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 p.1 #1 · Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9-Element Review | |
Order the Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9-Element lens:
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Review Quick Links:- Initial Impressions
- Resolution and Contrast at Infinity distance: LLL 28mm f/2.8 9-Element vs Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 (M11)
- Rendering compared to Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8
- Field Curvature
- Distortion
- Sunstar Rendering and Flare Resistance
- Minimal Focus Distance: Resolution and Contrast
- Optical Vignetting and Specular Highlights shape
- Chromatic Aberration (CA)
- Final Thoughts
- Samples
Leica M10-R Black Paint with Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9E
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Initial impressions of the Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9-Element lens:
When I first picked up the LLL 28mm f/2.8 9E, I was surprised by its substantial weight and size for a 28mm f/2.8 lens, tipping the scales at 345 grams with the included metal hood. While larger and heavier than modern 28mm lenses with the same maximum aperture, it feels well-balanced on the Leica M10-R BP, although it does intrude significantly into the 28mm framelines. The hood doesn’t alleviate this issue, as it lacks a cut-out for better viewing.
Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9E in Silver
While I never owned the Leica 28mm f/2.8 9E, I've seen images taken with it, and they show average optical performance, with limited background blur due to the wide focal length and slow aperture. When Leica originally designed this retrofocus lens in the 1960s, fast wide-angle lenses didn't perform particularly well. This lens was eventually replaced due to its ergonomics, with Leitz introducing other 28mm Elmarits that featured retrofocus designs. These newer versions were much more compact and didn't require the rear element to be so close to the sensor. Over time, Walter Mandler’s designs led to the development of highly refined 28mm Elmarits.
Light Lens Lab took inspiration from this early retrofocus design, preserving the same number of elements while improving the glass to boost performance and create more pleasing rendering.
Leica M10-R Black Paint with Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9E
This lens is built with 9 elements in 6 groups, including both fluorite and ED glass, which Light Lens Lab notes was a necessary departure from the original design. It features an infinity lock, with a rotation that is smooth yet offers moderate resistance. Although focusing is precise, the rotation feels somewhat stiff on the silver brass version I’m reviewing. The lens is available in both silver and black, each with a brass barrel.
Leica M10-R Black Paint with Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9E
During my initial tests and comparisons with other 28mm lenses, I was surprised by how well this lens performed, competing with modern designs in terms of resolution and contrast across the image, while still maintaining its vintage characteristics.
However, it's important to note that the original Nine Element’s rendering was far from ideal. According to Light Lens Lab, they've improved the glass and addressed some of its imperfections while preserving the original rendering character.
Comparison of Protruding Rear Element: Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9E vs Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8
In this review, I won’t be comparing the lens to the original Leica 28mm f/2.8 9E, as that lens is now quite rare. Instead, I’ll compare it to the recently released Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar. Although the Voigtlander is much more compact and features a modern design, it shares the same focal length and maximum aperture. This comparison will provide an excellent opportunity to see how the Light Lens Lab lens measures up against one of my favorite 28mm lenses.
The focus throw on this lens is relatively long, about 120 degrees, which is typical for vintage Leica M-lenses. This extended throw, paired with the wide and slow aperture, enables both quick and precise focusing. In comparison to the Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar, which has a 180-degree focus throw, I find the 120-degree throw easier to handle for fast focusing when needed. Both lenses have a minimum focusing distance of 0.7 meters.
Light Lens Lab 28mm f/2.8 9E vs Voigtlander 28mm f/2.8: Both Equipped with Rear Caps and Hoods
Features:- Modern take on the original "Nine Element" design
- Improved performance with fluorite and ED glass
- Optimized for digital sensors, reducing red-fringing
- Classic brass alloy body with focus tab and infinity lock
- Handcrafted in limited quantities with high-quality control
- Available in Chrome and Black Paint finishes
- Compatible with all digital M-mount cameras (not Leica M5 and CL)
Specifications:- Focal Length: 28mm
- Coverage: Full Frame
- Optics: Nine elements in six groups
- Focus Range: 0.7 meters to ∞
- Diaphragm: Even half-stop aperture, manual control from f/2.8 to f/22
- Lens Mount: M Mount
- Filter Thread: E49
- Lens Hood: 12501 Style Clip-On Hood
- Length: 56.8mm
- Diameter: 52.4mm
- Weight (Tested Silver): 303g (345g with included 12501 lens hood)
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