Great review as usual Matt. I have the Leitz Summaron 3.5 with the "Leica glow" had it professionally cleaned, de-hazed and calibrated, it always amazes me with the images it produces, can hold its own against modern glass. What about the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2.8 T* VM? An insanely sharp lens! The little Skopar always delivers a surprising result, incredible for its size and low cost. Keep the reviews coming.
Yet another great lens review Matt. With all your recent reviews I'm usually agreeing with you on the lenses I also have, but I'm really enjoying the insights into the lenses I've never tried.
Great review, thank you for sharing. I was disappointed that the Newer Zeiss Biogon f/2 ZM was not represented since that is the one I have. I would love to also see a similar review for 28mm lenses since I’m interested in buying one next.
Hi thanks, yes sorry i've not had access to that lens yet. I do love biogon rendering though, see my 21 & 25mm Biogons vids. Yes the good news is I have a 28mm vid to come, stay tuned! :)
I own the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm 1.7 and I’ve used it extensively for my walk around street camera on both my Sony A7Rii and on my MrLeica endorsed SL. It’s such a good lens. I also own the Nokton 50mm 1.5 but sadly I haven’t used it that much (even though it’s a fantastic lens). Great review.
Thank you, Matt! Splendid review. I own(ed) some of these lenses. Beware that most of the Summarons have haze which in most cases _cannot_ be completely removed. Experienced repairers in Germany won't even attempt to do that. The haze results in even lower contrast especially at the transition from light to dark areas. I like classic looks but a hazed Summaron is just a failing piece of equipment. If you see the haze with the aid of a torch, my advice: stay away from it. I sold mine and got a Canon 35/2.8 instead -- very happy! // You didn't say anything about how the lenses handle. I found the Summaron a pain to use: You cannot change the aperture without disturbing the focus. Although similarly sized, the C.Skopar and Canon get this right. I am again and again impressed how lenses differ in ergonomics. Given that many of them are optically similar performers -- as you have nicely demonstrated --, that should be taken into consideration when deciding what to buy.
Thanks, yes I had the Canon 35 1.8 and 2.8 and I have the Skopar LTM version. agreed the Summaron handling isn’t as good as others. Mine has less flare when I use the Elmar hood but thanks for the haze info.
IMHO, the Nokton 35 is the best trade-off in terms of speed, size, and character, which makes it the best 35 allrounder solution to me. It was very interesting to see how it performs compared to your selection.
Matt, when the Leica Summaron 35 f3.5 is coupled to the good looking Elmar 50mm lens hood (as you have noted in another review, it does not vignette ) the contrast increases and the combination becomes a formidable one, especially given the total small size. A wonderful series of reviews.
Thank you Alexander. Yes I tested all lenses without lens hoods but I wish I’d mentioned the hood (I even had it on the table just out of sight). It makes me want to use it on my Leica iii now :)
Hey Matt! Which one of these lenses would you recommend for shooting video? I am in between the Nokton 35mm 1.2 & the Ultron 35mm 1.7. Thank you so much for this video!
Trivia: the 1.4/35 Nokton Classic Single Coated lens softens up a fair bit at F2-1.4. With b&w film, it gives a very 1960’s-70’s Photojournalism look making it a dual character, excellent street photography lens should that style be interesting for you.
Thanks Daryl! Noted thanks. The Canon 35 1.8 LTM I used to use also have a vintage look but I sold it as I often prefer something a bit sharper on film.
Yeah I agree with some of the other comment, I bought a Leica 35mm Summaron f/3.5 which had just been CLA'd by Youxin Ye and it performs great and doesn't flare anymore than most other lenses I have. The "Leica glow" is a very common issue with these lenses but from what I've read apparently most of the time it's just haze in the lens, I've heard with this lens It can actually be really hard to see haze even with a harsh light but if your lens is overly prone to flaring it's probably a good idea to send it in to get cleaned. The performance on mine is so great in fact that once you stop it down it becomes pretty comparable to my Color-Skopar.
When I bought my first 35mm film camera, it came with a 50mm lens. However, I found the 50mm, with its 40 degree horizontal angle-of-view, too narrow for my taste. I tried the 35mm and found its 55 degree horizontal angle-of-view more to my liking. Here are the 35 mm (or equivalent) lenses I have owned, tried, and liked: 35mm f/4.5 for Argus C3 35mm rangefinders 35mm f/2 Nikkor for Nikon 35mm SLRs 35mm f/1.4 Nikkor for Nikon 35mm SLRs 35mm f/1.4 Zeiss Distagon ZM for Leica M rangefinders 35mm f/3.5 Takumar for Pentax Spotmatic 35mm SLRs 35mm f/2.5 for Nikonos III underwater 35mm cameras 35mm f/2.8 fixed lens on Nikon L35 auto focus 35mm compact 23mm f/1.4 Fujinon APS-C for Fuji X digital mirrorless 23mm f/2 Fujinon APS-C for Fuji X digital mirrorless 17MM F/2.8 Olympus for micro 4/3 digital mirrorless I have never performed a head-to-head comparison like you did in this video. However, I appreciate the time, effort, and techniques you employed making this video.
My skopar LTM 2.5 has faint haze on rear or middle element. I notice with direct light. I read they all have it from the cement used. Should I care or will it not really matter?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt, since I just bought it and it was advertised as having no fog/haze, I will return this lens and get something else.
Ive grown to hate the 35mm focal length the past 10 years of shooting, howeverI use them quite a bit for my Fuji Xpro 3, I have tried most of the Voightlander lenses here, I have to say the Nokton f1.2 VII is by far the sharpest lens Ive ever used, and the Nokton classic had too much lens distortion for me which maybe enhanced for an APS C sensor but could be wrong about that. Im really curious to try that W.Nikkor C 35mm 2.5 out.
Thanks Juan, yes I really like 35mm on my APS-C Leica CL. You will get less distortion on a crop body like a Fuji as it only uses the centre of the image.
Thank you for this valuable video. I'm hoping you'll throw a review of the Zeiss 35mm Distagon f1.4 and maybe the 35mm Biogon f2 and f2.8 into the mix. The Distagon seems to be the preferred choice of a number of reviewers, although of course there are a wide range of opinions!
hello Matt , congratulations on the work done in past days with so many tests ! I wish you to get more and more subscribers . if understood correctly we can use the Jupiter-12 on a Leica M3 camera ? but is it also the case on a Leica M10 camera ? thanks . Daniel from France
Great video, too! The only one I own of the ones shown is the CV 35/1.2 II. It's not the sharpest lens for sure. Also suffers from some distortion on the sides of the frame. But unbeatable in low light conditions and for smooth blur. My sharpest 35 mm rangefinder lens is the Leica 35/2.4 Summarit lens.
