Contax 21mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Biogon T* for G1/2

I was 19 years old when I purchased my first super wide angle lens, the Sigma 21/2.8, for my Canon A1. I always loved the extreme perspective of such a lens, but once working with my father´s Leicaflex SL and the Elmarit 19/2.8, I had to learn what is really possible in terms of CA correction, resistance to flare and overall sharpness. Thus, my decision was clear that, after my A1 became unreliable, the wide angle sector should be covered at the highest possible quality in my new gear. To do so, I decided to go for a new SLR for the focal lengths of 50mm upwards and to get hands on a used G2 and some nice T*-coated Zeiss optics (first the 28, 45 and 90mm). All the glowing reports here about the quality of the Biogon 21/2.8 forced me to look for a good offer, and finally, I succeded to obtain this fine lens at a reasonable price. Please forgive me, if I do not repeat everything positive that has been reported about this lens and what I fully agree on. After about 9 Months with this lens, I can say that it is indeed pretty sharp and very rich in contrast. Nonetheless, fine details are even better rendered by the 28/2.8, but flare suppression and color saturation are on par in both Biogon both lenses. Both Biogons exhibit an enormous resolution capability even wide open. Stopping down to 5.6 slightly improves the sharpness in the center and the edges gain more than 80% of maximal resolution. At f8 to f16, the edges still improve a little bit, but, as expected, the image contrast starts to decrease at f11 and f16. Taking mostly slides, the coverage of the external viewfinder (which is quite comfortable in all other aspects) is actually actually a little bit disappointing. If image composition has to be done very faithfully in critical situations (e.g. for composing architecture photography with slide material), the final image margin will be a guess... Likewise, slide material is more sensitive to vignetting. Unlike the Distagon or most other extreme retrofocal 21mm constructions for SLR cameras, the Cos-4 law of natural vignetting is not corrected in the Biogon construction. This gives you the advantage of low distortion at the cost of more pronounced vignetting even at higher f stops. Taken together, my feeling is that the Biogon 21/2.8 is a wonderful lens which shows all the best which can be implemented in a lightweight yet fast rangefinder super wide angle. I like both Biogon lenses, the 21/2.8 and the 28/2.8 and don´t want to miss any of both in my bag. Having the external viewfinder always mounted, I can always compare the 21mm and 28mm view in a second and decide which lens is more suitable in a given situation. Again, I would like to point out that my critical remarks on this lens are easily counterweighted by the wonderful optical performance. Thus, my voting reflects the overall impression about this fine lens. If I had to pay the list price, my voting for the value would be only 4 stars.

Color saturation Sharpness almost no distorsion crossmark in the viewfinder helps to adjust the camera properly

Pronounced vignetting even if stopped down Relatively poor viewfinder coverage

Biogon 28/2.8 Canon EF 28/2.8 Sigma for Canon FD 21/2.8 Leica Elmarit R 19/2.8 (MK-I)

not needed so far

Let me start by saying that I have never been a great fan of wide angle lens. The widest lens I would use is a 50 mm or at times a 35mm lens. However I was looking to purchase a wide angle lens for my Contax G2 system and I waivered about which lens to purchace (21mm, 28mm or 35mm). I didn't like the idea of buying the 35 mm lens since I already owned the 45mm Planar and I didn't want to buy the 21mm because I though it would be to wide for my taste. Furthermore, the idea of using an additional viewfinder was not appealing. However after reading the reviews given by others I purchaced the 21mm Biogon. Let me tell you that I fell in love with this lens. This is probably the best lens in the G2 camera line. I'd go as far as tell you that you haven't seen the full potential of your Contax G2 camera if you don't own this lens. It is very sharp, with minimal distortion, and the persective it offers is wounderful. This is the lens that now stays on my G2 at all times. By the way the optional viewfinder for this lens is brighter than the camera own viewfinder making it a joy to use. If you are like me and aren't sure which of the three wide angle lenses to buy, buy the 21mm Biogon you will best the day you did.

Very sharp Low to no distortion Offers a wonderful perspective Rich color saturation

none

Nikon 35mm/1.4 Nikon 28mm Contax 45mm Planr

not used

This is the best lens in my outfit! It is really sharp, perfect color saturation and distortion free! When I see the results of this lens, I'm impressed every time! This is THE lens for all wide angle fans!

See above. Especially the fact that the lens is distorion free makes it a great lens.

The additional viewfinder is not very handy.

G2 with 28mm/35mm/45mm/90mm RX with 25mm, 50/1.4mm, 135/2.8mm

No idea.

I have for sometime worked in a camera shop and have had the luck to try out basically any camera system that I please. I am writing this review for one simple reason. Because after all my trials with Leica, with Bessa, as well as with various SLR's eg Canon, Nikon and Minolta, I have come to the conclusion that this is the best wide angle lens on the market. Compared to my Canon EF 17-35 f2.8L it makes the Canon look like a cheap heap of junk. The colour the contrast the shadow detail and the saturation are all beyond belief. This is the sharpest lens I own and 21mm is a beautiful focal length.

Sharp Sharp Sharp, at all apetures. The optical finder is much nicer than the Leica finder. Price, man is it cheap!

Learn how to use the focus on the G2. I've read and seen many complaints about focus with G2's and did experiense problems at first but in the last 40 rolls I've shot I've had less incorrectly focused then what I get with my Canon EOS 5

Leica M21, Canon EF14mm, Canon EF20mm, Canon EF17-35, EF16-35, Hell I tried everything!

Haven't needed it, but here in Australia the Contax agent seems really good

I shoot mainly slides with my Contax G system and am pleased with the results which can be summed up in one word: perfect. The absense of distortion and the deep contrast add up to stunning photographs especially when projected onto a 60x60 screen through a Leitz Colorplan projection lens. The only complaint I have is the need to use an accessory viewfinder but then we all need to slow down a little and enjoy both the preparation for taking a photograph as much as seeing the final results. These Zeiss lenses are probably the best value out there being about one quarter of the price of the Leica counterparts and as good if not better in each focal length. Now if Contax would release a G2M (manual) camera that would be something. . .

Sheer quality in all areas.

Need to use a separate viewfinder.

All the G lenses except the 16mm and the zoom, 24-85mm Sonnar for Contax N series, Nikkors of various focal lengths.

Don't know.