What kind of wide angle lens is resistant to flare?

Frank Petronio

Frank Petronio

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Seems like every review of wide-angle lenses on rangefinders has a caution about flaring. I understand that is the nature of wide-angle lenses since they capture a wider view, often including light sources or just off-frame.... but what (Leica-specific) 28-35mm lenses are least prone towards flare?

Which ones flare the least under similar circumstances?

If my 35 pre-ASPH Lux was at a 2 on a 1 to 10 scale of flare, where do you think your suggestions rate? (lower number = more flaring)
 
The 35/2.8 Biogon-C has very little flare. Here's Erwin Puts's assessment. I would add the caveat that under certain conditions you can get halos around light sources at night. But reflections and veiling are really minimal. It really is an astonishingly competent little lens if you can live with f 2.8 -- which turns out to be easier than many think. The Biogon-C is less flare-prone than the 35 Summilux ASPH that I had previously.

I'm also very impressed with the 21/2.8 Biogon. It's remarkably good.
 
Yes, I could hardly ever detect flare from my ZM 21/2.8 Biogon. That's a fantastic lens. I'd say that given their modern designs all the wide angle ZM lenses are probably the best in 35mm photography in terms of flare.

Phil Forrest
 
I'll second the recommendations on the ZM 35mm f2.8 C-Biogon. I've never gotten mine to flare in the 2 years I have owned it. Same with the 28mm Biogon. Had it about the same amount of time and never got it to flare either. I always have the Zeiss hoods on them, but I don't think it makes much difference, especially with the 28. Its hood is very thin and is probably more useful for protecting the front of the lens from being dropped or banged on something than it is for flare control.
 
ZM 28/2.8 Biogon was pretty free from flare indeed:

5932454904_3b4df9f950_z.jpg
 
I agree with the C Biogon 35 2.8. A wonderful lens, if a bit slow. I've never had a flare problem with the Summilux Asph. [not the current version], and the 21 4.5 Biogon is another wonderful wide. The only lens I've had that flares as badly as the pre-asph Summilux is the 21 Color Skopar.
 
The ZM f2/35mm Biogon controls flare as well as one could ever hope for also. Plus you get the extra stop. After owning both the f2 and f2.8 I chose the f2.8. The size factor was undeniable. Also the c version vignettes in a very nice way at wide open. Me likey!
 
The 35 Summilux ASPH (pre-FLE) is pretty flare-resistant. But it is not immune.

Reflections:
620868834_i8Lpx-L.jpg


Halos:
620924743_qRXu9-L.jpg


...and here's an example from the very first roll I shot with my ZM 21/4.5 Biogon-C:
20110924-scan1101-L.jpg


After I put a multicoated filter in the 21/4.5 (to cover the chrome filter ring) it never did that again. However, I wanted a faster lens, so I replaced the 21/4.5 with a ZM 21/2.8. I have tried to get the 21/2.8 to flare, and have been unable to do so even without a filter covering the silver ring. It is probably the most flare-resistant lens I've ever used.
 
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