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

[35mmdelux]

Why limit yourself to f2? They make the Summilux for a reason.

I was impressed with the Summicron when I borrowed one but the Summilux is something else.

Thank you. I routinely carry the 35mm IV and the 35mm summilux ASPH.

 

[dcsang]

I really should post my images from film with both these lenses.
And I really should have kept the biogon

Cheers,
Dave

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I like/have the 35 asph. cron, after seeing the totals from the poll I'd have to say I chose wisely:
Biogon 136
'cron 116

now quit yapping and go shoot something damnit!

Todd

 

[elude]

Biogon has lower contrast, which is better.

 

[Krosya]

now quit yapping and go shoot something damnit!

Todd

Well said! lol (Plus UC-Hexanon 35 is the best of them all! hehe )

 

[b.espahbod]

I never liked new leica lenses that much now im getting to know the reason.

 

[italy74]

Well, I went for the biogon since I saw and used it once. I also used an old summicron (extremely compact, even too much for my taste) whose shots were however very good (it was also my first attempt with a rangefinder (Hexar RF) in Modena, Italy: you can see that here: NO polarizer, NO hood, NO PP done)

http://italy74.smugmug.com/gallery/6116005_QUmkn

In this respect, biogon was much easier to focus, even if not so compact.
Kudos to Leica, however to have put so much quality in a so small lens.

 

[Debusti Paolo]

The winner is the summicron asph that is better because is expensive:
you can get expensiver dof,bokeh,plane of field and more...

 

[cmogi10]

Biogon is out.
Going to miss it.
Summilux ASPH is in.
Going to enjoy it.

 

[capitalK]

I just ordered a new Biogon 35mm f/2 from www.bigcameraworkshops.com here in Canada. So far I have used a CV 21mm f/4, a CV 75mm Heliar and a 50mm f/1.5 J-3 and I am looking forward to seeing what the Biogon can do.

I considered buying a used Cron but decided I wanted something brand new. A new Cron was not in the budget. I'm going to basically weld the Biogon to my Bessa and shoot with that combo for a few months and see how it goes.

 

[MikeL]

Biogon is out.
Going to miss it.
Summilux ASPH is in.
Going to enjoy it.

Carl, are you sure you want something that sharp?

 

[cmogi10]

Carl, are you sure you want something that sharp?

That's what I asked my friend at the store.
"I heard this thing's too damn sharp"..."And That's a problem?"

I have the Summitar for the less than sharp days.

 

[ampguy]

Carl - did you ever get a CV 35/1.2?

Carl - did you ever get a CV 35/1.2?

If so, how did you like it? Have photos?

That's what I asked my friend at the store.
"I heard this thing's too damn sharp"..."And That's a problem?"

I have the Summitar for the less than sharp days.

 

[cmogi10]

Here's one Ted.
I like it, but it's still in it's honeymoon phase.

Time will be the best tell.

 

[Ken Ford]

Dear Goddess, this thread is still going? I haven't checked it since I voted way back in the beginning.

I have the best of both worlds - a 35 Cron ASPH that cost me new what a Biogon would have.

Seriously, each lens has its own distinct signature. As the old saying goes you pays your money, you makes your choice. Optical design isn't a finite task - each company has their own design goals.

I personally like my ASPH, but if Fate had smiled out the other side of her mouth I'm sure I would have been just as happy with a Biogon. IMO there's barely any performance difference between them, just a slightly different look.

 

[ampguy]

Great photo Carl, looking forward to seeing more!

 

[cmogi10]

 

[elude]

It is sweet.

 

[Gary E]

irq506,

I'm a bit surprised that you found the Zeiss Biogon harsh, especially in comparison to the Summicron-ASPH. I found that most people see that the opposite is true - that the Leica is too harsh.

I used to own a 35 Summicron ASPH as well and found it to be a bit harsh (especially in color chromes), so I sold it and got a 35 Summicron v4. I am a happier camper now, but I've always wished they'd make an updated 40 Summicron-C with better coatings and a similar cam to current models. I still use it along with the 35 Summicron v4, and at times wanted to sell the v4 as the Summicron-C is good enough for me. Now if they only made 40mm frame lines for my M4-2 :bang:

 

[irq506]

I used to own a 35 Summicron ASPH as well and found it to be a bit harsh (especially in color chromes), so I sold it and got a 35 Summicron v4. I am a happier camper now, but I've always wished they'd make an updated 40 Summicron-C with better coatings and a similar cam to current models. I still use it along with the 35 Summicron v4, and at times wanted to sell the v4 as the Summicron-C is good enough for me. Now if they only made 40mm frame lines for my M4-2 :bang:

Well that really comes down to a matter of taste. To my mind the aethetic of the ASPH is is far superior on every level to anything else currently on the market within it's bracket.