Matt, have you ever used the Leica Summarit f/2.4 ASPH? I’ve been really pleased with everything about it, especially the bokeh on it at all apertures, but wondered what you thought. I’ve looked at the TTArtisans 35mm f/1.4 or the f/2 version but the size, weight and overall rendering of the Summarit just seems to hit the right spot for me, even I do wish it went to f/1.4 for more shallow DOF.
Hi Matt. You said the 1.2 better for portraits (because of bokeh) over the 1.7. Wouldn't the better 3d pop of the 1.7 over the 1.2 make it better for portraits?
I’m looking for a small compact rangefinder lens to mount on a Sony A7rIV for landscape photography. Any tips for the best M-lenses in terms of cross-frame sharpness at f/8 to f/11?
Hi Anthony, hmm, I would say be careful as many M lenses perform less well on Sony. I'm not a Sony man so maybe they fixed the issue but in the past there was corner softness. The more the rear element protrudes the more likely soft corners so less wide should work better vs. wides.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom you’re spot on, Zeiss published a paper on the issue. Rangefinder designers during the film era moved the rear elements closer to the back of the camera in order to keep the lenses small, but this needed light from the scene targeted at the edges and corners of the frame to travel at a more acute angle. On film this wasn’t a problem, because it’s a flat 2D structure, but on digital it’s a flat 3D structure where each photo receptor lies in its own ‘bucket’ covered by glass. Light photons entering the bucket should ideally be perpendicular to the ‘bucket’ because when it’s at a sharp angle it can hit the side wall of the bucket and bounce out. Also the thicker the sensor glass the more refraction that will occur. That’s why there’s smearing and colour casts on digital sensors with thick sensor glass. It’s also a problem for digital Leica cameras, but Leica corrects the colour cast in camera and it used thinner sensor glass to minimise smearing. Back in the day, Kolarivision and other companies offered mods to replace sensor glass for Sony and others in order to minimise this problem. The early Sony’s such as my old A7r had thick glass which could produce smearing, but my new A7r IV seems to have a thinner glass as the 28mm Contax G rangefinder lens works quite well unmodified. This issue with digital explains why newer lens designs seeking maximum IQ (including Leica’s) often have longer bodies than earlier film models. A good example of this is with the Voigtlander VM lenses as it’s pretty much given up on the small compact lens design they were famous for during the film era. Its VM 15mm Heliar III works amazingly well on my Sonys…even my old A7r. For 24mm, I’ve narrowed it down to the Elmar-M or the Zeiss ZM 25mm Biogon (to be tested). I’m guessing you don’t know which of these two will be better for landscape photography?
@@GodfreyMann thanks for one of the best explanations I’ve ever read on the topic. Nicely done. I high recommend the 25mm Biogon ZM as I have it. Very nice optics. I’ve not tried 24 M but I have 24R. Not as sharp.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thx for the tip - next day I bought it 2nd-hand from a dealer and have been testing it the last two weeks. The 24R you refer to is an Elmarit (2.8) as there’s no 3.8 Elmar-R. I was thinking of ordering the 24/3.8-M to compare at the same time and then return one of them. But I realised the Zeiss is already sharp enough for landscape, is fairly well corrected, and the Leica is 3x the price! Plus Diglloyd said the Leica doesn’t play well on Sony. After 2 weeks of testing on my A7r IV, the Zeiss performs amazingly well in the centre and mid-frame, but it requires f/11 to be good enough at the edges. However, the corners are a little soft and there’s a bit of vignetting at all apertures which slowly decreases but never really goes away. Crucially though there’s zero colour cast on the back illuminated sensor, and with the monies saved instead of buying the Leica, it will easily cover the cost of a KolariVision Ultra Thin sensor glass upgrade (plus change) which should fix the corners. Happy bunny, thx again and keep up the good work!
Great videos, I’m just getting into Leica and your video helps a lot! I’m considering nokton 1.2 iii, ultron 1.7 or the sigma i-serie for the upcoming SL3. Am I on the right path? 😅
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom smaller, yes ... but I don't like the out of focus areas as much as the 1.7 ... if I had just one 35mm, sure ... but I'd rather use the v1 Summicron of Lux as a walkaround lens ... I see the appeal for someone who just wanted one 35mm
I’m looking at these on an ipad pro, so what I see is obviously not definitive, but from what I could see both the 35/1.2 and the 35/1.4 were clearly sharper at f2 than the 35/1.7. It seemed obvious to me.
Hello Matt, how come you don't mention the Canon 35mm f2 LTM lens? I am sure you know about it and the fact that it is better than at least some of the lenses in this comparison. Just curious.
Hi, yes I bought it a few times but it went back. It’s good for its age but things like the Skopar will easily beat it. I used to use the 35 1.8 Canon instead. See that video.
no APO lanthar? i got the 65mm f2 macro for a steal used and fell in love w it, but since i need AF just bought the Sony 35mm 1.4 GM, and i know it's going to be a stellar lens but I'm so motivated to go out and shoot w the Lanthar that I'd still like to pick up a 35mm of it, or the Nokton. And I need to figure out if I should just go w the M mount and get the techart lmea9 AF adapter or just go w the E-mount Lanthar... and i haven't seen any vids comparing the Nokton and Lanthar, any ideas? really appreciate your content, being a leica noob. thx much!
Hi, sorry I tested the APO after this video if I remember. There is a full video. Check that. APO is the most perfect. Ultrons next, Skopar/Nokton similar stopped down (to each other). I use Ultrons.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh, thanks! yeah i remember you being very positive re the APO in that vid, i was just sorta making sure, bc i did remember you using the Ultron, and i just figured you'd be using the APO if it's the best, but i guess it is quite a hefty lens compared to the ultron. wish they made it in E-mount.. i might end up getting a Lumix at some point, i just love the glass so much! thx again, really appreciate your content.
Hi Matt, I have a question about the Nokton 35mm / 1.4 lens. When using with a digital Leica, do you have the profile turned off or are you turning on the Summicron 35 profile?
Hey Matt, great video. I am on the fence between the 35mm 2.5 color spokar and 35mm f2 Ultron ii asph. With your use of both which has more 3d pop, contrast and sharpness. I will use it between family and street photography. Thanks for any insight!
Thanks Rudolf, Hopefully if I can grow the channel so Leica send me their latest lenses then I can do this in the future. Currently i'm mostly limited to my own lens collection. (The 35 APO-Lanthar is fantastic - see that full review, but i'm not tried the Leica APO yet).
