Leica 28mm Lenses Compared | A Detailed Review of Summilux, Summicron, Elmarit and Summaron

[@jethrojacinto2798]

That Elmarit 28mm is still my preferred pick out of all the options, especially if you're just doing mainly street photography in everyday life.

[@StuartWeir]

“And I hope this video is helpful” - Jimmy! This video is VERY helpful. This is the video comparison we needed; no one was done a side by side like this before of these main 3 lenses, and it’s helpful reference for me as I own the 28 Elmarit you showed in this video. I sometimes wish I had the Summicron or Summilux, but it seems like performance wise, I’m not really missing out on anything aside from stops of light (that Lux does have a beautiful rendering though…). Also, looks like you’re in Burnaby. Let’s grab coffee sometime!

[@JimmyCheng]

Great to hear that! That’s exactly why I make these videos. Yeah I have just moved to Burnaby and I love it here. Yeah we might even run into each other on the street!

[@mariowanagat1412]

The Elmarit was my first lens when I switched to Leica M with the introduction of the M8. It was the kit lens back then. I own and used quite a few other Leica lenses. This lens has everything but unnecessary weight! Absolutely gorgeous, I got huge prints on the wall pin sharp and great contrast. It’s amazing for the price point. In 28 I argue you need more then 2.8, that said it’s definitely good to have bit more on 35/50 lenses, it also has a much greater effect. The 50’s will always be the best performance lenses but that is due to the focal lens but the small ones are the general point of using a relatively small camera system. For the look of you desire open aperture shot on relatively medium distance up til 2 m you’ll need one Lux but even with the elmarit at .7m it’s all totally satisfying. The only con I will point out is, I had that lens 3 times in service in 15 years, up to you to decide if that okay. I used it daily but still for me a bit disappointing since none of the other lenses gave me that issue. The Lux lenses are epic but so much more unforgiving and very different workflow plus you’ll encounter several different issues you’ll never have to deal with the other ones including nailing focus under fast stressful working conditions

[@NNsona]

Wow...thats the exact feedback i was looking for... new M series entrant.

[@NNsona]

Could you explain what you mean different workflow

[@mariowanagat1412]

@@NNsona always giving the fact you might want to shoot wide open, the closer you’re in the scene ( and if you intend not, no point using wide angle) the more debt of field the more comfortable you can use zone Phocus ( hyper focal scale) if you intend shooting through view finder. If using electronic devices get a different system or simply use phone, same experience. If you are a portrait/people photographer and have a moment like on wedding or similar I’d say no worries. If you like more a document style it’s probably better shooting at 5.6-11 depending on dng or film. The Lux covers half of your view finder frame due to size which add to the weight and exposure time due to balance ect. The best combo for an M system is and remains a 35 cron on a M. Lightweight, no blockages and easy to shoot longer exposure due to greater overall balance on the thing. I love and use the 24 Lux for its Look but it’s not a pleasure to use in comparison with the 28 elmarit or the 35 cron. In the end it’s experience and skill, not all the gear no idea.

[@forgottenamericana]

Jimmy is back in English...:-). Great comparison, your 28mm Summaron video a while back is the reason I got one.... Love your videos Jimmy!

[@JimmyCheng]

Thank you and I’m glad you found the videos helpful

[@Narsuitus]

Your video has inspired me to perform a comparison test on the six 28mm lenses I have for my 35mm SLR cameras.

[@JimmyCheng]

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@jieyang7146]

Elmarit is the go for me. Thanks for the review

[@HatefYaminiOnline]

Superb comparison. Very helpful. I think the Elmarit wins for my needs. Thank you, Jimmy.

[@levrac68]

Great comparison. I enjoyed how you balanced objective and subjective views to make it all come together fairly and understandably. I have the 35 Cron and 50 APO for my M10 Monochrom. Looking at 28s for travel/landscape more than street. Thanks to you, I can eliminate the Lux and focus on the Cron and Elmarit.

[@benoitpiret9065]

great video. I notice the same on the lux. even stopped down it exhibits purple fringing in the corners. I love the SR.

[@junxia8119]

The Ricoh GR apsc gen1 kinda introduced me to 28mm and really love the time with it. After the GR, I was shooting with Pentax fa 31 for quite a long time on both my k1 and a7m3. Got a 24 gm along the way to pursue my love for the GR with a more capable AF system. And eventually bought a Q2 several months ago to set an end to this journey 😂 the color rendering of fa 31 on k1 is unique and superb. Love it even more than that of the Q2. But the 28mm on the Q2 is way sharper and more crispy I would say. And it’s easier to carry around.

