M 24 asph or M 21 asph?

[edho]

I curently own a M 24 asph but is thinking of shifting to M 21 asph for its wider end. Which one is a better lens to own? Any comments?

 

[Bill Blackwell]

The Asph 24mm M is marginally sharper than the Asph 21mm. I owned both at one time and found them to be completely interchangeable. I never missed one when I was using the other - and I am a ultra-wide angle freak. Ultimately, I decided to sell the 24mm because I also have a 28mm Summicron.

In any case if you have the 24 there is no reason to get the 21 (IMHO).

 

[edho]

Thanks. I also own a 28mm elmarit version II, and this is why I am thinking of selling the 24mm and get a 21mm asph when opportunity comes. I love wide angle too.

 

[hdrmd]

I would get the 21; it works well on the M8 if you use all of the viewfinder space outside the 24mm lines. With the M8, the 21 is essentially a 28mm, avery nice view. DR

 

[peter_n]

I think these choices are personal. I had a 21 but now have the 24 as I just love the 24mm FOV. I actually replaced the 21 with a 15mm, which to me is a more interesting lens.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

http://www.photo.net/photos/Mealha

almost all the 35mm ones done with the Leica 21/asph 🙂

cheers

 

[Rob-F]

I have both. I prefer the 24mm most of the time. This is partly because the finder for the 24mm is easier to use and frame with, compared to the 21. I have the Leica 21mm and 24mm finders, and the Zeiss 25/28mm. The framelines on the 21mm finder actually are wider than the hard plastic edges of the viewing field. On the 24mm Leica finder, they are inset from the edge, and easier to use. The 25mm Zeiss finder is accurate enough, and the bright lines are entirely straight, making it easier to line up the verticals in architectural shots. On a trip to San Diego, I was actually able to shoot the 24mm without the finder, just using the M6 0.58 finder--and with good results!

So the 24mm is easier to use. But it is also simply wide enough for most shots. I never really need the extra coverage of the 21mm. So if one had to go, I would part with my 21mm.

 

[peter_n]

http://www.photo.net/photos/Mealha

almost all the 35mm ones done with the Leica 21/asph 🙂

cheers

Tom thanks for posting that terrific link! Miguel is a serious talent...

 

[edho]

http://www.photo.net/photos/Mealha

almost all the 35mm ones done with the Leica 21/asph 🙂

cheers[/quote

fantastic photos, thanks for posting.