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Ummm, it's a Leica and it's fast?Why is this lens so expensive?
That's about right. I wouldn't pay more for one. Some recent sales here were within that range also.As a reference, I sold my 28 cron about a month or two ago locally for $3200.. I think the going range is around $3000-$3400. But ofcourse, I could be wrong.
. . . . . I use a copy of the Voigtlander 28/1.9 which I bought from Steve @ Cameraquest last spring. Love the quality of the lens and the photographs that have been produced with both my M9 and MP.That's about right. I wouldn't pay more for one. Some recent sales here were within that range also.
Why so expensive? Well, it IS a really nice lens. The only other competition (spec-wise) are the Voigtländer 28mm f/1.9 and f/2 Ultrons (and they both have... "Considerations"). The closest Zeiss ZM is the Biogon T* 2,8/28 (a stop slower). So it enjoys a bit of a niche - being f/2 and darn good at it.
And yeah, it's got a Leica label on it.
. . . . . with Voigtlander lens there has been threads regarding not all copies being equal due to manufacturing processes. I currently own the 28/1.9, 50/1.5 and 90/3.5 Voigtlander lens. I did own the 75/2.5 lens but sold it. All of these were LTM lens. I have enjoyed all of the Voigtlander lens that I have owned and have had no problems with which is why I put a plug in for them when people have concerns about prices. I believe they bring a lot of bang for the buck!I think the considerations that DN may have been talking about regarding the 28mm 1.9 is its size, not its quality.
Good move DN. After shooting a 28mm 'Cron, I think you'll agree that most everything else just seems like yet another lens...Exactly; I'm not saying the Ultrons are bad lenses at all. They both actually have their charm (one older, one newer in character). If I had to choose though I'd go with the 1.9. Though I'm actually interested in the 28 cron. I think it might be my next lens.
Of course, none of these compare to the 28 Elmarit-M. That thing is tiiiiny and darn good. I went with the Color Slopars for my tiny glass. Low cost, really small, very good optically save for maybe a little distortion or flare (neither worth worrying about). I don't have to think about just tossing them in a coat pocket.
That's kind of what I'm thinking. I want a fast(er) wide to pair up with my 50 'Lux. Though I have to admit, I'm pretty jaded/spoiled by the Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM lens - that thing is a rockstar.Good move DN. After shooting a 28mm 'Cron, I think you'll agree that most everything else just seems like yet another lens...
Oh, I already have the 2,8/25 (even reviewed it) and I can't imagine a lens better than this, except maybe into the far corners wide open, but even that's splitting hairs. But there are times I wish I had that extra stop, and of course better build quality (I'm mixed on the ZMs) and built-in coding (I'm a master with a Sharpie). Bonus that there are actually framelines for 28mm on the M (I despise external VFs and just use the whole internal VF).As long as you can live with giving up that one stop of speed and live with the wider 25mm focal length, that Biogon is indeed an excellent lens and at a more attractive price. Given these Leica's keep rising in price, probably worth considering it as an alternative in any case.
I will admit that as the price of replacement lenses rises, I do begin to think twice about what goes out "on the street" with me these days. I hate having to consider the value of my lens in dollars and cents vs. picking the right tool for the job.
I thought I was already pretty damned, but then I've never tried a ASPH Summilux nor a NoctiluxCareful Matt, your on the "Slippery Slope™" :ROTFL: