Zeiss ZM 28/2.8 Compared to...

[Dale Cook]

I'm considering purchasing the Zeiss 28mm lens. Does anybody have experience with this lens and the R-D1? How does is stack up to Leica examples? Of course, other suggestions are welcome for reasonably priced 28mm. Thanks in advance.

 

[Grober]

I have no experience with the ZM 28 but do own and adore the ZM 25.

My current 28mm is an old Canon 2.8 RF lens which, whenever I think about turning it over for a newer lens, delivers steady and even brilliant performance. Another benefit: it's tiny. Mine does need a thorough CLA to make it focus more smoothly.

The Canon 28/3.5 pops up every once and a while on eBay but I think you'll want the faster 2.8 in the long run. The Canon 28mm/2.8 is somewhat rarer and a good little lens that earns its keep.

 

[amateriat]

Well, I give my Konica M-Hexanon 28mm f/2.8 the proverbial two-thumbs-way-up, but it's not much (if any) easier to find than many other desirable 28s. Worth it if you find it, of course.


- Barrett

 

[Sean Reid]

I'm currently working on a formal review of ten RF lenses that includes the ZM 28, Leica 28/2 and Ultron 28/1.9. It might be of interest to you and should be published by mid-May.

Cheers,

Sean

 

[MP Guy]

Sean,

You should publish the odd review here once in a while 🙂 I can dedicate a section just for reviews.

 

[Sean Reid]

Hi Jorge,

E-Mail me and we'll figure something out. The set being written about now (four articles) includes:

Zeiss 21/2.8
Leica 21/2.8
Zeiss 25/2.8
Zeiss 28/2.8
Leica 28/2.0
Ultron 28/1.9
Zeiss 35/2.0
Leica 35/2.0
Ultron 35/1.7
Zeiss 50/2.0
Leica 50/2.0
Nokton 50/1.5

All on R-D1 and *film*!


Cheers,

Sean

 

[grantray]

So. What happanes to all those lenses when the test is done? If you get to keep them, I hate you.

Seriously. I mean it.

-grant

 

[rvaubel]

Sean's reviews

Sean's reviews

I second the motion for posting an occasional review, in an appropriate thread. All the reviews could be together, back at Sean's site for reference. I especially like the fact that Sean reviews the lenses on both the digital and film bodies. I also have both and often use both on my photo safaris. Each lens, thus has 2 effective focal lengths...double the pleasure!
Dale, the 28mm focal length range is a good one on the R-D1. It gives a very classic perspective to the APS-C format. I have the VC28mm/f1.9 and couldnt be more happy. I'm sure the Zeiss will please you. Look for Sean's review when it comes out, his opinions are the most vaulable of any in my experience.
Have fun!
Rex

 

[Dale Cook]

I'm looking forward to it. Just want to thank you for your reviews...it was actually the reason I decided to purchase the R-D1.

 

[Sean Reid]

Dale,

Thanks very much. There's a lot of R-d1 info. at the new site as well.

Grant,

No, I don't get to keep them.

Cheers,

Sean