Having used both extensively, and loving both, these are my observations and differences between Contax Zeiss and Leica-R. -Zeiss has more ‘pop’ for two main reasons: the fine detail in skin is more defined, to some perceivably sharper. I know this from doing close up beauty shots with both. Zeiss shows more texture, maybe even ‘flaws’ in skin. This is amplified by rendering more magenta in skin tones. -Zeiss has a much steeper/faster focus fall off. This means the foreground has sharper edges, and things just behind them drop off into softness quicker. Hence the image looks more 2D, almost cut out. It makes it feel shallower. This also makes dippy focus in video more visible. If you compare a Zeiss shot at f2.8, it will often have the same bokeh as a Leica-R shot at f2. -Leica-R lenses have an overall smoother tonal range, which gives softer skin tones, and a more even overall contrast. -Leica-R lenses have a deeper focus fall off, so objects directly behind the model gradually go soft, giving a more 3D, and deeper effect to the image, as things gradually fall into bokeh, not suddenly like Zeiss. -Leica optics have that notorious smooth/buttery feel, this is due to the more even tonal values, and more gradual focus fall off, it’s not as sudden and edgy as Zeiss. The edges of the frame look similar in both, but that middle ground of focus is quite different. That defines the Zeiss look, and the Leica look. To see what I am describing, stop this video at about 5.20min, and compare. You will notice everything I am explaining above. :) Look closely at the flowers behind the girl, the Leica optics retain more focus, whereas the Zeiss drops it off more quickly. Also look at the building on the left, in the Leica shot at f2, it is sharper than the Zeiss at f2.8. Some people say the Leica has more ‘pop’, but that’s usually mistaken because it has more contrast. That’s the difference.
Thank you for sharing your experience Louie! Yes I agree with you in all the points. Regarding the minute 5:20, the Zeiss 50mm suffer from distortion while the Leica is well corrected...but you probably already know that ahahah, I'm saying it for the people that don't know the lenses.
Yeah totally. :) I use the CZ 90% of the time, cause I like it’s Zeiss distortions, different flares, and look, and generally I don’t like too clean and over-corrected lenses...but sometimes I know a shot just needs the Leicas. It feels right. :)
Damn, I've been scratching my head trying to pinpoint what it is that looks weird to me in Zeiss glass but you said it here. It's definitely the steep focus falloff. I'm probably used to the look of my Nikkors (and modern Sigmas) that fall off very gently so the Zeiss look is definitely something new for me. I was thinking of building a set of Contax Zeiss lenses but that 2D look from the rapid focus falloff is just not my cup of tea. Luckily there are many great vintage lens brands to choose from so one can just pick a lens range that tickles his or hers fancy.
What a fantastic and informative comment! It can be tricky business not to get mired in semantics, but you nailed the language and said the magic term “3D”, which is probably my favorite aspect of these lenses. Both have a “3D” effect in comparison to the competition but the Leica especially feels like you can “reach into” the image… you have a “sense” of space/distance from the camera… to the point that her nose “feels” an inch or so closer that her cheeks, whereas the Zeiss doesn’t keep up with that “dimensionality”. You are aware of the 2 dimensional plane of the Zeiss imagery… there is the real world and then looking “at” rather than “into” the screen. The Zeiss fall off you describe makes for more “still-photo-esque” imagery in my hands though others of course produce incredibly cinematic content with them. Cooke lenses have that 3 dimensional quality, big time. Once I recognized that quality I couldn’t “unsee” it… hence my investment in a Leica R set which cost much more than a comparable Zeiss kit. I’ve noticed that the Leica Summilux range is quite reminiscent of Zeiss glass in how it renders… more shallow depth of field, slightly less “3D” but resulting in more “Voluptuous” imagery where everything seems exaggerated.
very interesting Louie. And yes the images at 5'20" are the only ones that really help, flowers look similar with various lenses. It's all about skin tones and face, that's where you can tell the difference. My only issue with this test is that the Zeiss 2.8 is out of focus on her face, not very helpful to compare lens quality.. :(
I prefer Zeiss. The background looks smoother and against the sun the flare is much better controlled with a little bit of flare. I love my Contax Zeiss lenses for this too.
They both great lenses but quite different. Ideally you want both sets of lenses for different styles, but it can be expensive for indie filmmakers. I'm happy to hear that you love the Contax Zeiss, I'm also a big fan of them.
