Leica 21mm f/2.8 Asph

[LTMA]

Hi,

I am planning to purchase a 21 mm M lens, and currently considering Leica 21 mm f/2.8 Asph. Alternatively I can also buy VC 21 mm f/4 or Konica Hexanone Dual 21 - 35 mm.

I like to seek advice from the users on these lenses. Thanks.

 

[rover]

I am a fan of the CV 21. Not as fast obviously as the Leica, but pleanty sharp for me and a good all around performer. (not to mention the favorable price)

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1010

 

[iMacfan]

Ditto that - while it's not totally absent, you don't usually use a 21mm for bokeh, so the only point of the extra stop is sheer speed - only one stop can be made up with faster film, less coffee or a monopod etc... I'm sure the Leica 21/2.8 is great, but so is my CV 21/4, and if I did have the extra money, I'd probably prefer to spend it on something like, ooh, I don't know, - Belgium?

David

 

[LTMA]

Thanks for the feedbacks.

Rover,
thanks for the link

 

[jdos2]

I have a CV in Contax (GrrrrrNikonGrrrrr) mount, and it is indeed sharp, stopped down a touch. and makes my Kiev feel almost classy to have a decent piece of modern multicoated glass on it.

The Contax mount has a side benefit of allowing one to focus using the focusing wheel...

Okay, so it's not a Leica lens, but the 21mm f/2.8 in M is rather expensive, and though it's known to be a good lens, the G version can be shown (several exambles on the .net site) to be ever so slightly better. The savings in simply buying the ltm version of the 21, or even better, the Contax G2 body and the 21mm would buy lots of film.

 

[LTMA]

Yes,

You have a good point. Leica 21 mm f/2.8 Asph is very expensive...

I will take a look at VC 21 mm.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[kjoebek]

Get your self a 21mm Super Angulon F:3.4, it's great! I have one my self, and I would rather sell my sister than sell this lense.

 

[Doug]

...but the 21mm f/2.8 in M is rather expensive, and though it's known to be a good lens, the G version can be shown (several exambles on the .net site) to be ever so slightly better. The savings in simply buying the ltm version of the 21, or even better, the Contax G2 body and the 21mm would buy lots of film.

Doggone, JD, just this evening I was perusing the KEH website and drooling over the 21mm G Biogon, and this kinda talk ain't helping! I don't even have a G body...

 

[jdos2]

GAS is a HORRIBLE disease.

(whispers: buy it... buy it... buy it...)

 

[Bob_McBob]

What about waiting for the new Zeiss Ikon 21mm? Here's a quick link: http://www.zeissikon.com/lens.21.htm It's definitely going to be bloody expensive, but not quite as bloody expensive as the Leica lens. Then again, the difference might not be much if you're buying used.

 

[Mike Richards]

I'd get the best one you can afford. The 21 has become a real workhorse for me (I have the Elmar). I really like the ability to move close to subjects -- buildings, scenes, people or whatever -- while I'm in a tourist area or with lots of people milling around. Most of all, I like the ability to move close and separate the subject from the background or otherwise skew the normal perspective. Perspective lines are a bit tricky to keep straight, but can always be corrected later in Photoshop. After you get used to it, the lens will likely become one of your favorites, so I recommend you think about it in those terms ahead of the purchase.

 

[akalai]

hahaha...if I had a sister to sell I would already have my 21mm f4.5 Biogon for my Contax IIa! 😉

GAS is a sick sick disease....

 

[peter_n]

Another possibility, but it is only a possibility is the Kobalux 21mm/f2.8. No longer made but very occasionally they are on eBay. Approx. $350-400.

 

[LTMA]

I'd get the best one you can afford. The 21 has become a real workhorse for me (I have the Elmar). I really like the ability to move close to subjects -- buildings, scenes, people or whatever -- while I'm in a tourist area or with lots of people milling around. Most of all, I like the ability to move close and separate the subject from the background or otherwise skew the normal perspective. Perspective lines are a bit tricky to keep straight, but can always be corrected later in Photoshop. After you get used to it, the lens will likely become one of your favorites, so I recommend you think about it in those terms ahead of the purchase.

Mike,
Thanks for you thoughts.

 

[fotografz]

Get the Leica 24/2.8 ASPH. Nothing touches it in any way.

 

[kbg32]

I second the nomination for the 21mm Super Angulon f 3.4. A wonderful lens.

 

[Doug]

fotografz, tell us more about the 24 Asph Elmarit!