Distagon 25/2.8

[arhi_tectu1]

hi i have a question for you what is the main difference between the
contax distagon 25/2.8 made in japan an the one made in W.Germany
the one's made in W Germany cost a lot more.
is 400 euros a good price for the one made in japan?
is it better then a nikkor 24/2.8 or zuiko 24/2.8?

thanks

[Attila]

Orio did compare Japanase and German Contax lenses he found no difference.
In general I rate higher Carl Zeiss Contax lenses than any other ones, but there is some exception. For example 135mm f2.8 Contax is not better than Olympus 135mm f2.8 or Nikkor 135mm f2.8.

I think Nikkor 24mm f2.8 AIS is an excaptional lens I don't think so distagon is better or lot better.

In my opinion Nikkor 24 mm is better than Zuiko 24mm.

[poilu]

the nikkor 24:2.8 have better resolution than the Zeiss & Zuiko
the zuiko is not so good wide open but after it is almost as good as the Zeiss

but the Zeiss have
- more flare resistance than any 24 or 25mm
- less distortion
- better and more true color

the Germany AE cost less than the MM Japan
the MM should have better border than the AE

[arhi_tectu1]

thanks for the reply.
is 400 eur a good price for the distagon?

[F16SUNSHINE]

I think it is a bit high.
I have seen copies go for as little as $200.
KEH outlet has an 2 MM copies one for $310 one for $365.

The prices there are usually the Ebay average or slightly high.

As to the difference. My understanding is the later MM Japan models are better corner to corner. As Poilu also says.

It's a beautiful lens. If you take it you will not be disappointed.

[arhi_tectu1]

thanks for the reply the lens is not MM and here in Romania there is a big difference between the euro and the dollar. in euros the lens is about 400 euros in dollars is about 566$ it's a bit too expensive for me and the guy does not want to sell it for less than that.
i would really like a distagon

[bob955i]

[Orio]

The MM version is better in the corners, but the AE version is far from being a piece of junk.
The difference in price is justified but the AE version remains an excellent lens.

Having that said, there are other lenses who are also excellent, the Nikkor, the Zuiko, the Leica, the Takumar... ultimately it boils down to what kind if imagery one looks for. Zeiss has one look, Nikkor has another, Leica has another... Just like in painters shop, you have 2-3 different brands of oil colours, and you have 2-3 different tubes of Brown Siena... each is Brown Siena, but each one is slightly different and each one gives it's own intepretation of Brown Siena.
Up to the painter to choose!

[arhi_tectu1]

wow it looks so so great is very tempting to buy one of these .
maybe in the near future
bob955i thanks for sharing great landscape

[F16SUNSHINE]

I remember that one Bob. What a beauty.
Hey you got a nice deal for $200 Congrats.
Usually the newer ones are more.

Another 24 to consider is the 2.8/24 Yashica ML/DS-M (ML is bayonet DS-M is m42).

A super optic. Sometimes can be found for cheap. Mine came with a yashica kit that I bought from ebay for $50 (also a ML 1.7/50).
It was likely never mounted until I got it.
Quite Zeissy render and contrast but with a bit cooler colors.
Also very well controlled as the distagon.

[poilu]

[Orio]

yes, you are right about the Leica 24, I don't know why but I was thinking about the Leica 28 (which is excellent).

[jjphoto]

I haven't tried the Zuiko but if it's cheaper then I'd give it a go.