I've been looking to get either of these lenses for the last 6 months, searching for comparisons, of which there are many. But this is perfect, thank you so much. I still can't decide, so I will just have to get both and then compare, for stills portraits. The Zeiss seems sharper as expected, but there does seem to be better rendering and micro contrast with the Leica. And I thought I would like the ninja bokeh, but the Leica is so much nicer. Problem is I've picked up a mint 1970's Nikon 50mm f1.4 and although it is nowhere near as good as these two lenses, it has a wonderful character.
Thanks! In reality leica lenses are sharper than c/y zeiss. The taste about the character is subjective, but I prefer leica again. Nikkor lenses are fine considering the prices...but I suggest you to consider the Konica Hexagon before going for the Nikkor, if you're looking for low budget lenses.
Thanks for this video. In your observation do Leicas Rs have less focus breathing than Contax Zeiss? Or are they pretty similar in breathing ? Also how about the CA between them ?
Hey Rency, thank you for watching! Yes the Leica R have a bit less focus breathing and the focus throw is longer. The Zeiss have less CA wide open than the Leica R, but the Leica R are showing more separation from the background. They're both great and I still own both sets of lenses 😂
Great comparison. Having both Zeiss and Leica R I'd say Leica has better roll off, objects in focus are not too sharp, out of focused objects are not too soft. Which makes them the perfect lenses having enough by not using pro mist filter (like the Cooke lens), by using pro mist you lose too much contrast and saturation in a lot of cases. Most of the older Zeiss lenses got those popping bokehs, the zebra versions have some CA attached to the bokeh too, and all lightsource glowing in the dark without using glow filter. To me Zeiss is great to pair with anamorphic adapter, those popping waterfall bokehs are far better than Leicas. Leica R is perfect for run and gun, lightweight, great roll off like some of those heavy cinema lenses, and those lovely red/orange/purple flares.
I owned a set of Contax Zeiss 28/2, 35/1.4, 50/1.4, 85/1.4. Now tempting to get the Leica Summicron R 35/2. Not sure worth to get or save my money lol.
Thanks mate! The Pentax SMC are fantastic lenses (I own only the 55mm F2), but I don't like the m42 screw mount system...sometimes, with lenses with stiff focus, I unscrew the lenses while filming ahahahah
@@LucaBono.Studio I´m looking to buy the 50mm 1.4 aej but I was wondering how bad the flare would be. But looking at minute 3:35 I think It really don´t show much. It looks really good
Nice comparison! The Leica has lower contrast and is less saturated than the Contax. The Contax has better flare control and is a bit sharper I found (maybe I'm wrong, but from what I see, at f2, the Contax is a little sharper). I prefer the bokeh of the Leica but I think this only because of your version of the Contax (the West Germany made have a ninja-star bokeh and the Japan-made have a rounded bokeh). I would have prefer to see this test without any filter. I'm a huge fan of the BPM, but it since it plays with contrast, I would have prefer to see the real deal from each lenses. But overall, good job on this video :)
Hey Chuck! Thank you for watching! Yes the Zeiss controls the flares better, but regarding the sharpness the Leica is sharper at every stop. There is one test shot without the filter, the one with the bikes ;) All the other test videos I've made, after this video, are without diffusion filters. Have a great easter!
Great Great stuff Luca, loved the choice of music with the shots there, it was refreshing to have a model in the video so we can have an idea of how the skintones look. I am torn between getting a 35-70 Leica or Contax Zeiss zoom as I prefer the versatility of zooms. Which one would you recommend? I loved both looks in the video btw, but I somehow prefer the Leica. Keep up the awesome content !
Thank you Husain! I really appreciate your comment! I would go for the Zeiss, the quality is the same but with this lens you'll also have a macro function that the Leica doesn't offer.
Thanks for sharing! I have the Leica Summilux-R 50mm f1.4 and the CONTAX Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.4 MMJ and both are extremely capable lenses, very difficult to pick one or the other for video stuff. In the other hand, the pick is settled for film photography as they only fit their respective camera bodies 😅 Cheers!
