Leica 21mm Pre-Asph thoughts

[Isca]

I'm looking at buying one, it's about $1200 US, is it worth it

My challenge is that I don't really need it so am trying to justify it to myself...............or not 🙂

This may sound like a strange question but can anybody tell me how it compares to the Zeiss 18?

Also, I can't see myself shooting it any wider than f5.6 so if it becomes a tremendously superior lens by f5.6 or f8 then I'd love to know.

I don't plan on buying another 21mm if I don't buy this as I have 18 and 24 covered so as I said, I really don't need it.

 

[laptoprob]

Well, you answered the question yourself, don't you? If you want to collect glass, do so but besides a 18 and a 24, having a 21 too seems a bit overdone.
I will keep my tiny Canon 25 now I have the Kobalux 21, but mostly because the size.

Why that 21 specifically?

 

[b.espahbod]

I sold it and bought 21 2.8 ASPH. and im really happy that I sold it for £810.
dont buy it if u dont need it! if u need 21 buy ASPH or SA 21 2.4 or even SA 21 4.
18 zeiss is wider and it will be sharper compared to 21 using both on f/5.6 because of more depth of field 18 presents and thats obvious but the angle is very different.

 

[FrozenInTime]

I've had a love hate affair with the 21mm owning over the years (with gaps), the pre-ASPH,ASPH and Zeiss f/2.8.

I'm now using the Zeiss 18mm and appreciating those extra few degrees of coverage.

Of all four, the pre-ASPH 21mm would be last in the list ( I seem to remember soft reduced contrast corners and the rear lens hood retaining ring held on (or not) with superglue.

The ASPH, Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 and Zeiss 18mm are all around the same excellent level for sharpness and flare suppression.
For some reason the Zeiss 21mm did not feel as well built as the 18mm or Leica 21mm ASPH.

 

[Isca]

Thanks b.espahood and Frozen in Time for your constructive comments. My challenge is that I had a CV 15 and found it too wide, I'm still waiting for the Zeiss to arrive and am toying with a wide but not too wide focal length. It seems like this lens is not it.

I shoot with an M8 and 5D so when I go to the M8 the crop factor always messes with my head.

Endustry, I need every lens I buy or at least that's what I tell myself 🙂