new 28 2.8 ASPH M lens

[mark_theken]

With all the excitement of the new M8, it seems the companion lens to be

introduced at the same time has received very little attention. The new 28/2.8

ASPH-M appears to use a more compact version of the 35 2.0 ASPH-M chassis.

According to the information I received, the new 28mmm lens weighs only 180

grams, uses E39 filters and the same 12526 lens hood as the 35 2.0 ASPH. At

$1495, I think it will find a home on many M8 cameras as well as M series film

cameras. I plan to buy one to use on a MP .58 viewfinder camera as well as my

RD-1. I think this will make a nice travel outfit along with a 50mm lens,

especially now that the airline carryon requirements may become more restricted

than in the past.

[henry_a]

The new 28 f2.8 ASPH sounds like a great lens and excellent alternative to the 28 Summicron. If its as good as the Summicron at f2.8 its a definite winner.

 

What I'd like to see now is a 21mm f4 ASPH compact lens from Leica. 39mm filters, small overall size and lower price with great performance starting at f4 as Leica is known for.

[steve_george3]

A compact f4.0 24 would go down well. I'd like it to take E46 filters so that I could take it everywhere with my 50 'Lux.

[richard_brown1]

That 28mm@180 grams is as sweet as can BE..

A price that is worth considering. I am glad Leica was thinking

about people like me, As for the M8, I can think of 5 things that

would improve one's photography in a much more profound way

without spending $5,000 for basically a point & shoot digital

camera. It just seems to me that the people running Leica now

have gone past being jaded into the realm Walmartism...

[SolaresLarrave]

Hmmm... sounds like I could sell my current Elmarit (third version, nice, 49mm filter size) and buy one of this with part of the proceedings. It'd be my second purchase of new Leica products.

 

But then, it would be... only if I did it. Let's see if others do it first.

 

Thanks for posting the information, Mark!

[vinay_patel]

I have one on order, but I will be taking a careful look at it before I buy it. I will be curious to see exactly how Leica has accomplished an ASPH 28 Elmarit several hundred dollars less than the non-ASPH Elmarit sold for when it was recently discontinued, which was itself before the last round of price increases. If it exhibits no sacrifices in materials and workmanship it will lead to wonder why the rest of the M lineup is so much more expensive.

[sparkie]

this looks like a sweet lens. i love the compact pancake-ness. i would love leica to brimg

out a 28/1.4 which is a compact as possible. my olny reservation with the 28/2.8 is the

clinical rendering and harsh bokeh evident in the 28/2.0 asph. But we may be lucky and

have a similar fingerprint as the 35/1.4 ASPH. cant wait to see pics

[joel_matherson]

The 28mm is my 2nd most used focal length (40mm being the first) so I await the first user reports of this lens with great interest. Its actually not as expensive as one would expect. There are still dealers selling the previous version Elmarit for more than this one will cost.

 

I also look forward to the new tri-elmar as well. Its been a long time since Leica has sparked so much interest.

[paul_neuthaler]

Shall I abandon my wonderful, little VC 28mm 1:3.5 Color Skopar?

[michael s.]

I'm afraid so, Paul.

 

You can send it here at a deeeeeep discount (spoken in deeeeep voice).

:)

[joel_matherson]

"Shall I abandon my wonderful, little VC 28mm 1:3.5 Color Skopar?"

 

I would hold off until the judges verdict is in first.