Thank you for watching Gualbert! Yeah they're both great lenses... I don't know your point of view, but I much prefer the Summicron+R4 for film photography 😁 mostly because of the sound of the shutter ♥️
@@LucaBono.Studio LOL!!! 😂🤣😅 You are right! The shutter sound of my Leica R6.2 is more discrete and satisfying than my Contax S2. But I love all my cameras even if the Contax is a "mirror slapper"! 😍📷
I have both set, Contax Zeiss MMJ (28, 35,50) and Leica R (28, 35, 50, 90). I prefer Leica for photo and Contax Zeiss for video on my GH5, but sometime i mix them when shooting a project. I think either of these sets are good investment for a long run. Sometimes, i put Black pro mist in front of them, too. At first, i couldn't find any samples comparing them, so, I started with summicron 50mm then i wondered what if mixed them, what were differences, and i ended up got them all ... you can't blame me, they are just too awesome and i couldn't resist collecting them ;P
Nice sets! It's funny, I like the Contax Zeiss more for photography and the Leica R more for video, but are great for everything! They give addictions...I always warn my friends, once you buy the first one, be prepared to make space in your cabin for more lenses to come :D
Nice! I am on the same way - cant decide between lens set. Sadly, there is no any HUGE lens shootout set test (nikkors/canon FDs s.s.c./LOMO oks/Zuiko OM/Contax Zeiss`s/Leica`s R etc). What can you say about dry artistic characteristics difference? I mean not personal meaning just facts (bokeh/out of focus/plastics/breathing/sharpness/color rendering/skin tones, pros and cons of every lens in set, weak lenses in each set etc.). Right now i own Voigtlander Color skorpalex 28 2.8 and Rollei planar 50 1.8 (i want to swap to Voigtlander 50 1.8 as its a better performer + cat`s eye bokeh is outstanding, i dont like leica and contax "distagonish" bokeh shape). For my needs im thinking to add Pancolar 80mm 1.8 (planar) its killer lens and thinking about some wide angle (20 mm) but seems zeiss 20 is not that good.
@@glebmazur9892 hey Gleb! To make it short, if I have to sell all my lenses I would keep these: Leica R 24mm F 2.8 Contax Zeiss 35mm F2.8 Leica R 50mm F 2 Contax Zeiss 50mm F1.4 Helios 44-2 Contax Zeiss 85mm f2.8 I've way more lenses from Contax Zeiss/Leica R/ Canon FD/ Olympus/ Super takumar, etc...but these are the most interesting and convenient for my eyes and back (weight is relevant for me). If I've to live only with one lens? It would be the Contax Zeiss 50mm F1.4 Voigtlander lenses are superb, you should build a set of them...that 40mm f1.2 it's just magical!
Zeiss more contrast and create more depth in video for my opinion Leica have watercolor background and more smooth picture Both are great, but old zeiss lenses have more chromatic aberrations than leica-r
In reality is the opposite regarding contrast and depth...the Leica R have more contrast and more 3D pop. Also the Contax Zeiss controls the CIA better than Leica R below F2.8. ...for my eyes!
@@LucaBono.Studio what? It’s pretty clear in your examples that the Zeiss has more contrast or “pop”. It’s honestly not a debate. Not sure what you’re seeing
@@jasonnowwhat5041 You can believe it or not, but because the Leica R have more Chromatic Aberration wide open they also have more 3D pop...Maybe the 35mm F2 from Zeiss has more 3D pop when compared to the Leica R 35mm F2, but for the rest the Leica R lenses have a stronger character in this aspect. I'm working with both sets of lenses for more than one year...
@@LucaBono.Studio I guess the increased contrast in the zeiss immediately makes it pop more, from my phone screen anyway. The Leica looks more “vintage” if that makes sense.
@@jasonnowwhat5041 maybe you can check this clip that was filmed without diffusion filter, here it's easier to see the differences between the lenses ruclips.net/video/yeoXDhQwYJ0/видео.html
Best, in my opinion, is subjective. I know a lot of serious photographers that are considering the F1.4 the best one because of the character/rendering/build quality...I also know many serious photographers that prefer the F1.7 version over the F1.4 because of the better sharpness wide open or at F2.0. At the end of the day, both lenses are capable of great results and we are still having nice talks about which one is better after 40 years ;)
@@LucaBono.Studio When that are said, I do not understand the "new" magic about 50mm, I do not hate 500mm, but I do not like it, it is "in between" nearly useless. I prefor shorter or longer, remember "normal" are around 43mm like the diagonal of the format, but maybe 50mm user are APSC shooters !?