Hi Matt I'm just now seeing your statement about the 35 Previously had the Summaron 3.5/3.5cm now the Cron 35 version 4, but I want to get a Voigtländer 35 1.4 but in the SC, there are the 1st and 2nd version, I like the vintage style of the two Voigtländer, version II has been made a lot inside, I think recalculated. What I would like to recommend to you if you ever get your hands on one. Look for a Flektogon 2.4/35 which has a phenomenal close focusing distance of 20cm, I think, as almost a macro but also very sharp as a lens if you get a good one. But it is for M42, I used to use it a lot and will get one again.😁 Lg Anderl
I'm looking forward to your new video, even if I have to guess, it would be cool with subtitles in German😁👌 unfortunately English is not my strong point. My tendency is more towards the 1.4 SC from Voigtländer but let's see what you say👌👌 Lg Anderl
Hi Matt, I've got the Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 color skopar but love to shoot wide open and am tempted to swap if for the F1.4 Nokton as its wider yet a similar compact size, but it didn't seem to do particularly well in your test, would you advise agaisnt swapping and stick with the 2.5?
I Love mirrorless Cameras :D There are so many Lenses to chose from, my favorite 35mm will be the Voigtländer 35mm 2.0 APO-Lanthar, the Voigtlander 35mm 2.5 Color-Skopar sound tempting as a walk around Lens. There are many good vintage 35mm Lenses, I remember many years ago I had a compact Olympus Zuiko 35mm 3.5, I still have a Nikkor 35mm 2.0, I can recommend both. When you suffer of G.A.S. (as I do) then only buy the best which often are the most expensive, in that way you do not end up with a large container full of camera gear ;)
Thanks yes I try to buy the best too! None of the lenses performed badly to my eyes. I looked at the Nikkor 35/2 a few times when looking for a decent 35mm Nikon lens.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I can recommend the Nikkor 35mm 2.0, it is one of the best Nikkor Lenses, but in general Nikkor Lenses can be a mix of bad, medium or good.
Hi, Matt I like your 35mm reviews. Thinking of buying a Leica a SL. I have is the D-Lux 7.Great for travel. Wondering if you could a review on the 35mm Summarit 2.4 asph vs 35mm 2.0 Summicron asph . vs Zeiss Biogon T 35mm f/2 zm. I wonder if the Zeiss can match the the 35mm Summicron. Also price wise I don't know if I could see much difference between the Summarit vs Summicron for the extra cost.
HI Ron thanks. Once the channel grows I may one day get unlimited access to all the lenses but currently i'm limited to talking about those I own and I few I get to borrow on loan. If I can in the future I will. I do love Biogon rendering for sure.
Hello Matt, I'm conflicted because I am debating the skopar f2. 5 and the Canon 35 F1.8 (sadly not in the comparaison) to pair up with a bessa R. What is your opinion on that?
Hi, it’s soft & bokeh vs sharp & contrast. I sold the 1.8 (see that video) still have 2.5 (see that video) just got f2 Ultron for Ms but that doesn’t help for the R
Heyy Matt thanks for these comparisons as always. I think you forgot the 35 APO lanthar! i just ordered it based on your recommendation from another video, and sold my old nokton 35 1.2 ver.1. if the APO were included here would you have chosen it as the best overall? thanks!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes and i really hope it compliments portraiture very well 🤩 may you also do a review on wider angle lense options too? It would be interesting what you think of 21mm and wider focal lengths since theres not a lot of em, and what you think is the best. 🙏🏽 Thanks!
Another very good video. I love my Ultron 1.7 I bougth after seing your video you made 8 months ago : "your sharpest 35mm lens". Only cons is the focus tab but I can leave with it when I look at my photos in low ligth :-). Why the Summicron M 35mm is not in the test ???
Hi Matt, fantastic review about wide-angle lenses this time. Feels like being on school again!! I really do learn something here on RUclips channel!! Here is a new tip for you; or maybe you have this lens already in your possesion; I don't know. Anyway; the amazing Nikon 35 mm f 2, ai or ais doesn't really matter they are Both cristal, heavenly sharp, and peaking around f4. Its a jewel.....greetings!!!
Hi Matt, where do you usually get your M cameras serviced please? Also any tips on buying an M6 on ebay, anything to look out for? Or any other places I could buy? Cheers buddy.
Hey Dominic, I use CamServe now I’m UK for services. Try online stores as can be cheaper than eBay. I buy a lot from eBay too. See my eBay video for those tips.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt. with the current prices of the M6, I'm just wondering whether it would be better to save up a bit longer and just get a brand new MP?! What do you think?
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt, love your content, high quality, detailed and answers all the questions I have in my head. You every thought about doing some vids on some photography masters, or street, documentary? Photo walks? I bet you'd do a great job of that too.
@@Asmoc23 that’s why M mount film cameras are expensive as there is no alternative (look at Bessa - see the videos but the ‘T’ is the cheapest or Leica CL (see that video too)
Cheers! I’m on the fence on which 35mm. (Mainly want to use it for environmental portrait / street) Wanted the nokton 1.4 for size but the rendering / busy bokeh kinda not my cup of tea :( Was thinking of the 1.2 nokton vIII as well as it seems to be reduce in size quite significant. Looking forward to your review on the ultron f2 when you get a chance . Hopefully will shed some light on which to get !
Hi Thuy, my lenses is the v1 I think, i've had it for some years. See the full review on that lens, you might be able to tell which one it is. It looks identical to my 40mm.
Ha thanks Paul! Just a basic ringlight I sometimes use in the studio. sadly it was causing flicking in the 40mm, 90mm and I think 50mm videos but I worked out a way to minimise it for this one (faster shutter speed on iPhone).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom simple but effective. I enjoyed the video. Whilst not the original remit, I'd have liked to see if the contrast increased on the summaron stopped down 1&2 stops more
I have a perfectly clean Minolta 35mm f2.8 MD III final version), and I'm wondering if there's enough performance gain to make a Summicron R v2 worthwhile. Actually very happy with the rendering of the Minolta but f2 would be nice.
These are the "princes", the throne pretenders of the 35mm Kindom my dear friend. However, the Kings and Emperors are watching from great height and see the young ones play their silly games. Who are they ? The rulers of the "Land of 35" Well, The Cron from Wetzlar, the LTM original Biogon from Jena, and it's Coated wartime cousin, the Evil Duke of f/2.8 .... Even the Japanese f/1.4 is looking, all wondering what the young fools are playing ... Great Video Matt, as always :-)
Haha thank you Eric! Nicely done! I'm still at the "princes" level with my 35mm .. i've not even owned a Cron M or Lux M ..but I am more of a 50mm guy (my poor excuse!).
