- Shade -
thanks. It seems that the googled version sells for a little less. But of course makes the lens more bulky.
- Mike -
I am trying to settle on one lens 🙂 However if anybody would offer a few side-by-side shots with Summaron and Biogon-C, I would not say "no" :angel:
Hi Matus,
no experience with the Biogon here (I only suspect it has a very "modern" look), but I am right now shooting the Skopar 2.5/35mm, the Summaron 2.8 and the summicron 35 first version alongside.
Here are some of my non-scientific observations: The lenses are quite different in their behaviour and character. In a nutshell, the skopar has more contrast and a remarkable evenness of resolution from center to the corners. The downside is, it cannot match the resolution of the Summaron or the Summicron in the center at f2.8 or f4. However, it is better than both in the outer field and the corners at these apertures. Summaron and Summicron are quite sharp in the center from wide open, but there is a perceivable drop in sharpness toward the outer field and the corners (quite sudden and pronounced with the Summicron , more gradually with the Summaron). The Summicron improves in the field with stopping down, more than the Summaron it seems. At f8 all three lenses are more or less at the same level, which is to be expected.
I would say the Summicron is more suited for the reportage kind of photography where you need the extra speed, and sharpness in the image center (where the action is going on) might be crucial or even wanted. The Summaron is a more "standard" and "good-natured" lens in a way, quite sharp and rather contrasty (between the Skopar and the 'cron) from the start with more evenness across the field than the 'cron, but not improving as much when stopped down. The Skopar is a very good lens if you stop down at least to f 5.6. At the wider apertures it is a bit too soft for my taste, although this is probably only noticeable in bigger enlargements.
Please note, these are just a few of my probably quite amateurish observations based on the individual and maybe imperfect copies of the lenses I have at hand here. YMMV.
Bottomline, I will probably keep the Summaron and send the Summicron back (I was using the Skopar before and will keep on using it for color), as I don't need the extra speed of the 'cron and I like the chracter of the Summaron, as it seems to suit my style of shooting better.
If you're not in a hurry with your decision we could meet somewhere between FRA and WI and I could lend you the Summaron for some test rolls?
John