[@JimmyCheng]

What a journey! I’ve got no experience with the fa 31 but man that 28 lux on the Q system is crisp, as you have described

[@RunnyBabbitz]

Thank for this very detailed video! It was helpful on helping me make a decision on which lens to get. Subscribed and looking forward to future videos. Cheers!

[@JimmyCheng]

Awesome thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@dhaug]

Good stuff, Jimmy! Your video affirms my decision to go with the Elmarit.

[@JimmyCheng]

Thanks man it’s awesome. I just did a street walk with the elmarit in my last video. The rendering is lovely.

[@MrVoayer]

Excellent comparison ! Thank you for sharing ! It is much appreciated !

[@JimmyCheng]

thanks! I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@SavedbybGrace]

the 28 Lux on my M11P. Seriously nice setup. The limited DOF shooting wide open is the biz!!!

[@aristidelisimaco]

Thanks for the review. It is very useful for users considering to buy the 28mm lens.

[@PeachPeachPeachBBY]

Possibly more photographers are using a 28mm today because lens design has allowed for higher quality wider optics than in the past...

[@joseuribe430]

thanks for sharing your comparisons. This is exactly what I needed to hear, thanks

[@JimmyCheng]

I’m glad you found it helpful!

[@joseuribe430]

extremely helpful! What are your thoughts on non-Leica M-mount lenses? Like, the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f/1.2 aspherical III lens? @@JimmyCheng

[@sirrobin]

great review format and awesoe content as usual

[@JimmyCheng]

Thanks man, appreciated it.

[@Paco_TG]

Let's see if you can help me, I want to buy a 28mm but I'm between Summilux and Summicron. I am more attracted to the capabilities of the Summilux but I have read the following comments and wanted to know if you have noticed any of this: "This lens always develops a wobble right at the gap between the focusing ring and the DOF scale. Just gently rock the two pieces above and below this gap and you will hear clicking noises." "My copy had a very tight focus ring. I even sent it to the service department for diagnosis. They told me that it was normal for that lens. But after a couple of months the lens broke down and I had to send it in for service again." I would greatly appreciate knowing your feelings. Thanks in advance.

[@danielbdbe]

hello , your video are very high quality and you disserve much more subscribers . daniel from france

[@JimmyCheng]

Thank you Daniel, appreciate it!

[@q3813]

Just bought an Elmarit 28mm F2.8 V3 this morning. 😅😅😅

[@yi10001li]

我也买了一只 很希望看待有关这支v3版本的评论

[@wilfredshum3703]

I have these three 28 mm except the Summilux. The Summicron is a limited edition with the Matt black finish. All fit exceptionally well on the M and are easy to focus for overall sharpness. I skip the Summilux because I think my 50 mm Summilux has more character.

[@JimmyCheng]

awesome stuff, I didn't get the chance to buy the matt black summicron which is a shame. Great lens especially with built-in hood.

[@wilfredshum3703]

@@JimmyCheng There is still a brand new one available at Schouten Select where I bought mine from.

[@BrunoChalifour]

Another excellent comparison focusing on the right things. Just a note: on several occasions, in not just this video, the caption reads "bouquet" instead of "bokeh" is that under your control? Similarly there are a few misspelling in this video (Sumicron (5'46"), do-it-all "lean" should be lens (9'50"), these are just tiny details for your own use ;o)

[@quentindescotte6037]

Thank you so much for this (and all the other) video !

[@algranoconPablo]

It would be great to have a comparation between the elmarit and the new voigtlander 2.8 color skopar

[@amaniahnuar]

always will appreciate these controlled comparison be it even that only 5% of people would be able to tell the difference in real world use on these already spectacular glasses

[@JimmyCheng]

yeah it's actually quite time consuming to do these comparisons and a bit boring tbh, but if it is helpful for people, I'm all for it.

[@amaniahnuar]

@@JimmyCheng definitely taxing tasks but they're all damn worth it!

[@bankpytchannel]

very good details! thanks man!

[@Garypiano392]

Thank you so much jimmy! Personally I like the 28mm quite a lot but I already have a zm Biogon, I always want to get one 28mm with focus tab, but still struggling with the choice of Leicas or Voigtlander ultron. I am slightly inclined to elmarit, but it’s so close my ZM in terms of the spec!(28 2.8)

[@JimmyCheng]

I would recommend the ultron 28 f2 if you are on budget. It’s 95% Summicron with 1/4 the price. I would do a comparison in the future probably.

