28mm Summicron vs. Elmarit (re: bokeh)

[Tony C.]

I having been thinking of acquiring a 28mm 2.0 Summicron ASPH to use as my prime lens with the M8. I have no doubt that it is a superb lens, but at the same time have one fairly serious reservation. I am a big fan of the "creamy" type of bokeh produced by some of the older Leica lenses. Should I, therefore, seriously consider the Elmarit as an alternative to the Summicron?

Of course it would be nice to have the extra stop, and cost is not an important issue. But out of focus rendering is important to me, so feedback from those of you who have used both the new Summicron and other 28mm lenses will be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Tony C.

 

[kbg32]

I have owned the 28 Elmarit for 27 years, 2nd version. It is without a doubt my all time favorite lens. You won't be dissatisfied with its performance.

 

[StuartR]

Well first off, I don't think the bokeh will be bad from the 28/2, but this is from someone who has a lot of asph lenses and likes the way they draw. But let me suggest that you consider the CV ultron 28/1.9, as it seems to meet many of the criteria you set out. It has a lovely classic character, yet it is as fast as the summicron. It is also considered to be a better performer than earlier Leica 28mm lenses. That would include the Elmarit. The comparison is here, if you have not already seen it. http://www.imx.nl/photosite/japan/voigt2890.html
I used to own this lens, and I think it compared very well with my Leica lenses. You might want to give it a try as it is certainly the cheapest lens and according to Sean Reid, it is also the 28mm lens that vignettes least and shows the least cyan shift with a IR filter on the M8 (without using lens coding anyway).

 

[MP Guy]

I shot with the the 2.0 this past weekend and was amazed with how smooth this lens was to focus. It is incredible. I only wish I could get one now.

Here is a sample shot from the new summicron and the M8.

 

[MP Guy]

Oh yes. No IR filter used on the above shot 🙂

 

[Jan Brittenson]

I think my 30% discount will be applied to a brand spanking new 28 'cron! 🙂 Having seen what the 75 cron will do, I'm totally hooked...

 

[Sailor Ted]

How/when do we get our 30% discount and what price will that "discount" be applied to? I'd love to get a 35mm Summilux but wonder if this lens will be less expensive at discount from Leica then if I just purchased it from Popflash?

: )