Contax G2 21mm vs 28mm?

[rubercoober]

Anyone have experience with both?

I've got a black G2 and the 45mm/90mm combo. Leaving on a trip for Bali in 2 weeks and thinking of picking up a 21 or 28mm to bring with me.

I could get a black 28mm for ~$450USD, whereas I can pick up the silver 21mm for ~$500USD.

I've heard plenty of praise over both, and the main distinction at the moment I guess is that I could use the 28mm with my TLA 200 flash, whereas the 21mm would require me to use the external viewfinder and unable to use the flash.

It seems like 28mm might be my final choice just for the sake of practicality, but was hoping to get some input from others. I hear both lenses are phenomenal, but that the 21mm is a very special lens (and one of the reasons G2 users have decided to keep their G2).

What do you think?

 

[Peter_S]

Have used both. In the end...the 21mm IS special, one of the best lenses in that focal length ever made, whereas there are many good 28mm out there. For me the 45mm and 21mm were the reasons I used the systems...
In the end focal length preferences should govern a decision. Not sure? Get the 21mm.

 

[plummerl]

The 21mm is my favorite of my G lenses, but you will not go wrong with the 28mm. As you say, a big difference, operationally, is the external viewfinder.

 

[Bob Michaels]

I shot both the ContaxG 21mm and 28mm lenses for many many years. Both are excellent performers. They are very different in their Field of View and use.

I can guarantee you that either will result in photos limited only by your personal skill and not by the lens.

You must decide which of the two lenses fits your style and objectives. No one can help you there.

 

[kknox]

I have both the 21 & the 28 lens. Like its been said the 21 is special. The 28 is a great travel lens. I took a trip a few years ago to Hawaii, my most used lens was the 28. Tack sharp you cant go wrong with the 28mm. The 21 is a fantastic lens, but for traveling light the 28 gets my vote.

 

[narsuitus]

I have both lenses.

I use the 28 more when I am shooting landscapes.

I use the 28mm more when I am shooting with my 45mm.

I use the 21 more when I am shooting with my 35mm.

I use the 21 more when I am shooting tight interiors.

In general, I tend to use the 21 more than the 28.

I rarely carry the 21 and 28 at the same time.


Contax G1 with 21mm Zeiss by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[sepiareverb]

Have used both. In the end...the 21mm IS special, one of the best lenses in that focal length ever made...

Could not agree more. The 28 is fantastic in its own right, but the 21 delivers a sparkle to negs that I've not seen with any other 21.

 

[rubercoober]

Have used both. In the end...the 21mm IS special, one of the best lenses in that focal length ever made, whereas there are many good 28mm out there. For me the 45mm and 21mm were the reasons I used the systems...
In the end focal length preferences should govern a decision. Not sure? Get the 21mm.

This is very helpful, thanks.

I shot both the ContaxG 21mm and 28mm lenses for many many years. Both are excellent performers. They are very different in their Field of View and use.

I can guarantee you that either will result in photos limited only by your personal skill and not by the lens.

You must decide which of the two lenses fits your style and objectives. No one can help you there.

I'm not worried about my personal skill being an issue, it's mostly that this will be my first wide angle lens and I'm very accustomed to using a 45/50mm and only that. My hope is to bring along something wide for a fresh perspective, for the sake of this trip coming up.

I have both the 21 & the 28 lens. Like its been said the 21 is special. The 28 is a great travel lens. I took a trip a few years ago to Hawaii, my most used lens was the 28. Tack sharp you cant go wrong with the 28mm. The 21 is a fantastic lens, but for traveling light the 28 gets my vote.

Thanks for the input. The travel thing is important for my current situation.

I have both lenses.

I use the 28 more when I am shooting landscapes.

I use the 28mm more when I am shooting with my 45mm.

I use the 21 more when I am shooting with my 35mm.

I use the 21 more when I am shooting tight interiors.

In general, I tend to use the 21 more than the 28.

I rarely carry the 21 and 28 at the same time.

I mostly shoot with my 45mm, so from this feedback, I'd be inclined to get the 28mm. Is there a particular reason you feel the two work together nicely?

Thanks for all of the input, everyone.

I'm still torn about what to do, I'm impressed by all the photos taken with both lenses that I've found on Flickr so far.

I think I've found a good deal on a 21mm, so that may have to be the one. If I decide to pass on it, luckily KEH is not far from me and I can go pick up the black 28mm.