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Archive 2018Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
p.20 #1Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Anyone still using this lens?
No comments over the last 2.5 years !
No comments over the last 2.5 years !
Sep 25, 2020 at 02:36 PM
p.20 #2Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I still have and use this lens, but not very often. Most of the times I grab the Loxia 21 (or Loxia 35) instead.
It's a great lens but it's too close to the 21 to carry both.
The last time I've chosen the 25 instead of the 21 was my trip to New Zealand:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1620450/
It's a great lens but it's too close to the 21 to carry both.
The last time I've chosen the 25 instead of the 21 was my trip to New Zealand:
https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1620450/
Sep 25, 2020 at 02:47 PM
p.20 #3Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I certainly do. It’s my favourite loxia; just a little better than the 21 and of course a lot better than the early, ported from ZM, designs.
There is a tendency (which I had) to think more is better with wides, but actually 25mm is a great and versatile focal length. I take it on most trips. What Zeiss have done here is to design a small lens where smallness is not traded off against IQ; the moderate speed is the trade off: they could have made it smaller still at this speed, but only with IQ trade off. The result is a lens which is state of the art (if you really want to complain there’s a tiny touch of colour fringing wide open and a touch of FC) but still portable. For stopped down work it’s considerably contrastier than the GM and a bit sharper. It’s nice for environmental portraits wide open and has really attractive bokeh. It’s so nice I rarely use my GM, basically use it only when I really want f1.4.
There is a tendency (which I had) to think more is better with wides, but actually 25mm is a great and versatile focal length. I take it on most trips. What Zeiss have done here is to design a small lens where smallness is not traded off against IQ; the moderate speed is the trade off: they could have made it smaller still at this speed, but only with IQ trade off. The result is a lens which is state of the art (if you really want to complain there’s a tiny touch of colour fringing wide open and a touch of FC) but still portable. For stopped down work it’s considerably contrastier than the GM and a bit sharper. It’s nice for environmental portraits wide open and has really attractive bokeh. It’s so nice I rarely use my GM, basically use it only when I really want f1.4.
Sep 25, 2020 at 03:57 PM
p.20 #4Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I have it and use it regularly in my small walkabout kit. It's optically stunning and versatile, as David says, but I'll sell it the minute a good 28 f2 or 1.4 appears. It's just a little to wide and dim for me.
Sep 25, 2020 at 04:11 PM
p.20 #5Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I was used to my Loxia 21/Pentax 28 pairing, so I ended up selling mine. And now with the Sigma 14-24 I'm using the Loxia 21 less as well. Although its size is an advantage when I need to go smaller, so I don't see me selling the 21.
-Tim
Sep 25, 2020 at 04:22 PM
p.20 #6Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I sold the Loxia 25mm recently, as well as the Loxia 35mm and 50mm, when changing to the Nikon Z7 with the Z24mm f1. 8S and the Z50mm f1. 8S, both beautiful lenses with incredible performance from wide open to around f5. 6.
I had no complaints though about any of the three, really great, great lenses, incl. the Loxia 35mm. They beat the Nikon lenses from f5. 6 onwards, but the Nikon Z lenses are incredible at f2 already.
I had no complaints though about any of the three, really great, great lenses, incl. the Loxia 35mm. They beat the Nikon lenses from f5. 6 onwards, but the Nikon Z lenses are incredible at f2 already.
Sep 25, 2020 at 04:28 PM
p.20 #7Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
DaveFP wrote:
Anyone still using this lens?
No comments over the last 2.5 years !
It's still my main lens in the 24/25mm range. I use it constantly. Optically, I think it's the best in that range I've ever used and in the running, I think, for the best 24/25mm ever. I've personally never seen anything sharper on the edges and in the corners at f/2.4-f/5.6. The only reason you'd chose another lens over it, IMO, are non-optical: size, weight, ergonomics, FOV, etc. Those are important considerations, for sure, but if you want/need a 24/25mm for landscape use, there are likely none better.
If you click on my Instagram, you'll see a bunch of the wider shots are created with it. I pair it with my L85 for a pretty incredible small landscape combo. Not light, mind you, but small and I love working with them.
Anyone still using this lens?
No comments over the last 2.5 years !
