Leica 21mm Elmarit-M f/2.8 ASPH

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7 reviews 4.29 of 5  
 
Description
This compact ultra-wide-angle lens delivers outstanding detail and superb contrast even at full aperture. And the highest level of image quality is maintained even in the close-up range. Distortion is...
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Reviews

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Reviews 1 - 5   (7 Reviews Total)     Next 5

Review Date
April 24, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

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Reviewed by
nagelchr , Expert , from Karlsruhe, Germany

Price Paid
$1300.00 at Ebay

Photography Experience
6-10 years , Outdoor

Summary
Superb lens ! Very sharp, from the center to the edges and very lightweight compared to its companions. The mechanical quality is that of a swiss chronograph. No tolerances ! And focussing with the focussing tab is fast, convenient and efficient.
The only thing you have to pay attention to is the exact composition of the picture concerning the horizon or horizontal lines. I'm using the optional 21/24/28mm vario-viewfinder. I prefer this one, because the 21mm single-focal-lenght finder is much darker and made out of plastic.
No lens is perfect ! Every lens is the best compromise for the task it was built for. And this one is a great one. I'm using the following focal lengths for eht Leica M6 : 21/2.8 asph, 28/2.8, 50/2 and the 90/2.8.
The Elmarit 21 asph together with the Contax Biogon 21 are the best super wide angle lenses in this focal lenght that you may get. Which one to get depends on your camera system.

Strengths
Mecanics without tolerances, optics, lightweight and small compared to SLR lenses

Weaknesses
None

Similar Products Used
Leica M 28, 50, 90
Leica R 24, 50/1.4, 100 Apo, 35-70/4, 70-180/2.8 Apo

Customer Service
Great. There's no better one on earth ! Fast, friendly, efficient and worth the money

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Review Date
February 8, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

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Reviewed by
kronik23 , Professional , from Melbourne

Price Paid
$0.00

Photography Experience
11-20 years , People

Summary
The last reviewer must have lost his glasses.

Strengths
Best 21mm in the world of 35mm lenses, along with the Zeiss for the G series.

Weaknesses
kidding right?

Similar Products Used
many

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Review Date
February 8, 2003

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
1.67 of 5, 6 votes

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Reviewed by
RolandRB , Expert , from London, UK

Price Paid
$3000.00 at Ffordes

Photography Experience
21+ years , Outdoor

Summary
I use an awful lot of camera gear. I mainly do landscape work. I thought I would be buying the ultimate super wide-angle lens in the aspherical Leica M 21mm.

Strengths
Not the slightest trace of barrel distortion.

Weaknesses
Very poor resolution at the edges. Unacceptably so. Am looking for an alternative system for these ultra wide-angle shots.

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Review Date
April 15, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

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Reviewed by
Henrik Rundgren , Expert , from Stockholm

Photography Experience
11-20 years , Outdoor

Summary
A close to superb lens.
Why "only" close to? Because it is NOT better than the 21mm for Contax G and for the price difference you get the G2 Body as well... In a way it is pointless to argue which 21 is better than the other in 35mm format but in my opinion they are equally superb. I have shot a LOT with both. Forget about MTF graphs when comparing these two. I still prefer the Zeiss though. It beats the hell out of the Elmarit - value for money wise. Even if I only shot Leica I would get the G2 + 21 instead of the horrendously overpriced ASPH 21. I simply cannot give a good value rating when there are lenses of equal quality for a lot less $$$. If you are really keen on quality; go 6X7 and Mamiya7:s 43 or 50 (or Hassy SuperWide). I did just that and it put some perspective on 35mm quality...

Strengths
Sharp, very
ASPH - version.

Weaknesses
Toooo expensive!

Similar Products Used
Zeiss 21/2.8 G
Nikkor 20/2.8
Zeiss 18/4

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Review Date
December 11, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

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Reviewed by
Edward S , Intermediate , from Miami, Florida

Price Paid
$1800.00 at B & H

Photography Experience
21+ years , People

Summary
Last time I used this lens was in the market in Istanbul, Turkey without a flash. The results were simply breath taking. If you can afford it (ASPH), then step up to the plate and go for it. Nothing touches it. Also have 50/2.0, 35/2 ASPH, and 75 1.4 The 21 ASPH is the best that I have ever seen for a 20mm range. For travel the rangefinder is the way to go. People buy Leica because of the results. It is for real and worth the money.

Strengths
Drop dead georgous results, dimensional image, great contrast,superb color rendition.

Weaknesses
Viewfinder take time to get accustomed

Similar Products Used
Nikon, Minolta,

Customer Service
None

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