@@Anarki2U The 50mm is fast/cheap/small...that's why it's an easy choice! My dream lens is only one...the Voigtlander 40mm F1.2! I also prefer this focal lenght like you...probably in the future I will take it! What 40mm lenses do you have?
@@LucaBono.Studio I do not have any 40mm, no that is a lie, on my Leica Minilux the are an exellent 40mm, thats a compact camera with fixed prime lens. My most used lenses are Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, analog manual 60mm 2,8 Macro and Sony 135mm 1.8 GM, I also have a lot of other analog manual lenses ans a Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 G. I do not like super fast lenses, the only reason I only choosed the Sony 24mm 1.4 was because it was the best of the best 24mm lenses you can get, I nearly allways stop the aperture down two or three stops (spmtimes one or for stops). I like compact or near compact lenses that also have a very high resolution for 61 megapixels sensor.
You have a very nice kit! Are you planning to add a UWA? I limit myself to have only one modern lens, because of the weather sealing...the 24-105 F4 macro is a good workhorse for me 😁
Do you take photos for other people's judgements or for yourself? I like to enjoy my photos/videos, both for clients or for personal projects, so I chose to use what gives me more satisfaction. It's the same in music...you don't play a fender from the 60' because it's just cool. But yes, I agree that the majority of the people will not perceive the difference between the tools we use. Cheers!
There is one clip, the one with the bikes, that's without diffusion filter. Anyway, I'll make another video without diffusion filter in the near future 😉
If you have found this video useful, I'll really appreciate a like to the video and subscribe in the channel to support my work. Ciao!
Hey! Great stuff, hard to judge at the end there in the portrait one since the lighting changed. The leicas are definitely warmer.
Having used both extensively, and loving both, these are my observations and differences between Contax Zeiss and Leica-R.
-Zeiss has more ‘pop’ for two main reasons: the fine detail in skin is more defined, to some perceivably sharper. I know this from doing close up beauty shots with both. Zeiss shows more texture, maybe even ‘flaws’ in skin. This is amplified by rendering more magenta in skin tones.
-Zeiss has a much steeper/faster focus fall off. This means the foreground has sharper edges, and things just behind them drop off into softness quicker. Hence the image looks more 2D, almost cut out. It makes it feel shallower. This also makes dippy focus in video more visible. If you compare a Zeiss shot at f2.8, it will often have the same bokeh as a Leica-R shot at f2.
-Leica-R lenses have an overall smoother tonal range, which gives softer skin tones, and a more even overall contrast.
-Leica-R lenses have a deeper focus fall off, so objects directly behind the model gradually go soft, giving a more 3D, and deeper effect to the image, as things gradually fall into bokeh, not suddenly like Zeiss.
-Leica optics have that notorious smooth/buttery feel, this is due to the more even tonal values, and more gradual focus fall off, it’s not as sudden and edgy as Zeiss. The edges of the frame look similar in both, but that middle ground of focus is quite different. That defines the Zeiss look, and the Leica look.
To see what I am describing, stop this video at about 5.20min, and compare. You will notice everything I am explaining above. :) Look closely at the flowers behind the girl, the Leica optics retain more focus, whereas the Zeiss drops it off more quickly. Also look at the building on the left, in the Leica shot at f2, it is sharper than the Zeiss at f2.8. Some people say the Leica has more ‘pop’, but that’s usually mistaken because it has more contrast.
That’s the difference.
Thank you for sharing your experience Louie!
Yes I agree with you in all the points. Regarding the minute 5:20, the Zeiss 50mm suffer from distortion while the Leica is well corrected...but you probably already know that ahahah, I'm saying it for the people that don't know the lenses.
Yeah totally. :) I use the CZ 90% of the time, cause I like it’s Zeiss distortions, different flares, and look, and generally I don’t like too clean and over-corrected lenses...but sometimes I know a shot just needs the Leicas. It feels right. :)
Damn, I've been scratching my head trying to pinpoint what it is that looks weird to me in Zeiss glass but you said it here. It's definitely the steep focus falloff. I'm probably used to the look of my Nikkors (and modern Sigmas) that fall off very gently so the Zeiss look is definitely something new for me. I was thinking of building a set of Contax Zeiss lenses but that 2D look from the rapid focus falloff is just not my cup of tea. Luckily there are many great vintage lens brands to choose from so one can just pick a lens range that tickles his or hers fancy.
