35's: Biogon f/2 vs. Asph Cron

[EdwardKaraa]

The perception of high build quality. Definitely the smooth well damped focusing rings and the quality of the material are nice to have, but in reality there are as many Leica lemons as there are Zeiss ZM lemons, and maybe even more. I would say Leica and Zeiss are equal in terms of percentage of completely out of whack new lenses that need calibration. Mechanical failures are not common but happen equally to both. Focus drift is also a common Leica problem. Lens parts falling are also documented for both brands. This said, Zeiss ZM are still 1/2 to 1/4 the price of an equivalent Leica lens, use more simple designs that are less likely to develop problems, and are optically on the same level as Leica (for equivalent lenses).

 

[MCTuomey]

What Edward said - my experience has been the same. I have repaired a number of M-mount lenses from Leica and Zeiss willingly because they needed it and I value them. The only reason I have invested in the more expensive Leica lenses over the past two-three years is that there haven't been equivalents in the ZM lineup. E.g. a fast 28, a fast tele (that's obtainable).

 

[Monochrom]

hi

I think the biogon has two flaws, it´s large and at f2 is no wonder...

The crons are better wide open but are more prone to flare and the biogon is not.

For size and wo performance i´d go for the cron.

But...the cron is expensive...for that reason i´d choose the other biogon!

That´s the c-biogon 35mm f2.8, that is really superb lens! sharp WO, small, no distortion, 2.8 enough speed etc...

Picture taken with m8 and biogon 35mm f2 at f4...

 

[judsonzhao]

own both once
biogon has better distorsion control
sharpness? cant tell differences
color rendering would be to subjective to judge, I love both

on digital, cron has way better corners if it's ur care

 

[ChrisLivsey]

My experience (and I am not hard on gear):
1. C-Sonnar: after 3 years rebuilt and relubed (zeiss said "worn gearing")
2. 35 f/2 Biogon: relubed and adjusted for focus ring play (not wobble)
3. 50 f/2 planar: relubed and adjusted for focus ring play (not wobble)
4. 18 f/4 distagon: adjusted for front ring play

All of my ZM lenses perform very well. My mainstay 50's and 35 have needed repairs after a short period of use (the C-Sonnar is my most used lens), and are better afterwards even compared to new. None were repaired under warranty, unhappily.

Similar but restricted to the 35 f2 Biogon : Focus helical worn out, I took it as a compliment 😀
Retuned better than new, re-collimated, but full repair cost.
Planar f2 50mm is showing symptoms :bang:
Summicron f2 35 (chrome) is perfect, mechanically.
The difference is reflected in the cost?

I have a few Cosina built Nikon S fit, they seem to be much better built, perhaps on a special line as they were a limited run?

 

[brusby]

I'm really surprised to read about so many instances of helicals wearing out on the Zeiss lenses. I assumed when properly lubricated there wouldn't be any metal to metal contact.

 

[helen.HH]

I have had the 35 cron asph....Fantastic lens , much prefer it to the pre asphs

Have had the 35. C biogon , another Great lens

Now i have the fever for the 35 f 2 Biogon,
have not developed my first roll yet
But so far the size does not bother me and Zeiss glass always focuses Faaast for my eyes

I have memorable shots from ALL lenses I use
So bottom line its purely subjective...
What makes your Hand and Eye Smile
And of course the 'Character' of the lens that suits your 'Style'

Happy Shooting !

 

[tuanvinh2000]

I have had the 35 cron asph....Fantastic lens , much prefer it to the pre asphs

Have had the 35. C biogon , another Great lens

Now i have the fever for the 35 f 2 Biogon,
have not developed my first roll yet
But so far the size does not bother me and Zeiss glass always focuses Faaast for my eyes

I have memorable shots from ALL lenses I use
So bottom line its purely subjective...
What makes your Hand and Eye Smile
And of course the 'Character' of the lens that suits your 'Style'

Happy Shooting !

Welcome back to the 35mm camp! i'm sure one day you will return as well to the 21mm camp. hehe love seeing nyc through your eyes/photos.