[@Garypiano392]

@@JimmyCheng my biggest concern about the ultron is the vignetting since I am using it on my film m body. It seems to be very noticeable especially wide open, i would like to know how it performs at f5.6 or 8

[@JimmyCheng]

@@Garypiano392 it’s fine, certainly not as bad as the 50 1.5 (everyone’s milage might vary but that’s my definition of unusable)

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

Try the Elmarit v4 pre asph. Won’t break the bank-just chose it over the Cron asph

[@Leicam10]

Great video! In English 🙌

[@johnchan7544]

hi Jimmy, which camera did you use to test these three lenses? i think you may have said M11P but i couldnt be sure. BTW what 3 M lenses would you pack as a travel kit? Do you use M lenses on SL2 or SL2-S?? thanks

[@JimmyCheng]

@@johnchan7544 hey there, I think I used m10r in this test. As for travelling, I usually just bring a 35mm and a 90mm or a 28 and a 50. Sorry I do not own an SL2.

[@johnchan7544]

@@JimmyCheng , thanks for your reply. I really enjoy your videos and you have a wonderful collection of Leica lenses.

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

Almost bought the Cron asph, but since I have a Q I don’t need the f2. Got the Elmarit v4 since i stop down for street and zone focus. I hope I decided well.

[@JimmyCheng]

Great choice

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

@@JimmyCheng thanks. I need all the reassurance I can get. I like getting the best, and getting an older pre-asph makes me question my choice. I read that the v4 is perhaps a nicer renderer than the elmarit asph, but I haven’t seen a comparison of the v4 and cron asph. Gulp.

[@JimmyCheng]

@@magiccarpetrider4594 I often get asked, oh Jimmy which lens is the best to get? Which 35 is the best? Blah blah. The better question is, based on your personal preference, how sharp is sharp enough?and how much character is too much? I tend to lean towards the “get the lens with enough sharpness” side, as my photography rarely benefit from too much sharpness. That being said, character of a lens is also very subjective. So you really need to know what types of photo you’re after to decide which lens to get. Overall though I think you had really clear logic going into picking the right lens.

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

Thanks for your time and insights, bro. I up’d a few lenses this year- 24 Elmarit to 24 Elmar (a very tough side-grade decision) and 50 apo go on my m10r and they’re amazing. I’m using the 21 SEM, 50 Lux, and 28 Cron v1 on a M10m. I traded the 28 elmarit for it, thinking I wanted asph when I up’d from the M246. It is sharper. Now I’m looking to modernize a bit more with the 28 and considering the v3 Cron or Lux. Lux is big, but maybe worth it.

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

Traded for the Lux! It’s amazing, fringing exists.

[@yuxi2424]

在Voigt 28.2（颜值太低）和elmarit（光圈略小有时拍暗光）之间纠结😂

[@JimmyCheng]

vm28 颜值还好吧😅

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

Elmarit v4

[@bberns2]

I have the 28MM Summilux and find it to be a $7000 paper weight. .7 meter close focus distance on a 28MM makes cripples it as it is not possible to create dramatic close subject shots with recessed backgrounds.

[@JimmyCheng]

Nice point you brought up. Yeah this is a big issue for these wide angle rangefinder lenses, they are way less versatile than say a Nikon 28mm. Maybe Leica will introduce a new 28mm lux like the new 35 FLE. Now that we think about it, the Q is a better deal here actually, it even does macro lol

[@ductritran8637]

I think most of leica M lenses are 0.7m is the closet distance , 28mm is medium wide angle lens and it’s made not for closed up shooting at less than 0.7m . You may need to find other 28mm from different manufacturers but I doubt that they made 28mm at f1.4

[@magiccarpetrider4594]

@@ductritran8637there are new 2023 versions of the 28 and 50 that focus to .4m now

[@webersteve1547]

Nice Video, thank you!

[@JimmyCheng]

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[@Red-xz1gk]

Excellent job as usual! ❤❤🎉🎉

[@JimmyCheng]

thank you so much! I hope you have enjoyed the video.

[@swcblad]

the first gen leica 28mm: sexyness in body shape and hood shape.

[@Hektormydog]

Yes, that hour glass shape is curvy sexy ;-) only problem is camera metering. I’m keeping an early v2 with the locking focus tab. The first Leitz M-series retro-focus lens, designed to clear the M5 meter arm. Same basic mount shape as v1, even came with the same box, deep rear cap (not necessary), and lens hood. It’s not ‘modern’ optically, but has a nice look.

[@bankrungroj3765]

Hello Jimmy, Since I also wearing glasses Do you have any problem with the framline when using 28 mm len ? thanks ps. I do a lot of street photography but been looking for m11 now.

[@JimmyCheng]

I use liveview or external optical viewfinder for 28mm. I struggle even for 35 with my glasses on.

[@justinlee7974]

以前一直不喜欢28mm，直到上手了一只summilux之后。。。

[@JimmyCheng]

哈哈哈

[@waiseto2594]

Hong Kong post tracking

[@galenfong4377]

Thanks for the review. It is very useful for users considering to buy the 28mm lens.