What a fantastic and informative comment! It can be tricky business not to get mired in semantics, but you nailed the language and said the magic term “3D”, which is probably my favorite aspect of these lenses. Both have a “3D” effect in comparison to the competition but the Leica especially feels like you can “reach into” the image… you have a “sense” of space/distance from the camera… to the point that her nose “feels” an inch or so closer that her cheeks, whereas the Zeiss doesn’t keep up with that “dimensionality”. You are aware of the 2 dimensional plane of the Zeiss imagery… there is the real world and then looking “at” rather than “into” the screen.
The Zeiss fall off you describe makes for more “still-photo-esque” imagery in my hands though others of course produce incredibly cinematic content with them. Cooke lenses have that 3 dimensional quality, big time. Once I recognized that quality I couldn’t “unsee” it… hence my investment in a Leica R set which cost much more than a comparable Zeiss kit. I’ve noticed that the Leica Summilux range is quite reminiscent of Zeiss glass in how it renders… more shallow depth of field, slightly less “3D” but resulting in more “Voluptuous” imagery where everything seems exaggerated.
very interesting Louie. And yes the images at 5'20" are the only ones that really help, flowers look similar with various lenses. It's all about skin tones and face, that's where you can tell the difference. My only issue with this test is that the Zeiss 2.8 is out of focus on her face, not very helpful to compare lens quality.. :(
I was favoring the Zeiss until the bicycle handlebars shots. They looked like molten silver through the Leica - they came alive! Beautiful!!!
Yeah, I also had the same feeling about it! But they're still playing in the same league IMHO ;)
The difference is so subtle that I find it very hard to justify the massive price gap
Thanks for including a face in the test.
Thank you for watching buddy!
Yes, same shit
i can judge lenses only by portrait footage
I prefer Zeiss. The background looks smoother and against the sun the flare is much better controlled with a little bit of flare. I love my Contax Zeiss lenses for this too.
They both great lenses but quite different.
Ideally you want both sets of lenses for different styles, but it can be expensive for indie filmmakers.
I'm happy to hear that you love the Contax Zeiss, I'm also a big fan of them.
What exact lecia F2.0 lens is this one 4:07? I love the focal length and bokeh. Stunning.
S/N 3011962
@@LucaBono.Studio Nothing came up when I searched it. I mean the model.
It's the summicron 50mm F2 V2, the one with in built lens hood
@@LucaBono.Studio Cool thank you.
Hi Luca, can you please tell me the name of the song played?
Hey Husain, sorry but I don't remember it...I've downloaded it from Artlist
Lost (feat. Anthony Lazaro)
Lazer Owl
I've been looking to get either of these lenses for the last 6 months, searching for comparisons, of which there are many. But this is perfect, thank you so much. I still can't decide, so I will just have to get both and then compare, for stills portraits. The Zeiss seems sharper as expected, but there does seem to be better rendering and micro contrast with the Leica. And I thought I would like the ninja bokeh, but the Leica is so much nicer. Problem is I've picked up a mint 1970's Nikon 50mm f1.4 and although it is nowhere near as good as these two lenses, it has a wonderful character.
Thanks! In reality leica lenses are sharper than c/y zeiss. The taste about the character is subjective, but I prefer leica again. Nikkor lenses are fine considering the prices...but I suggest you to consider the Konica Hexagon before going for the Nikkor, if you're looking for low budget lenses.
Lovely images! I've got a pro mist 1/8 coming in the mail and looking forward to testing it out.
Thank you! Be sure you ordered the "Black" pro mist ;)
Song name: Lost (feat. Anthony Lazaro) - Lazer Owl
Thanks for this video. In your observation do Leicas Rs have less focus breathing than Contax Zeiss? Or are they pretty similar in breathing ? Also how about the CA between them ?
Hey Rency, thank you for watching!
Yes the Leica R have a bit less focus breathing and the focus throw is longer. The Zeiss have less CA wide open than the Leica R, but the Leica R are showing more separation from the background. They're both great and I still own both sets of lenses 😂
@@LucaBono.Studio thanks 🙏 Appreciate it
Just bought a matching set of Leica, 50 1.4, 24 2.8, and 90 2.0
Can’t wait
Congratulations mate! 🍻
I really like the falloff on the leicas wow!
