Leica 35 summicron APO v. Zeiss 35 biogon ?

[Alain]

Anyone have an opinion about the performance of the new Zeiss 35 biogon compared to the Leica 35 summicron APO? The Zeiss looks like a much better deal.


Alain

 

[ChrisN]

Didn't we do this last week?

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24980

"Leica 35 summicron APO"? Do you mean ASPH? Or am I confused? Too many abbreviations!

 

[Alain]

I couldn't remember at the moment of writing what the latest version of the 35mm summicron was... Does ASPH denote the latest version?

Anyway, thanks for the link. Sorry I missed this...I'm on probably 10 different lists and so it gets to be a burden sometimes to search for things, besides I did actually search for a thread on this topic and this doesn't always do the trick.


Alain

 

[back alley]

thanks chris, i was just searching for that thread.

joe

 

[vizioneer]

Hi Alain, yes ASPH denotes the latest version, as in aspherical element, and APO is a special glass used for more telephoto type lenses, such as 75mm on up. I don't think you could go wrong with either lens, if you ask me. Just from what I've read online anyway. Good luck.

 

[Harry Lime]

Take a look here

http://www.imx.nl/photosite/comments/c017.html


I read a test somewhere that said it on par with the 4th generation Cron and that the Cron ASPH has an edge on both wide open. If that is so, then that is quite impressive, especially considering the price of the Zeiss.

I'm curious to see how well the Zeiss does as far as geometric distortion goes. The ASPH is flat as a pool table.

 

[back alley]

either lens is sharper than i am...😉

 

[back alley]

sean reid seems to favor the leica lens for it's drawing ability but states he would be happy with either. the leica lens is better wide open at the centre but the zm is sharp to the corners. that seems to be the zeiss fingerprint at work and done by design.

joe

 

[ZeissFan]

There are two options here:

1) If your primary goal is to save money, get the Zeiss lens or perhaps a Cosina Voigtlander lens. Fine choices.

2) f you really want a Leica lens but can't afford it, save your money for the Leica glass or consider buying used. Truthfully, if you want a Leica lens, then anything else you buy isn't going to cut it. And eventually, you'll buy the Leica lens and sell what you have at a loss. That means you will have paid considerably more for the Leica lens, as a result. In essence, buy what you really want, buy it once and save money in the long run.

 

[back alley]

i think mike is quite right here.

i have to admit though that the zm lenses are very very good.

 

[ZeissFan]

The reputation of Leica lenses is well deserved. So just think about what you want the end result to be: If it's Leica that you really want, then go for Leica. And that's coming from a Zeiss guy.

 

[Alain]

I shoot Zeiss mkI super speeds (and the newer Optar Illuminas) in the 16mm format and find the contrast and sharpness wide open...T1.3...to be stellar.

I'm new to rangefinders and yes I am on a budget and that will ultimately influence my decision as to what to buy. The Zeiss is more in my budget range...and the Leica, well, maybe some day but not soon.


Alain

 

[Dougg]

If you really want a Leica lens but can't afford it, save your money for the Leica glass or consider buying used. Truthfully, if you want a Leica lens, then anything else you buy isn't going to cut it. And eventually, you'll buy the Leica lens and sell what you have at a loss. That means you will have paid considerably more for the Leica lens, as a result. In essence, buy what you really want, buy it once and save money in the long run.

Words of wisdom, Mike. Human nature is a funny thing that way. I had an experience last year proving your point. 🙂