Zeiss or Voigtlander 25/28

[Philip Whiteman]

As I've a gap in my lens range between my old Leica 35 to 90 mm set and my 15 mm Heliar, I'm looking to buy a 25 or 28 mm lens.

I find that, good though it is, the usual level of vignetting on the cheap and cheerful 15 mm CV lens is tiresome to correct, and images from it always seem to need sharpening (unlike those from the Leica lenses).

At the moment, the 28 mm f2.8 Zeiss Distagon is roughly twice the price of the 28 mm f1.9 Ulton – but is it twice as good? And is the littel 25 mm Voigtlander as bad as the 15 mm in terms of vignetting?

Has anybody out there done careful comparisons between these particular Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses?

 

[Joe Mondello]

Check out Sean Reid's reviews for all the answers! See the sticky near the top of this forum.

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/rd-1-lens.shtml

If you find that helpful, seriously consider spending a few $$ to subscribe to Reid Reviews

http://www.reidreviews.com

There is an in-depth survey of 24/25 lenses there.

No connection, BTW, I'm just a satisfied Reid Reviews subscriber!

 

[triplefinger]

Philip,
I have a ZM25 and an R-D1.

I am extremely pleased with the ZM25. if you like sharp and very hi rez glass. I'd say go for it.

I think the major advantage of the CV is the size. major disadvantage is no RF coupling(on the old model anyway)

 

[ddimaria]

Philip,
I have a ZM25 and an R-D1.

I am extremely pleased with the ZM25. if you like sharp and very hi rez glass. I'd say go for it.

I think the major advantage of the CV is the size. major disadvantage is no RF coupling(on the old model anyway)

Can you use the ZM25 without an external viewfinder on the RD-1?

 

[0bli0]

it's the difference between 43mm fov and 38mm fov. looking at the 28 framelines and the space available in the vf, i'd say it would be no problem.

 

[Jim Watts]

I have the CV 25mm Skopar. It is a very good for the money, but there is still some vignetting on the R-D1, but not IMHO as bad as the VC 15mm although I have only tried a friends briefly. The Skopar is not coupled but Zone focusing with the Skopar is not usually a problem as its only an f4 lens.

It is possible to use ALL of the viewfinder area in the R-D1 for a 25mm lens, but its a bit of a struggle and 'hit and miss' if you wear glasses like me. The 35mm framelines in the CV 28/35 minifinder are a good match.

I also have the VC 28mm Ultron, which is probably rated by many here as one of thier best lenses. The Zeiss maybe better, but I doubt twice as good? It's not that compact though.

As Joe says Sean's survey is a very helpful guide.

 

[Huck Finn]

the 28 mm f2.8 Zeiss Distagon

The ZM 28/2.8 is a Biogon. I second the recommendation for Reid Reviews. It will tell you everything you need to know to make this choice. Good luck.

 

[johnastovall]

I'm very happy with my Ultron 28/1.9 to fill in below the 35/1.2 Nokton. To me the speed was more important than the little extra FOV in the 25.