 

[literiter]

If price was no object, it seems by the comments and the poll, it really wouldn't matter what lens you chose.

My taste in lenses isn't that sophisticated as to be able to differentiate the difference between an image taken on my 35mm type 4 Summicron and my Nikon 35-70 zoom.

Does anyone have the ability to set up a blind test, that we all may be educated in the true value of one lens over the the other.

 

[matt335]

If price was no object, it seems by the comments and the poll, it really wouldn't matter what lens you chose.

My taste in lenses isn't that sophisticated as to be able to differentiate the difference between an image taken on my 35mm type 4 Summicron and my Nikon 35-70 zoom.

Does anyone have the ability to set up a blind test, that we all may be educated in the true value of one lens over the the other.

Hi Paul, after many years using Nikon lenses, and more recently leica lenses in the last 6 years I see more detail and shadow definition in my leica negs alone to warrant the differences in leica lenses. Then printing further reveals the look.

 

[literiter]

Hi Paul, after many years using Nikon lenses, and more recently leica lenses in the last 6 years I see more detail and shadow definition in my leica negs alone to warrant the differences in leica lenses. Then printing further reveals the look.

Since I bought my Nikon CS9000 scanner I see similar shadow definition in all my properly exposed negatives.

I've had my Leica Ms and Summicrons since the 1980's and my Nikons since the 70's.

I'm sure there is a difference, but I've never seen the difference on a side by side examination.

 

[matt335]

Since I bought my Nikon CS9000 scanner I see similar shadow definition in all my properly exposed negatives.

I've had my Leica Ms and Summicrons since the 1980's and my Nikons since the 70's.

I'm sure there is a difference, but I've never seen the difference on a side by side examination.

I get you. Sure. As long as we are happy with our results. Technically we can go nuts, but pictorially is what matters.

 

[helen.HH]

Welcome back to the 35mm camp! i'm sure one day you will return as well to the 21mm camp. hehe love seeing nyc through your eyes/photos.

Awhhhh, very Kind,Lovely of YOU , Thanks !!

35 seems soooo Good again...its such a Joy the 35 perspective
Really Enjoying it and to my surprise have not lusted after my 50 ( at least not yet)
I once met on a bus, an elderly woman photographer on her way to ICP to develop her film... She only shot 35 mm film with a 35 lens and had Five 35's and no other focal length
I admired her obsessive nature....who knows maybe I now 'get it' , hehehe

 

[tuanvinh2000]

Awhhhh, very Kind,Lovely of YOU , Thanks !!

35 seems soooo Good again...its such a Joy the 35 perspective
Really Enjoying it and to my surpris not lusted after my 50 ( at least not yet)
I once met on a bus, an elderly woman photographer on her way to ICP to develop her film... She only shot 35 mm film with a 35 lens and had Five 35's and no other focal length
I admired her obsessive nature....who knows maybe I now 'get it' , hehehe

haha great story! must be a fun exercise every morning to decide which 35 to use today.

 

[semilog]

'CRON SUX, BIOGON RüLEZ!

Just kidding. Such wonderful lenses, all of 'em.

 

[CrisR]

423 votes a piece - who'd a thought such an equal amount of love?

My vote went for the Biogon, which I'll be picking up to join my 50 Planar, 25 Biogon and 18 Distagon.

 

[arseniii]

Image quality wise I think the're are both great enough!
I tend to like Leica better for the size and built quality more than those of Zeiss.

 

[rlim1987]

35Biogon is an amazing lens. Sharp from corner to corner wide open and produces very pleasing tones without too much contrasts. Its hard to justify paying 3 times more for a 35cron asph

 

[semilog]

The Biogon is totally winning!

😛

 

[stephen.w]

35Biogon is an amazing lens. Sharp from corner to corner wide open and produces very pleasing tones without too much contrasts. Its hard to justify paying 3 times more for a 35cron asph

I would take the Leica lens if given a straight choice (smaller, takes 39mm filters, has better contrast, especially at f/2), but I am more than happy with my Biogon, especially at a third of the price, as you say.