28mm Ultron vs 28mm Biogon ZM

[filmfan]

Hmm... I am having the same dilemma.
I will be using it on my M6 and making prints up to 16x20. Which lens would hold up better when shot at f/2.8 and enlarged at this size?
Thanks.

 

[rdeleskie]

I had the Ultron and sold it for the Biogon. My copy of the Ultron had a slight focus shift. This shift was barely visible when shooting on film, but I noticed it on my M8. The Zeiss is tack sharp throughout the entire range, and I found it "pops" more - which is what I was looking for in that lens. YMMV.

Worth noting that my copy of the Biogon sheds it's black paint very easily, and I have seen others that are extremely "brassed" after only a few years of use. My copy has good smooth focusing action, but I used another one that had "wobble" to the focus ring. So I'd have to say that the Ultron is built as well or better! This may also be a factor when you are deciding.

The Biogon is also difficult to code for a M8/M9 because of the flat mount and position of the screws. I have a coding kit and have to replace the marks after every mounting/unmounting.

All that said, I really like the Biogon. The images are nice and crisp and it's a pleasure to use.

 

[jsrockit]

Hmm... I am having the same dilemma.
I will be using it on my M6 and making prints up to 16x20. Which lens would hold up better when shot at f/2.8 and enlarged at this size?
Thanks.

Generally speaking you can trust any Zeiss lens for this purpose. However, the CV should be capable of this as well.

 

[Bob Michaels]

...................... Also the MFD for the zeiss is 0.5m compared to 0.7 on the CV. And that is personally important to me. I'm always wanting the 35mm to be closer than 0.7. .................

Does the rangefinder in your camera body couple closer than 0.7 meters? If not, having a lens that focuses closer may be meaningless.

 

[redisburning]

Does the rangefinder in your camera body couple closer than 0.7 meters? If not, having a lens that focuses closer may be meaningless.

OP already said he was interested in using on NEX where it is relevant though

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I have also found that the Ultron has a little focus shift between f:2 and 5.6. My 28/1.9 never did! The OP hasn't said (I don't think) what he is going to be using the lens on. On a NEX, you may have some fall-off issues in the corners. On the M9 and M8 I never saw it. On a film body, I think there would be none. I really like the 28/1.9 - good luck with it!

 

[MaxElmar]

OP already said he was interested in using on NEX where it is relevant though

I would think that a Hawk Peng adapter would give take care of the close-up ability with the Ultron - and all your other lenses on the Nex.....