Leica 24mm flare, comparison

[xixi_gelly]

Hello, I'm in the market for a 24mm Elmarit or Elmar as a WA to swap out my 21/2.8, which I had only because a friend offered it to me on very generous terms.

A question for those who have used the 24mm lenses, how would you rate the flare control between the 2.8 and the new 3.8? I read the newer 3.8 has much better flare suppresion than the 2.8 and am wondering if it's _significantly_ better? Or marginally? Or is the 2.8's flare perfectly manageable?

Because I work in news and often in difficult lighting, flare resistance is probably my top criteria, followed by speed, hence the dilemma. Sharpness of either I'm sure is more than adequate.

Would greatly appreciate the RFF hive mind's advice, recommendations and experiences with the 24mm FL. Warm regards.

 

[jaapv]

If you need speed as well as flare resistance, you would end up with a Summilux 24, which meets both criteria.

 

[dreamsandart]

+1

The 24 Summilux is an amazing lens

I bought the Elmarit when it first came out, a big fan of the 24 with the r-series. The Elmarit-M is optically a better lens, but for some reasons never really enjoyed using it. With the 24 Summilux I can say it's just about perfect in every way. Large size, but handles on the camera very well, optically I don't see how it could be improved on, built quality is one of Leica's best, and speed and wide is special. It is a lens without compromise.

 

[Richard G]

ZM 25 Biogon 2.8: sharp and flare resistant. Slightly cheaper than the Summilux.

 

[jaapv]

+1

The 24 Summilux is an amazing lens

I bought the Elmarit when it first came out, a big fan of the 24 with the r-series. The Elmarit-M is optically a better lens, but for some reasons never really enjoyed using it. With the 24 Summilux I can say it's just about perfect in every way. Large size, but handles on the camera very well, optically I don't see how it could be improved on, built quality is one of Leica's best, and speed and wide is special. It is a lens without compromise.

It is my all-time favorite wideangle. Mine shows heavy signs of use 😉

 

[xixi_gelly]

Thanks folks. All the evidence I've seen suggests the 24 lux is the superlative lens in almost every way. Unfortunately it's beyond my budget.

Do any owners have experience/complaints about the Elmarit? Would I be correct assuming that it renders similarly to the (familiar to me) 35/2 ASPH introduced in that same late 90s era and has roughly the same qualities?

Yes Richard, I should consider the 25mm Biogon as well, although I do prefer tabbed lenses.

 

[dreamsandart]

Please excuse my enthusiasm for the [yes, not cheap] 24 Summilux. It's just hard to think back once you’ve experienced that lens. I myself wanted one, couldn’t afford it, finally did the deed, and its every bit as good as I’d hoped for, and more. Worth the investment, if you are thinking of a 24mm as a major part of your equipment. To me, it's much more than just a 24mm focal length, and it's really fun!

The Elmarit-M is very well made, solid quality feel with smooth focus action and well-defined full and half stops, sharp with high contrast from the get go (optimal at f4, or less for closer focus, no floating elements here), not a large lens, but not compact either. good modern lens coatings suppress any major flare issues, but it does have a large curved front element and a strong light source in the frame or just outside can produce some ‘controlled’ flare on occasion.

Your comparison to the 35 Summicron ASPH would be accurate I feel. Both have a ‘modern’ high contrast look. And yes, a finger focus tab so it handles similarly.

For me, the Elmar is just too slow. If you are going to be mostly using it in daylight or with a high ISO capable camera the compactness is attractive. Also, the Elmar has a bit more narrow actual view than the other two Leica 24 lenses, maybe more 25mm if that matters.

Happy hunting!

 

[Teashop]

I have owned both the Elmarit and the Elmar 24mm lenses, the latter having replaced the Elmarit for the greater portability it offered. Whilst I was never conscious of any issues with the Elmarit, I have recently been shooting the Elmar into low sun on a part flooded beach and have been staggered by the flare suppression of the smaller lens. If you can live without the extra speed, the Elmar is a stellar performer and relatively affordably priced. It's a great way to enjoy a modern wide angle Leica lens without dislocating your shoulder or your bank balance...

 

[click]

I used the 24 Elmarit exclusively for 12 years. It's astonishingly good. Sharper than anything else I have now, it ruined me for other lenses. It took me quite a few rolls to figure it out and I just made it work for everything. The field curvature is something that you have to learn but once you master it you can layer shots beautifully. Out of focus areas look like a drawing. Love. You can street shoot at 5.6 and zone focus works. The perspective distortion makes images even more interesting. I don't believe I ever made it flare. I believe this is Leica's best lens. So good that your other lenses will start to disappoint you. I also have a 35 lux fle, and a 50 summicron and they have their charm but they don't have the same magic. There's a "sweeping" quality that I love.

Size is bigger than my other lenses but it's not awkward to carry. I carried this everyday, everywhere I went without fail for twelve years.

Cons: it's hard to use. Composition with this thing is a major challenge. There's a lot in the frame. If you're shooting people you had better be comfortable getting close. Really close. I shot hand held indoors at 2.8 1/8 with 400 speed film but it required being really calm and focused with static subjects. I've never shot anything with digital so I have no opinion on that.

Ken Rockwell gave it a bad review, likely because he has no idea how to use it.

 

[Doug]

I bought a 24 Summilux last month and have been pleased with it. Surprisingly resistant to flare. Couple of examples here with jpeg files straight from the camera, no post processing yet. First one inside architecture at f/2.8, sun setting beside fence post at f/1.4

 

[Doug]

The 25 Biogon ZM is a great little lens too... Here's a sample on an M240, a winter sunset... I don't see any flare.

 

[mcfingon]

Here's my Elmar-M 24/3.8 at f8, which works very well on my Sony A7S. I'm very pleased with the flare suppression and general high contrast crispness of this lens.

 

[stephen.w]

+1 for the Summilux. I have never encountered flare with mine. Maybe hold out for a decent second-hand copy?

 

[Daryl J.]

I love my 3.8/24. Not once have I needed a greater aperture and it consistently renders beautifully. Well, as beautifully as it's Knob of an Owner will allow.

 

[xixi_gelly]

Here's my Elmar-M 24/3.8 at f8, which works very well on my Sony A7S. I'm very pleased with the flare suppression and general high contrast crispness of this lens.

Love this snap, mcfingon

 

[Doug]

Well, I just finished a batch of shots with the 24 Summilux on an M8, with UV/IR cut filter and wide apertures... Examining the "take" with Lightroom, it's not all that resistant to flare in this situation. Sun low in the sky just out of the frame produces typical veiling flare and UFOs! 😉

 

[571514m3]

Here's my Elmar-M 24/3.8 at f8, which works very well on my Sony A7S. I'm very pleased with the flare suppression and general high contrast crispness of this lens.

Great photo. We should start a wide angle thread on /5 BMW motorcycles. Should I start one? 🙂

 

[Rob-F]

The 25 Biogon ZM is a great little lens too... Here's a sample on an M240, a winter sunset... I don't see any flare.

I love this shot, Doug!

 

[Dguebey]

My 24 Elmarit-M ASPH with direct sun, wide open :

 

[airfrogusmc]

My 24 Elmarit-M ASPH with direct sun, wide open :

Good example. I really like my 24 Elmarit 2.8.