Can’t go wrong with the Zeiss though great contrast for an older lens
My problem is that I love both ahahah! But I prefer the look of the Leica lenses a bit more ;)
Ciao, ottimo video. Io sono un felice utilizzatore del Leica R 60mm f2.8 macro
Great comparison. Having both Zeiss and Leica R I'd say Leica has better roll off, objects in focus are not too sharp, out of focused objects are not too soft. Which makes them the perfect lenses having enough by not using pro mist filter (like the Cooke lens), by using pro mist you lose too much contrast and saturation in a lot of cases. Most of the older Zeiss lenses got those popping bokehs, the zebra versions have some CA attached to the bokeh too, and all lightsource glowing in the dark without using glow filter. To me Zeiss is great to pair with anamorphic adapter, those popping waterfall bokehs are far better than Leicas.
Leica R is perfect for run and gun, lightweight, great roll off like some of those heavy cinema lenses, and those lovely red/orange/purple flares.
I totally agree 100%! Thanks for sharing your valuable opinion ✌🏻
Leica R lenses rock man. creamy and low contrast
They do, I love them!
Which adapters are you using? The Leica original one for R lenses? And for the Contax Zeiss? Please, advice
I'm using this for the Leica R (ebay.to/2ZTx2ru) and this for the Contax Zeiss (ebay.to/3mGko8P). Sorry I forgot to mention them in the description...
Luca Bono thanks! do they work fine? aren't you afraid that, over the time, the black paint on the L-mount side might peel off ending on the sensor?
@@redbit6182 Yes they work fine and I'm not afraid of the paint...I always keep the sensor clean with a good air blower.
Luca Bono ok, thank you
I owned a set of Contax Zeiss 28/2, 35/1.4, 50/1.4, 85/1.4. Now tempting to get the Leica Summicron R 35/2. Not sure worth to get or save my money lol.
I finally found a perfect copy of the summicron R 35 and I can tell you...it's worth it! I'm working on a video for this lens 😉
@@LucaBono.Studio What serial number is your Leica R’s, especially the 35mm f/2? 🙏🏽
@luccabono whichone would you pick and why?
I'm still processing the choice... they're different, but both really lovely.
Money wise, I would go for the Contax Zeiss.
Hey
TOP content.
What do you think about the Pentax asahi?
Thanks mate! The Pentax SMC are fantastic lenses (I own only the 55mm F2), but I don't like the m42 screw mount system...sometimes, with lenses with stiff focus, I unscrew the lenses while filming ahahahah
thanks for the video. is your Zeiss AEJ?
Thank you for watching! Yes the 50mm is AEJ, but I've also some AEG and they match perfectly...even with the MMJ.
@@LucaBono.Studio I´m looking to buy the 50mm 1.4 aej but I was wondering how bad the flare would be. But looking at minute 3:35 I think It really don´t show much. It looks really good
Is there any difference in image between Leica Summicron-R and Leitz Summicron-R? Leitz are cheaper.
The E55 is more modern and better corrected than the older version. I've the E55 and I'm very happy with it!
Are your zeiss MMJ or AEJ? And if either, what was your reason for going for one over the other?
I've AEJ/G and some Zeiss Classic (a bit more contrasty), the only MMJ I've is the 80-200 and there are no differences between the AEJ/MMj IMHO
Nice comparison! The Leica has lower contrast and is less saturated than the Contax. The Contax has better flare control and is a bit sharper I found (maybe I'm wrong, but from what I see, at f2, the Contax is a little sharper). I prefer the bokeh of the Leica but I think this only because of your version of the Contax (the West Germany made have a ninja-star bokeh and the Japan-made have a rounded bokeh).
I would have prefer to see this test without any filter. I'm a huge fan of the BPM, but it since it plays with contrast, I would have prefer to see the real deal from each lenses.
But overall, good job on this video :)
Hey Chuck! Thank you for watching! Yes the Zeiss controls the flares better, but regarding the sharpness the Leica is sharper at every stop. There is one test shot without the filter, the one with the bikes ;) All the other test videos I've made, after this video, are without diffusion filters.
Have a great easter!
Great Great stuff Luca, loved the choice of music with the shots there, it was refreshing to have a model in the video so we can have an idea of how the skintones look. I am torn between getting a 35-70 Leica or Contax Zeiss zoom as I prefer the versatility of zooms. Which one would you recommend?
