Zeiss 21 f2.8 or 25 f2.8 on M9

[MCTuomey]

This thread asks for views on the ZM 28/2.8 compared to the ZM 25/2.8 on the M9:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107781

Would be interested in comparisons between the ZM 21/2.8 and the ZM 25/2.8. I have used both the ZM 25/2.8 Biogon and the ZM 18/4 Distagon on the M8, liked both, but sold them to go full frame. Now feeling the need for a wide between 21mm and 25mm for an M9. I liked the Distagon very much on the M8, more so than the ZM 25, probably because I like the 24-25mm focal length. The Distagon was my night shooting cityscape lens too and I understand the ZM 21mm biogon f2.8 is great in this regard. On the other hand the Biogon 25 f2.8 gets uniformly high marks for such shooting too.

 

[semilog]

Thoughts on these two lenses (and the 21/4.5, also) on film would also be of interest...

 

[nex100]

21mm is a sweet spot for full frame

 

[MCTuomey]

Thoughts on these two lenses (and the 21/4.5, also) on film would also be of interest...

Very true, I should have been more inclusive, since I shoot both film and digi (doh).

Honestly, you can't go wrong with ANY of them. I'd say pick whatever focal length suits you best and go for it .... That having been said, the 2,8/25 is probably the most incredible lens in their lineup. I more or less built my system around it. 😛

Yes, it's impressive, in use and from comparing MTFs. Since I never really loved its effective FL on an M8, maybe I should return to it on FF.

21mm is a sweet spot for full frame

There's my predicament, a great 25 in a fine focal length versus a fine 21 in a great FL. Like 50mm on 6x6 and 43mm on 6x7, there is a lot of great work in that FL.

 

[mile]

This thread asks for views on the ZM 28/2.8 compared to the ZM 25/2.8 on the M9:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107781

Would be interested in comparisons between the ZM 21/2.8 and the ZM 25/2.8. I have used both the ZM 25/2.8 Biogon and the ZM 18/4 Distagon on the M8, liked both, but sold them to go full frame. Now feeling the need for a wide between 21mm and 25mm for an M9. I liked the Distagon very much on the M8, more so than the ZM 25, probably because I like the 24-25mm focal length. The Distagon was my night shooting cityscape lens too and I understand the ZM 21mm biogon f2.8 is great in this regard. On the other hand the Biogon 25 f2.8 gets uniformly high marks for such shooting too.

It was said here and elsewhere several times, that the 21/2.8 on a M9 doesn't work very well due to angle of incidence and related problems with digital sensors. Better do some more research with that in mind, before you set your mind on that lens.

HTH,
Michael

 

[MCTuomey]

It was said here and elsewhere several times, that the 21/2.8 on a M9 doesn't work very well due to angle of incidence and related problems with digital sensors. Better do some more research with that in mind, before you set your mind on that lens.

HTH,
Michael

Michael, I have read that these problems are associated with the C-Biogon 21 f4.5, but not the 21/2.8. There is a bit of debate about which coding to use for the ZM 21/2.8 but that's it as far as I've seen.

 

[MCTuomey]

See, I just LOVED it on the M8 (even more so than the M9) because it made for a great ~35mm equivalent and the VF view was perfect.

On the M9 it's also great; I just use the entire VF to approximate the framing. Coding is important, much more so than the M8. With the latest firmware and proper coding, there's no "red edge" to worry about.

On either camera, or with film - this lens is stupid sharp from wide open and only the DoF increases. No distortion, very little if any vignetting, superb colors and saturation/contrast. Stopped down to f/5.6 or so, it's just ridiculous. Even Zeiss is proud of this one, and it's easy to see why.

I like not having to use an external VF, so maybe that will nudge me to the 25. I do like 24-25 on full frame. I could always rent the ZM 21 at some point after re-acquiring the 25, to see how I get on with the wider lens.

Thanks for the helpful comments!

 

[mile]

Michael, I have read that these problems are associated with the C-Biogon 21 f4.5, but not the 21/2.8. There is a bit of debate about which coding to use for the ZM 21/2.8 but that's it as far as I've seen.

Oh really? If the site search on rff weren't such a frustrating experience, I would try (harder) to find those threads I seem to remember. Anyway, this just shows you should better make sure you get the right lens, and sorry if I am wrong. 🙂

Bye,
Michael

 

[nex100]

no red edge problem with the zm 21mm f2.8 biogon with the M9. You can code it as 21mm elmarit

 

[jamato8]

Where can you get the 21 2.8?

 

[hausen]

I love my ZM21/2.8 on my M9. Is superb and love the Zeiss colours.


Sunset, Auckland-NZ by BigHausen, on Flickr


Skytower and Home. by BigHausen, on Flickr

 

[MCTuomey]

Beautiful, Hausen. Clearly the ZM 21/2.8 can do night shooting.

I found this old thread at fred miranda's alt gear forum:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/964338/

Not consistent with the Zeiss MTFs for the 21/2.8, I think. *rscheffler* had trouble with his copy, possible user error or maybe focus curvature at wider apertures.

 

[MCTuomey]

Where can you get the 21 2.8?

I was told by Alex at popflash that shipments from Japan have dropped to nil, so buying any new ZM lenses now is nearly impossible. Last I looked, none of the usual retailers had stock. There was a 21/2.8 at KEH last week, not sure if it's there now.

 

[ChipMcD]

Honestly, you can't go wrong with ANY of them. I'd say pick whatever focal length suits you best and go for it. Though I would NOT suggest the 4,5/21 with the M9. Even with the new firmware, you'll probably still want to use CornerFix for best results.

That having been said, the 2,8/25 is probably the most incredible lens in their lineup. I more or less built my system around it. 😛

You will definitely need Cornerfix for the 21 f4.5 on the M9. It's free though.

 

[Tom Niblick]

I'm getting ready to sell some gear to fund a M9. I have A Nikkor 105 DC going on the block as well as a 60 Micro D. The hard debate is should I put my beloved M4 up for sale or part with my coded Zeiss Biogon 21/2.8 (hood and 28 mm CV finder). It is really a matter of which I'll miss more.

Someone might catch me at a weak moment.

Tom

 

[Tom Niblick]

A grand and its yours.