decide whether you are going to use a lens shade. With a hood, the length of the Ultron is extended to 63 mm & there is no vented lens shade available as there is for the Biogon (which allows you to see "through" the hood). And the Ultron is slightly wider to begin with. If you don't plan to use a shade, this becomes a non-issue.

The Biogon would appear to be the best compromise - especially if you consider the lens shade as a factor. You pick up more than half a stop of speed over the very compact Skopar & you reduce the size over the bulkier Ultron. However, it's price is $800 without the hood vs $500 for the Ultron with a hood. One way to deal with price as an issue might be to post a "want to buy" here or on one of the other RF photo sites & see what the comparable cost of the Ultron & the Biogon would be on the used market. You could also ask someone to give you the lens shade as a Christmas gift & save that cost.

If you need the speed, the Ultron is a no-brainer & you live with the size. But since speed wasn't your top priority & cost was a low priority, the Biogon would appear to be the best choice. It addresses the size issue, which was your second priority but does not ignore the speed issue, which you said is still a factor. An added bonus would seem to be build quality. In his lens reviews, Erwin Puts indicates that the Zeiss lenses are built to tighter tolerances than the CV lenses. (At least his samples were.)

The Konica M-Hexanon 28/2.8 is a good alternative to the Biogon because it is about the same size (40x53). Although it is currently selling for $999 new, it can be found on the used market for half that price - or less - because it originally sold for much less than the current asking price.

Best of luck with your choice. it might take a while. I know I went round & round on this one. 🙂

 

[venchka]

Ditto!

Ditto!

Hexanon 28/2.8. I think the CV is rather long.

Amen! I bought mine recently. My early impression: I like it! I like it a LOT!

That said, I still wonder about the C-V 28/1.9. I may never get one, but the extra stop over the Konica 28/2.8 could be very useful at times.

 

[Joe Leung]

waldemarski vbmenu_register("postmenu_433253", true); , You've got mail!

 

[ampguy]

Hi Wayne

Hi Wayne

Let me know if you decide to sell your hex 28mm!

Amen! I bought mine recently. My early impression: I like it! I like it a LOT!

That said, I still wonder about the C-V 28/1.9. I may never get one, but the extra stop over the Konica 28/2.8 could be very useful at times.

 

[MP Guy]

I just orderd a Zeiss 28mm ZM from Tony. I hear that is an incredible lens just like the 25. I will let you know how it performs on the M8.

 

[35mmdelux]

On a budget I'd go for the 28 CV - they have various versions as you know from fast to small (f/3.5). W/ good film/technique should be a good performer.

If you want to pony up a little more, I'd suggest the 28mm/2.8 Leica version 4. It is considered by many to be a stellar performer, a tad less than the 28mm Summicron Asph, but far less cost. The 28mm v4 is fairly compact and some say better than the new 28mm/2.8 Asph ($1495 new).

You can grab a 28mm V4 frequently at about $1,000 BIN or better if you're lucky. I got mine for $999 BIN mint, boxed, shade, shade cover, snap on lens cover, leather case. It is a fabulous lens on par w/ all my other Leica lenses - Asph and non-asph.

 

[akptc]

I've used the 28mm/2.8 Elmarit v4 on the R-D1, simply amazing.

 

[venchka]

Let me know if you decide to sell your hex 28mm!

OK, noted. But...

A. I just got it.

B. I haven't knocked the new off yet.

C. I like it!

D. It's a keeper!

E. I'm going to use it a long time.

 

[manojd]

I have the 28/2.8 M-Hexanon which is a great lens. I also had a Minolta M-Rokkor 28/2.8 which I think is a good lens at reasonable price but mine was not good enough so I sold it. Most Rokkors have issues with the glass, white spots etc. If you find one with clean glass at bargain price, it may be worth a try.

 

[waldemarski]

Turn up your audio for the sounds of rejoicing: I just snagged what appears to be a new ZM 28 2.8 Biogon for a great price, and it came with the hood! Happened to stop by Glazers here in Seattle to see if they had any killer deals on adapters (my R-D1, mint condition refurb w. 19xx serial, came Monday, my CV Nokton 50 1.5 last Saturday, still waiting on an adapter won on ebay). Lo and behold: there was this Biogon, which was what I really wanted (okay - not as compact as I would prefer, but I like Zeiss glass) as a consignment for a useful discount from the new price. Took about 30 seconds after the inspection to get out the credit card. Absolutely mint: no trace of use. First shots on the camera: incredible! Blows my 30D out of the water for smoothness, "nice" grain, etc.

Have to finish grading papers before I can play, alas...

waldemar