Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon T* ZM Lens
The Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 is a 25mm f/2.8 lens designed for Leica M mount cameras. Used copies start from $749 on GearFocus, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon T* ZM Lens
Used Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Listings on GearFocus
Lens Overview — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
Key Features — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
Biogon Optical Formula: The classic Biogon wide-angle design is known for low distortion and consistent sharpness across the full frame, making it well suited for architecture and street photography.
Zeiss T* Coating: Zeiss's proprietary anti-reflective coating reduces flare and ghosting, helping maintain contrast and color accuracy when shooting in mixed or backlit conditions.
25mm Full-Frame Coverage: Covers a full 35mm image circle with no crop penalty on Leica M-mount rangefinder bodies, delivering a true 25mm angle of view.
Leica M Mount: Mounts natively on Leica M-series rangefinder cameras and is also adaptable to a wide range of mirrorless systems with an appropriate adapter.
Manual Focus Design: Pairs naturally with the deliberate, tactile shooting style of rangefinder photography and allows precise, repeatable focus control.
f/2.8 Maximum Aperture: Provides a practical balance between low-light capability and compact lens size, keeping the overall package small without sacrificing too much light-gathering.
Lens Specifications — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use Cases | Landscape, Street, Architecture |
| Lens Type | Prime |
| Format | Full Frame |
| Zoom/Prime | Prime |
| Focal Length | 25mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 |
| Camera System | Rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Autofocus | No |
| Focus Type | Manual |
| Image Stabilization | None |
| Filter Thread | 46mm |
Description — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
The Zeiss 25mm f/2.8 Biogon T* ZM is a prime wide-angle lens built for the Leica M mount rangefinder camera system. With a 25mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it covers a full-frame image circle, making it suitable for use on full-frame Leica M-mount bodies. Weighing just 260 grams and accepting 46mm filters, the lens is compact and travel-friendly without sacrificing optical quality.
As a manual focus lens with no image stabilization, it is designed for photographers who appreciate a deliberate, hands-on approach to focusing — a natural fit for the rangefinder shooting style. The T* designation indicates Zeiss's anti-reflective coating applied to the lens elements, aimed at controlling flare and maintaining contrast. Whether used for street photography, travel, or architectural work, the 25mm focal length and Leica M compatibility make this a practical and well-considered choice for rangefinder shooters seeking a wide-angle prime.
Pros — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
- ✓Lightweight at just 260g, ideal for travel and street shooting
- ✓Full-frame coverage suits Leica M-mount rangefinder bodies without crop penalties
- ✓25mm focal length sits in versatile wide-angle territory for the rangefinder camera system
Cons — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
- ✗Manual focus only — no autofocus support for faster-paced shooting situations
- ✗No image stabilization, which may require attention to shutter speed in low light
- ✗Leica M mount limits compatibility to rangefinder systems; not directly usable on SLR or mirrorless bodies without an adapter
Videos — Zeiss 25mm f/2.8
Testing the Zeiss ZM 15mm 21mm 25mm & 28mm f/2.8 Lenses for Leica M — Benj Haisch