Need a new 35mm lens

[papo]

So i had the Biogon ZM 35mm 2.8 which some have recommended here and besides the produced image characteristics that i didnt like, i realized that i needed something with at least 1.8 aperture.

Is there something else you would recommend? Please keep in mind, i dont have Leica money so make it in the same or similar price range.

Thanks.

 

[samuelstew.art]

Voigtlander Nokton 1.4? More classic rendering and 1.4 for the speed. What image characteristics didn't you like about the Biogon?

 

[stompyq]

Canon 35mm f2 LTM
Voigtlander 35mm 1.2

Both should be different from the zeiss. Curious why you didn't like the images?

 

[retinax]

There's also the Voigtländer Ultron 35 1.7. It has far less barrel distortion than the Nokton 35 1.4.

 

[presspass]

If you want a small lens and don't mind spending more for it, the second version of the pre-aspheric Summilux is good. Most people who say they don't like this lens have never used it. It is especially nice with black and white film. Knowing whether you shoot film or digital would also help people make informed recommendations

 

[Ccoppola82]

I use my Nokton 35 1.4 sc specifically for nighttime. My Summaron 2.8 carries takes the brunt of the work for daylight shooting. Despite the mixed reviews, I really enjoy the Nokton.

Pros-
Small
Build is very good for $
Fast aperture
Ergonomics are great for carrying. This is subjective but I find the aperture clicks to be better than post 60’s leicas. No accidental changes. Focusing is good and fast.

Cons
A bit soft wide open
Focus shift. I shoot 1.4-2 or 5.6 or higher to counter this
Distortion. I rarely notice it but I know it really bothers some people.

For the $ you really can’t go wrong if you NEED faster than a Summicron. I like my pair. However if I wanted a ONE lens solution I would likely sell both and buy a v3 or v4 Summicron. I just can’t seem to get away fe the Summaron though.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Dudegital or film? 🙂.
Personally, I would avoid old non-Leica lenses on digital Leica. They seems to be slightly specific. 🙂

Ultron 35 1.7 has no Nokton focus shift issues, special bokeh, barrel distortion and cheaper LTM version is as good as industarish M version. But I'm still intrigued by 35 1.4 Nokton, it has lovely classic build.
And here is Nokton 35 1.2 beast in Biogon 35 2.8 price range.

 

[noisycheese]

Given your requirements and constraints, the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 Aspherical II would be my choice:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod...nder_BA237B_Nokton_Aspherical_35mm_f_1_2.html

 

[dp13]

A while back I was deciding between the Voigtlander 35/1.7 and the Zeiss ZM 35/2. I went with the Zeiss.

 

[kbb]

Digi-Lloyd loves the Zeiss ZM 35/1.4. A good friend has the Zeiss ZM 35/2, it is xlnt.

 

[David Hughes]

A long time ago, I bought a Fuji X100 instead of yet another lens because it had a 35mm (equivalent) f/2 lens and was a lot cheaper. Also it works as a superior P&S when I only think one lens will do for the day...


Just my 2d worth.


Regards, David

 

[Peter Jennings]

It’s been 6 months since he asked the question, so I’m curious which one he got!