It's still my main lens in the 24/25mm range. I use it constantly. Optically, I think it's the best in that range I've ever used and in the running, I think, for the best 24/25mm ever. I've personally never seen anything sharper on the edges and in the corners at f/2.4-f/5.6. The only reason you'd chose another lens over it, IMO, are non-optical: size, weight, ergonomics, FOV, etc. Those are important considerations, for sure, but if you want/need a 24/25mm for landscape use, there are likely none better.
If you click on my Instagram, you'll see a bunch of the wider shots are created with it. I pair it with my L85 for a pretty incredible small landscape combo. Not light, mind you, but small and I love working with them.
Sep 26, 2020 at 05:16 PM
p.20 #8Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Just used it today! I don't go wide as often, however I am always really impressed with the 25. Super sharp and the colors are wonderful right out of camera. I really wish they'd make a new 50 that has similar optical qualities.
Sep 26, 2020 at 05:25 PM
p.20 #9Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
I use it as often as I use my 21 and 35 Loxias. Great lens!
Sep 26, 2020 at 06:11 PM
p.20 #10Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
ChrisMak wrote:
I sold the Loxia 25mm recently, as well as the Loxia 35mm and 50mm, when changing to the Nikon Z7 with the Z24mm f1. 8S and the Z50mm f1. 8S, both beautiful lenses with incredible performance from wide open to around f5. 6.
I had no complaints though about any of the three, really great, great lenses, incl. the Loxia 35mm. They beat the Nikon lenses from f5. 6 onwards, but the Nikon Z lenses are incredible at f2 already.
Maybe your Loxias were a bit decentered?
My Lox 25 is optically superb wide open (as is my 21). The 35, as you noted, needs to be stopped down to f/5.6 for ideal resolution.
I sold the Loxia 25mm recently, as well as the Loxia 35mm and 50mm, when changing to the Nikon Z7 with the Z24mm f1. 8S and the Z50mm f1. 8S, both beautiful lenses with incredible performance from wide open to around f5. 6.
I had no complaints though about any of the three, really great, great lenses, incl. the Loxia 35mm. They beat the Nikon lenses from f5. 6 onwards, but the Nikon Z lenses are incredible at f2 already.
Maybe your Loxias were a bit decentered?
My Lox 25 is optically superb wide open (as is my 21). The 35, as you noted, needs to be stopped down to f/5.6 for ideal resolution.
Sep 26, 2020 at 06:13 PM
p.20 #11Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
It's true you have to go back aways to find a better 24mm - and even then it won't work well on Sonys. Pricy too, $3000 but resale is good. It's the 2006 Leica Elmar 24/3.8, with excellent outer frames and 260 grams (46mm filters) to make it a pure landscape lens. But what a lens. Was a sad day when it came to light it would not play well on our cameras. German made, apparently. No sudden plunge from mid-frame like the L25 (and Milvus 25mm too) has.
https://photographylife.com/lenses/leica-elmar-m-24mm-f3-8-asph
https://photographylife.com/lenses/leica-elmar-m-24mm-f3-8-asph
Sep 26, 2020 at 06:17 PM
p.20 #12Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
philip_pj wrote:
It's true you have to go back aways to find a better 24mm - and even then it won't work well on Sonys. Pricy too, $3000 but resale is good. It's the 2006 Leica Elmar 24/3.8, with excellent outer frames and 260 grams (46mm filters) to make it a pure landscape lens. But what a lens. Was a sad day when it came to light it would not play well on our cameras. German made, apparently. No sudden plunge from mid-frame like the L25 (and Milvus 25mm too) has.
https://photographylife.com/lenses/leica-elmar-m-24mm-f3-8-asph
I've always thought that Elmar and Elmarit lines from Leica were a great idea. I know you've talked about this before, but the modern obsession with optical excellence and speed does photographers a disservice. Sure, we get optical marvels with performance at f/1.4 that we could never have imagined in the past, but it appears to have relegated slower lenses to afterthoughts. Lenses at f/2.8 aren't as sexy so they wind up as value plays rather than as lenses optimized for other aspects of performance. Given that a substantial chunk of my photography is done from f/5.6 to f/11, I like the thought of a lens designer who considered that, designed for it, optimized for it. All lenses are most definitely not equal at f/8, IMO.
The Emar 24/3.8 will remain out of reach for me but it does indeed show what is possible when speed is taken off the table and a designer is allowed to consider other aspects of performance.