Hello, would you mind listing the emperors and kings? I tried looking them up. I was overwhelmed by all the different versions. I don't want to make the mistake of purchasing the wrong versions. Hope to hear back from you soon.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hey, I'm actually looking to buy my first Leica lenses. I'd like a set for portraiture, landscape, and astrophotography. I'd prefer compact primes. Ideally a lens that doesn't produce hexagonal bokeh. A set with both character and acuity. For the landscape lens I'd like a lens that is sharp in the corners, has great micro contrast, and great 3D pop. I'd also like it to have no coma issues for astro. I don't want any flat rendering. It also needs to have very low distortion if any. A AF lens that's able to be used in MF would be nice for the portraiture lens or lenses. Although that isn't imperative. I'm happy to shoot with MF lenses. I figure for some clients that are impatient and used to the speed of taking selfies that it would be convenient for them. Weather sealing would be nice for the landscape lens. If not I know a few tricks to prevent dust and moisture. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Your videos are very informative. Your blessed with quite the impressive collection.
@@williaminbody205 both very good as I understand, look at sample photos to see how they both draw and decide if you need the extra speed of the Distagon.
I ordered one twice and things happened both times so it didn’t arrive. By this time I had bought the 1.7 in this video which replaced my old Canon 35 1.8 LTM. Now I use a Skopar LTM on Barnacks (not show here but optically the same as the M version)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom after going through some reviews, I cooked down the selection to the Canon 35/2, the Zeiss ZM 35/2 and the Ultron 35/2. On analog rangefinders I do not see much use and am not willing to accept the heft of much faster lenses. On digital this is of course different. To me the skopar was/is always a good fourth option quality and price wise. I know you included all lenses you had, but I think the 3 35/2 lenses mentioned in my answer are really worth to be compared in the field performance/price, usability and optical quality. This also rules out other 35/2 lenses like the artisans, which is in reality a 38mm and I heard of enough quality issues.
@@Willdmo thanks, I hope to test the f2 Ultron and if I ever get to try the others too that will be a bonus. I do think very highly of Biogon lenses (I have 21 and 25mm ZM) but I already had Voigtlander for 35mm at that point and those I use are faster or smaller than the Zeiss.
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Great review as usual Matt. I have the Leitz Summaron 3.5 with the "Leica glow" had it professionally cleaned, de-hazed and calibrated, it always amazes me with the images it produces, can hold its own against modern glass. What about the Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2.8 T* VM? An insanely sharp lens! The little Skopar always delivers a surprising result, incredible for its size and low cost. Keep the reviews coming.
Thanks Ed, sorry the video was limited to lenses I own but yes I wish I’d mentioned the ZM Biogon. (And Distagon). Complete oversight apologies.
I thought the Nokton 1.2 looked sharper every time, but I’m watching on my phone. This is a fun series your doing.
Thank you, it might be, I’ll see what the majority of comments say. It’s good, no question
Yes, distinctly clearer and more descriptive, too.
@@fellowcitizen thanks for your input, I’ll have to rewatch it :)
Yet another great lens review Matt. With all your recent reviews I'm usually agreeing with you on the lenses I also have, but I'm really enjoying the insights into the lenses I've never tried.
Thanks Steve! Yes a mix of common and less so here.
Great review, thank you for sharing. I was disappointed that the Newer Zeiss Biogon f/2 ZM was not represented since that is the one I have. I would love to also see a similar review for 28mm lenses since I’m interested in buying one next.
Hi thanks, yes sorry i've not had access to that lens yet. I do love biogon rendering though, see my 21 & 25mm Biogons vids. Yes the good news is I have a 28mm vid to come, stay tuned! :)
I own the Voigtlander Ultron 35mm 1.7 and I’ve used it extensively for my walk around street camera on both my Sony A7Rii and on my MrLeica endorsed SL. It’s such a good lens. I also own the Nokton 50mm 1.5 but sadly I haven’t used it that much (even though it’s a fantastic lens). Great review.
Thanks Pete, yes 1.7 is excellent!
Thank you, Matt! Splendid review. I own(ed) some of these lenses. Beware that most of the Summarons have haze which in most cases _cannot_ be completely removed. Experienced repairers in Germany won't even attempt to do that. The haze results in even lower contrast especially at the transition from light to dark areas. I like classic looks but a hazed Summaron is just a failing piece of equipment. If you see the haze with the aid of a torch, my advice: stay away from it. I sold mine and got a Canon 35/2.8 instead -- very happy! // You didn't say anything about how the lenses handle. I found the Summaron a pain to use: You cannot change the aperture without disturbing the focus. Although similarly sized, the C.Skopar and Canon get this right. I am again and again impressed how lenses differ in ergonomics. Given that many of them are optically similar performers -- as you have nicely demonstrated --, that should be taken into consideration when deciding what to buy.
Thanks, yes I had the Canon 35 1.8 and 2.8 and I have the Skopar LTM version. agreed the Summaron handling isn’t as good as others. Mine has less flare when I use the Elmar hood but thanks for the haze info.
IMHO, the Nokton 35 is the best trade-off in terms of speed, size, and character, which makes it the best 35 allrounder solution to me. It was very interesting to see how it performs compared to your selection.
Thanks Lugen! Yes a great size-performance ratio. Did you see how well the 40mm did in the previous video!?
Matt, when the Leica Summaron 35 f3.5 is coupled to the good looking Elmar 50mm lens hood (as you have noted in another review, it does not vignette ) the contrast increases and the combination becomes a formidable one, especially given the total small size.
A wonderful series of reviews.
Thank you Alexander. Yes I tested all lenses without lens hoods but I wish I’d mentioned the hood (I even had it on the table just out of sight). It makes me want to use it on my Leica iii now :)
Hey Matt!
Which one of these lenses would you recommend for shooting video? I am in between the Nokton 35mm 1.2 & the Ultron 35mm 1.7. Thank you so much for this video!
Hi! 1.2 for me for sure
Trivia: the 1.4/35 Nokton Classic Single Coated lens softens up a fair bit at F2-1.4. With b&w film, it gives a very 1960’s-70’s Photojournalism look making it a dual character, excellent street photography lens should that style be interesting for you.
Thanks Daryl! Noted thanks. The Canon 35 1.8 LTM I used to use also have a vintage look but I sold it as I often prefer something a bit sharper on film.
Yeah I agree with some of the other comment, I bought a Leica 35mm Summaron f/3.5 which had just been CLA'd by Youxin Ye and it performs great and doesn't flare anymore than most other lenses I have. The "Leica glow" is a very common issue with these lenses but from what I've read apparently most of the time it's just haze in the lens, I've heard with this lens It can actually be really hard to see haze even with a harsh light but if your lens is overly prone to flaring it's probably a good idea to send it in to get cleaned. The performance on mine is so great in fact that once you stop it down it becomes pretty comparable to my Color-Skopar.
Thanks, yes agreed with cleaning old lenses if they are good ones. I cleaned my Summarit 50 1.5 this year.
