Brian Legge
Veteran
Well, after handling the lens a few months ago, I finally found one in stock at Glazers. The size and handling doesn't really bother me at all which was a surprise as I tend to be specific about ergonomics and camera size. Loving the lens so far.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/8566080706/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/8571530346/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/8584049886
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/8566080706/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/8571530346/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cannelbrae/8584049886
EdwardKaraa
Well-known
The biogon is my favourite lens. It is true that it can produce nervous bokeh wide open at certain background to subject distances, but with some experience you will know in advance how to avoid it by changing the shooting angle, or stopping down slightly.
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redisburning
Well-known
I had two reasons for seeking out the f2 version over the f2.8. one was MTF40 stopped down, but more critically the OoF. I like that I can get more of it, and I like the way it is charged with that nervous energy sometimes. Personally I find well behaved to be a characteristic I dont particularly like with my bokeh.
The love is over, at least for some weeks. Just dropped the lens on the concrete floor. Some dents, Aperture and focusring very stiff. Glass seems to be Ok though.
Have to send it to Zeiss.
that's too bad, I hope Zeiss gets it fixed up for you.
EdwardKaraa
Well-known
I see what you mean, red. Silky smooth buttery bokeh is not my cup of tea either. I too bought this lens for the superb resolution and sharpness from 2.8 upwards. Wide open the bokeh is not always nervous. Most of the time it's very nice. And it is usually sufficient to stop down 1/3 to 2/3 stops to remove the nervousness.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
Well, I surely see little to complain about in these pictures. They are making me want to run right out and buy a Biogon. The third shot had hard-edged OOF circles of light that I found distracting. Otherwise, I see nothing to criticize and much to like. Is anyone in a position to shoot comparison shots of Biogon vs. Version I or Version IV Summicrons? Or other 35mm Leica glass some of us may already have? How about the 2.8 Summaron?
toothless
Newbie
Love the biogon.
kram
Well-known
If I say that the 35mm F2 biogon is the most used M Mount lens used on my Zeiss Ikon (being a plannar 50mm, sonnar 50mm and biogon 25mm owner); does this say anything about the lens?
kossi008
Photon Counter
I guess it says more about your personal preferences. From all I read, the 50/2 and 25/2.8 do not take a back seat to the 35/2 wrt IQ...
kram
Well-known
kossi008
Photon Counter
Guess what? Now you guys have done it. I'll be selling my C-Biogon to get the Biogon.
It's actually all my own fault, but it's nice to blame someone else for one's GAS, isn't it? In reality, while the C-Biogon 35 is a stellar performer and beautifully compact, I do miss that extra stop now and then. And I don't want to go for a really fast 35 and keep the C-Biogon, because then I can never decide which to take along (been there, done that)...
So I've ordered the Biogon 35/2, and after some testing, I'll let one of the two go.
It's actually all my own fault, but it's nice to blame someone else for one's GAS, isn't it? In reality, while the C-Biogon 35 is a stellar performer and beautifully compact, I do miss that extra stop now and then. And I don't want to go for a really fast 35 and keep the C-Biogon, because then I can never decide which to take along (been there, done that)...
So I've ordered the Biogon 35/2, and after some testing, I'll let one of the two go.
f16sunshine
Moderator
papasnap
Well-known
It's a lovely lens, but one I neglected when I was shooting film - the 35mm f1.2 nokton being pretty much glued to my zeiss ikon/m6 ttl/m7, as I needed every bit of speed for available light work on provia slide film. I've now got the M 240 on order, will be interested to see if the more flexible ISO range breathes new life into the biogon for me.