It's true you have to go back aways to find a better 24mm - and even then it won't work well on Sonys. Pricy too, $3000 but resale is good. It's the 2006 Leica Elmar 24/3.8, with excellent outer frames and 260 grams (46mm filters) to make it a pure landscape lens. But what a lens. Was a sad day when it came to light it would not play well on our cameras. German made, apparently. No sudden plunge from mid-frame like the L25 (and Milvus 25mm too) has.
https://photographylife.com/lenses/leica-elmar-m-24mm-f3-8-asph
I've always thought that Elmar and Elmarit lines from Leica were a great idea. I know you've talked about this before, but the modern obsession with optical excellence and speed does photographers a disservice. Sure, we get optical marvels with performance at f/1.4 that we could never have imagined in the past, but it appears to have relegated slower lenses to afterthoughts. Lenses at f/2.8 aren't as sexy so they wind up as value plays rather than as lenses optimized for other aspects of performance. Given that a substantial chunk of my photography is done from f/5.6 to f/11, I like the thought of a lens designer who considered that, designed for it, optimized for it. All lenses are most definitely not equal at f/8, IMO.
The Emar 24/3.8 will remain out of reach for me but it does indeed show what is possible when speed is taken off the table and a designer is allowed to consider other aspects of performance.
Sep 26, 2020 at 08:57 PM
p.20 #13Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
philip_pj wrote:
It's true you have to go back aways to find a better 24mm - and even then it won't work well on Sonys. Pricy too, $3000 but resale is good. It's the 2006 Leica Elmar 24/3.8, with excellent outer frames and 260 grams (46mm filters) to make it a pure landscape lens. But what a lens. Was a sad day when it came to light it would not play well on our cameras. German made, apparently. No sudden plunge from mid-frame like the L25 (and Milvus 25mm too) has.
https://photographylife.com/lenses/leica-elmar-m-24mm-f3-8-asph
With the price of this lens people should keep in mind for several years it is much cheaper to get the lens from Hong Kong for some reason. Right now you can pick a brand new one up there for $2,200 (you used to be able to get them for $1,700 about 3 years ago). This too affects the resale price. Excellent used copies can generally be found for $1,500 and sometimes even a little less if you are patient.
It's true you have to go back aways to find a better 24mm - and even then it won't work well on Sonys. Pricy too, $3000 but resale is good. It's the 2006 Leica Elmar 24/3.8, with excellent outer frames and 260 grams (46mm filters) to make it a pure landscape lens. But what a lens. Was a sad day when it came to light it would not play well on our cameras. German made, apparently. No sudden plunge from mid-frame like the L25 (and Milvus 25mm too) has.
https://photographylife.com/lenses/leica-elmar-m-24mm-f3-8-asph
With the price of this lens people should keep in mind for several years it is much cheaper to get the lens from Hong Kong for some reason. Right now you can pick a brand new one up there for $2,200 (you used to be able to get them for $1,700 about 3 years ago). This too affects the resale price. Excellent used copies can generally be found for $1,500 and sometimes even a little less if you are patient.
Sep 26, 2020 at 10:06 PM
p.20 #14Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
wdshuck wrote:
Just used it today! I don't go wide as often, however I am always really impressed with the 25. Super sharp and the colors are wonderful right out of camera. I really wish they'd make a new 50 that has similar optical qualities.
I think the current 50 is great. It has the same color out of the camera, less field curvature before focusing very near infinity and the contrast micro and macro are also great..
Ppl like downplaying this lens, because it's not sharp in the corners wide open at infinity, but at most other settings it's a stellar performer. Used price is super low too, I feel it's one of the greatest bargains on our Sony system. (or my copy is just that much better than average? doubt it though) Then again most people don't value color rendition nearly as much as me..
Just used it today! I don't go wide as often, however I am always really impressed with the 25. Super sharp and the colors are wonderful right out of camera. I really wish they'd make a new 50 that has similar optical qualities.
I think the current 50 is great. It has the same color out of the camera, less field curvature before focusing very near infinity and the contrast micro and macro are also great..
Ppl like downplaying this lens, because it's not sharp in the corners wide open at infinity, but at most other settings it's a stellar performer. Used price is super low too, I feel it's one of the greatest bargains on our Sony system. (or my copy is just that much better than average? doubt it though) Then again most people don't value color rendition nearly as much as me..
