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Zeiss Milvus 18mm VS leica elmarit R 19mm f 2.8 version ii

David Grigorian

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Hey guys just wanted to get some opinions, im thinking about getting one of these lenses as I really need a wide-angle small prime lens. Im leaning towards the Leica 19mm V2 because I already have a 50mm summilux M and 90mm elmarit M. However the Zeiss lens comes in at about $1000 less so it seems to be the better value considering it's a new lens and it's already EF mount so no adapter conversion needed. Would love to hear any opinions from people who have both. Thanks in advance
 
I think the Leica 19mm is one of the best lenses I have ever owned. The Zeiss 18 is more of a solid workhorse. Depending on how wide you need check out he Contax zeiss 21mm as well, which is probably my all time fave wide lens. Far prefer it to the milvus version.
 
Thanks for your input Ben, I think I'm gonna end up with the Leica. Now I just gotta find the right one.
 
I'm a big Leica R fan but I'd view a UWA from 1990 vs a UWA from 2016 with fairly hefty skepticism. UWA is where lens technology has advanced most over the years.

I have not tested either of these lenses, so I can't give you direct advice, except to say that I *would* test them before I make a purchase just on reputation. The 19 II is extremely expensive and pretty hard to find so I'd need to see pretty concrete advantages to make that choice myself.

I think the Leica 19mm is one of the best lenses I have ever owned. The Zeiss 18 is more of a solid workhorse. Depending on how wide you need check out he Contax zeiss 21mm as well, which is probably my all time fave wide lens. Far prefer it to the milvus version.

Ben forgive a potentially condescending question but since you mention a rather old version of the 21 and seem to have a below-average opinion of the 18 I'm curious if you are indeed talking about the brand new 18/2.8 or if you're thinking about the long-suffering 18/3.5.
 
The old Contax version of the 21 is better than the new version of the 21 by quite a margin.

The Contax 18mm f4 is better than the ZE 18mm f3.5 by quite a margin. The Milvus 18mm is solid if unspectacular in my opinion. The 15mm in ZE or Milvus guise is amazing.

The old Leica R 19mm is flipping brilliant. Mine cost around £1200 and I sold it for the same.

EDIT: All subjective of course :)
 
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