So, how's new CV 25/4p lens?

[Krosya]

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone got to use the new 25/4p lens yet. I'm thinking to get one, but want to get some opinions first. I was planning to save up for a Zeiss 25/2.8 and may still do so, but if CV 25/4p is very close to Zeiss in performance, I can live with a bit slower lens.
So, any user feedback on this one yet?
Thanks.

 

[horosu]

I'd like to hear some feedback, too, as I am a bit torn as to buy into this FL or not. I have a 35 and 50 Summicron and would like something wider, especially for travel, but I am not convinced I would use it all that much...

The 25/4P is a lot cheaper than the Zeiss (not to mention the Leica) and would give me an insight ..However: is it good? 🙂

 

[Tom A]

I do have the 25f4 P and like it. optical performance is the same as the Snap Shot Skopar which means it is second to none! The advantage with the P version is the fact that it does couple to the rangefinder and at f4-5.6 that can be critical. Above that the Snap-shot works just as well. You also have the close focussing "precision" that the Snap Shot lacks. Estimating close focus (0,5- 1 m) is tricky. The P lens also has an another advantage, the allows you to put a 39mm filter on the lens and use the hood. With the LTM version 21/25 you had to either forego the hood (risk of flare from the chrome ring of Leica 39mm filters), or screw the hood into the filter ring and risk vignetting.
Compared to the 25/2,8 ZI I find that apart from the 1 stop loss of speed, I cant really see a major difference, at least in black/white. The compact size probably also means that you will take this along as a 2nd or 3rd lens when out. The 25f2,8 is bigger and a bit 'clumsy" compared.
I haven't done any detailed analysis of the lens performance, LLp's, fall off etc as I find that a/boring and b/ rather meaningless anyway. As a complement to a 40/50 lens it works very well. 25/40/75 makes a nice, portable package and it is priced right too, if you stay away from things like 75f2 Summicrons.

 

[horosu]

Than you very much Tom for a very comprehensive review. I felt attracted by the small size of the new lens and I hoped that it would be optically good, however your opinion has pretty much sold me 🙄

 

[BrianPhotog]

The performance is exactly the same as the older Snapshot version. It's the same optical design.

I have a review of the the older snapshot here.

 

[kuvvy]

Just got mine yesterday. Not had results from it yet but I've used the snapshot version in the past so I know performance will be good. Got mine for my Minolta CLE and it suits it very nicely.

 

[kbg32]

I have both, and if you have just one, the 25/4P is hard to see any differences in b & w. Color - the 25/4P has a bit softer, more muted color palette then the Zeiss. Again it would be hard to tell the difference if you had just the 25/4P. The Zeiss is an outstanding lens, but the 25/4P is not far behind. I bought it for its comapctness.