sockeyed
Well-known
As you can see in all these samples, it's an excellent lens that performs very well. It is important to keep in mind that it is an ultra-wide and a specialty lens, however, and it's a substantial jump from a 50mm. If I was looking for something that had more day-to-day applicability to complement my 50mm, I would probably reach for a 28mm, like the great Skopar 28mm f/3.5, then follow that up with something like a 21mm. I'm guessing that many of the folks who are recommending this lens have something less wide than 21mm that they use more than the 21mm (but of course I could be wrong).
This shot, while nothing special, shows the kind of context where I think the 21mm really shines:
This shot, while nothing special, shows the kind of context where I think the 21mm really shines:
kossi008
Photon Counter
You betcha! The stretch from 21 to 50 would be too large for me. I've currently got a 21/35/75 line-up (bought used as a set). The 35 is on my Bessa R for about 80% of all shots (a matter of taste, of course), the 21 and 75 both come in second at 10% each, I'd say...
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
My first full roll with this lens turned out to be one of the most successful I've ever taken. I'm REALLY INTO IT.
joe r
Member
21/4 Skopar
21/4 Skopar
I've tried to like the CV 21/4 and 25/4. They are both "good" lenses. After shooting with quite a few different wide to moderate lenses I ended up selling both because they are acceptable but not remarkable. The CV 35/1.7 is remarkable. There are certainly some other lenses in the CV stable that are also better than "good." If you have the money and shoot at these focal lengths often, you may want to look at the 21mm and 25mm offerings in the ZM line.
21/4 Skopar
I've tried to like the CV 21/4 and 25/4. They are both "good" lenses. After shooting with quite a few different wide to moderate lenses I ended up selling both because they are acceptable but not remarkable. The CV 35/1.7 is remarkable. There are certainly some other lenses in the CV stable that are also better than "good." If you have the money and shoot at these focal lengths often, you may want to look at the 21mm and 25mm offerings in the ZM line.
biomed
Veteran
Palaeoboy
Joel Matherson
While I agree there are some Voigtlander lenses better than others I strongly disagree with the statement that the 21 is not a remarkable lens. Its one of their top tier lens like the 90mm f3.5. Its only a stop behind the Leica ASPH in resolution and even then it has less distortion than the Leica 21. Thats very impressive for its size and price. Its True that the 21mm f4.5 Biogon may be that little bit better but that is just the best 21mm out there at the moment. If you find your Voigtlander 21 unremarkable I would certainly try another.