I loved both looks in the video btw, but I somehow prefer the Leica.
Keep up the awesome content !
Thank you Husain! I really appreciate your comment!
I would go for the Zeiss, the quality is the same but with this lens you'll also have a macro function that the Leica doesn't offer.
Thanks for sharing! I have the Leica Summilux-R 50mm f1.4 and the CONTAX Zeiss Planar 50mm f1.4 MMJ and both are extremely capable lenses, very difficult to pick one or the other for video stuff. In the other hand, the pick is settled for film photography as they only fit their respective camera bodies 😅 Cheers!
Thank you for watching Gualbert! Yeah they're both great lenses... I don't know your point of view, but I much prefer the Summicron+R4 for film photography 😁 mostly because of the sound of the shutter ♥️
@@LucaBono.Studio LOL!!! 😂🤣😅 You are right! The shutter sound of my Leica R6.2 is more discrete and satisfying than my Contax S2. But I love all my cameras even if the Contax is a "mirror slapper"! 😍📷
Always good to see your video pop up when looking for R's or Contax! CHeers man
Thanks mate! If you want you can always come to try them 🤟🏻
Beautiful shots! You can clearly see the difference between the lenses! I'm a huge fan of Leica in this set!
Thank you for helping me in this Gabry! The next photoshoot for you will be with the Leica lenses then! :P
I have both set, Contax Zeiss MMJ (28, 35,50) and Leica R (28, 35, 50, 90). I prefer Leica for photo and Contax Zeiss for video on my GH5, but sometime i mix them when shooting a project. I think either of these sets are good investment for a long run. Sometimes, i put Black pro mist in front of them, too. At first, i couldn't find any samples comparing them, so, I started with summicron 50mm then i wondered what if mixed them, what were differences, and i ended up got them all ... you can't blame me, they are just too awesome and i couldn't resist collecting them ;P
Nice sets! It's funny, I like the Contax Zeiss more for photography and the Leica R more for video, but are great for everything!
They give addictions...I always warn my friends, once you buy the first one, be prepared to make space in your cabin for more lenses to come :D
Nice! I am on the same way - cant decide between lens set. Sadly, there is no any HUGE lens shootout set test (nikkors/canon FDs s.s.c./LOMO oks/Zuiko OM/Contax Zeiss`s/Leica`s R etc).
What can you say about dry artistic characteristics difference? I mean not personal meaning just facts (bokeh/out of focus/plastics/breathing/sharpness/color rendering/skin tones, pros and cons of every lens in set, weak lenses in each set etc.).
Right now i own Voigtlander Color skorpalex 28 2.8 and Rollei planar 50 1.8 (i want to swap to Voigtlander 50 1.8 as its a better performer + cat`s eye bokeh is outstanding, i dont like leica and contax "distagonish" bokeh shape). For my needs im thinking to add Pancolar 80mm 1.8 (planar) its killer lens and thinking about some wide angle (20 mm) but seems zeiss 20 is not that good.
@@glebmazur9892 hey Gleb! To make it short, if I have to sell all my lenses I would keep these:
Leica R 24mm F 2.8
Contax Zeiss 35mm F2.8
Leica R 50mm F 2
Contax Zeiss 50mm F1.4
Helios 44-2
Contax Zeiss 85mm f2.8
I've way more lenses from Contax Zeiss/Leica R/ Canon FD/ Olympus/ Super takumar, etc...but these are the most interesting and convenient for my eyes and back (weight is relevant for me).
If I've to live only with one lens? It would be the Contax Zeiss 50mm F1.4
Voigtlander lenses are superb, you should build a set of them...that 40mm f1.2 it's just magical!
@@LucaBono.Studio thank you for helpful response!
@@glebmazur9892 you're welcome buddy, soon I'll make videos for each individual lens I have...maybe that will be more helpful 😉
You should call this video the battle of the titans. they both look amazing in their relm
Yeah they're both fantastic!
Zeiss more contrast and create more depth in video for my opinion
Leica have watercolor background and more smooth picture
Both are great, but old zeiss lenses have more chromatic aberrations than leica-r
In reality is the opposite regarding contrast and depth...the Leica R have more contrast and more 3D pop. Also the Contax Zeiss controls the CIA better than Leica R below F2.8.
...for my eyes!
