Zeiss 25mm or 28mm on an M9?

[swoop]

You can't go wrong with either. I own the 25 biogon and it is my favorite lens. I wish all of my lenses had its rendering but in different focal lengths.

 

[jim_buchanan]

The Zeiss 25 comes 'standard' with a flange which brings up 28mm framelines - so you either need to get a replacement lens mount from Zeiss (35/135) or 6-code the lens as a 28mm pre-Asph. Elmarit-M.

My ZM25 brings up the 24mm framelines in my M8. What version do you have?

 

[jim_buchanan]

The dealer you purchased the lens from ordered it that way (a dealer option). Unless Zeiss changed the specs (a possibility), the standard lens flange on the 25 ZM brings up 28mm framelines. I have first-hand experience with this, owning two examples of this lens - both were 'unmodified' out of the box bringing up 28mm framelines. In each case I had to order a new lens flange so the lens could be coded as a 24mm Asph. Elmarit.

Another recent change from Zeiss is they have shifted the mount so 6-bit coding can be done unhindered by a screw (it's about time).

Working down thread, I see your point. My ZM25 has the new mount screw positions and 24mm frame lines. The mount that brings up the 28mm framelines of an M9 would be desirable.

 

[Bob Michaels]

.................. am looking at the 25mm and 28mm f/2.8 Biogon lenses.

I'm erring towards the 25, but I'm interested in any opinions of one over the other. ..........................

I find the actual use of 28mm and 25mm lenses to be quite different. Your choice should be made based on the field of view that works for you, not on the optical quality of the lenses. I only have the 28mm Biogon as my 25mm lens is a CV. But everyone swears the 25mm Biogon is excellent as well. So the optical quality of both Zeiss Biogons are excellent, a toss up.

I see the differences as a 28mm lens being on the wide side, a lens that can be used for almost everything (and I shoot with a 28mm as an only lens most of the time). A 25mm lens to me is sort of a special purpose lens as it really gets wide. I almost never use mine.

So I would say get the 28mm and if you later decide you want really wide, then get the 21mm. I just find a 28mm to be a lot more useful than a 25mm.

 

[Penceler]

I'll add my $0.02

I'll add my $0.02

The 28 is stunning in all regards. I've only used it on film and have no experience with the 25

It's compact, tack sharp and has brilliant color. Lens cap with hood is a pita.

John

 

[Turtle]

I agree with Bob. Making the decision based on 'superior optics' i daft. Make the decision based on application. Both lenses are superb.

I have the 28 and find myself using 24 more due to better spacing with my main 35. Thats has nothing to do with optical quality because the ZM 28 does all I could ask of it.

 

[Tobers]

Thanks all. I do want the widest angle out of those 2 lenses so the 25 is my choice, but I'd have been prepared to sacrifice 3mm and get the 28 if it was significantly better than the 25.

As it is, the 25 looks great so I'm saving...

 

[Wolf Rainer Schmalfu]

ZM 15mm Distagon

ZM 15mm Distagon

Does that apply to any 21mm lens on the M9 or just this one and what about the ZM 15mm lens with centre filter?

According to Zeiss, the 15mm with center filter does not show this magenta color at the corners. The lens is very costly but worth any penny! Focussing is almost a foreign word with this superb glass! 😉