New 2016 Elmarit 28mm Asph vs Previous

[Asim]

Now that Leica have announced a new version of the Leica 28mm Elmarit Asph coming up in the next month, I wonder if I should wait for the new one or grab a good bargain on the previous Asph Elmarit.

I shoot slide film. I don't shoot digital.

Any reason I should get the new one over the previous 28mm Elmarit Asph?

 

[FrozenInTime]

The new version, optimized for digital , may mean not optimal for film.

It's not clear to me if the new MTF graphs represent expected performance on a digital sensor ( with some cover glass ) vs the old ideal measurement ( where angle of incidence did not matter - i.e. film )

I would hold off purchase until some tests are done; there will be plenty of digital users upgrading - so there should be good deals to come for film users.

 

[mfogiel]

Typically, the "optimized for digital" can mean one or both of the following, obviously apart from resolution, which always helps:
- a telecentric (more retrofocus) design
- special rear coatings to prevent reflections from the sensor to bounce around.
The old lens is excellent on most counts, perhaps except for some funky bokeh, but is very high macro contrast. If the new one is less contrasty, this may make a real difference, but if you shoot slides, you should actually prefer the old one.

 

[santino]

I'm not sure about the price drop of the previous Version.. But it can't hurt to wait.

 

[Tijmendal]

I just held off a great deal on the previous version Elmarit ASPH for 1025€ because I was also curious. Kinda regret it now, since I don't shoot digital either and the current (or meanwhile 'old' version) is already stunning.

But then again, I shouldn't buy one in the first place 😉

 

[kbg32]

I own the previous version and will not be upgrading. I see no need as the current version is an excellent performer on my M9.

 

[ashfaque]

I just held off a great deal on the previous version Elmarit ASPH for 1025€ because I was also curious. Kinda regret it now, since I don't shoot digital either and the current (or meanwhile 'old' version) is already stunning.

But then again, I shouldn't buy one in the first place 😉

Most likely you'll get the older version even cheaper when some people buy the newer one or something else. Something to ease the 'regret'. 🙂

Bests,

Ashfaque

 

[judsonzhao]

I think 28mm/2.8 ASPH is merely updated its lens barrel by aluminum alloy, also very subtle optics optimization (I wonder if that's perceivable by human eyes). You could double check what I said from the spec sheets Leica provides on both lenses.

I think the same applies to the 35mm Summicron ASPH

 

[Michel154]

i dont think the new one is that much better for film i had the "older" and it was amazing the only thing in bright situations , snow and beach i got some weird purple color vignetting in the corners
i think the lens shade/hood is the main attraction on the new redesigns

 

[Michel154]

on a digital body

 

[Chuffed Cheese]

Can the new hood work on the Version 1 ASPH?

 

[leicapixie]

"Optimized for Digital" is a bad idea!
It means lens is built with 'distortions' fixed in special program.
No program, no fix distortion..:bang:
I hate look of "aspheric" lens backgrounds.
Resemble broken glass, is my opinion.

 

[a.noctilux]

Can the new hood work on the Version 1 ASPH?

No.
The new hood need screw-in thread on the outmost lens front.

 

[Chuffed Cheese]

No.
The new hood need screw-in thread on the outmost lens front.

thank you!