Sep 27, 2020 at 02:51 AM
p.20 #15Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Timely return of this thread... I've been wondering a lot which lens should I get as my wide angle lens. Currently I only have the FE28/2, which ain't stellar but "gets the work done". And I tried the FE20/1.8G but ended up returning it. There was something bland about it and I actually prefer manual lenses. I've previously owned the CV 21/3.5 (which I miss a bit) and been thinking of getting CV21/1.4, but this 25 Loxia has looked really tempting as well. It should pair up nicely with my CV50/1.2SE, as I feel 21 is a bit too wide for my taste for general photography and I really like how this particular Loxia renders. And there are no native Voigtländers between 21 and 35mm.
Sep 27, 2020 at 04:33 AM
p.20 #16Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
It looks like zeiss is done with the Loxia line up. I own the 25 & 85 and they are both great. If Loxias are out of the equation, I wonder what is the next e mount lens from voigtlander. Still dreaming of a 35mm Apo lanthar.
Sep 27, 2020 at 04:37 AM
p.20 #17Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Tonzah78 wrote:
Timely return of this thread... I've been wondering a lot which lens should I get as my wide angle lens. Currently I only have the FE28/2, which ain't stellar but "gets the work done". And I tried the FE20/1.8G but ended up returning it. There was something bland about it and I actually prefer manual lenses. I've previously owned the CV 21/3.5 (which I miss a bit) and been thinking of getting CV21/1.4, but this 25 Loxia has looked really tempting as well. It should pair up nicely with my CV50/1.2SE, as I feel 21 is a bit too wide...Show more →
I am in the same spot.
Looking to expand my small MF line-up.
Tired of carrying my Zeiss Distagon 25/2 on long trips.
It's either the Loxia or the GM.
When I am a "MF state of mind" I like to have all MF in the bag.
Timely return of this thread... I've been wondering a lot which lens should I get as my wide angle lens. Currently I only have the FE28/2, which ain't stellar but "gets the work done". And I tried the FE20/1.8G but ended up returning it. There was something bland about it and I actually prefer manual lenses. I've previously owned the CV 21/3.5 (which I miss a bit) and been thinking of getting CV21/1.4, but this 25 Loxia has looked really tempting as well. It should pair up nicely with my CV50/1.2SE, as I feel 21 is a bit too wide...Show more →
I am in the same spot.
Looking to expand my small MF line-up.
Tired of carrying my Zeiss Distagon 25/2 on long trips.
It's either the Loxia or the GM.
When I am a "MF state of mind" I like to have all MF in the bag.
Sep 27, 2020 at 06:27 AM
p.20 #18Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Sinasina wrote:
I think the current 50 is great. It has the same color out of the camera, less field curvature before focusing very near infinity and the contrast micro and macro are also great..
Ppl like downplaying this lens, because it's not sharp in the corners wide open at infinity, but at most other settings it's a stellar performer. Used price is super low too, I feel it's one of the greatest bargains on our Sony system. (or my copy is just that much better than average? doubt it though) Then again most people don't value color rendition nearly as...Show more →
I do like the colors, I’m more looking for an improvement in sharpness wide open. I have some images I’m very happy with from the 50, but there’s a “wow” when I open up the 25 files.
wdshuck wrote
Just used it today! I don't go wide as often, however I am always really impressed with the 25. Super sharp and the colors are wonderful right out of camera. I really wish they'd make a new 50 that has similar optical qualities.Ppl like downplaying this lens, because it's not sharp in the corners wide open at infinity, but at most other settings it's a stellar performer. Used price is super low too, I feel it's one of the greatest bargains on our Sony system. (or my copy is just that much better than average? doubt it though) Then again most people don't value color rendition nearly as...Show more →
I do like the colors, I’m more looking for an improvement in sharpness wide open. I have some images I’m very happy with from the 50, but there’s a “wow” when I open up the 25 files.
Sep 27, 2020 at 06:42 AM
p.20 #19Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
DaveFP wrote:
I am in the same spot.
Looking to expand my small MF line-up.
Tired of carrying my Zeiss Distagon 25/2 on long trips.
It's either the Loxia or the GM.
When I am a "MF state of mind" I like to have all MF in the bag.
Heh. I can't seem to be able to decide. A little OCD inside me is telling that I should stick to all-Voigtländer set. I used to have CV21/3.5 and CV40/1.2 as a pair, which I loved a lot and they paired up really well. But I sold the 21 so I could buy the 21/1.4 (still haven't) and I sold the 40/1.2 so I could buy a newer more compact SE version. Just recently I bought the CV50/1.2SE which I really love. Might get the CV35/1.2 next up. But on the wide end I really need something wider as well.