Truly enjoyed this very informative review. Superb job! thanks Matt! The Ultron 1.7 looks amazing! Love the photo of the bridge!
Thanks Lucy! Yes really good lens in low light :)
I am stuck between buying the 1.4 and the f2. Literally can’t decided. Help! I’ll be shooting in a Bessa R2 and using it as a walk around try kit.
Hey Kurt, if you shoot f2 and need more light at iso 400 1/60 then get the 1.4. If not f2 is fine 👍🏻
When I bought my first 35mm film camera, it came with a 50mm lens. However, I found the 50mm, with its 40 degree horizontal angle-of-view, too narrow for my taste. I tried the 35mm and found its 55 degree horizontal angle-of-view more to my liking. Here are the 35 mm (or equivalent) lenses I have owned, tried, and liked:
35mm f/4.5 for Argus C3 35mm rangefinders
35mm f/2 Nikkor for Nikon 35mm SLRs
35mm f/1.4 Nikkor for Nikon 35mm SLRs
35mm f/1.4 Zeiss Distagon ZM for Leica M rangefinders
35mm f/3.5 Takumar for Pentax Spotmatic 35mm SLRs
35mm f/2.5 for Nikonos III underwater 35mm cameras
35mm f/2.8 fixed lens on Nikon L35 auto focus 35mm compact
23mm f/1.4 Fujinon APS-C for Fuji X digital mirrorless
23mm f/2 Fujinon APS-C for Fuji X digital mirrorless
17MM F/2.8 Olympus for micro 4/3 digital mirrorless
I have never performed a head-to-head comparison like you did in this video. However, I appreciate the time, effort, and techniques you employed making this video.
Thanks and great line up! I nearly owned a Nikkor 35 a few times but finally used 28mm & 40mm
My skopar LTM 2.5 has faint haze on rear or middle element. I notice with direct light. I read they all have it from the cement used. Should I care or will it not really matter?
It's bad shooting towards light/ brightness but ok when shooting with the light. I have the same with my Canon 50/1.8 LTM
Yes it matters if you shoot towards the light. It will flare. Shoot with the light and no issue. I have same issue with canon 50 1.8 LTM
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt, since I just bought it and it was advertised as having no fog/haze, I will return this lens and get something else.
Ive grown to hate the 35mm focal length the past 10 years of shooting, howeverI use them quite a bit for my Fuji Xpro 3, I have tried most of the Voightlander lenses here, I have to say the Nokton f1.2 VII is by far the sharpest lens Ive ever used, and the Nokton classic had too much lens distortion for me which maybe enhanced for an APS C sensor but could be wrong about that. Im really curious to try that W.Nikkor C 35mm 2.5 out.
Thanks Juan, yes I really like 35mm on my APS-C Leica CL. You will get less distortion on a crop body like a Fuji as it only uses the centre of the image.
Thank you for this valuable video. I'm hoping you'll throw a review of the Zeiss 35mm Distagon f1.4 and maybe the 35mm Biogon f2 and f2.8 into the mix. The Distagon seems to be the preferred choice of a number of reviewers, although of course there are a wide range of opinions!
Thanks D, if I ever get to try a M mount Distagon I will be sure to share my thoughts. (I use them on the Hasselblads!)
hello Matt , congratulations on the work done in past days with so many tests ! I wish you to get more and more subscribers . if understood correctly we can use the Jupiter-12 on a Leica M3 camera ? but is it also the case on a Leica M10 camera ? thanks . Daniel from France
Hi Daniel, thank you. Yes the J12 works on my M240 and film Ms so M10 should be fine too.
Great video, too! The only one I own of the ones shown is the CV 35/1.2 II. It's not the sharpest lens for sure. Also suffers from some distortion on the sides of the frame. But unbeatable in low light conditions and for smooth blur. My sharpest 35 mm rangefinder lens is the Leica 35/2.4 Summarit lens.
Thanks MB, I find the 1.2 quite sharp stopped down a little but good to hear the Summarit is sharper, thanks.
Matt, have you ever used the Leica Summarit f/2.4 ASPH? I’ve been really pleased with everything about it, especially the bokeh on it at all apertures, but wondered what you thought. I’ve looked at the TTArtisans 35mm f/1.4 or the f/2 version but the size, weight and overall rendering of the Summarit just seems to hit the right spot for me, even I do wish it went to f/1.4 for more shallow DOF.
Thanks Patrick, I’ve not but I do love my Summarit 50mm. Really nice size and optically excellent.
Perhaps in the future I’ll get to test a 35mm
Do you have a lens recommendation for travel photography on the canon p?
35mm? Skopar 35/2.5 LTM ..see 28mm video too
Great comparison Matt. Thanks. Is the 35mm f1.4 the version 1 or the version 2?
Thanks! v2 for digital, v1 is fine for film
Hi Matt. You said the 1.2 better for portraits (because of bokeh) over the 1.7. Wouldn't the better 3d pop of the 1.7 over the 1.2 make it better for portraits?
Hi, great question. I think the 1.2 has more 3D pop too over the 1.7
I’m looking for a small compact rangefinder lens to mount on a Sony A7rIV for landscape photography. Any tips for the best M-lenses in terms of cross-frame sharpness at f/8 to f/11?
Hi Anthony, hmm, I would say be careful as many M lenses perform less well on Sony. I'm not a Sony man so maybe they fixed the issue but in the past there was corner softness. The more the rear element protrudes the more likely soft corners so less wide should work better vs. wides.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom you’re spot on, Zeiss published a paper on the issue. Rangefinder designers during the film era moved the rear elements closer to the back of the camera in order to keep the lenses small, but this needed light from the scene targeted at the edges and corners of the frame to travel at a more acute angle.
On film this wasn’t a problem, because it’s a flat 2D structure, but on digital it’s a flat 3D structure where each photo receptor lies in its own ‘bucket’ covered by glass. Light photons entering the bucket should ideally be perpendicular to the ‘bucket’ because when it’s at a sharp angle it can hit the side wall of the bucket and bounce out. Also the thicker the sensor glass the more refraction that will occur. That’s why there’s smearing and colour casts on digital sensors with thick sensor glass.
It’s also a problem for digital Leica cameras, but Leica corrects the colour cast in camera and it used thinner sensor glass to minimise smearing. Back in the day, Kolarivision and other companies offered mods to replace sensor glass for Sony and others in order to minimise this problem.
The early Sony’s such as my old A7r had thick glass which could produce smearing, but my new A7r IV seems to have a thinner glass as the 28mm Contax G rangefinder lens works quite well unmodified.
This issue with digital explains why newer lens designs seeking maximum IQ (including Leica’s) often have longer bodies than earlier film models. A good example of this is with the Voigtlander VM lenses as it’s pretty much given up on the small compact lens design they were famous for during the film era. Its VM 15mm Heliar III works amazingly well on my Sonys…even my old A7r.
