Zeiss 25f2.8?

[ktmrider]

So, as I posted on another forum I am heading around the world at the end of September. I am still undecided on the lens mix but want to keep it down to two or three lenses. I have thought about 21/35 or 50/90. Now I may just go with 35/90 but I own both 15f4.5 and 21f4 lenses. Honestly I do not use either very much.

Am thinking about 25 vice 21. I used to use a 24f2.8 Nikkor as my primary wideangle. It worked well as my other main lens at the time was a 85f1.8 so I am thinking of purchasing a 25. I am wondering about which one.

Honestly, I no longer think the Leitz models are worth the money, at least not for how much the lens would be used. I own both Voightlander and Zeiss lenses (love the 35f2.8 C Biogon) and am not adverse to purchasing from either manufacturer.

I have heard/read the the 25 Zeiss is one of the best lenses in that focal length ever made so let me hear your opinions and perhaps see photos. I have about five days to decide and the difference in price between the Zeiss and Voightlander is not an issue.

 

[presspass]

I don't have any photos to share - I make wet prints in the darkroom - but I do have and use the Zeiss 25. It's a wonderful lens, very sharp, and I have never been able to see the difference between it and the 24 f 2.8 Leica [I do have that lens as well]. Unfortunately, I've never been able to bond with this focal length, so I don't use it as much as I should. It's a very nice lens and has held up well to my limited use.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Together with my Leitz 35mm summicron aspherical, the Zeiss Biogon 25mm lens is the best I have in the collection, has tremendous resolution. It is as sharp as the summicron - even in low light.

here's a sample photo:

Rathausufer / Rhine bank by Ron (Netherlands), on Flickr

 

[mfogiel]

I have no experience with Leica or CV 24/25mm, but I have the 25/2.8 ZM and ZF. The ZM version is better, has flat field typical of biogons, and is probably the best Zeiss lens in the entire ZM line. It has typical Zeiss high contrast and micro contrast and also great flare resistance. The real FL is probably almost 26mm. It is not a small lens, so on the Bessa R4x it intrudes somewhat into the VF. With the external finder there are no issues obviously. This is my preferred lens for street shots from the hip and for out of town wider landscapes.
ROOFS OVER THE DORDOGNE # 3, BEYNAC by marek fogiel, on Flickr

https://www.flickr.com/photos/59177...hNo-3b8hes-3ByNxm-3zPFKa-3jMHXc-3jSc7N-392hLr

20133620 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

20133602 by marek fogiel, on Flickr

ROADSIDE CHAPEL, NEAR BARBEZIEUX by marek fogiel, on Flickr

 

[Doug]

The Voigtlander 25mm lens is f/4, so that one-stop handicap is a factor to consider. I can echo previous comments about the high quality of the Zeiss Biogon 25...

25 Biogon ZM on Minolta CLE

25 Biogon ZM on M8

 

[MCTuomey]

@Marek @Doug @Ron beautiful pics!

Best wide of the ZMs imho. A fast 50, a 90, and the 25 would be a nice 3 lens kit. The 25 and a 75 would be fine if u wanted to keep it simple.

Safe and pleasant travel!

 

[35photo]

You want clarity and sharpness... this is the lens..

L1021554 by Marko Mihailovich, on Flickr