Which new Leica lens: 21/3.4 or 24/3.8?

[Sonnar2]

Two of the newer compact Leica wideangle lenses, which would you choose?

Usage is on a SONY NEX6 (and maybe on a Fullformat NEX later) and rarely with film (Bessa R3M, my only M mount body). I have the C/V 21/4 plus the Avenon 21/2.8, but don't use them a lot. I used the C/V 25/4 more often (was a sharper lens than the 21/4, too). If the answer is the Elmar 24/3.8 Asph., it should be at least better than the C/V 25/4 (which is, or once was one of the strongest lenses of the Voigtländer bunch).

Having used the C/V 21/4 for a while, I know their weakness and can imagine the newest Leica wideangle lens might be better.

I still quite often use the 15/4.5 Heliar, and found a 15+25 combo better for travelling than 15+21+X. Other thing that could speak for the 24 is that I have the 10-18mm Sony Zoom for the NEX, and 21 would be to close to it. The 24 could be right in the middle to the 35/1.8. On the other hand, the Super-Elmar 21/3.4 seems so good from MTF data that cropping seems always possible. But it has some more distortion too. This is really a hard decision...

With my wideangle lenses I don't need speed because I mainly use them outdoors. I'm very pleased with Leica making some more compact lenses again. Zeiss is no option here, since the 21/4.5 isn't fully usable with larger sensors, and the 21/2.8 and 25/2.8 are too big for my bag.

cheers, SONNAR

 

[Lss]

Usage is on a SONY NEX6 (and maybe on a Fullformat NEX later) and rarely with film (Bessa R3M, my only M mount body).

With the NEX-6 these nice compact wides turn into pretty slow wide-to-normals. Since you have already identified this as a non-issue for your use, I think it makes sense to choose the focal length you find more useful. They are both nice lenses that I would like to use. Performance with any future NEX is however a bit of an unknown, although Sony should know that many users prefer the NEX-5N/6 etc. over the flagship NEX-7 for the very reason that they can better use non-Sony glass.

Having used the C/V 21/4 for a while, I know their weakness and can imagine the newest Leica wideangle lens might be better.

What is that weakness? I have the 21/4 and a NEX-5N, but I have never tried that combo. I often use the CV 15 with the NEX, and that combo works nicely. The 21/4 is great on R-D1, M8, and film. I may use the NEX+21/4 combo for some future travel, so perhaps I need to test it before that.

 

[Sonnar2]

The 21/4 is good, while the 15/4.5 and 25/4 are outstanding for the money. I think all 3 have some issues with color shift edges when used attached to the NEXes, but this isn't something the lenses could be blamed for.

 

[peter_n]

I used to have a 21/2.8 but when I got a 24/2.8 I found the 24 way more usable than the 21 on a film camera. Ultimately I sold the 21 and bought another 24 as I've grown to love the 24mm view. I use a NEX-7 and the 24 has become the most used lens (equivalent 36mm) on it, and I also use the CV 15 on the NEX. The 24/3.8 is only 2/3 of a stop slower than the Elmarit and I don't think its max aperture is an issue lens because the NEX is great at high ISOs. Given your other lenses I'd get the Elmar.

 

[agfa100]

I got a chance to borrow a 24 f3.8 and a Monochrom at one of the Leica Demo days and shot with it for about 2 hours, it is very sharp wide open. I own a CV 21 already that I use on my GXR and am thinking of getting the 15, but if I had the extra cash the 24 elmar would be my choice.
wbill

 

[seakayaker1]

I own and love the 24/3.8 lens. It is mounted on my MP at the moment. The lens is compact, focus is smooth and easy, metal hood has an extremely nice fit and finish, simply a wonderful lens.

. . . . . I am sure I would love the 21/3.4 as much from the comments and photographs I have seen taken with it.

The 24 was picked up used from someone who bought it and had it a very short while and save myself a bit of money.

Good luck with your search.

 

[daymadi.t]

Hi everyones,
About 21/3.4 SA .
It has been said that this lens is not adequate for using with digital camera (M8/M9), to my opinion, its quality was not such that negation !😀
Here are some shots of this 21mm SA/3.4 with Leica M9 last week in a french village.








How about color ?


Thank-you .

 

[Rob-F]

About 21/3.4 SA .
It has been said that this lens is not adequate for using with digital camera (M8/M9), to my opinion, its quality was not such that negation!

I don't think the caution about using the 21SA with the M8/M9 is about quality. I think it's probably about the rear element being so close to the sensor, that it probably exceeds the sensor's angle of acceptance toward the edges.

 

[rbelyell]

were i to consider a 35mm equivalent rf lens for apsc use i would unequivocally choose the zeiss 25/2.8. its faster than the leica and is considered by many to tield the best of all zeiss zm lenses. virtually no distortion, sharp as a tack, and the faster aperture increases that zeiss pop.