Incredible quality akin to Zeiss, yet selling at a price closer to Leica's half... these Zeiss ZM lens deals are a remarkable bargain!
Zeiss ZM Primes Offer High-Quality Lenses at Affordable Prices for Leica M-Mount
For photography enthusiasts seeking Leica M-mount lenses with the renowned optical quality of Zeiss, but at a fraction of the cost, the Zeiss ZM primes are an attractive option. These lenses, designed specifically for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras, offer excellent value with prices significantly lower than their Leica counterparts.
One of the standout lenses in the Zeiss ZM range is the Zeiss Biogon T* 21 mm f/2.8 ZM. Priced at approximately $1,359, down from $1,599, this ultra-wide-angle prime excels in architecture and environmental portraiture due to its minimal distortion and excellent edge-to-edge clarity. It also boasts strong flare and ghosting control, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of photography styles.
Another popular option is the Zeiss Biogon T* 35 mm f/2 ZM, currently priced at $889, reduced from $1,241. This 35mm focal length is a versatile choice favoured for walkaround use and street photography. With Zeiss T* anti-reflective coatings and a low-dispersion element, it delivers clean, realistic image quality and precise, vibrant rendering.
Notable features of the Zeiss ZM primes include high optical performance, thanks to Zeiss's T* coatings ensuring excellent contrast and minimal flare. The precision engineering is tailored for Leica M-mount rangefinder cameras, ensuring full compatibility with Leica M bodies. The designs balance classic lens character with modern corrections to minimize distortion and chromatic aberrations. Lenses like the Biogon series are particularly valued for their sharpness and distortion control, even wide open, making them ideal for critical architectural or environmental photography.
The Zeiss Ikon ZM camera, designed to accept Leica M-mount lenses including these primes, underscores the compatibility and quality of these lenses within the M-mount ecosystem.
If you're in the market for a wide-angle lens, the Zeiss Biogon T* 28mm f/2.8 ZM for Leica M-mount is currently priced at $1,161 at BHPhoto, a discount of $200 from its original price. This classic wide-angle Leica M‐mount prime delivers stunning, distortion-free clarity, superior flare resistance, and a surprisingly close 0.5m focus. It's suitable for travel, architecture, and documentary photography.
The Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM is a compact, classic normal-length prime lens known for its pristine edge-to-edge sharpness and beautiful flare control. It's currently available for $849.15, a discount of $149.85 from its original price of $999.
Sebastian Oakley, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, has been using a Leica M-E or Leica M2 for Street/Documentary photography in his spare time. He is familiar with and shows great interest in 35mm, medium, and large-format photography, using products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar.
In summary, the Zeiss ZM primes such as the 21mm f/2.8 and 35mm f/2 currently represent some of the best deals available with top-tier optics optimized for rangefinder use. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, these lenses offer an opportunity to experience the quality of Zeiss glass at a more affordable price point.
- Photography enthusiasts who prefer Leica M-mount cameras can benefit from the high-quality Zeiss ZM prime lenses, which come at lower costs compared to Leica counterparts.
- For those who appreciate versatility in photography, the Zeiss Biogon T* 35 mm f/2 ZM is a popular choice at a reduced price of $889, making it an appealing option for street photography.
- The Zeiss Ikon ZM camera's compatibility with Leica M-mount lenses, including the Zeiss ZM primes, highlights the seamless integration within the M-mount ecosystem.
- The Zeiss Planar T* 50 mm f/2 ZM lens is another top contender, known for its excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and flare control, currently available for $849.15, a discounted price from its original $999.
- Lenses like the Zeiss Biogon series, featuring sharpness and distortion control, are valued in various photography styles such as architectural, environmental, and travel.
- Given the current discounts, the Zeiss Biogon T* 28mm f/2.8 ZM for Leica M-mount, priced at $1,161 ($200 off its original price), presents an attractive offer for travel, architecture, and documentary photography.