For 24mm, I’ve narrowed it down to the Elmar-M or the Zeiss ZM 25mm Biogon (to be tested). I’m guessing you don’t know which of these two will be better for landscape photography?
@@GodfreyMann thanks for one of the best explanations I’ve ever read on the topic. Nicely done. I high recommend the 25mm Biogon ZM as I have it. Very nice optics. I’ve not tried 24 M but I have 24R. Not as sharp.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thx for the tip - next day I bought it 2nd-hand from a dealer and have been testing it the last two weeks. The 24R you refer to is an Elmarit (2.8) as there’s no 3.8 Elmar-R. I was thinking of ordering the 24/3.8-M to compare at the same time and then return one of them. But I realised the Zeiss is already sharp enough for landscape, is fairly well corrected, and the Leica is 3x the price! Plus Diglloyd said the Leica doesn’t play well on Sony.
After 2 weeks of testing on my A7r IV, the Zeiss performs amazingly well in the centre and mid-frame, but it requires f/11 to be good enough at the edges. However, the corners are a little soft and there’s a bit of vignetting at all apertures which slowly decreases but never really goes away. Crucially though there’s zero colour cast on the back illuminated sensor, and with the monies saved instead of buying the Leica, it will easily cover the cost of a KolariVision Ultra Thin sensor glass upgrade (plus change) which should fix the corners.
Happy bunny, thx again and keep up the good work!
Great videos, I’m just getting into Leica and your video helps a lot!
I’m considering nokton 1.2 iii, ultron 1.7 or the sigma i-serie for the upcoming SL3. Am I on the right path? 😅
Thanks! Great lenses. I love the 1.2 III as a portrait guy. That would be my choice. I don't like the AF lenses and focus by wire.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComis the 1.2 iii also good for street?
@@fammilogga too big but can use if you want. Would be great in low light.
On Leica’s latest digits cameras and Film cameras, I like the Leica Summicron v1, Leica Summilux v1, and Voigtlander 1.7 (the last version).
Thanks Daniel, I later got the f2 Ultron and sold the 1.7. Great lens but the f2 is smaller.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom smaller, yes ... but I don't like the out of focus areas as much as the 1.7 ... if I had just one 35mm, sure ... but I'd rather use the v1 Summicron of Lux as a walkaround lens ... I see the appeal for someone who just wanted one 35mm
I’m looking at these on an ipad pro, so what I see is obviously not definitive, but from what I could see both the 35/1.2 and the 35/1.4 were clearly sharper at f2 than the 35/1.7. It seemed obvious to me.
Thanks Robert. The 1.7 should easily beat the 1.4 so perhaps look for more videos before buying anything.
Hello Matt, how come you don't mention the Canon 35mm f2 LTM lens? I am sure you know about it and the fact that it is better than at least some of the lenses in this comparison. Just curious.
Hi, yes I bought it a few times but it went back. It’s good for its age but things like the Skopar will easily beat it. I used to use the 35 1.8 Canon instead. See that video.
no APO lanthar? i got the 65mm f2 macro for a steal used and fell in love w it, but since i need AF just bought the Sony 35mm 1.4 GM, and i know it's going to be a stellar lens but I'm so motivated to go out and shoot w the Lanthar that I'd still like to pick up a 35mm of it, or the Nokton. And I need to figure out if I should just go w the M mount and get the techart lmea9 AF adapter or just go w the E-mount Lanthar... and i haven't seen any vids comparing the Nokton and Lanthar, any ideas? really appreciate your content, being a leica noob. thx much!
Hi, sorry I tested the APO after this video if I remember. There is a full video. Check that. APO is the most perfect. Ultrons next, Skopar/Nokton similar stopped down (to each other). I use Ultrons.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh, thanks! yeah i remember you being very positive re the APO in that vid, i was just sorta making sure, bc i did remember you using the Ultron, and i just figured you'd be using the APO if it's the best, but i guess it is quite a hefty lens compared to the ultron. wish they made it in E-mount.. i might end up getting a Lumix at some point, i just love the glass so much!
thx again, really appreciate your content.
Hi Matt, I have a question about the Nokton 35mm / 1.4 lens. When using with a digital Leica, do you have the profile turned off or are you turning on the Summicron 35 profile?
Hi, Profile turned off for most lenses unless 6-bit coded Leica M ones (just lazy!)
Hey Matt, great video. I am on the fence between the 35mm 2.5 color spokar and 35mm f2 Ultron ii asph. With your use of both which has more 3d pop, contrast and sharpness. I will use it between family and street photography.
Thanks for any insight!
Hi Mark, thanks. Please check out the Ultron and Skopar videos I shared. I use Ultron mostly now.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt... I'll check them out again.
Here in 2024 what would be your pick for street/travel use in natural/low light and bokeh quality are priority? About half and half colour vs B&W.
LLL 35/2 8E rigid (bought after this review)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComWill look into it. Thank you sir.
Dear Matt,
you should have included Apo-Summicron 35 and Apo-Lanthar 35, preferably on the SL2
Best
Rudolf
Thanks Rudolf, Hopefully if I can grow the channel so Leica send me their latest lenses then I can do this in the future. Currently i'm mostly limited to my own lens collection. (The 35 APO-Lanthar is fantastic - see that full review, but i'm not tried the Leica APO yet).
Hi Matt
I'm just now seeing your statement about the 35 Previously had the Summaron 3.5/3.5cm now the Cron 35 version 4, but I want to get a Voigtländer 35 1.4 but in the SC, there are the 1st and 2nd version, I like the vintage style of the two Voigtländer, version II has been made a lot inside, I think recalculated. What I would like to recommend to you if you ever get your hands on one. Look for a Flektogon 2.4/35 which has a phenomenal close focusing distance of 20cm, I think, as almost a macro but also very sharp as a lens if you get a good one. But it is for M42, I used to use it a lot and will get one again.😁
Lg Anderl
See the next video. I think the 35 1.7 Ultron is still the best
I'm looking forward to your new video, even if I have to guess, it would be cool with subtitles in German😁👌 unfortunately English is not my strong point. My tendency is more towards the 1.4 SC from Voigtländer but let's see what you say👌👌 Lg Anderl
Hi Matt, I've got the Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 color skopar but love to shoot wide open and am tempted to swap if for the F1.4 Nokton as its wider yet a similar compact size, but it didn't seem to do particularly well in your test, would you advise agaisnt swapping and stick with the 2.5?
