Jump to content

Zeiss ZM 18mm f4


Robin Smith

Recommended Posts

I'm thinking about an ultra-wide for my M and this lens looks like it might fit

the bill. I have had 21mm's and somehow don't find them quite wide enough

(compared to the 28mm which I have) when I want to go wide, 15mm might be too

much of a good thing though. The Zeiss looks very attractive, although it is

clearly, despite being only f4, a big lens. Has anyone tried it out or used it?

On paper it looks to be an excellent performer. Can anyone give me any feedback

on it? Thanks.

Robin Smith
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have had one for well over a month now. The filter size is E58 and the lens compares in size with the Leica 21mm Asph. (E55) with the shade attached and only 20 grams heavier compared to the black chrome version.

 

f/4 is only one stop behind f/2.8 which I rarely, if ever, use on my 21. The 18 is plenty sharp - far better than the CV 15mm Heliar, which only gets used once or twice a year.

 

If you are a wide-angle fanatic, it is a must have lens in your Leica M arsenal.

When you come to a fork in the road, take it ...” 

– Yogi Berra

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Robin, I am wondering that most people want to have a speedy lens, but hardly anyone is using their lens with full opening. This ZEISS glass is not excellent on paper only, its is also excellent for making excellent picture. I am working with a Distagon 4/18mm on my Contax'es for many years, and I guess that this ZM 4/18mm lens is even better.

 

If it reads ZEISS on the outside, you can be very sure, that ZEISS quality is also inside!

 

Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harvey:

 

From 21 to 24, I would agree with your point as well taken. But when you start getting that wide (beyond 21), those few extra degrees make a substantial difference in coverage. Besides, like Guy, I have had the 18 coded for use on my M8, which translates into a 24 with the crop factor. The 21 translates to a 28, which is not wide enough for me.

 

On my film cameras the 18 is flat-out awesome!

 

Regards, Bill

When you come to a fork in the road, take it ...” 

– Yogi Berra

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Have to agree with Bill those few degrees can mean a lot . Also too the zeiss 18 is very

clinical looking in look, very sharp and lots of snap to it. My leica 21mm Asph has a different

look more smoother in tone a lot like the 28 cron which i love to death. I actually switched

things around down in the very wide went with a 12mm CV , 18 zeiss and than the leica

21mm and i actually like that combo now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Harvey if you have the 25mm than i would go right to 18mm. i had the 21mm and 24mm and

there just to darn close. You would feel it is a waste and to be honest it's like a two step

difference in feet power. The 18mm will add a different prespective than the 21mm also.

Little more drama, but the 18mm has some contrast so need to be slightly careful

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 5 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...