@@LucaBono.Studio what? It’s pretty clear in your examples that the Zeiss has more contrast or “pop”. It’s honestly not a debate. Not sure what you’re seeing
@@jasonnowwhat5041 You can believe it or not, but because the Leica R have more Chromatic Aberration wide open they also have more 3D pop...Maybe the 35mm F2 from Zeiss has more 3D pop when compared to the Leica R 35mm F2, but for the rest the Leica R lenses have a stronger character in this aspect. I'm working with both sets of lenses for more than one year...
@@LucaBono.Studio I guess the increased contrast in the zeiss immediately makes it pop more, from my phone screen anyway. The Leica looks more “vintage” if that makes sense.
@@jasonnowwhat5041 maybe you can check this clip that was filmed without diffusion filter, here it's easier to see the differences between the lenses
ruclips.net/video/yeoXDhQwYJ0/видео.html
As I remember from the 1980´s the Contax Zeiss Planar 50mm 1.7 was the best 50mm, not the 1.4
Best, in my opinion, is subjective. I know a lot of serious photographers that are considering the F1.4 the best one because of the character/rendering/build quality...I also know many serious photographers that prefer the F1.7 version over the F1.4 because of the better sharpness wide open or at F2.0.
At the end of the day, both lenses are capable of great results and we are still having nice talks about which one is better after 40 years ;)
@@LucaBono.Studio When that are said, I do not understand the "new" magic about 50mm, I do not hate 500mm, but I do not like it, it is "in between" nearly useless. I prefor shorter or longer, remember "normal" are around 43mm like the diagonal of the format, but maybe 50mm user are APSC shooters !?
@@Anarki2U The 50mm is fast/cheap/small...that's why it's an easy choice! My dream lens is only one...the Voigtlander 40mm F1.2! I also prefer this focal lenght like you...probably in the future I will take it! What 40mm lenses do you have?
@@LucaBono.Studio I do not have any 40mm, no that is a lie, on my Leica Minilux the are an exellent 40mm, thats a compact camera with fixed prime lens. My most used lenses are Sony 24mm 1.4 GM, analog manual 60mm 2,8 Macro and Sony 135mm 1.8 GM, I also have a lot of other analog manual lenses ans a Sony 200-600mm 5.6-6.3 G. I do not like super fast lenses, the only reason I only choosed the Sony 24mm 1.4 was because it was the best of the best 24mm lenses you can get, I nearly allways stop the aperture down two or three stops (spmtimes one or for stops). I like compact or near compact lenses that also have a very high resolution for 61 megapixels sensor.
You have a very nice kit! Are you planning to add a UWA?
I limit myself to have only one modern lens, because of the weather sealing...the 24-105 F4 macro is a good workhorse for me 😁
He has his cap on backwards.
Zeiss Is my fav
I've the problem that I love both ahahah. Thank you for watching!
I guess the leica is a vintage one, like R or old fashioned M without ASPH. The newer leica should be contrasted and a bit sharper than newer Zeiss.
Hey Joey, they are both vintage...both sets of lenses are pretty old: Contax Zeiss (1975+), Leica R (1979+). They're both great in my opinion ;)
Zeiss is this
Leica is that
there is no difference -- the general public.
Hi Ullib! There are many differences between the lenses...if you don't see them or care about them, I'm very happy for you ahahah! Cheers!
@@LucaBono.Studio iam sure person with non-photographic background won't see any difference. 99% of viewers belong to this category.
Do you take photos for other people's judgements or for yourself? I like to enjoy my photos/videos, both for clients or for personal projects, so I chose to use what gives me more satisfaction.
It's the same in music...you don't play a fender from the 60' because it's just cool.
But yes, I agree that the majority of the people will not perceive the difference between the tools we use. Cheers!
Lecia Is so much better 🥰
It looks great, but I also love the Zeiss for photography work.
@@LucaBono.Studio HUAWEI + Lecia 🥰
$300 for a 50mm summicron 🤣 those are now $900 for a mint one in the 30’s serial number - and this videos only 6 months old 😭
It's going out of control 😅
This would have been the best if the promist wasn’t involved.
There is one clip, the one with the bikes, that's without diffusion filter.
Anyway, I'll make another video without diffusion filter in the near future 😉
@@LucaBono.Studio I’ll stay tuned for that 👍
zeiss win!
They're different and they're both amazing!