Hi George, I would get the f2 Ultron instead. Much better optically, see that video, I bought after making this one.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom hi Matt just in terms of sharpness? I’m tempted by 1.4 as well for low light
I Love mirrorless Cameras :D There are so many Lenses to chose from, my favorite 35mm will be the Voigtländer 35mm 2.0 APO-Lanthar, the Voigtlander 35mm 2.5 Color-Skopar sound tempting as a walk around Lens. There are many good vintage 35mm Lenses, I remember many years ago I had a compact Olympus Zuiko 35mm 3.5, I still have a Nikkor 35mm 2.0, I can recommend both. When you suffer of G.A.S. (as I do) then only buy the best which often are the most expensive, in that way you do not end up with a large container full of camera gear ;)
Thanks yes I try to buy the best too! None of the lenses performed badly to my eyes. I looked at the Nikkor 35/2 a few times when looking for a decent 35mm Nikon lens.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I can recommend the Nikkor 35mm 2.0, it is one of the best Nikkor Lenses, but in general Nikkor Lenses can be a mix of bad, medium or good.
@@cameraprepper7938 thanks, I have good Nikkor 28mm so I might stick to 50 & 28 for Nikon. 28mm video still to follow!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The Nikkor 28mm 2.8 that I had was not good.
@@cameraprepper7938 I have 3 so you’ll see how they compare + vs Leica. In brief a good one can be very very good.
Hi, Matt I like your 35mm reviews. Thinking of buying a Leica a SL. I have is the D-Lux 7.Great for travel. Wondering if you could a review on the 35mm Summarit 2.4 asph vs 35mm 2.0 Summicron asph . vs Zeiss Biogon T 35mm f/2 zm. I wonder if the Zeiss can match the the 35mm Summicron. Also price wise I don't know if I could see much difference between the Summarit vs Summicron for the extra cost.
HI Ron thanks. Once the channel grows I may one day get unlimited access to all the lenses but currently i'm limited to talking about those I own and I few I get to borrow on loan. If I can in the future I will. I do love Biogon rendering for sure.
After watching this video I bought a used Voigtlander 35mm f1.7 today. It’s very sharp at f1.7 with my CL (bought after watching your CL video 😅).
Congrats! (Don't watch the new 35mm Ultron f2 video!)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 😆
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I’m fine. I used to have few 35mm Summicron lenses 😌
Hello Matt, I'm conflicted because I am debating the skopar f2. 5 and the Canon 35 F1.8 (sadly not in the comparaison) to pair up with a bessa R. What is your opinion on that?
Hi, it’s soft & bokeh vs sharp & contrast. I sold the 1.8 (see that video) still have 2.5 (see that video) just got f2 Ultron for Ms but that doesn’t help for the R
Heyy Matt thanks for these comparisons as always. I think you forgot the 35 APO lanthar! i just ordered it based on your recommendation from another video, and sold my old nokton 35 1.2 ver.1.
if the APO were included here would you have chosen it as the best overall? thanks!
Hey Joe, thanks and sorry this was an earlier video. Yes I later reviewed the APO and that is king for sure!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes and i really hope it compliments portraiture very well 🤩 may you also do a review on wider angle lense options too? It would be interesting what you think of 21mm and wider focal lengths since theres not a lot of em, and what you think is the best. 🙏🏽
Thanks!
@@slickpeekerfor people who’ve experienced portraits with f1 and f1.2, the f2 is pretty disappointing.
Will you recommend the Ultron but L mount version with adapter? It seems much affordable than the M mount version
It is easier to find less good copies of the older LTM mount so I wanted to buy the M version. Old one can be cheaper but is said to have more issues.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you for the recommendation. I currently have the 7 artisan 35 F2, have you used it before?
@@jyangphotoatx not yet I tested their 35mm pancake. See that video.
Are there any Pentax 35mm lens you can recommend
Hello I never tried Pentax but maybe others did
Another very good video. I love my Ultron 1.7 I bougth after seing your video you made 8 months ago : "your sharpest 35mm lens". Only cons is the focus tab but I can leave with it when I look at my photos in low ligth :-). Why the Summicron M 35mm is not in the test ???
Thanks Jerome! Yes the 1.7 is great in low light. I want a situation to shoot more film with it now :) ..maybe a trip to Paris or something haha :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom That is a great idea !... Paris by nigth ... ahahaha :-)
Hi Matt, fantastic review about wide-angle lenses this time. Feels like being on school again!! I really do learn something here on RUclips channel!!
Here is a new tip for you; or maybe you have this lens already in your possesion; I don't know. Anyway; the amazing Nikon 35 mm f 2, ai or ais doesn't really matter they are Both cristal, heavenly sharp, and peaking around f4. Its a jewel.....greetings!!!
Thanks Eelco! I have thought about this lens before a few times. If I see ones at a good price I will try to get. 👍🏻😊
Hi Matt, where do you usually get your M cameras serviced please? Also any tips on buying an M6 on ebay, anything to look out for? Or any other places I could buy? Cheers buddy.
Hey Dominic, I use CamServe now I’m UK for services. Try online stores as can be cheaper than eBay. I buy a lot from eBay too. See my eBay video for those tips.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt. with the current prices of the M6, I'm just wondering whether it would be better to save up a bit longer and just get a brand new MP?! What do you think?
@@attract1212 yes quite a few people that speak to me/ are on patreon did just that
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt, love your content, high quality, detailed and answers all the questions I have in my head. You every thought about doing some vids on some photography masters, or street, documentary? Photo walks? I bet you'd do a great job of that too.
@@attract1212 thanks yes some of my students from workshops have suggested I make videos on the topics you mention. Maybe I try it soon :)
Hi! Can you adapt and M mount lens to L39 mount?
Hello no sorry, only LTM to M (M are larger diameter than screw mount)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom oh, thanks! :(
@@Asmoc23 that’s why M mount film cameras are expensive as there is no alternative (look at Bessa - see the videos but the ‘T’ is the cheapest or Leica CL (see that video too)
You do gear videos like no one does gear videos! These are really excellently done
Ah thank you James, it is the fear of people not watching I think!
crack o the whip 😂
@@JHurrenPhotography haha 😆
do you think you’ll do a 28mm video
Hey Kyeler, yes it’s coming, not the next video but that is related, soon after 👍🏻
how does the ultron 1.7 compares with the ultron f2 vII (bokeh wise, sharpness)?
I've not tried the f2 yet but i'll do a full review on it if and when I get the opportunity
Cheers!
I’m on the fence on which 35mm. (Mainly want to use it for environmental portrait / street)
Wanted the nokton 1.4 for size but the rendering / busy bokeh kinda not my cup of tea :(
Was thinking of the 1.2 nokton vIII as well as it seems to be reduce in size quite significant.
Looking forward to your review on the ultron f2 when you get a chance . Hopefully will shed some light on which to get !
Skopar could work but I would expect the newer f2 Ultron to be even better. I'll review when I can!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom greatly appreciate your effort!
