Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM

Leica M-Mount

Review

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM is a prime wide-angle lens designed specifically for Leica M-mount cameras. With a focal length of 25mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens excels in capturing high-quality images with impressive sharpness and contrast, making it a standout choice for landscape, street, and architectural photography.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of the Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM is exceptional, typical of the Zeiss brand. The lens features a robust metal construction that feels durable in hand. The compact design makes it a perfect companion for Leica M cameras, allowing for a lightweight setup that’s easy to carry. The lens also features a classic silver and black color scheme that aesthetically matches many Leica bodies.

Optical Performance

Optically, the Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM delivers outstanding performance. The lens is designed to minimize distortion, which is a common issue with wide-angle lenses. It provides excellent sharpness across the frame, even at wider apertures, and the color rendition is natural and pleasing. The T* anti-reflective coating helps in reducing lens flare and ghosting, ensuring good contrast in challenging lighting conditions.

Ease of Use

With its manual focus operation, the Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM is perfect for photographers who prefer a hands-on approach to focusing. The focus ring is smooth and well-damped, allowing for precise adjustments. However, the depth of field can be quite shallow at close distances, which requires careful attention when composing shots. The 25mm focal length offers a versatile field of view, making it suitable for various photographic styles.

Bokeh and Rendering

While this lens is not primarily known for its bokeh due to its wide-angle design, it does produce a pleasing out-of-focus rendering. The circular aperture blades contribute to a smooth and creamy background blur, which can be creatively used in certain scenarios. The unique rendering of the lens will appeal to photographers looking for character in their images.

Price and Value

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM is positioned at a premium price point, reflecting its high-quality construction and optical performance. While it may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market, those who value exceptional image quality and build will find it to be a worthy investment.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Exceptional sharpness and contrast
• Compact and lightweight design
• Robust metal build quality
• Minimal distortion
• Smooth manual focus operation

Cons

• Premium price point
• Manual focus may be challenging for some users
• Limited maximum aperture compared to other lenses

Verdict

The Carl Zeiss Biogon T* 2,8/25 ZM is a remarkable lens that shines in optical performance and build quality. It’s an ideal choice for photographers seeking a reliable and high-performing wide-angle lens for their Leica M system. Though it comes with a higher price tag and a manual focus mechanism that may not appeal to everyone, its image quality and compactness make it a solid investment for those looking to enhance their photography with a versatile and beautifully crafted lens.