So now I'm thinking of:
- CV 21mm f/3.5: small, light and lovely CV rendering, but might not be "good enough" when I some day upgrade to a higher resolution sensor (at 24Mp it's still great)
- CV 21mm f/1.4: A bit on the large side but stellar IQ. Speed also makes it a versatile indoor lens.
- Loxia 25mm f/2.4: From the little I've seen, rendering seems nice and IQ is pretty stellar as well. But not much lighter/smaller than CV21/1.4 and at the same price range as well. The FL of course is different, but you can always crop, not the other way around.
- Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM: No, not a manual lens but pretty incredible otherwise. The "do-it-all" wide angle.
Edited on Sep 27, 2020 at 07:04 AM · View previous versions
I am in the same spot.
Looking to expand my small MF line-up.
Tired of carrying my Zeiss Distagon 25/2 on long trips.
It's either the Loxia or the GM.
When I am a "MF state of mind" I like to have all MF in the bag.
Heh. I can't seem to be able to decide. A little OCD inside me is telling that I should stick to all-Voigtländer set. I used to have CV21/3.5 and CV40/1.2 as a pair, which I loved a lot and they paired up really well. But I sold the 21 so I could buy the 21/1.4 (still haven't) and I sold the 40/1.2 so I could buy a newer more compact SE version. Just recently I bought the CV50/1.2SE which I really love. Might get the CV35/1.2 next up. But on the wide end I really need something wider as well.
So now I'm thinking of:
- CV 21mm f/3.5: small, light and lovely CV rendering, but might not be "good enough" when I some day upgrade to a higher resolution sensor (at 24Mp it's still great)
- CV 21mm f/1.4: A bit on the large side but stellar IQ. Speed also makes it a versatile indoor lens.
- Loxia 25mm f/2.4: From the little I've seen, rendering seems nice and IQ is pretty stellar as well. But not much lighter/smaller than CV21/1.4 and at the same price range as well. The FL of course is different, but you can always crop, not the other way around.
- Sony 24mm f/1.4 GM: No, not a manual lens but pretty incredible otherwise. The "do-it-all" wide angle.
Edited on Sep 27, 2020 at 07:04 AM · View previous versions
Sep 27, 2020 at 06:45 AM
p.20 #20Zeiss Loxia 25mm f2.4 is a distagon
Tonzah78 wrote:
Looking to expand my small MF line-up.
Tired of carrying my Zeiss Distagon 25/2 on long trips.
It's either the Loxia or the GM.
When I am a "MF state of mind" I like to have all MF in the bag.Heh. I can't seem to be able to decide. A little OCD inside me is telling that I should stick to all-Voigtländer set. I used to have CV21/3.5 and CV40/1.2 as a pair, which I loved a lot and they paired up really well. But I sold the 21 so I could buy the 21/1.4 (still haven't) and I sold the 40/1.2 so I could buy a newer more compact SE version. Just recently I bought the CV50/1.2SE which I really love. Would love to have a nice two lens kit for light travel.
So now I'm thinking of:
- CV 21mm...Show more →
I just picked up the CV 50 APO so I would also prefer an all-CV set.
I know if I buy the Loxia 25 Voigtlander will announce the CV 24 APO the next day.
I am also debating the Loxia 21 vs CV 21/1.4. 166 gram difference is not very much but it is bigger in the bag.
I find Flickr images from the 24 GM are generally more interesting than images from the Loxia 25. I guess that is a function of the wider aperture's ability to isolate the subject.
DaveFP wrote
I am in the same spot.Looking to expand my small MF line-up.
Tired of carrying my Zeiss Distagon 25/2 on long trips.
It's either the Loxia or the GM.
When I am a "MF state of mind" I like to have all MF in the bag.
So now I'm thinking of:
- CV 21mm...Show more →
I just picked up the CV 50 APO so I would also prefer an all-CV set.
I know if I buy the Loxia 25 Voigtlander will announce the CV 24 APO the next day.
I am also debating the Loxia 21 vs CV 21/1.4. 166 gram difference is not very much but it is bigger in the bag.
I find Flickr images from the 24 GM are generally more interesting than images from the Loxia 25. I guess that is a function of the wider aperture's ability to isolate the subject.
Sep 27, 2020 at 06:59 AM