Voigtlander 35mm 1.4 nokton is that a version 2 or 1? Thanks
Hi Thuy, my lenses is the v1 I think, i've had it for some years. See the full review on that lens, you might be able to tell which one it is. It looks identical to my 40mm.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hi Matt. This is v1. I had 40mm and i have 35mm v2. Wneh i tested the 35mm v2 was better than 40mm.
@@ccanoee thank you. Ok great information thanks!
Matt I've gotta know how you light these lenses. The rainbow rings look amazing
Ha thanks Paul! Just a basic ringlight I sometimes use in the studio. sadly it was causing flicking in the 40mm, 90mm and I think 50mm videos but I worked out a way to minimise it for this one (faster shutter speed on iPhone).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom simple but effective. I enjoyed the video. Whilst not the original remit, I'd have liked to see if the contrast increased on the summaron stopped down 1&2 stops more
@@Milleniador thanks Paul, I forgot to mention, normally I use the Elmar 5cm
Hood on the Summaron. No vignette and contrast boosted (see that video)
great video and overall review style / easy to follow and compare / thank you !!!
Thanks JC!
I have a perfectly clean Minolta 35mm f2.8 MD III final version), and I'm wondering if there's enough performance gain to make a Summicron R v2 worthwhile. Actually very happy with the rendering of the Minolta but f2 would be nice.
Yes the Minolta did well. The f2 Cron is great for subject background separation. See photos in my latest LeicaFlex SL video.
Love my little Sumaron--has lovely color
Yes! A nice muted look
That Summaron is a superb condition!
thanks! :)
Very good performance all around here :-) Super happy with my Nokton F1.2, I have the same version as you. Great lens!
Thanks Don! Yes great lens, just a bit weighty on a small body!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom That's true! Works well on the M6, but a bit big for the Minolta CLE :-)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I have the 35mm 1.2 v3 on an M5 and it is well balanced on the bigger body. Decent reduction in size from the v2
@@marcsciandra1208 thanks Marc, noted!
@@thedondeluxe6941 yes!
Zeiss 35/2 biogon or the new 35/1.4 zm
Thanks Dino, or the Distagon!? I still need to try one.
These are the "princes", the throne pretenders of the 35mm Kindom my dear friend. However, the Kings and Emperors are watching from great height and see the young ones play their silly games. Who are they ? The rulers of the "Land of 35" Well, The Cron from Wetzlar, the LTM original Biogon from Jena, and it's Coated wartime cousin, the Evil Duke of f/2.8 .... Even the Japanese f/1.4 is looking, all wondering what the young fools are playing ... Great Video Matt, as always :-)
Haha thank you Eric! Nicely done! I'm still at the "princes" level with my 35mm .. i've not even owned a Cron M or Lux M ..but I am more of a 50mm guy (my poor excuse!).
Hello, would you mind listing the emperors and kings? I tried looking them up. I was overwhelmed by all the different versions. I don't want to make the mistake of purchasing the wrong versions. Hope to hear back from you soon.
@@princeharbinger you need to pick the lens for your needs and your camera. Some lenses will not fit all cameras 👍🏻
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Hey, I'm actually looking to buy my first Leica lenses. I'd like a set for portraiture, landscape, and astrophotography. I'd prefer compact primes. Ideally a lens that doesn't produce hexagonal bokeh. A set with both character and acuity. For the landscape lens I'd like a lens that is sharp in the corners, has great micro contrast, and great 3D pop. I'd also like it to have no coma issues for astro. I don't want any flat rendering. It also needs to have very low distortion if any. A AF lens that's able to be used in MF would be nice for the portraiture lens or lenses. Although that isn't imperative. I'm happy to shoot with MF lenses. I figure for some clients that are impatient and used to the speed of taking selfies that it would be convenient for them. Weather sealing would be nice for the landscape lens. If not I know a few tricks to prevent dust and moisture. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Your videos are very informative. Your blessed with quite the impressive collection.
Your lenses are ridiculously clean. WOW
Just get a dust cloth haha :)
great review! thank you matt!
Thanks Karo! More of these to come :)
What no Zeiss 35mm F1.4 distigon VM….
I use the Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon ZM on my Leica M6 and M10 rangefinders. Wish it had been included in your test.
I’m in 35mm market. Down to Voigtländer APO lanthar 35f2, or Zeiss 35f1.4 distigon.
Sorry William, I wish I’d mentioned that lens and the Biogon but I was so busy trying to cut the video as short as possible I overlooked it.
@@Narsuitus thanks, sorry I was limited to lens I own. I hear it is a good lens.
@@williaminbody205 both very good as I understand, look at sample photos to see how they both draw and decide if you need the extra speed of the Distagon.
Hi thank you very much.
Thanks!
I really do miss the Canon 35/2 ltm lens
I ordered one twice and things happened both times so it didn’t arrive. By this time I had bought the 1.7 in this video which replaced my old Canon 35 1.8 LTM. Now I use a Skopar LTM on Barnacks (not show here but optically the same as the M version)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom after going through some reviews, I cooked down the selection to the Canon 35/2, the Zeiss ZM 35/2 and the Ultron 35/2. On analog rangefinders I do not see much use and am not willing to accept the heft of much faster lenses. On digital this is of course different. To me the skopar was/is always a good fourth option quality and price wise. I know you included all lenses you had, but I think the 3 35/2 lenses mentioned in my answer are really worth to be compared in the field performance/price, usability and optical quality. This also rules out other 35/2 lenses like the artisans, which is in reality a 38mm and I heard of enough quality issues.
@@Willdmo thanks, I hope to test the f2 Ultron and if I ever get to try the others too that will be a bonus. I do think very highly of Biogon lenses (I have 21 and 25mm ZM) but I already had Voigtlander for 35mm at that point and those I use are faster or smaller than the Zeiss.
Imho, the sharpest 35mm is Zeiss 35/1.4 zm.
Thanks James, I hear it is very good. The Voigtlander 35 APO is also extremely sharp.
Brilliant video
Thank you! See the 28, 40, 50, Fast 50, 90 videos for more :)
thank you this video
Thanks Kin! :)
Why doesn't money grow on trees? 😫
It's in the ground beneath them! .. no is all seriousness see my recent "every can afford a leica" video. That's how I do it (+ look for deals on eBay)
Saying best 35mm lens, this is not fair to Leica, there is no Leica modern lens in the test
Yes , I did mention the Summilux FLE and say it is limited to those lenses I own. Maybe I can test modern Leica in the future.
and if you only have $10, the winner is Minolta.
Yes John, excellent value. It’s easy to find cheap 50s but less so for 35mm ..excluding the Jupiter-12
Too much! This is just confusing
Thanks, sorry it's an older video